Christmas planning and saving ideas?

[decemberlily]

It's getting close to that time of year, and I am hoping to get a head start (ie: before December!) on my shopping and planning, and hopefully save some money. I know lots of you started... well, last January? lol ... but here's what I am looking for.

I am looking for ideas:
- freebies
- great deals

Maybe a forum for Christmas ideas/sales?

Not sure, hoping you all could brainstorm with me, as money is tight this year for many people, myself included.

Anyone want to share some ideas? Thoughts? (Boo, maybe we could have a christmas savings forum or something?)

I started looking at http://christmas.organizedhome.com/get-organized/simplify-your-holidays-christmas-planner-notebook and Gifts in a Jar, but I am hoping for some new ideas.....


Thanks!

[Stormie]

Great idea hopefully everyone can benefit in some small way in brainstorming like this (i)

[decemberlily]

Hoping so... so I will bump this every so often in hopes of getting idea contributions

[Cheapster1977]

Same here looking for discounts this year for Christmas

[decemberlily]

Good morning, SC'ers... can you help with this topic?

[thecountess]

There's lot of info here also

http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-a.htm#christmas

[Natalka]

For homemade craft ideas, decorations, baking - there is a thread going in the Tea Room.
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/96692-a...crafts-canada/

[Draggy]

flylady.com started her cruising through the holidays posts today.

The plan is that everyone who follows her plan will be ready for Xmas by Dec 1st. That way they can enjoy the season and not be stressed out.

[MaddensMomma]

I've been saving up my FPC smellies, glade candles, sense and sprays for christmas gift baskets. My family always loves them. Plus I have some $2 folgers coupons, bought some coffee to add to the baskets. Also got a FPC and $1 any for emailing Tetley, but i'm all stocked up on tea atm so i'm using that for the basket as well.
I got Pantene Pro-V shampoo and conditioner yesterday on sale + using a coupon for $1.70 each i think, so I've done a trade and hoping to get them before the end of the week so I can buy some more for my sisters basket.

Looking for more Smellies, Tetley and Lipton coupons
Anyone have anymore ideas for things for the baskets that are free/almost free?

[WandaM]

Homemade goodies always are a hit...peanut brittle, caramel popcorn or fudge.
I buy alot of my baking supplies on sale so I save some money.

[babygonnermann]

I did all of the kid's Christmas shopping in the new year when everything went on sale, and have been picking up random things on discount at Zellers when they go on for 50% off the lowest ticketed price.

For everyone else, I'm just going to be doing some baking and making up tins of goodies for everyone

[travelgeek]

if you have a passport and live near the border and can deal with the madness of huge crowds and lineups, there's the black friday sale in the US the day after their thanksgiving (last week of Nov). the type of deals found puts our boxing day to shame.

[decemberlily]

I am debating doing black friday but I may not have my passport for then (have to renew) and I never know what to get! Great ideas tho thanks everyone!

[Sunraven]

if you have a passport and live near the border and can deal with the madness of huge crowds and lineups, there's the black friday sale in the US the day after their thanksgiving (last week of Nov). the type of deals found puts our boxing day to shame.

I second this. Go with some girlfriends, make a weekend of it, you'll be able to bring back a lot of loot!

[decemberlily]

OMG I cant go over there for a couple hours without spending $150+++++ !!!

Although I have heard there are some wicked deals.

Ok that does it. I ask for the day off. Or at least the afternoon?