Comments on: Yes, it really is time to start saving for Christmas

By: BRB

BRB — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:30:18 +0000

Any time I see something that someone would like throughout the year I grab it, especially if it is on sale, or I watch to see when it does go on sale. If there is a product that I love and want to give as gifts I usually buy them right away so they aren’t sold out, this is mostly at bargain stores, big lots etc. Many years I end up doing “baskets” of several smaller items with a theme like cleaning, food, or a hobby. They don’t cost very much usually, but if you bought something similar pre-made it would be pricey, so people enjoy them.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:16:12 +0000

One great way to save for gifts is to do online surveys and use Swagbucks, and cash out on November 1 of each year to do the remainder of your shopping. I do shop year round for nice gifts that I find on clearance or at deep discounts but this “extra” money and gifts cards allow me to buy things that otherwise would not be in my budget. Doing this last year I had an extra $300 to spend for Christmas. Not too terribly much but it helped a lot!

By: May

May — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:35:37 +0000

Since all of the kids are grown, my extended famly picks 1 name and becomes that person’s secret Santa. In addition, I still give to my grown sons and a gift to my husband. My sons give me a present. Our extended family gets together always on the 24th for an evening celebration. Then we are free to spend the 25th as we see fit. Another thing my family does is we clump birthdays together. There are 3 major family celebrations during the year – Spring, Summer and Fall.
We just give cards and vote for the funniest one.

By: tammy

tammy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:42:27 +0000

I buy gifts year round. When the holidays draw near, I empty my gift drawers and figure out who would like what. IT WORKS GREAT!

By: bargainbabe

bargainbabe — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:39:34 +0000

This sounds like a fabulous way to celebrate Christmas. It de-emphasizes the gifts but people can still exchange presents, and puts the focus on spending time together.

By: Barbara B

Barbara B — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:12:24 +0000

I give my family very small, token gifts and then give money to Heifer in their names.
Then I plan a family outing — we’ve done the new planetarium — lunch and movie — Nutcracker — Bob Baker Marionettes etc.
It’s selfish because I get them all together again, and enjoy as much as they do.

By: prettybama

prettybama — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:08 +0000

This year I started saving $20 a piece per month, for my two children and grandson; $30 per month for other family members or friends. I don’t plan on spending it all on gifts, so hope to have a tidy sum leftover.