Nine Christmas finds from Kmart for only $136—here’s how she did it

Kate Jones couldn't contain her excitement as she wheeled her trolley out of Kmart with nine Christmas items in tow.

The NSW shopper had spent just $136 and felt like she’d uncovered a treasure trove.

For Kate, Christmas magic wasn’t something to rush—she wanted to savour it as long as possible.

Kate’s haul ranged from $12 light-up ceramic gingerbread houses to $22 satin Christmas pyjamas, and she was thrilled with the timing and value.

'Christmas is my favourite time of year, and decorating brings me so much joy,' Kate explained after critics suggested her early October shopping spree was premature.

'Why limit it to just a couple of weeks? I'd rather stretch out the magic for as long as possible.'

For those who plan ahead, her strategy made perfect sense, especially for budget-conscious shoppers.

Christmas collections were launching earlier than ever, and Kmart’s 2024 range was no exception.

This year, the pudding collection took centre stage, featuring a $10 pudding doormat, $14 pudding cushion, $10 2-pack pudding serving dishes, $5 pudding mug, and $5 pudding soap dispenser.

Shopping at Kmart always carried the thrill of unpredictability—would you leave with a single item or ten things you didn’t know you needed?

This was especially true at Christmas, when the store stocked decorations that were on-trend, magical, and affordable.

For those after understated elegance, woven textures and bright white Christmas tree decorations suited coastal interiors or minimalist tastes.

Practical pieces such as stemless glasses with Christmas foliage prints added a festive touch to gatherings without breaking the bank.

Value for money was a highlight of this year’s collection.

Wavy gold plates were priced under $2, while fringed placemats brought rattan styling and a hint of green to any Christmas table.

Kate’s $22 Christmas pyjamas were, in her words, 'comfy, cute, and such good quality for the price. Plus, they make for the best Christmas photos—I'll be living in mine all December.'

The collection also offered thoughtful gift options for grandchildren.

Matching adult and children’s pyjamas created perfect photo opportunities, and cotton Santa sacks could double as decoration and Secret Santa holders.

Wreaths started from $5, stockings from $2, and candles from $7, allowing shoppers to create gift bundles without overspending.

Nutcracker figurines at $12 offered memorable keepsakes for children.

'Availability is the only issue,' Kate warned.

'The popular pieces go viral and fly off the shelves so quickly. So if you see something you love, grab it then and there.'

Other retailers had also jumped on the early Christmas release trend.

Big W, Coles, and Woolworths stocked festive products in September, but Kmart’s pricing remained especially appealing for budget-conscious shoppers.

For those working with tighter budgets, strategic shopping was key.

Versatile pieces like hand towels could be used across multiple rooms, while Christmas foliage napkin rings added elegance to table settings.

Small touches made a big impact.

Items under $10, like pudding doormats or Christmas mugs, could transform a space without a major investment.

Shoppers could start with online browsing to identify must-have items, then make a focused in-store trip to check quality before purchasing.

The $22 pyjamas Kate raved about were worth feeling in person to confirm their comfort.

If you loved seeing Kate Jones’ incredible Kmart Christmas haul, there’s more inspiration for budget-friendly festive finds waiting for you.

Another shopper has uncovered Kmart’s latest holiday range, proving that you can deck your halls without spending a fortune.

This story highlights even more affordable decorations, like baubles starting from just $1, to help you plan your perfect festive setup.

Read more: Kmart’s holiday range just dropped! And baubles start from only $1

What’s your take on early Christmas shopping—are you team Kate or do you prefer to wait?