Christmas Gift Ideas - Sale It To Me, Toys r Us, and more

Christmas is upon us.  Well, the shopping part, anyway.  I will be giving you some ideas for maximizing your dollar during this shopping season.  First, some tips!

1. Decide who will get gifts this year and  set your spending budget.  You may choose to set a limit per person or just an overall limit.  Don't forget the small gifts:  teachers, postal workers, office gifts, etc.
   
2. Set aside a receipt envelope.  I use 1 envelope for all my holiday shopping - it helps me stay on budget and makes it convenient when someone needs to return or exchange something.
3. Don't be afraid to think outside the box for gift ideas.   I tried this for my brother's birthday this year.  Through normal conversations, I learned of some random items he really needed that were not traditional gift ideas (rechargeable batteries for his xbox and a new razor for his head since he shaves bald).  He never gave me his usual idea list.  He said he's never giving me a list again - he loved the randomness of the gifts.  I was able to spend very little and use some of my stockpile of freebies and he enjoyed it.  
4. Remember, it's not about the amount you spent, but the thought that goes into the gift.

Now for some ideas!

If you shop online, try shopping through a rebate site and get money back for each purchase.  UPromise is a great site - the money you get back goes into a savings account for college for your kids (or to pay off your own student loan).  My favorite rebate site is Shop at Home.  Get $5 in your account just for signing up.  Print out coupns for restaurants and groceries and earn money for using them.  Shop online and earn up to 30% cash back.  Click the picture below to check it out.



If you need toys for Christmas, check out the Toys r Us Secret Saturday sale.  Don't forget to sign up for their free rewards program.

I love good clothes.  I love being able to give nice clothes as gifts.  I hate paying full price.  With Shop It To Me, you decide what items you normally buy and receive a daily email alerting you to sales on those particular items!  As a bonus, get a $10 gift card when you have 10 friends sign up under you!  I am working toward a $10 iTunes gift card for a stocking stuffer.  Shh - don't tell Hubby!

Lastly, don't forget about the 2010 Entertainment Book.  It's a great gift and a great way to save money!