Christmas in July

 So, yesterday peppermint bark was a Christmas gift idea, today, after viewing the Home and Family episode on Hallmark with Debbie Macomber, maybe it would be interesting to think about when the best time to shop for gifts would be. One of the host of the show believes July is the best time to buy, but I would say end of summer beginning of fall (and sometimes mid-fall), is a better time.


For years, I've been able to find items from clothes to make-up to bedding and baby marked up to 80% off around autumn. Especially in department stores such as Sears, Kohl's, Penny's, Macy's, and Belks. The only product that seems to be a pain in the rear to find for a decent price is TOYS! The best advice to give to parents, start shopping for toys before autumn. 

Last year I decided to begin buying one Christmas gift for each of my children once a week for 10 weeks. My boys love Lego's, cars, and, of course, video games and anything electronic. So, in order to keep from splurging when Black Friday hit, I made sure I set aside time to go to one store (mainly Wal-Mart) and grab a gift for Christmas. Not only did this help reduce cost (for 3 boys, ages 4-9, the total cost was well under $200), it also ensured that they got an equal amount of gifts-some large, some small, and many ended up being on sale and I mean big time sale. These boys got small to medium Lego sets that I found for up to 60% off, books up to 25% off, and even found a game system they wanted on eBay for $50.00 with games. Of course, they each got an outfit, shirt, jeans, and socks and undies (socks and undies count as 1 gift and is the stocking stuffer with candy in our home), and all on sale from Old Navy, Sears, and Penny's.

Pumpkin Bread

Even so, there are numerous ways to save money during the Holidays, here are some tips:

1. Start Early
2. Plan the gifts
3. Make a list (and yes, check it thrice), mark off items when bought
4. Do not become discouraged if something is not found. It might be a good idea to plan for a back-up gift for some people just to be sure items can be found.
5. Keep it simple. For the extended family, friends, colleagues, think of gifts such as candles, soap, bath items, food, calendars, or even gift cards (lots of folks like gift cards, and a $5 Starbucks card can make for a great day!). This not only makes shopping easier, it tends to be less expensive, and less stressful.

Of course, after getting the gifts one must wrap it and tomorrow I will present a couple of cute wrapping ideas and, trust me, this wrapping paper will not get thrown away. Merry July!!!!