Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Works for me Wednesday: Buying stocking stuffers throughout the year


I can't say I always do this well, but I do like to accumulate stocking stuffers throughout the year for my family. I don't do well with last-minute stocking shopping, and I spend a lot less money if I stockpile these items all year long.

Here is what works for me:
  • I have a dedicated tote bag to store the stocking stuffers in. I keep this in our guest room closet on a high shelf so it's "hidden" from my family.
  • I buy small items I know my family likes when I see them on sale. Last year I bought a few Christmas items at the December 26th sales after Christmas 2008. I have coloring books and window decals for my toddler from these sales.CVS, Target and Wal-Mart are my favorite resources for sales. I also scored some free socks for my husband's stocking when working a DSW deal this fall.
  • I don't spend a lot of money. I like this challenge, and I work at spending under $20-30 for my family's stocking stuffers. This works for me because I'm competitive and like to work coupon deals.

What can you add? Leave us a comment!
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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good tip!
I've been doing this too. I think right now I have a bunch of Glade candles, Plug-ins, nail polish, lotion, etc. stocked away. Unfortunately the men in my life (husband and son) don't really have much of a need/want for these items. I need to keep a look-out throughout the year for more "manly" stocking stuffers!
Laura

Jennifer Clark said...

My mom took freebies she got at the mall and put them in my stocking - a See's Candies lollipop handout and a $10 Shutterfly gift card she got when she purchased pictures of Kira with Santa.

The Thrifty Momma Says said...

This is a great idea. I need to get started a little earlier this coming year. I scored a decent amount of freebies and deals for stockings in Nov. and Dec. but I could have done better had I started earlier.