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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

Feast your eyes on the best Christmas puddings and other treats for your festive table.

Which budget supermarket fruit mince pie tastes best?

We taste tested budget festive offerings from Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. Here's what we found.
Christmas groceries: Is Aldi, Coles or Woolies cheaper?

We compare the price of a basket of Christmas grocery essentials.
Gingerbread house kit review

Find out which DIY gingerbread house looks and tastes the best, and is the easiest to build.
Fiona Mair's Christmas cooking tips

The home economist and kitchen test coordinator shares her sage advice.
Taste test: What's the best Christmas shortbread?

We taste test shortbread from Coles, IGA, Walkers and more.
Coles vs Woolies: Plant-based Christmas roast taste test

The supermarket giants each have a plant-based alternative to the traditional Christmas roast, but do they taste any good?
Quality Street, Roses, Celebrations – which chocolate box is best?

Which supermarket chocolate variety box is best for nut lovers or fruit-goo fans? Plus, we reveal the best and worst chocolates.
Should you buy your Christmas groceries online or instore?

Do you brave the crowds at your local supermarket, or is online shopping the key to nailing the big Christmas grocery shop?
Making the most of leftovers

Repurpose your leftovers into delicious dishes to enjoy on Boxing Day and beyond.
How to cook Christmas lunch on a BBQ

Throw a traditional Christmas lunch on the barbie.
Food you didn't know you could cook on your BBQ

There's more to the great Aussie BBQ than sausages and burgers.
Christmas groceries: Is Aldi, Coles or Woolies cheaper?

We compare the price of a basket of Christmas grocery essentials.
Christmas food fails and how to avoid them

From food poisoning to the family fridge breaking down.
Non-alcohol sparkling wine review

We review six non-alcoholic sparkling wines to see which one tastes the best.
What’s the best packaged ham?

We review supermarket packaged ham from Don, D’Orsogna, Primo, Coles, Aldi and more.
Non-alcoholic beer review

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

We review custard from Pauls, Dairy Farmers, Zymil and more.
Which Christmas pudding tastes best?

Our experts review Christmas plum puds from Aldi, Coles, Itha's, Pudding Lady and more to find out.

Gift guide

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

10 tips to help you survive the week before Christmas

Panicking over what to buy the in-laws or whether your food order will arrive on time? Our cheat sheet has all the answers.
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.
CHOICE staff: the worst Christmas gifts we've ever received

From a sewing machine to a single used chopstick, CHOICE staff reveal the most ill-judged or simply terrible gifts they've received.
Kitchen gift guide

Splurge or save on our pick of the best kitchen gifts for Christmas, as recommended by CHOICE experts.
What to know before buying a gift card

They're a great last-minute present idea, but there are some pitfalls to avoid.
CHOICE membership
Best tech gift ideas for Christmas

Here's what to buy to keep the tech geek in your life happy this Christmas.
10 thoughts we all have while Christmas shopping

From Christmas songs on loop, to the horror that is a shopping centre car park in late December.

Money sense

Avoid a New Year financial hangover with these tips and advice.

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.
Australian consumers feeling the pinch this Christmas

A national CHOICE survey reveals cost-of-living pressures are set to curb spending for many this festive season.
Top money-saving tips for the new year

These easy household tips can help you save money on bills, groceries, fuel and more.
How to haggle for a cheaper price

Wondering if you can negotiate a better deal on an upcoming purchase? We spoke to the experts to find out how.
What to do if you're struggling with buy now, pay later debt

Having trouble keeping up with BNPL repayments? These are the steps you can take now to get your finances back on track.
The best way to transfer money overseas

When moving money abroad, it pays to avoid the big banks.

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.

Retailers push extended warranties and get your consumer rights wrong

Our mystery shop of 80 Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys stores reveals how they mislead consumers about their rights.
Rights to a refund at Christmas

What can you do if your Christmas gift turns out to be a dud?
Top tips for sales season

Avoid sales fails with our top tips for the sales season.
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.
How to use PayPal Buyer Protection

Learn about PayPal’s refund process and whether it’s better than a card chargeback.
What to do with a faulty product

Our expert guide to your rights when something goes wrong.
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.

Kids' product recalls continue as shopping season approaches

A steady stream of recalls of products for babies and kids is cause for concern.
How to buy the safest toys

With a bit of knowledge and common sense you can avoid dodgy products.
How to buy a safe trampoline

Choosing and using the best backyard bouncer for your family.
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
Summer holiday injuries: the most common ways we get hurt

The Christmas and New Year period presents unique 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?
Six products that can be dangerous if you don't follow instructions

From fires to fractures, skipping the manual for these products could have serious consequences.

Get away

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

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.
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?

Are you covered?

Protect yourself from mishaps at home and away.

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.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 or other pandemics?

What you're covered for when travelling during an epidemic or pandemic like COVID-19.
How to buy the best bicycle insurance

Our guide to covering your bike and accessories, plus personal injury and third-party liability.
Good-value car insurance policies

Find the best cover from AAMI, Coles, Budget Direct, Youi and more with unbiased comparisons of over 40 car insurance policies.
Protect yourself against theft with home contents insurance

We compare 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.
Boxing Day best buys: Member exclusive

Buying big in the sales? Here's our guide to the best rated products to look for.
Almost one-fifth of shoppers headed for the Boxing Day sales

CHOICE reveals what Australians are keen to buy in the end-of-year sales, with tips to ensure you get a good deal.
Don't get ripped off by an extended warranty in the sales

Shopping big in the sales? Watch out for this shonky sales tactic.