Martin Lewis, the go-to financial expert behind the Money Saving Expert site, is once again helping shoppers get the most out of their holiday spending. With Christmas just around the corner, Martin and his team have shared a range of tips to stretch your budget, spot sneaky savings, and protect your rights as a consumer. One hack in particular stands out — and it’s one most retailers would prefer you didn’t know.
It’s called the abandoned basket discount trick, and according to Martin, it can lead to unexpected discounts of up to 20% — just for walking away from your shopping cart.
Trick
Martin recently explained this strategy on ITV’s This Morning, in a segment with Dermot O’Leary. Here’s how it works:
First, you need to create an account with the online retailer. Then, start adding the items you want to buy into your basket. Once you’ve selected what you’re interested in, don’t check out. Simply leave the site and wait.
Martin recommends leaving the basket untouched for around 48 hours. During that time, the retailer may send you a nudge — often in the form of a discount code or offer to encourage you to return and complete the purchase. He noted that stores like Argos, Currys, and Morrisons are known to use this tactic.
It doesn’t always work, but it often does, especially during the busy holiday season when retailers are pushing to close every sale.
Tips
Martin also warns that this trick is most effective if you’re still within the free delivery window, meaning there’s no rush. If your item has limited stock or is part of a time-sensitive sale, this trick might not work in your favor.
He calls it “time to play the abandon your basket trick,” and adds that it’s a low-effort, no-risk strategy — and surprisingly effective.
Cashback
Another smart way to save while shopping online is to check for cashback opportunities. Martin’s team at Money Saving Expert often highlights websites that offer cashback when you shop through their links.
You’ll often still be able to combine cashback with promo codes or other discounts, which can stack up nicely over the course of a busy holiday season.
Martin reminds shoppers to not just focus on upfront discounts, but to also consider money-back opportunities — they add up quickly.
Rights
Online shopping doesn’t just offer better prices — it often gives you stronger consumer protection compared to in-store purchases. Martin suggests taking full advantage of this by opening and inspecting any expensive gift purchases as soon as they arrive, even if you plan to wrap them later.
That way, if something’s wrong or faulty, you’ll be well within the return period to fix it.
Martin also reminds people to know their return windows, especially for items bought in early December, which may not be eligible for return by January if unopened.
Gifts
Beyond money-saving hacks, Martin has also been vocal about rethinking gift-giving altogether. In his recent TV show, he raised concerns about the financial pressure that the season places on families.
He said that Christmas has shifted from a joyful celebration to a “retail festival”, pushing people into spending money they don’t have on gifts that others don’t necessarily want or need.
He made the bold claim that the act of giving can sometimes be “selfish,” especially if it ignores the financial situation of the person receiving (or expected to give) the gift. Many feel pressured to reciprocate or buy presents out of obligation.
Alternatives
Martin suggests simplifying things. Instead of endless gift exchanges among extended family, co-workers, and acquaintances, why not switch to a Secret Santa? He recommends setting a limit of £5 or £10 per person — still fun, but far less stressful.
He says the best gift might just be freeing someone else from the burden of buying for you. And let’s be honest — do we really need another bath set from a distant cousin?
Martin’s message is clear: enjoy the season, but don’t lose control of your spending. A little planning, a bit of strategy, and honest conversations can go a long way toward making Christmas less expensive — and more meaningful.
FAQs
What is the basket trick Martin Lewis suggests?
Leave items in your cart for 48 hours to get discount offers.
Does the trick work with all retailers?
Not always, but it works with many like Argos and Currys.
Can I stack cashback with discounts?
Yes, cashback usually works with promo codes and sales.
Why inspect gifts before wrapping?
To catch faults early and stay within return windows.
What is Martin’s gift-giving advice?
Use Secret Santa and drop unnecessary gifting pressure.
