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Happy holidays

Gift ideas, the best festive food, savings tips, holiday essentials and refund rights – it's our gift to you.

Season's eating

Our expert tips to help you whip up a festive feast.

The supermarket Christmas ham you should add to your shopping list

In a win for festive budgets, our experts rate some affordable hams as the best. Plus, we reveal the ham to avoid.
Five festive foods hit by Christmas shrinkflation

Chocolates, tarts and Christmas cake have recently become smaller and more expensive.
Our expert Christmas cooking tips

Our in-house home economist shares her in-depth guide to catering a delicious Christmas lunch.
Should you do your Christmas grocery shopping online or instore?

We weigh up the pros and cons of going digital vs doing the Christmas shop the old fashioned way.
Making the most of leftovers

Use your appliances to transform lacklustre leftovers into delicious dishes to enjoy on Boxing Day and beyond.
Gingerbread house kit review

Find out which DIY gingerbread house looks and tastes the best, and is the easiest to build.
Taste test: What's the best Christmas shortbread?

We taste test shortbread from Coles, IGA, Walkers and more.
Christmas lunch on the barbecue: An expert guide

Everything you need to know to grill up a successful Christmas feast this year.
10 Christmas lunch mistakes and how to avoid them

CHOICE staff reveal their own Christmas food fails, so you can learn from their mistakes.
Which budget supermarket fruit mince pie tastes best?

We taste tested budget festive offerings from Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. Here's what we found.
Non-alcohol sparkling wine review

We review six non-alcoholic sparkling wines to see which one tastes the best.
Non-alcoholic beer review

We review six non-alcoholic beers to see which one tastes the best.
Which Christmas pudding tastes best?

Our experts review Christmas plum puds from Aldi, Coles, Itha's, Pudding Lady and more to find out.
5 BBQ blunders you probably don't know you're making – and what to do instead

Kick these bad habits and you'll be the boss of the barbie in no time.

Money sense

Follow our expert tips for a financially-savvy festive season.

6 ways to save on your Christmas groceries

Reduce festive season stress with these tips to slash the cost of the big Christmas shop.
Struggling with buy now, pay later debt? Here's what to do

The repayments can easily become overwhelming. We explain how to start getting your finances back on track.
The best way to transfer money overseas

When moving money abroad, it pays to avoid the big banks.
Risks of using Afterpay and ZipPay to fund Christmas

Financial Rights Legal Centre warns against 'buy now, pay later' loans.
Top tips to cut the cost of Christmas

Deck the halls, put on a feast and create a Christmas to remember without breaking the bank.
Are loose fruit and vegetables cheaper than buying packaged?

Buying the cheapest format could save you a lot, but whether that's loose or packaged varies from one item to the next.

Gift guide

From tech gadgets to kitchen gadgets, here's a shopping list that won't blow the budget this Christmas.

CHOICE experts' top picks for Christmas gifts

The presents to buy this festive season – and the ones to avoid.
Read this before you buy a gift card

They're a great last-minute present idea, but there are some pitfalls to avoid. Plus, how to make your money go further.
10 tips that might be handy in the week before Christmas

It can be a stressful week, but we've got you covered with these simple tips for common last-minute Christmas issues.
Christmas recycling dos and don'ts

What to do with used Christmas trees, wrapping paper, food scraps and more after Santa and the relatives have gone.
Are these the worst Christmas gifts ever?

CHOICE staff share the worst gifts they've ever received – from a classic lump of coal to a bag of peppercorns.
CHOICE membership

Save money, time and support a fair deal for all Australians.
9 thoughts you'll probably have if you visit a shopping centre days before Christmas

Does the thought 'I'm going to do all my shopping online next year' sound familiar? You're not alone

Your refund rights

Get a gift that's not quite right? Looking for a bargain in the post-Christmas sales? Find out your rights when it comes to returns and refunds.

Got a dud product this festive season? Here are your rights

What can you do if your Christmas gift or Boxing Day sale bargain turns out to be a dud?
What to do with a faulty product

Our expert guide to your rights when something goes wrong.
How to use PayPal Buyer Protection

Learn about PayPal’s refund process and whether it’s better than a card chargeback.
JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys pushing extended warranties on consumers

Our 2022 mystery shop of Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys revealed most salespeople are getting it wrong.
How do card chargebacks work?

