In seeking to follow my own advice about preparation this week, I've begun stepping up my Christmas shopping. Since I normally purchase the Sunday paper for the grocery coupons, I also get the craft stores' weekly sales flyers (Michaels and A.C. Moore in our area) with their coupons for 40% or 50% off of a non-sale item.Since my daughters enjoy all types of crafts, I've been stopping in once a week to purchase items I will use for Christmas gifts at a great deal. After paying at the register, I often receive another coupon along with my receipt.
Taking advantage of these coupons is also a great way to save money when purchasing gifts for classmates' birthdays. Giving craft kits to children who seemingly have everything works well, too, as these are gifts which can still be used even if they already own one!
I realize that it's not convenient for everyone to visit these stores regularly. It just so happens that there is a Michaels and an A.C. Moore within a couple of miles of my daughters' school, which makes it convenient for me to make a quick stop before picking them up.
So how are you doing on your Christmas shopping? Do you typically save by buying ahead or by waiting to grab last-minute deals?
I've seen a lot of toy coupons in the past holiday seasons on coupons.com. I like your suggestion about thinking about things besides toys too.
ReplyDeleteWe don't start shopping until the middle of December because we use money from my husband's bonus check, but yes I miss a lot of great deals like black Friday etc. But that's okay. I'd rather pay cashand get it when I get the money.
I like this idea! I'm looking forward to when my son is old enough to make crafts. I'm blogging about some low-cost Christmas ideas over the next few weeks, too: http://www.miskellany.com/?p=1395
ReplyDeleteI always buy candy on clearance after Halloween for the Christmas stockings. I look for wrappers that aren't fallish, though. I also begin buying stocking stuffers around August/September. I take a bankers box, put a bag in for each family member, and begin squirreling away goodies. By the time I am ready to do serious Christmas shopping, I am usually done with the stockings. It helps spread out the expense.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing that idea. I throw those coupons away every week. Not anymore. I'm going to look for cute little gifts for nieces/nephews and stocking stuffers!
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