Ok, let me just say that I know it's June and thinking about cold weather, snow, Christmas crowds and spending money probably isn't your favorite topic right now.
With that being said, I've already been on the hunt for holiday bargains. When Target went to 90% off back in January I was able to get the "grab bag" gifts done for DH's family and also pick up quite a bit for my nieces' kids.
Lately I've been focusing on stocking stuffers for my own kids. I was shopping at Target the other day and found some excellent clearance deals on an end cap.
mascara for DD - .50
makeup sponges - .24 each
small hairbrushes for each kid - .86
shower gel for DS - .58 He will be 12 by next Christmas and it's a nice "manly" scent LOL
We picked names for Christmas and I have my MIL to buy for. That will be fun. She's a pleasure to shop for. It's nice knowing this far in advance so I can keep an eye out for bargains.
I figure that when the Halloween candy goes on sale in early November I can stock up for the Christmas stockings.
Does anyone else start shopping early? I even find nice unused items at garage sales to fill in around the edges for the kids. I like to get them books and will be actively looking for appropriate like-new ones as I hunt for things to sell online. It's expensive going to Border's and getting them there. Fun, but pricy.
Some things are impossible to buy this far in advance because the kids don't decide until November or December what they want. In the meantime I'm going to do my best to get the things I do every year. One is a box of books for each child, another is stocking stuffers - some useful and some candy and some toys, etc.
I'm going to keep saving points from MyPoints and redeem in the fall for a gift card for DH. That will be a nice addition to his Christmas stocking and won't cost a thing. Last year I got him Burger King gift coupons from MyPoints and he really liked that.
Christmas shopping
June 7th, 2006 at 04:17 pm
June 7th, 2006 at 04:24 pm 1149693845
I have a Christmas Account (actually it is just an ING account earmarked for Christmas). I love having the money avilable anytime I find a great deal. I really haven't started yet this year...but I am hoping to soon!
Great job on the finds...I am an end-cap junkie when I get to Target...usually just to browse...but every once in a while I find a deal I can't resist!
June 7th, 2006 at 04:43 pm 1149694986
June 7th, 2006 at 04:56 pm 1149695813
June 7th, 2006 at 04:58 pm 1149695891
Plus, I cut up my credit card so that will keep me honest.
June 7th, 2006 at 05:14 pm 1149696857
June 7th, 2006 at 05:34 pm 1149698040
ollowed up by DIL Jan 2 and my dad and DD1 on Jan 23 & 27...
so it is a MUST to have some money saved for birthdays AND Christmas here!!!
June 7th, 2006 at 06:15 pm 1149700536
June 7th, 2006 at 10:36 pm 1149716173
I'm must try and find mymum and dad's gift soon, and then work out what my sister wants, to start saving up the money for..then once they are alkl done, I will be saving up money for over the christmas holidays when I don't work (emergency teacher, so no work overf holidays)..
this worked well for me last year.
June 8th, 2006 at 06:41 pm 1149788476
Sometimes during December I get swept up in the shopping frenzy and spend more than I should - especially on stocking stuffers. My goal is to get done with it early, thus having no reason to even look.
We'll see if it works. ;o)