We explain how to get a transaction reversed on your card and what you can do if you run into problems.
When goods aren't fit for purpose

It pays to know your legal rights when it comes to products that don't do what they should.
Faded receipts and proof of purchase

Thermal receipts fade, but that doesn't mean your rights do.

Staying safe

Watch out for these hazards to stay safe this holiday season.

How to avoid dangerous products this Christmas

New data reveals Australians are overestimating their consumer protections during the busy shopping season. See how you can stay safe.
Dangerous toys found on online shopping platform Temu

All 15 of the products CHOICE tested failed to comply with button battery safety laws.
How to buy the safest toys

From button batteries and magnets to sharp edges and choking hazards, there are a few key hazards to be aware of.
Summer holiday injuries: the most common ways we get hurt

The Christmas and New Year period presents unique risks.
Avoid dangerous toys this Christmas

Too many toys fail CHOICE toy lab safety testing.
How to choose a safe trampoline

Our reviews have found most of trampolines on the market don't meet safety standards. Here's how to shop safely.
Instead of recalling unsafe products, let's make them safe in the first place

Businesses, not consumers, should be responsible for managing product safety risks
The hidden dangers of button batteries

Another child has tragically died after swallowing a button battery and many others are injured each week – so why are they so accessible?
Button battery safety failures

CHOICE lab tests continue to find plenty of safety risks in everyday household items.

Get away

Whether you're hitting the road, jumping on a train or setting sail, our advice and reviews can save you money.

5 things to do if you want to save on fuel

Follow these tips for driving differently, shopping around and caring for your car to put the brakes on your fuel spending.
5 things that can ruin your summer holiday and how to avoid them

CHOICE experts share their tips on everything from insurance to luggage to help ensure your holiday goes off without a hitch.
Is car hire insurance worth it?

Do you need to buy car hire excess insurance over the counter or are there better alternatives to reduce your excess?
Can you get a refund or a credit from your Australian airline?

What to do if you need to change your flight because of COVID-19 or your flight has been cancelled or delayed.
How to find the best homestay booking sites

From holiday rentals to house swapping and couch surfing, book a bed at a great rate and protect your holiday savings.
Holiday accommodation and your rights

See what you're entitled to if you need to cancel your plans or there's an issue with your booking.
Electric vehicle charging

We look at the options in Australia for charging electric vehicles at home and at public charging stations.
How to get the best roadside assistance plan for you

Should you get cheap roadside assistance, get it with your car insurance, or sign up to a motoring club like NRMA, RACV or RACQ?
The best apps for finding cheap fuel

These handy browsers for nearby bowsers can help you save money on petrol.
How to manage your money when you travel

Heading overseas? Avoid big fees and unfair exchange rates.
Luggage reviews

We test carry-on and check-in suitcases for durability, ease of use and leak resistance so you can buy luggage that goes the distance.
How to rent a car in Australia

Don't be taken for a ride with 'insurance' or other hidden fees and charges.

Are you covered?

Protect yourself from mishaps at home and away.

Our top tips to save on travel insurance

You've found the cheapest flights and the best hotel deal but what about your travel insurance?
How to get the best roadside assistance plan for you

Should you get cheap roadside assistance, get it with your car insurance, or sign up to a motoring club like NRMA, RACV or RACQ?
Which travel insurers cover you for cruises?

Cruises are officially back on the cards and people are queuing up to get on board. Here's how to make sure you're covered.
Good-value car insurance policies

Find the best cover from AAMI, Coles, Budget Direct, Youi and more with unbiased comparisons of over 50 car insurance policies.
Protect yourself against theft with home contents insurance

We compare and rate dozens of home insurance policies to help you find the right cover for your building and contents.
Travel insurance: don't leave home without it

Why you might need it, what it will cover, and how to get the best deal.

Boxing Day sales

Not everything is a bargain. Here are our tips on how to sort a deal from a dud.

Boxing Day duds: The products to avoid in the sales

Think twice before adding these low scorers to your cart.
Expert tips for shopping the Boxing Day sales

Avoid sales fails and grab a genuine bargain with our top tips for the sales season.
How to shop smart in the Boxing Day sales

If you're keen to shop in the end-of-year sales, these tips can help you get a good deal.
Boxing Day best buys: Member exclusive

Buying big in the sales? Here's our guide to the best-rated products to look for.