I love giving gifts to those who make a difference in my son’s life. The teacher(s), bus drivers, etc. It can be expensive, but there’s something that I have been doing for the past two years that has saved me money and enabled me to give a nice gift.
A few days after Christmas, I go to the local department store. They always have holiday items at half off. I browse what they have left, and take a good look at what’s there. I may purchase a few things that I feel may sell out, like cute teacher ornaments. But for the most part, I’m just scoping out their inventory.
I go back every few days and watch and wait. I know they will be marking the holiday inventory to 75% soon. When they do, I purchase more things. I wait, though, to purchase anything that they have a lot of because it gets better.
A little while later, they mark things to 90% off. BINGO! That’s my cue to start buying like crazy. Sure, these are things that may have been less desired this year, but who knows? They could be in high demand next year 
When I get home, I put everything in a box and put it in a safe and dry spot. It sits there till next Christmas.
I spent $40 last year for at least $120 worth of items. I was able to make 6 gift bags (which I bought those on clearance too) filled with ornaments, stuffed animals and candles. Just a nice gift that doesn’t break the bank.
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Posted: December 23rd, 2006 at 10:55 pm
For the past 5 or 6 years, I have purchased designer clothing at Macy’s during the spring from 50-90% off. I scope out sales all year long at several locations (Kohls, Target, Walmart, Sears )and store them for Christmas or birthdays.
Posted: December 26th, 2006 at 8:57 pm
Sheri – you sound just like me. Sometimes, I wonder what the employees think when I come in, go to the same spots in the store, and leave empty-handed.
So now, I try to get at least something that I need that’s on sale