‘Tis the season already! – My Christmas Shopping Plan

 

Christmas shopping ALREADY????

 

A true bargain shopper always plans/buys ahead of time!  And while I am not as savvy as my couponing colleagues that shop all year round, I do start searching for sales a season ahead of time.  In addition to each other and our 2 boys, we primarily buy for the children in our family and our parents & grandparents (For a total of 20 people).  And while all of our 11 nieces/nephews are pretty easy to please, I do like to try and get them something that they actually WANT!  Something they are asking for.  (I remember my “Favorite” uncle always brought us the coolest gifts!  And with so many children, we just can’t bring them gifts every time we see them,  so we try a little harder at Christmas!)   

 

So, on with my plan! 

 

Part 1:  THE LIST!

This year I am making my list of what to get everyone, and then will be watching for the lowest prices daily and then swooping in for the kill!  So far I know what we are getting 10 of them, so my list is halfway done! 

 

Part 2:  THE BUDGET!

In addition to finding the gifts they want at the lowest price possible, I am also slowly working to pay for them outside of our normal gift budget.  So, I am finding alternative ways to earn and pay for Christmas.  It’s slow going, but I am confident doing it this way will save our budget!  Here’s what I’m working on:

 

1.  Amazon.com – I am watching for ways to earn amazon.com gift cards online.  I have already saved $15 worth through Swagbucks, earned a $25 gift card writing reviews through Viewpoints, and am on the look out for more!  As of now, I have picked out the big gifts for my sons and am trying to earn for them.  I have $40/130.

 

2.  Paypal.com – Affiliates, cashback sites, and ebay.  I had $20, but we used it!  :)  So now I am back to the drawing board to build this account.

 

3.  Cash – We are always looking to earn in any way we can.  Craigslist, garage sales, consignment sales, etc. 

 

Time to get busy!

 

Part 3: The Purchases!

I am signing up for every email list associated with the gifts I’m looking for.  So, if a child wants something from Toys R Us, I’m signing up for every incentive program and newsletter/email list I can.  Doing my research and purchasing when I see the lowest price.  Hopefully, I’ll have earned the money for it by then!

 

 

If anyone knows of anything to help me reach my goals, I would love to hear from you!  How are you planning for Christmas?