Christmas 2012... ONLY 364 days to go!

[ncarr]

So- What have you done to prepare for NEXT Christmas?

Today I hit up the after Christmas sales and score big time! I bought all the wrapping paper, curling ribbon, and cards I will need for next year. I also loaded up on colored ribbon and silver paper again for birthdays, weddings, baby showers etc.

Gifts included several ornaments for mom, MIL, and friends. All less than $3 on clearance for next year. Some are beautiful glass ornaments that retailed for over $14 each.

Picked up a squeaky toy for my dog for about 1.65 for next year.

The big score was 2 Jim Shore Disney Snow Globes. Originally $25 each they were 50% off. I also used a $10 off of 25 coupon so we go them for $7.50 each. Great present for MIL.

I also picked up four fiesta tree plates on clearance @ 7.50 each and used a $25 gift card so I only paid about $7 total out of pocket.

[mauimagic]

What wonderful deals you got!! Now make sure you remember where you store them!!

Am not doing family Christmas next year so there was no need to hit the stores today!! After buying year round for Christmas for the past 33 years, it is probably going to take a while to get out of the habit, but it's time.

Enjoy your goodies - hope you inspire others to head into the holidays year round!!

[Momto5RN]

i actually held back a few things from the kids to use next year of for easter baskets as they had enough in stockings etc .

i plan to go thru what i have in gift bins and if appropriate assign them to someone .

i plan to try to get as much as i can for free or next to free by using my JCP coupons - macys 10 off 25$ coupons combined with GC i earn online or with Cvs deals like they had this past few months ( i still have macys left from this past years cvs deals )- and i plan to ebay or craigslist some stuff i have had around here and put that money to christmas .

going to keep better eye on free after coupon deals for things i can use for gift baskets etc

as usual the harder part will be the last minute stuff like pollyannas which we dont pick out until november .

i did well budget wise - found a way to get great deals on things from laptops to a coach bag but want to try to do even better this year as far as out of pocket costs .

[MomToTwoBoys]

I actually got my lights for next year a few days before Christmas when they were 50% off.

So technically, I started on next year before this year's Christmas even came.

I'll be visiting the stores tomorrow and see what deals I can get on the remaining preparation items. I'd rather get some more gift tags and such because I have more than enough tape, bows, ribbon eggs and wrapping paper.

[valerian]

I haven't checked out clearance items, but may do that some tomorrow. I plan on selling some stuff on ebay to put into a Christmas fund for next year.

[hotprincesscm]

Well I did check out the Clearance at Target today...but found nothing I wanted....I was at enough of a discount for me to buy! I will be going out tomorrow, probably up to walmart..I will check out their clearance while there.....Maybe even the dollar store....I got some good Christmas stuff for 50cents last year at the dollar store. I still have a ton of wrapping paper left from my last years clearance shopping. I am going to start a "homemade" list for people....the stuff I want to make for homemade gifts for them....Also start my xmas 2012 fund envelope for putting my budget money into.

[Debbie-cat]

Well I quickly ran to Walmart today and only picked up one item. Didn't have alot of time to just browse today but I am picking my Mom up tomorrow and she will be staying for a few days. We will hit the sales hard probably Wednesday and Thursday....I really would like to get alot done those two days!

I will also be using my change jar for my Christmas fund envelope next year again.

I have enough bows, tags and ribbon but will need tissue and wrapping paper so I will keep my eyes open for thosse deals as well.

I loved this thread last year...really helped to keep me on track and on budget! Thanks for starting it ncarr!

[Winkie]

Right before Christmas, I picked up a few things that were a real bargain "just in case" . I used a few & have a few left. I will be looking for gift exchange possiblities for next year's white elephant. I also like to get my staff presents as early as possible. I need 10-12 of the same/similar item.

My Christmas club payroll deduction has already begun.

[Lady_V]

I bought a pack of 12 pencils, 300 gift tags and 12 rolls of wrapping paper - $10

I wanted to pick up a few things when I was at Walmart tonight, but OldMan was with me and he had "that look"

[Libby]

Today, in Canada its Boxing Day and the sales were supposed to be great (equivalent of Black Friday) however we want to purge stuff not store more stuff for Christmas 2012. So we opted to skip out on any great bargains to work towards our goal. I think once we get our home to our desired 'home feeling' we may consider stockpiling stuff again. This year we didn't do a gift exchange but instead a gift card exchange. No need to stockpile there right?

[frugal me]

Today, I'm going to sit down & make a list of the people we will buy for next year. I plan on making or buying a couple of gifts each month. I've already gotten gifts for 2 people from the clearance racks yesterday at Wal-Mart.

[fernykins]

i went to Kmart yesterday and their jewelry boxes were 70% off so I picked one up for one of my granddaughter and a couple of other items so 3 of my 16 grandkids are taken care of already.
Fern

[piney]

I got several gifts today for christmas 2012 and a few things for birthday gifts for great grand children.

[joyofsix]

I found half price little girl make up sets, fingernail polishes and regular manicure/ polish sets. They'll be for next year or Easter or birthday party gifts. I also bought gift wrap in plain green for any occasion.

[scooby8themall]

I also have picked up a few things , would like to do more home made this year , I have always started my shopping the day after Christmas and work my way through the year .