Shopping For Christmas Gifts in August
Christmas in August – or any summer month – can mean amazing savings and deals on gifts. Even if you still have the picnic baskets and suntan lotion in your front closet, it is time to stock up on Christmas gifts (and save some money at the same time).
Summer Bargains for Holiday Giving
This holiday season you might feel the lure of red and green bath sets that feature Santa taking a bubble bath, but step away from the commercialized holiday gifts sets and create your own that will be truly appreciated. Shop now for summer items on clearance and assemble small gift sets for the gardener, griller, or beach-goer on your gift list.
Garden Gift Basket
I love to be in my garden, and I love giving my gardening friends a little something special for the holidays. Now is the perfect time to find vases, pruning shears, and gardening gloves on clearance. I found these garden items on clearance online at Target that double as great gifts and unique gift baskets.
To these I’m adding some clearance-priced gardening gloves I found at CVS pharmacy, a pair of pruners from Lowe’s that were 75% off, and some seed packets that were on clearance at Menards for less than $1.00 each. Together this gardening gift basket would have cost $72.98, but I’m putting it together for only $27!
Grilling Gift Set
In the middle of the cold winter here in the Midwest I won’t be able to find quality grilling gifts for the BBQ men on my gift list. But when I shop the clearance aisles now, I not only find what I need, but I save a lot of cash and put together a great gift.
- Every grill-master needs an apron, and I found this adorable one at Bed, Bath & Beyond. It reads The Grillfather – and is only $7.99.
- This lime green metal beverage tub from Pier 1 Imports is a great gift and gift basket – just add a 6-pack of your person’s favorite beverage, the apron, and a note that you look forward to one of his burgers in the summer.
If you can’t find all of these items, or you’re looking for something on a smaller budget, check the summer clearance aisles for a plastic beach bucket (now on sale at Michael’s for less than a $1.00), and add your BBQ tools and apron.
Beach Bum Gift Set
When the snow if flying you might be looking forward to a little reminder of sunshine (I know I do living in one of the coldest areas of the country!). Share those warm thoughts will people on your gift list by shopping now for those great summer gifts you can give for Christmas.
- Start with shopping clearance for beach baskets, picnic baskets, or plastic beach pails to be used as the gift bag (why waste wrapping paper when the container can double as the gift?).
- Shop the clearance at Kohl’s to find easy and fun ideas – there are drawstring bags for the teenagers and summer handbags for your girlfriends. Add in suntan lotion, sunglasses, a floppy hat, and a fun beach towel.
Why You Should Begin Holiday Shopping Early
Not only can you find some great, fun pieces from summer clearance sales that won’t be around in the winter, but you can save a lot of money by doing your holiday shopping out of season. By spreading the amount of money you spend out over months instead of weeks it is less painful for your spending budget, and you can plan ahead so you avoid impulse purchases where you feel like you just have to get something. Plus, you get to create personalized gift baskets that don’t involve Santa taking a bubble bath.
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