Can you believe we're already halfway to Christmas? I received my first reminder from One Hundred Days to Christmas yesterday, and it got me thinking.
I always plan ahead for Christmas, hoping to snag the best deals for the people on our ever-expanding shopping list. My goal is always to save money and keep our Christmas budget on track. In fact, I'm always striving to come in under budget. I do this by picking up deals throughout the year and stashing them in a big Rubbermaid tub in our extra bedroom. The key is remembering what's there! One of my goals for July is to inventory what I already have stashed away. There's nothing less frugal than accidentally buying double gifts for someone on your shopping list! (Though the recipient may love it!)
I also start thinking now about how I want to use the points that we earn from using our debit card and online banking. Our bank (National City) always has a nice selection of gift cards that you can get using your points. Sometimes I give the actual gift card, and other times I use the gift card to go and purchase the gift. Either way, I have to plan ahead. The cards take several weeks to arrive, even longer during the holiday season. Now is the time to start thinking about who I'll need those cards for. Because.... let's face it.... I can't use the free or almost-free body washes, candles, and other items from CVS for everyone on my shopping list. My 17-year-old guy cousin just isn't that into candles! So, he's high on my gift card list.
Have you started thinking about Christmas yet? Are you planning any special money-saving gifts or events? Do you use any strategies to keep your bargain shopping finds organized for gift-giving? I'd love to hear any helpful tips that you have to offer!
For more great money-saving ideas, stop by Frugal Friday sponsored by Life As Mom.
I always plan ahead for Christmas, hoping to snag the best deals for the people on our ever-expanding shopping list. My goal is always to save money and keep our Christmas budget on track. In fact, I'm always striving to come in under budget. I do this by picking up deals throughout the year and stashing them in a big Rubbermaid tub in our extra bedroom. The key is remembering what's there! One of my goals for July is to inventory what I already have stashed away. There's nothing less frugal than accidentally buying double gifts for someone on your shopping list! (Though the recipient may love it!)
I also start thinking now about how I want to use the points that we earn from using our debit card and online banking. Our bank (National City) always has a nice selection of gift cards that you can get using your points. Sometimes I give the actual gift card, and other times I use the gift card to go and purchase the gift. Either way, I have to plan ahead. The cards take several weeks to arrive, even longer during the holiday season. Now is the time to start thinking about who I'll need those cards for. Because.... let's face it.... I can't use the free or almost-free body washes, candles, and other items from CVS for everyone on my shopping list. My 17-year-old guy cousin just isn't that into candles! So, he's high on my gift card list.
Have you started thinking about Christmas yet? Are you planning any special money-saving gifts or events? Do you use any strategies to keep your bargain shopping finds organized for gift-giving? I'd love to hear any helpful tips that you have to offer!
For more great money-saving ideas, stop by Frugal Friday sponsored by Life As Mom.
4 comments:
Funny you should post this, because I was just thinking it's time to get started on various sewing or crochet projects for Christmas gifts! I'm going to try to work on things now instead of waiting until after Halloween and rushing!
Well, I have 4 immediate family member birthdays between now and Christmas, but i still hope to find deals at garage sales. I am saving my swagbucks to buy gifts at Amazon this year. Thanks for the reminder to get started finding things.
We don't buy for extended family.
I have, however, already written out Christmas (and upcoming birthday) lists for each of my children.
I cannot always buy presents; the last two years I have made presents.
I wrote out what I will be making for each child, using fabric that I already have. I am hoping this will make it easier for me to get the projects done before Christmas. I am still working on much needed summer clothing, though, so I'm not quite able to start yet!
I, too, have been thinking about Christmas gifts and making my list! I've found this blog with several ideas in the "Handmade Holiday" section. Hope it is okay to post here.
http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/
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