|
Prev
| Next
| Contents
7.1 THE BEST PRESENTS CAN COST LESS; CUT AND REDUCE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EXPENSES.
By
Kathy Gillikin
I
really like to give a lot of presents for Christmas, but I don't have a lot of money.
Every year our local thrift stores have big Christmas sales, usually around the last of
November. The majority of the items are brand new. A few years ago my boys were into Power
Rangers along with all the equipment. My favorite thrift store had many of these toys
still in boxes from $4 to $8. In the retail stores they were priced from $15 to $35.
At
another thrift store I found my daughter a small portable alarm clock radio for $3 that
ran on two AA batteries. It was one of her favorite gifts and she still uses it today.
The
volunteers at thrift stores may put small toys in bags and sell them for .50 cents. I came
across Ghostbuster figurines for my son-in-law who collects them. He thought they were
great. I also found coasters, picture frames, jewelry, banks, and books.
I
look around all year round for Christmas presents. I found my stepdaughter who collects
dolls, some unusual ones for $5.00 each. The regular price was $19.95. Another son-in-law
likes ducks. I happened to find him a very nice duck lamp for $5.00, marked down from
$14.97.
Halloween
is a good time to get those dress-up clothes for the little ones. Princess dresses can
come complete with a tiara and shoes. I also bought little cowboy sets for the boys. Look
for sales after this Halloween on Star Wars costumes which was the big hit movie this
summer. Last year I bought my boys little gargoyles statues which they thought were
neat.
Don't
forget the end of the Christmas season. I stocked up on Christmas cards for 90% off. They
were the musical ones. I bought around 20 of them for $2.00. The batteries last for years.
I gave my mother one 10 years ago and it still works. The stores usually want to get rid
of all the seasonal merchandise so they can stock up for the next selling season. I do
much of my Christmas shopping in January because the stores have another reason to move
that old merchandise out: inventory! The less they have the less, they have to pay taxes
on.
The
best way to get more Christmas presents for your money is to look all year round. Many of
people I give presents to are really hard to shop for. Knowing what kind of things your
friends and family like really helps you pick out that perfect gift without having to
spend too much.
Prev
| Next
| Contents
| 
