Frugal Friday ~ Christmas Shopping and Gifts Frugally Speaking

Check out other frugal ideas at http://www.lifeasmom.com/2009/10/frugal-friday-check-your-receipt-and.html

I usually get my Christmas shopping done before the holiday season and at a pretty frugal price too. Below I share my tips, enjoy!

Shop through out the year:
Clearance toys can be sought out after summer when stores are preparing for the Holiday toys and after winter when the stores are clearancing out those Holidays toys that did not sell. Not only do I stock up for Christmas throughout the year, I stock up for birthdays as well. Not only do I stockpile toys for my children, with two kids in school, they are constanly invited to birthday parties. Some places where I have scored some great deals are the Target Dollar Spots when they turn over the merchandise and clearance it at 75% off, Walgreens and CVS when they get rid of their summer items and Walmart and Target when they get ready for the holidays.

Using The Stockpile:
If you coupon, you are probably like me with toothpaste overflowing and have airfresheners in every single room. It's nice to be able to give those freebies as a gift. Every year, members of my family can expect to receive a "care package" as a gift. It includes stuff that I have gotten through the year such as air fresheners, toothpaste, tooth brushes, cold meds, soaps, shampoos, food items etc. It may sound cheesy but people love these because it's actually stuff they use and they don't have to buy it! Who says no to free stuff? Dazzle it up with a nice basket from a thrift store or just put it in a really nice gift bag.

Look Online:
There are always many deals to be had online. Check out websites such as http://www.slickdeals.net/ where you can find the hot online deals everyone is talking about. Check out sites such as http://www.retailmenot.com/ for coupon codes to use online. Also check out sites such as Cashbaq.com and Ebates.com to get rebates for shopping online. Also use sites such as www.swagbucks.com to earn prizes such as giftcards.

Shop Thrifty:

Sometimes you can find new or like new items at Thrift Stores for a fraction of the original retail price. Some items I get are picture frames, books, purses and household items. Call your local store to find out when they put out their items to ensure you can get first grab ;-) You can also make something from old to new again or into something else out of your thrift store find.

Frugal Gifts:

Another item my family can expect to receive every year is a framed picture of my children. With the picture frames I acquire at the thrift stores, this is a fairly cheap gift. Walgreens has a deal where they

Gifts in a Jar : Check out this site for some great ideas http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/index.shtml

Homemade Gift Baskets:

Earlier I referenced making gift baskets from my stockpile to give as gifts. Try to make it creative, example:

Movie Gift Basket: The rental stores such as Blockbuster and Hollywood Video are always clearancing out their movies from $5.00 to $10.00 for a previewed move. Pair one of those movies with a couple cans of soda, microwave popcorn and candy from your stockpile to make a cute movie basket.

Cold Remedy Basket: Fill it with the cold meds, cough drops, tissues etc out of your stockpile.

Get Crafty: I love to make gifts for others to enjoy. I find my inspiration from sites such as http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ and other bloggers such as http://www.shopellesstudio.com/elles-studio-inspiration.php.

Baking: I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am a FANATIC for baking during the holidays. Fudge, cookies, candies you name it I love to make it. Use those 40% off coupons from craft stores on baking items such as cutters, pans, molds, melts etc.

I hope you enjoy the tips!