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I picked up my first stocking stuffer for Christmas 2011, while I was out running some errands last night. I picked up this 2-pack of fuzzy slipper socks at Kohls for only $2.40, they were 80% off. I will throw these in a bin in my garage, where they will wait until December, when they will be added to my daughter’s Christmas stocking.
I know I have said this several times already, but one of the biggest ways I can save my family money is by buying items before I need them, when they are deeply discounted. I will pick up clearance items at 75-90% off and save them for when they are needed. Not only does this save me money, but it saves a lot of time too. When Christmas rolls around, I should have the majority of the stocking stuffers already purchased, so I can spend more time enjoying the holiday.
Anybody else have some stocking stuffers already? I am sure I am not alone!
Anne Marie says
I love that I’m not the only one! I have five beautiful children to purchase gifts and stocking stuffes for, and I love finding great deals throughout the year! I find that finding worthy stocking stuffers can be so stressful on Christmas Eve! I don’t like to spend my money on candy and cheap toys, so I get useful gifts, such as socks, like yours, fancy toothbrushes, hair ties and Hotwheels, small photo books and mittens!! Merry Christmas!! 🙂
Michelle says
I do. I have a whole boxful already started. I start the day after Christmas.
I totally agree about buying when you find it discounted. I bought our youngest 4 winter coats at jcpenney the other day for 11.94 each.
Kris says
Oh yeah, stocking stuffers. All bday gifts for neices nephews for 2011. 1/2 of christmas gifts for neices/nephews for 2011. Love It. My life is so much easier when I buy ahead. My life is even more lovely when I get to buy on a discount. I just need a better location to store my stash.
Lori says
Love your site…everything about it. That’s all I wanted to say!
Laura says
I always purchase ahead and love a good bargain. My problem is I often forget that I’ve purchased something or can’t find it when I need it. Once I get it all together, I realize I got too much. How do you keep track of what you’ve purchased and when do you know enough is enough?!?
Holly says
Yes, I have several stocking stuffers and Christmas shoebox items already set aside. January is such a great time to pick up non-perishable items for the next Christmas. We have most of the year’s birthday gifts already as well, thanks to January sales.
Renea says
I picked up some clearance toy stocking stuffers from Target when they had their big sale =) I also got about 10 christmas and birthday presents for my kids! woohoo!
Stefanie says
I’ve got some xmas presents for friends and my niece and bday started for my niece as well already from January sales at Fred Meyer and Target and Michael’s. I also have part of my valentine’s present for my partner from xmas sales in december!
michelle says
Such a great idea, I should look around, I haven’t been to stores lately except drug and supermarkets.
Michelle says
I have a Christmas ornament for my mom’s stocking that was clearanced at Target. My problem is that I don’t have a great place to store stuff – I have some Christmas presents that I bought a couple of years ago, and I tried to track them down before Christmas with no luck! So I need a better system, so I can keep buying things on discount ahead of time – and actually have them when I need them!
MJ says
I start the day after Christmas. I have a legal pad with a page for Christmas 2011 and I write everyone’s name on that page. As we buy Christmas gifts I add it to the list. I then put the items we buy in large plastic bins with lids and a list of what is in each bin. I love getting nice gifts at a bargain price.
Karen says
I buy Christmas ornaments every year, one for my husband and I, one each for our three kids and our granddaughter. I bought them online at Kohl’s. They were on sale, I had a discount, and free shipping. So I have all our ornaments for 2011.
rachael says
We are all set for all four kids bdays, valentine’s, easter, and Christmas. (ages, 1 month, 3 yr, 4 yr, and 5 yr) And we did it all in January. Total, we spent $125.00!! I hit the clearance like a mad woman and we even are shopped up for neices and nephews! I already put together their valentine’s bags, and Easter baskets (using clearance stuff from this fall – Halloween and Thanksgiving). It GREAT! Our rubbermaids are packed, organized and ready to go!
Beth says
Laura,
I keep a notebook of everything I have bought so I know what I have. I even write down the clothes I buy for the next year so I know what I already have. It is a total time saver to come home and write it down in my notebook and then put it away.
As for stocking stuffers, I have quite a few already. Justice For Girls had a sale in January where they had take an extra 40% off their clearance items and they said I could use my 40% off coupon on top of that. I got purses, leg warmers, jewelry, shirts, pants, sweaters and much more for just pennies. I was so happy I almost did a happy dance, but I restained myself. I love January sales!
Oh I also hit two Targets when their toys went 75% off. I got so much stuff that I am set for every holiday and I already started my Christmas shopping.
Arial Buza says
My husband and I love shopping early for Christmas! It’s so fun to get a good deal and a great gift. Our only problem: by the time Christmas rolls around, we have all the gifts purchased, but it’s the season and we still want to shop! My mom and friends want to go xmas shopping, so I tag along and buy even more! I guess we still get a lot more for our money, but I’m not sure how much we’re saving over just shopping frugally during the holiday season and not buying as many gifts. Does this happen to anybody else?
Ashley says
i buy clearance holiday items from bath and body works, I also save up the freebies for christmas gift baskets