Planning for Christmas 2007

**midwestgal** · 12-29-2006, 02:16 PM

I did really well this year for Christmas, keeping the costs way down. My daughter and husband were thrilled with the set of 8 crystal wine glasses I bought at an estate sale last summer for $15 and worth every penny. They are about 60 years old with a lovely flower design etching--in perfect condition. I decided to get a jump on next year's shopping when a local newspaper offered a coupon for $10 off any item that was $10 or more at an upscale department store. I bought 8 additional newspapers for 8 more coupons. (The clerks assurred me that I could use multiple coupons.) Boy, did I ever hit the mother lode! By combining sale items with my coupons, I really scored. For example, I purchased a $25 sterling silver bracelet for just $1.64 and a $29 turtleneck for just $1.69. Now I have a good start for Christmas 2007 and didn't spend much. It's a very good feeling!

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 12-29-2006, 02:30 PM

Way to go!!!

I think for next Christmas I'm going to try to make a lot more homemade items. I've already got a set of pillowcases to embroider (which I got cheap!). I know my mom would LOVE those.

I have some beading supplies so I'm thinking earrings for mom's stocking and a bracelet for my Aunt?

Definitely homemade cookies for dad (he loves 'em!).

This is a great idea to start planning way out! Now you've got my head workin' on it!!

Thanks!

**dmvezina** · 12-29-2006, 02:54 PM

Wow!!! You did great!!

I always say I'm going to plan ahead but then November comes & I say, uh oh!! LOL

**PrairieRose** · 12-29-2006, 05:27 PM

Wow those were awesome deals! Wtg~!

**cherrie79** · 12-29-2006, 05:43 PM

Awesome!!! I am hoping to do like a gift basket for Xmas 2007. Like baked goods, limoncello, cordials, homemade candies. I think it will save me money. Already getting my recipes together.

**BlackstoneMama** · 12-29-2006, 06:30 PM

I just added another savings account at ING called "Next Christmas", I have it set to withdraw $25 every pay period. Hopefully, next Christmas I will have more than enough cash and will be even more frugal and not spend it all! At least I did not use my cc's this year.

I want Christmas to be a simpler time. I guess I have to be the change I wish to see. ;-)

**mom2three** · 12-29-2006, 07:57 PM

I have a couple of gifts in the cupboard (bought at after Christmas sales!) and lots of craft kits and supplies that I am hoping to get through. I should be able to get most of my gifts by finishing up old projects!

**Mom23boys** · 12-29-2006, 08:34 PM

WOW! You did great with your savings! I think that is a great way to start getting your Christmas gifts for 2007!!

**autumnlynn** · 12-29-2006, 09:51 PM

I'm going to set aside $50 a month in a Christmas and gift fund. It really helped this past year.

**Shellshome** · 12-29-2006, 10:09 PM

I got a few things for the gift closet at Bath and body works with there sales. I am happy about that. Dh and I are planning to goto Las Vegas next year for Christmas so we don't plan to buy much but I am picking up a few things here and there for people. I did get the dog and cats something for next year for there stocking. I will have to put them with my Christmas stuff.

I didn't really buy anything after Christmas either. I got some wrapping paper (just paid tax on it) got some gift tags (.50 a package). I want a slim pre-lite tree but they are only 50% right now and they had like 30 or so at Target so I plan to wait on that. And I wanted the Tall green and white feather trees but they were still $20 so I will wait maybe they will have them for 75% off if they are gone then it was not meant to be. I did get a small green on for $3.50 today.

We just don't plan to spend much on gifts this year since we want to go on vacation. We plan to spend about $20 on our nieces and nephew a piece and not much more on anyone else.

**mcphlips** · 12-29-2006, 10:22 PM

Funny how we are already thinking of next year!
I want to plan ahead too, although I have not bought any gifts yet. I did find some good buys at garage sales this summer, and plan to do the same again this year.

**brainyblonde** · 12-29-2006, 10:58 PM

I just completed 16 handmade cards for next year. I love making cards, but it seems like I run out of time every year. I also printed a page of holiday return address labels. Put both in a ziploc bag, and now I have a headstart on next year.

I also picked up tissue paper, tags, bags and a few rolls of wrapping paper for next year. I also picked up extra white tissue paper that I use to wrap my ebay items.

Gifts - I added 4 kids' games to my closet ($4.49 at Target with a $2 mail in rebate), three preschool toys from Hearthsong at 75% off, and 3 decorative items from Gooseberry Patch at 63% off that I plan to use in gift baskets.

**chatterweb** · 12-29-2006, 11:24 PM

My goal for 2007 is to master CP soap and rustics.

**hollyhill** · 12-30-2006, 12:03 AM

I have a set of linen placemats and napkins that I can regift, so far. And I plan to add up the points in various programs to get free GC's to add to gift baskets again. They were such a hit!

**suzysaver** · 12-30-2006, 12:44 PM

Set up another ING account for next christmas, thanks for the idea Blackstonemama. I usually don't spend that much on christmas, but can always use an extra savings account.