For next year -

here are some ideas from dollarstretcher.com for next year:

A Final Thought on Gifts

To avoid spending money on gifts that my family would rather
bury out in the backyard, I keep a little envelope with index
cards in it for each family member. Of course, I have sneaky
places to hide it!

Whenever we pass something in a store they are interested in
or are having a conversation about something that they wanted
to buy but didn't, I write it on the card as a potential gift
idea. That way, I can scope out the sales and give it to them
for their next occasion. It is always a gift they want and I
am always remembered for giving such thoughtful gifts!

As an extra bonus, I am never scrambling for last minute gift
ideas for Christmas or birthdays, nor am I paying full retail
price for the gifts!
Stephanie F.


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Now that Christmas is over, I'd like to contribute a few tips
to everyone to help make next Christmas and occasions
throughout the year financially easier.

1. Anyone expecting a baby this year? Now is the time to buy
"baby's first Christmas" pajamas, bibs, ornaments, etc. I just
purchased three "baby's first Christmas" pajamas and two non-
dated baby ornaments for 75% off. Two of my nieces are
expecting babies this Spring.

2. Purchase holiday craft items for dirt cheap. Christmas
ribbons, needlework, etc. are marked down to the max right
now. Start your projects early and put the finished projects
away. I'm just about to start a cross stitch tree skirt for my
sister-in-law.

3. Purchase Christmas candy in the market for reduced prices.
I freeze Christmas chocolate for my year-round baking. Under
the red and green foil, it's just ordinary chocolate.

4. Christmas ornamentation isn't just red and green. All of
that silver and gold comes in handy for other occasions during
the year. Yesterday, I purchased eight boxes (6 per box) of
cheap gold glittered star ornaments for $5 a box, marked down
from $2.99 per ornament. My hubby's grandparents are
celebrating their golden anniversary in May. Along with
wrapped candy, these will make great golden colored favors.

5. It might sound morose, but do you bring flowers to the
cemetery? We are allowed to put out silk flowers in the
cemetery where my grandparents are buried. I purchase silk
poinsettias for next year right now and store them.

6. New Years also has great items to be purchased for later.
Again, for the upcoming golden anniversary, I purchased New
Years confetti. I also purchased New Years paper plates and
napkins just with the word "Celebrate!" printed all over them.
Great! We celebrate a lot more than New Years.

You get the idea. Buy now when the prices are way cheap.
You'll save money.
Maria M.
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