I've moved to shopping year-round. Three reasons.
1. I always get the PERFECT idea for someone on my list a day or two after Christmas. I'm still in the holiday spirit after all! But by next Christmas I'm at a loss.
2. Money. I find items at thrift stores and yard sales all the time that still have tags. I constantly stash baby clothes with tags for baby showers, etc. This year my mother's gift will include two St. Johns Bay sweaters that still have their tags. I paid $3 each for them. Also, clearance sales are hardest to find right around Christmas. Last spring I picked up kid's craft kits (Christmas gift-idea leftovers) for $1 apiece...they retail for $20. Perfect for neices, nephews, and the unexpected birthday party invitation.
3. I never have time at Christmas. Time just goes faster after Halloween, doesn't it? And if I do have any time, I'd rather bake or spend time with family, not fight the mad crowds at the mall.
I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. Those I haven't bought gifts for, I know what I plan to get them. One is getting a George Foreman grill as soon as I find a good sale. The other is getting a gift certificate (not too frugal, but we feel this is what he needs most). Everyone else is done...or just needs a few finishing touches. With a baby coming in January, I'm VERY glad that I won't have to shop in a blizzard when I'm 8 months pregnant.
Jackie
__________________
Click here to shop for deals at gifts.com now!
Click here to shop for deals at ice.com now!