Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Christmas in July

Have you thought about Christmas yet? It's coming, you know. (And as fast as time is going, it will be here day after tomorrow!)

Christmas is usually a big expense, so it's wise to prepare for it ahead of time. Either save money each month or payday so you have enough to spend on gifts, or start buying gifts now, as you can find deals for them.

On the Dollar Stretcher forum, there's a thread about the good deals people have found and how they are putting them away for Christmas: Early Christmas Shopping

Another way to gather gifts for Christmas or any other occasion, is to stalk the thrift stores and garage sales for collectibles that the giftee would like. Antiques are found there at times, too. Of course, not everyone is into antiques and/or collectibles, but if you have someone on your gift list who is, now is the time to find the perfect gift.

For those who aren't into that sort of thing, retail shopping can be done very frugally since you have the time to wait and watch for the best deals possible. One place to keep an eye on is a site called Sustoo that keeps you up to date on all things Amazon - at least the greatest sales and mark downs. Amazon has almost everything, so if you shop online, it's worth bookmarking this site and checking it often.

Then there's eBay. You can get some really good deals there, but you can get burned, too. If you buy from them, make sure the seller has a good record and check the retail price. You don't want to pay more than it would cost you down at the local store.

If you craft, don't wait another minute! Get started on those stocking stuffers and other gifts.

It may be sticky hot out there right now, but Christmas is just around the corner. Really. :)

4 comments:

  1. You sound just like me! I have a closet full of Christmas presents already! I started buying shirts, sweatshirts and sweaters in January and February for this year. I have MOST of our presents done except for our kids still at home. I buy all year long.
    Something I find really good is the Goodwill Stores. I can find new pretty bath products whose packaging has been torn and then just put it in a pretty basket! Nice presents!

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  2. Goodwill is great; I shop there quite a bit. Another good thing about getting our Christmas presents bought early is that there's more time for other things when Christmas gets here.

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  3. I started making my Jellies and Jams! Why not? The fruit is at it's peak! The taste will remind the recipients of this gift of a nice summer day in the middle of December! Can't get better than that!

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  4. "Anonymous" that's a perfect example! Fruits are abundant now, cheaper and fresher than any other time of the year... just right for making Christmas gifts.

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