You heard me right, start Christmas shopping now. With the end of the season clearance prices on everything from toys and clothes, to gadgets and gaming electronics, its the perfect time to start stocking up for Christmas.
In a previous article, I discussed what we do to ensure that we are not left with loads of last minute Christmas shopping, however if you haven’t practiced that method this year, it’s not too late to start. It is August and you still have five whole months until Christmas! It is definitely not too late.
Assign several household members to each remaining month until Christmas. Those are who you will purchase for during that month. Sure, along the way you will probably find a gift or two for someone else, and there is nothing wrong with purchasing it then. Just keep track of what you have purchased for each individual so that someone doesn’t wind up with nothing while someone else winds up with dozens of gifts. If you find great deals for one person and you do wind up with more than you think necessary for Christmas, save it. Put it away for a birthday or other special occasion. They will be none the wiser and you will be ahead on that shopping too.
Keep in mind that with school supplies on sale right now, putting together an art kit for the child that likes to draw, color or create is an inexpensive way to give a great gift. Fill a plastic sand pail (also on clearance) with items like crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks or glue, markers, pencils and erasers, paper, even items like protractors that can help with drawing are on sale. It makes a great gift and is extremely inexpensive. You could even stock up and save some for birthday parties and other such occasions.
The main point is to get started now, take advantage of sales, clearance specials and coupon deals, and be ready in time for Christmas. This keeps you from spending more than you need to as the holidays approach and the cost of many items sky rockets.
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