July 1st is just around the corner and I generally have half , if not more, of my Christmas shopping done. I need to get in gear and quick. Is your holiday shopping going well?
Winter items go on sale in January. Huge savings can be found in March. Plus, you are just wasteful, if you don't do the 50 or 75 percent off sales after Christmas.
We have a large family, plus organization gifts, teachers, service people, etc. to buy for each year. I am always looking for gifts. Not just holiday gifts. We have a gift closet in our home. It is filled with children's games, dolls, gift baskets, crystal, frames, etc.. When someone is invited to a birthday party, shower, wedding, house warming, or event we look in the closet first. Most of the time, a great gift is already waiting.
I buy items all year round. I carry a list of people and events with me in my day planner. I am always writing in ideas for a perfect gift. When we have family functions, I always write down any items that people off handedly say they wish they had. During our June Birthday party , my grandma mentioned at dinner that she hadn't been feeding the birds as much this year. Bird feed was getting so expensive. 100 pounds of feed will thrill her at Christmas. My brother was complaining that the airport handlers had ruined yet another piece of luggage on his recent trip. So, I will be getting him new luggage. Keeping your ears open, can lead to great gift ideas.
My mother just keeps a list of things she wants on her desk top. My dad is not a great shopper. This way she gets what she needs and wants. When I vist my parents , I look at her list. Always making sure to tell my dad, not to get the item I am getting.
When I am at a store, I always check the clearance aisle before I leave. My mother-in-law is a scrapbook and craft queen. So I pick up clearance items for her all the time. They only may cost 10 or 25 cents. When you put a hundred of those items in a new box, it looks really impressive.
I have not done as well this year as years past. I am not even half way done. But, I am going to try to make a better effort in the next month. Plus I am going to be all ears at the July 4th party for ideas.
We do not buy things on credit cards and we rarely buy last minutes gifts. So we do not have debt after Christmas. Plus, I can devote more time to the kids, charities, and fun during the holidays. I am not running around trying to find gifts for everyone, so I am more relaxed.
Our immediate family members do not buy gifts for each other. We make things, or give of our time. The kids learn to be creative and it gets my hubby out of buying a gift that I will have to return. 
Is your holiday shopping going well? I would love to hear your great ideaas.
Is your Christmas Shopping Done?
June 22nd, 2007 at 08:59 pm
June 22nd, 2007 at 09:38 pm 1182544721
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:24 pm 1182547491
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:37 pm 1182548258
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:55 pm 1182549347
I use some of the cards as gifts, but mostly I then trade the gift cards with other people for stuff we like to do. The manager of the movie house here, gives me 12 tickets for every 50 gift card. The barber cuts all three of the boys hair for a 25 gift card. I trade a 50 dollar gift card with a hotel manager here, when my hubby and I need a night away from the kids.
Maybe you trade another service? Lawn care, plants, floor cleaning, etc.... Hope the suggestions help! LAst year I did three parties and got 2500 in gift cards. It cost me about 400 in cash for supplies and food.
I also get gift cards from all the surveys I take online. Harris poll is great!
June 22nd, 2007 at 11:32 pm 1182551555
Great ideas!
Thanks!
June 23rd, 2007 at 01:18 pm 1182601093
This year we're cutting way back on Christmas giving, out of necessity. Giving lots of gift cards, esp for long distance people.
Great ideas!