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Imagine this: it's the last week before Christmas and you're desperately rushing around the department store, frantically searching for something--anything--for your friends' and familiy's gifts. You're caught in the massive crowd that is in the same spot that you are in. And, worst of all, you still can't find anything good and affordable! You realize that you've definitely been in the store too long when:

1. You know all of the employees by name

2. They know you by name

3. They've all heard your gift ideas for your friends, mom, dad, bros, sisses, and your great Aunt Elda five times.

Okay. So, maybe you're not that franitc. But we could all use some shopping tips before the holidays, right?

Step 1: Do your study!

It's never too early to be gathering ideas for gift-giving! Even if this means surveying everyone for gift ideas the day before Christmas, it's always, always, a good idea to have a specific list in mind early. You can start by writing down the names of your family and friends and some gift ideas. Ask them if they have online wishlists or some gift ideas. If you can't think of ideas, however, gift cards are always great!

Step 2: Peel your eyes!

Just because it's March doesn't mean that you can't find good gift deals! In fact, many stores have sales right after Christmas. Sometimes, it's actually best to do Christmas shopping after it's over! You never know when you might find a great deal, either! Always be ready to buy next year's gifts!

Step 3: Manage the moolah.

If you decide to go on a big gift-buying frenzy, be cautious! You don't want to spend more money than you can. When on a Christmas present mission, make sure that you have an exact list of what you are looking for and how much you want to spend. Try to use cash and take only enough to buy what you need. Stay on track. When you're shopping for Christmas, you don't need to buy anything else. If you stay on task, then you'll be much less likely to spend unwisely!

Step 4: Search out the options!

Just because there's an awesome new mall near your house doesn't mean that your gifts have to come from there! You may be able to find some really great deals in local stores, but you should also check places like retail stores, online stores (like Amazon.com), and even eBay. Overstock.com is also a great alternative to Amazon.

Step 5: Stay on task!

Once you have ideas of what exactly you want to get for your friends and family, set budgets on what you're going to spend, and have searched out the places with the best bargains, you're on the roll! Basically, the only other thing to remember is to stay on task while shopping. Don't get carried away. Make sure that, before you buy anything, that you've scouted out all through the store and have made sure that this is the gift that you're ready to give. As long as you stay on task, you will not carried away with gift-buying.

So, stay smart with your holiday shopping this year!

Now for your holiday sale forecast!

JC Penny: Holiday Sale until December 4th. Everything will be 20-50% off.

Target: Target online has a handy gift-finder where you can browse ideal gifts by age and price. They have a special clearance section and also a way to set up a wishlist. They run weekly sales (varied by state).

Dillards: Dillards has fall and winter style watches for men and women so that you can get just the right new look!

American Eagle Outfitters: American Eagle has special clearance prices with discounts up to 50% off!

Bath and Body Works: B&BW is featuring special seasonal sales with most sale items under $25! Special deals include fragrance candles, perfumes, and specialty soaps.

Toys 'R' Us: Toys 'R' Us is running some great early holiday sales! You can save up to $30 on all categories. Some special deals include sales on Barbie products, kids' notebooks, and electronics.

Kohls: Kohls has special clearance on some items up to 60% off. There are special holiday sales coming up with tons of great savings on boots, jewelry, kitchenware, and more!

Borders: Borders is offering special deals on tons of products! Save from 20% to 30% off of boxed DVD sets, best sellers, and more! Get special deals on music with many CDs as low as $8.99.

Old Navy: Old Navy has the hottest new winter looks. Get great prices on winter coats and outerwear--most prices under $30! Looking for the perfect winter look for someone's gift? Head to Old Navy!

Barnes and Noble: Great deals on holiday gift baskets! Also running some early sales on just about everything! Special sections for under-$20 gift items, as well.

Best Buy: Has holiday deals listed by prices and age. Weekly sales include savings up to $20 off and music and movies from $5 to $10!

Finally, some TPSers share their holiday shopping wisdom:

EmilyS: "Shop online! It's much cheaper and the shipping is usually pretty good."

EmilyP2: "Use cash instead of a credit card. It's easy to spend more money than you 
            have. Also ask yourself if you really think that the item is worth your money 
            before you buy it.

JordanC2: "Go shopping the day after Thanksgiving! They have great deals then."

MargotB: "Don't take any shame for shopping at retail stores! You can get the best
              stuff there, and, sometimes, your money goes to a good cause."

JamesS: "If you have the chance, pre-order stuff and keep gift receipts if you are not
            sure that the person will like the gift. Start shopping early in the day!"

 

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