I am in the holiday spirit today!!
To the tune of “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”
“Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
My gift pile is slowly growing.
My budget has now been set,
our goal is to not let
the holiday rush ruin and crush our efforts!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”
Oh yes, I am that talented!
And yes, I have already started working on our Christmas gift budget and gift pile. In fact, I started Christmas shopping in January! I went to the after Christmas sales and saved a ridiculous amount of money– it was crazy how much I saved 50-80% off! As the year has gone on, I nab stuff when I see incredible bargains! I have a small gift pile in our closet that is growing!
The concern I have is that I will buy stuff just because it is super cheap and not because I have a plan and purpose for that particular item. So, instead of just going after deals simply because they are deals, I am putting my gift dollars into things that I know exactly to whom I will be giving that gift and when. (It helps to keep a list!)
When it comes to the after Christmas sales, I try to set aside about $50 in December for the after holiday sales budget. If you haven’t been to these sales, try going in January when the rush is truly over and just let yourself be amazed with how far $50 will take you!
Some of my favorite after Christmas sales to hit up:
*Pier 1
* Craft Warehouse
*The Dollar Tree ($.50 for all Christmas stuff!)
*Target
I also make gifts as I can. I am a paper crafter so I actually enjoy making gifts. My whole thing is time!! I have to plan ahead for who and what I am making. Last year I made calendars with family pictures. I used white cardstock from the computer section in Wal-Mart. ($5 for 500 sheets!)
I made a template using word and just filled in the dates, months, and family birthdays and anniversaries with my craft pen. I used scrap book scraps and only purchased about $5 of paper and glue from the craft store. I used ribbons to tie each month together. They came out great and I loved making them. This year, I’m going to be making some shadow boxes using frames I purchased at a yard sale, and I also made a journal from re-purposed materials. (Check it out here!)
If you have not yet started to accumulate gifts and deals, I feel for you! The thought of Christmas approaching in 3 months and 20 days probably freaks you out, (it freaks me out too!) So, here are some ways you can start preparing even now.
Shop the deals. Even if you just take an extra 10 minutes at stores you normally visit anyway and check out the clearance racks and clearance end caps, you can start adding a few gifts to your supply. I know with my “usual” stores where they keep the clearanced goods. So, I just swing by those areas on my way through the store. Here are some great stores to keep tabs on:
* Target- I was just there today and they had a ton of summer decor and merchandise on clearance, good stuff too! They also are clearancing certain picture frames and back to college stuff too!
* Wal-Mart- One place people don’t often think to look is the socks area. I have gotten super cute pairs of socks for friends and added to the socks toe separaters, nail polish, and some lotion, and you have a cute little gift!
*Ikea- Nathan and I are going to be doing some of our Christmas shopping here. They just have such great prices. I recently bought their summer potpourri for just $.25 a bag! They also have great shadow boxes for just $6 and great vases for under $5 and all kinds of stuff. If you live near one, you really should go and soon before the holiday rush hits.
*Bed Bath and Beyond- I don’t know about you, but I am constantly getting 20% off coupons for this place! The only thing is that 20% off is usually for a non-sale item. Well, if you buy just one candle, or one pretty dishtowel, or just one picture frame, it’s an okay deal. I bought one of those 3 wick candles for under $4 using my 20% off coupon.
*Bath and Body Works- GREAT semi-annual sales! I try to take advantage of their sales whenever possible. One pretty bottle of this stuff ($2-4 on sale) tied with a lovely ribbon and a silk flower makes a lovely little gift!
I know some people feel comfortable shopping second hand for gifts, but I am careful with that. I usually only buy second hand when I am going to do something to add to the item or I know the receiver appreciates second hand purchases. (Unfortunately, not a lot of the people on our list are second hand receivers.)
My best piece of advice is to plan and also to buy items with a purpose in mind.
Enjoy your pre-holiday shopping!
Ho! Ho! Ho!
2 Comments
September 6, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I loved reading your blog ideas for Christmas. I too, have been accumulating gifts. I am going to make some baskets for the ladies in our family and fill it with items that I think the receiver would enjoy. For instance, my MIL is an animal lover and has lots of dogs and cats. I recently was able to pick up free cat treats. She also likes nail polish, I am picking those up too, free or almost free. I will pack the bottom of the baskets with pretty paper and then shrink wrap with and tie up with a ribbon (from a basket full of Christmas items from Alberston’s for $5 two years ago
) Thanks for other ideas!!!
Karen White
Frugalfamilyoffive.blogspot.com
September 11, 2008 at 1:57 am
What great ideas! I think there is such a difference in the joyfulness level at the holidays when we take the time to frugally prepare in the months prior. Good for you for being ahead of the game!