My quick and easy guide is all you need to tackle this Christmas, 2024, like a champ. Although it may seem early, the holidays will be here before we know it. As we barrel into July, I'm whipping out my Christmas Shopping Schedule to hold me accountable and make sure I stay on top of everything while I still have the time.
I wish someone had given me something like this when I first started my family, but honestly I'm thankful for the lack of resources I had then because it sparked all the creativity I use in my business now.
This 6 month guide truly works wonders if you start around this time every year. I've compiled a list of the best department stores that offer year-round sales along with some budget friendly takeaways to save you money while you make your rounds. I even included 6 best practices that you can start using today, including tips for choosing how many gifts you should add to each person's wish list. Read to the end for my no fail secret hiding spot that will ensure a Christmas surprise that no one will see coming.
Trust me, nothing spoils all your frugal hard work like an unexpected visitor to your secret Christmas haul.
The End Goal
So how can you start saving for Christmas and look like the prepared hero that you are? Well, first things first, we need a nest egg. Nothing too large, but a nice size to start with. Start by counting the number of people on your list and multiply that by 50.00. Even if that amount isn't fixed on each individual, at least you have a little wiggle room should you need to go up or down in price. For a list of 10 people you will need at least 500 dollars, and for a list of 20 people, you'll want to set aside at least a thousand.
In order to reach this goal you'll need a game plan. For some, an additional five hundred to one thousand dollars is easy to come by but for others it requires planning and strategy. Best advice I can give is take the nest egg money out of your account as soon as it hits. As hard as it sounds, you have to act fast and be proactive.
We all know how fast our money can burn up on direct deposit day. Between car notes, internet bills, rent and mortgage, and a slew of other commitments we have to uphold throughout the month, it can be hard to save, well, anything.
One detrimental step that I took to have an extra 5,000 dollars in my account by the end of every year was this; save one hundred dollars (100) from each payment that you receive. When I started my research on effective ways to save money, I noticed no one was talking about how important it is to set the money aside, that way you won't consider it as part of the spending allowance you have until your next paycheck. Through all the pages of information on investing and using separate accounts, the real advice was a conclusion I drew all on my own. You can't save what you don't have. No matter how small, start either an electronic account or keep a piggy bank at home and aim to put away at least 8 percent of what you make into it each time.
This not only starts your savings account for the holidays, but it can be an additional rainy day fund if your traditional savings account is tied up.
Scouting The Perfect Stores
A few of these are no-brainers as far as bargains, but you've got to do your own research when it comes to the lowest prices in your town. If you live in any of the mainstream towns in your state, you have a couple stores to choose from for a great gift selection. These would be your
I highly recommend signing up for most if not all of these rewards programs in order to get on their coupon mailing list and start saving today.
Take a look online but the real deals are found indoors at the stores. Once you've got a general idea thanks to our list we will cover in the next step, you can start visiting these and other stores for evergreen gifts that are sold all year round. Pro tip - a once well known purchase option, layaway, is still available most places. I know once upon a time I had no space to hide gifts for 6 months in advance. Layaway became my best friend by allowing me to use the stores as a bit of a storage space while I continued to shop and pay at my own pace. Fantastic!
My pro tip for this section would be start the list in order from oldest to youngest. Once I have all the names, I always write down each gift as I purchase it next to the recipient's name and I keep the list with me, that way I can decide quickly when I'm out shopping who is already covered or who I still need to shop for.
I say start with the oldest people on your list simply because they're simpler to buy for. Grandpa wants a shirt or a steak, mom wants an appliance or a trinket, and you can usually find them something good at one of the department stores from the earlier section.
Moving on to the millennials of the list who are a little harder to shop for, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for their gifts a bit longer. Hinting to the title of this article, you have 6 months to shop, so use it wisely. If you stick to cheaper items, possibly 20.00 or less for kids 10 and younger you'll find you have a bit more to spend on meaningful gifts for the young mom or the entrepreneur in your life. Take it from me personally, we don't want socks and we don't want candles.
Grab EVERYONE a Card
The idea is no one gets left behind.
Another no brainer when you think about it but this one usually gets left in the after thoughts bin.
A card is honest and traditional. A card says we didn't hang out all year but I remembered you today. A card says I went out to run errands, saw this card and thought of you, so I grabbed it. It's a pure gesture that really hits home around the holidays. It's something that the undecided buyer won't feel intimidated by. With a broad yet capped selection of cards for the occasion, you get to "pick the best of the bunch", each one different from the last and this counts as an out should you only find a gift that doesn't exactly scream, wow.
Any amount from 20-50.00 is ok for these instances.
Cards also serve as a great centerpiece for basket themed gifts. A basket themed gift is a collection of items loosely related to the individuals interests such as flowers, gift cards, t-shirts, electronic accessories, and things of the like, all bound together with a nice bow, preferably in a basket. These basket themed gifts also serve their purpose year round and are a great way to say I wasn't sure, but I know you'll like it.
Souvenirs Are Presents
Are you a frequent traveler? Do you at least drive to the next town over a few times a month? Did you know these trips are littered with merchandise? Did you know you can use these trips for inspiration when you don't know what to buy?
I receive gifts all year from friends and family that go out of town. Whether it's just out to the main town or if they're flying half way across the U.S., I always get a neatly wrapped present that is so personable. So, it's best to get out of the idea that shopping around a certain time of year is best and start collecting as you go. You can wrap and distribute when it's time, and grabbing these souvenirs along the way makes the chance of gifting them an item they already have go way down.
Some souvenirs to start picking up as Christmas gifts are:
- Specialty vases
- Garment scarves
- Stationary holders
- Polish
- Oils and spices
- Space organizers
- Coats/ jackets
- Sweatshirts
- Mugs
- Colognes/ perfumes
- Jewelry
- Stones/ crystals
- Nature made items including sea salts and charcoals and much more.
I say one of these items goes a long way but still be smart when purchasing. The goal is to save the nest egg. Not spend more away than we would at home.
Monthly Maintenance is Best
The best way to get ahead of the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping is to not wait until the last minute to get it done.
You probably shop at least 4 times a month as does the average American. Weather it's a trip to the mall or a home office restock the opportunities are everywhere. Remaining vigilant of sales as well as trending new items is thee way to be the greatest gift giver of your gathering. The stores are putting out new inventory all year and you can time this perfectly with when you have a little extra cash.
You have to be a little selfless here. When you see an item that you may like for yourself, see if they have a size for that special someone on your list.
Also remember to place the names of these items in your list so you don't over buy.
Ensure to have a column each for name, gift, amount spent, and date purchased. Keep receipts in a separate bag and be sure to check in with some list maintenance about half way through the 6 months.
And the best hiding spot for your Christmas gift stash? Your bathroom. Shocker right!
You're the head of the cleaning department if I'm guessing correctly, and you have plenty of useful space to hide the small stuff. Grab an old Swiffer box or an air mattress box if you have one. This allows you to place a lot of items in one space, and you don't have to worry about labeling. Refer to your list for what goes to who and package everything for delivery when the time comes.
It's July 1st tomorrow, so get your list ready and start saving. Happy Planning.
