Thank Goodness for Pre-Buying
January 7, 2009 by Karen Weideman
Filed under Christmas, money saving idea, shopping
As many of you know, our family has been through a big transition lately. We have moved to a new location and our house hasn’t sold. My husband also started a new job and did not receive his first paycheck until this past week.
I was determined not to go into debt for Christmas. And how does one do this? I shop throughout the year and buy things on clearance for my kids. I use the items for their birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or as special treats.
My kids had plenty to open this year. Take a look at some of my bargains. (In case you’re wondering why the date is weird, it’s because we let the kids open the gifts from us before we left town to see family.)
Cuddlebug likes his new car. I got it 75% off after Christmas last year. Paid $2.50 for it.
Alligator was excited about her new Hello Kitty bookbag. Got it at Target, 75% off for $4.24.
A pretty new purse and wallet with sequin butterflies. My friend found this deal for $1. It had a Sears tag on it for $13. And the cool pirate hat is from Dollar Tree.
Carter’s fleece pajamas bought at Sam’s Club for $3.81.
Carter’s fleece jacket, $3.
Hat from Children’s Place, $2-3?
I got this V-Smile game at Target, 75% off for $6.24.
There’s lots more, but you get the idea. I know that not all kids are this easy to buy for, but I try to buy things that I know my kids will like. It certainly saves a lot of money and my kids are able to get more things since I didn’t pay much for them. I’ve already started shopping for next year.
Do you buy things throughout the year?
LRN
Way to go! Great deals
Good job! I don’t do this as much as I would like, but my mother does this every year.
I totally do this! It’s a great idea. I got our little cousins some cool $20 Transformers for 4.98 over the summer and gave them for Christmas. The kiddies were thrilled! It is really a good idea to shop for all Christmas presents throughout the year- I never shop in December
wow! that was a smart buy. your kids surely love it as what i seen in those pics. they enjoyed it. not only that you purchased it in very low price.
I do this and more!! I live in WI and last week went to our local JCPenny’s store to buy coats for my 5 children for next year. 5 coats (all Arizona and Columbia) and 2 snowpants later…..I used a $30 gift card and only put $75 on the Penny’s card!!! The total “original prices” (which I would NEVER pay!) should have totaled over $475!!!