It’s getting closer to Christmas and all of our gifts aren’t purchased, but I’m not panicking. I don’t want to rush out and purchase something just for the sake of it. I have a little less than three weeks, and have plenty of time to find the right gift for everyone. For the adults in our family that we buy for, I like to give them something that I know will be used. Last year, all of the adults received a bag of Starbucks coffee purchased on sale of course, along with a bag of Russell Stover chocolates that were nearly free after rebate at Walgreens.
I haven’t seen any great sales lately on Starbucks coffee this year, and Walgreens no longer does their rebate program, so this year I’ll have to be a little more creative. I don’t know if I’ll be doing the coffee again this year, but I do want to make cookies, and candies for our adults this year; since it’s something they can use.
I have some excess in my stockpile of items that were purchased at deeply discounted prices when combined with coupons and sales. The men will be receiving deodorant, body wash, and a razor; while the women will be receiving either the cookies or the candy. Sometimes I feel a little guilty giving away gifts that cost me so little, but this is how we’re able to stretch our budget and give to all of the people that we want to in our family. Baking cookies and making candies will definitely help me stretch our budget and will allow me to make things at a fraction of the cost of what it would be to purchase them outright.
I actually have some of the gifts for the kids that we are buying for already purchased. By watching sales and waiting for the right price on things throughout the year, rather than going out the day before Christmas and paying full price I was able to pick up some really nice gifts at a much lower price.
Stumped on what to buy for that hard to buy for person? Think about their hobbies, or purchase something neutral. Check out my post on giving creative gifts. These things can be purchased throughout the year to cut down on costs around Christmas time.
I also buy disounted/sale items for gifts. I have 1 rule: Always buy something you would pay full price for. There’s no need for guilt when you are getting something they will love or need regardless of the price. I am a sahm and I only feel guilt when buying for myself. I need new clothes and have anxiety about spending for them. It’s always bee an issue with me. I need to find a good sale or maybe hit the consignment store before Christmas parties. I have nothing to wear that is dressy. I will only be buying new things bc I just had a birthday and received money as a gift. Hopefully I can stretch it and find some really good base pieces to use in many outfits. Fingers crossed!
Try New York & Company. I shop for most of my clothes there, but I wait for them to go on sale or clearance and then use the coupons that they email me. Right on their front page is a place to sign-up for email at http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/