Savvy Holiday Shopping

Fall has arrived! The cool weather is creeping in. Some people are beginning to think about their holiday shopping. While the holidays are usually fun, it can also bring a lot of stress, as Christmas can definitely take a nice chunk out of your bank account.

Here are some ways to reduce holiday financial woes:

Tip #1: Shop year round and be on the lookout! I visit Target at least once a week (but this also applies to Walmart, Kmart, etc) I am always on the lookout for their clearance sections, especially in the Toy and Kids Clothing section. There are almost always clothes for kids marked down anywhere between 30-75% off. It's usually whatever season is finishing up. So as the stores are getting ready for fall and winter, all their warm weather clothing is seriously cheap! For example I was able to score this today in the 75% off section:

A kid's pajama set and a bathing suit (for my little neices) as well as two shirts (for my bigger neices) - all for under $2 a piece!

The swimsuit I will save for summertime - the but the other three will make great inexpensive Christmas gifts! No one has to know how cheap they were!

*Note* It's always good to buy the next size up since the kid is likely to grow by the time you actually give them the clothes!



Tip #2: The dollar bin is your friend! You can easily assemble cheap "filler" gifts from a Dollar store or the Dollar bin at Target/Walmart. For example - I found a Star Wars puzzle and a Star Wars yo-yo - both $1 each. These can easily be wrapped up together as a nice little gift for a Star Wars fan.

My favorite dollar bin gifts: Hats and gloves! I give these as gifts every year. Kids don't keep track of things. They will likely only be able to scrounge up one glove the first time they want to play in the snow. These are both inexpensive and practical - my favorite kind of gift!

These were all $1 a piece. So for $6, I have a useful gift for 3 different kids! Score!

Tip #3: Chill out! Try not to get caught up in the whole gift hype. Kids don't NEED everything. It's very likely that they have presents from last year still sitting in an unopened box or that Tickle-me ZuZu Pet Furby they just HAD to have hasn't been touched in months. Get them that one "big ticket" gift that they really want (but no, not a pony), but then spend money on practical stuff that's worth it. Half the thrill is ripping the wrapping off the box anyway.