.JPG)
I posting this rather scary peek into my closet to show you this cabinet. When we moved to this house there was no where for this cabinet to go. It was built by my grandfather, and I couldn't part with it. And so it became the gift storage cabinet.
I know that my nieces have birthdays... every year. I know that Christmas is December 25... every year. So I don't wait to start buying gifts the week before I need them. When I find an awesome deal that I can name a recipient for, I buy it then and there. And I'm always on the look out.
For example, last month I was in Michael's and found large grab bags for $2. I picked up three, mostly because I could see enough through the bag to know there was more $2 worth of usable stuff in each.
Here's one bag's worth of goodies:
.JPG)
That $6 provided enough gifts for 4 teachers for the entire school year, several things to add to a gift baskets, 6 gift bags and tissue, and more than half of the stocking stuffers for my girls. All of it is now tucked neatly into my gift cabinet.
Here are some tips for building a gift stash:
Keep a list of everyone you buy for, including holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, etc. in your purse and a copy in your gift stash storage area. Replace this list annually. Cross off or make notes for each gift purchased.
The longer the span of time until a gift must be purchased the lower the amount I'm willing to pay. For example, if there are 8 months until I need an Easter basket item I won't be willing to pay as much for it as I would if I need it in two weeks.
Spend a few minutes to shop clearance aisles and racks each time you shop. I visit the electronics and toy aisles each time I'm in the store and limit myself to five minutes. Because I'm familiar with what's available I know when I see a good deal.
Keep a good stash of beauty items (often free with drugstore deals... see Money Saving Mom for the best deals each week) and school supplies. These make great last minute gift baskets.
Linked to: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family
i do the same thing! great idea!!!
ReplyDeleteI do this too (hubbs thinks I'm nutty, but I have some great deals waiting).
ReplyDeleteThis is how I finish most of my holiday shopping well before the end of October. The wrapping though...that I still save for the last minute (it's more festive that way, right?).
Have you ever had a problem buying a nice gift on clearance & having the recipient ask for the receipt to return it? I have picked up a few nice things ahead (toaster oven, ice cream maker) but I always worry about this.
ReplyDelete@ Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI've never had that problem, but my family and friends pretty much know that if I didn't make it, I got it on clearance. It wouldn't hurt to keep the receipts in an envelope in your gift storage... just in case something doesn't work and needs exchanged. Gracefully offer to make the exchange yourself and the recipient would never know how much you paid.
@ Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI actually had everything done AND wrapped last year by the end of October. But I had two great reasons. #1 I only bought a few things because #2 my son was having a bone marrow transplant that kept him in the hospital until December 23. None of this will be true this year as we are moving! YIKES!
I started doing this recently and I've stored quite a few things. I wonder how much more I would get by starting at the FIRST of the year!!
ReplyDeleteMy secret is to shop end of season/holiday clearances for the next year. I also have a box of baby clothes I watch for at the end of every season so I have baby shower gifts and don't have to shop the days before. I usually buy 3-6 or 6-9 months so I have a little leeway for the season the baby will wear it.
ReplyDeleteThis also works for birthday party gifts for my kids. Often we only have a day or two notice before a party so I keep a stash of boy and girl gifts for kids the same age as my kids.