The spring and summer may seem too early for some to think about Christmas, but if you do a little on-line shopping at any major stores, including ones like LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, and Kohls and click on "clearance", you'll find incredible deals on sweaters, down vests, winter hats, etc. Quality items will go for 50-75% off of what you would pay in November or December.
Even if you only bought one item a month, beginning with this month of May, you could buy for 8 people on your list by December 1st and not feel slammed with buying all of your gifts in the just a month or two!
Source: I came up with this idea myself while shopping online for my dad's birthday gift.
By Patricia Mabel from Maple Falls, WA
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Whenever I shop, whether it be the grocery store, the drugstore or any store, I always pass through the clearance aisle and take a quick look. I have saved many dollars by making this detour through the store.
Most stores have reduced, marked down item bins. Always go there first when shopping early in the morning. You get the best of the bargains.
A thrifty way to shop is to check out the clearance and final sale section. Some items are still in decent shape with minor flaws that could easily be fixed with a simple DIY.
My husband haunts the bargain bins at Radio Shack and Staples/Office Depot, and finds lots of good deals.
This is a page about shopping holiday clearance sales. Many great deals for next year's celebration can be found at after holiday clearance sales.
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I read about shopping when clothes and other items are on clearance, but when is the best time to shop summer clearance? Winter clearance?
I always search the clearance racks all year round. This is great when you buy sweaters (for fall/school) in May and June.