Stockpiling for 2010 - Amazon Style

If you have kids in your house, or relatives with children, or friends about to marry or have a baby,  you get the point..... Anyway, we can ALL benefit from stockpiling some gifts while prices are so low.  It is a good idea to have a small gift closet with items that you can use as gifts throughout the year.  I have done this with some success for years.  It REALLY helps with the budget!

How To Get Started

1. List people and events you typically buy for each year.  Make sure to include office gift exchanges and the like.  When I am feeling extra adventurous, I list in calendar order but usually run out of time and energy!
   
2. Jot down a few ideas next to each person/idea.  Make a list of ideas for other random things which might pop up.  I tend to stock up on candles and lotions as they are fairly good universal gifts - housewarming, secret santa, etc.
3. Start shopping!  Have a goal of spending $5 for each occasion (or whatever dollar amount you decide) so if you go over a little, it is still a good savings from purchasing full-priced items at the last minute.  I will spend more if it is a gift for a friend or relative for birthday/Christmas that I know would bless them as long as it is still a great deal.
   

I want to say here that I just love Amazon, however, like an online friend said, Amazon is the Las Vegas of shopping!  The prices fluctuate and it often feels like a roller coaster ride to get a good deal!  Amazon no longer offers free super saver shipping in time for Christmas, however, you can still get overnight shipping.

Here are some Amazon deals that could be great for filling your gift stockpile for next year!  Just be aware that the prices can change at any minute.  Some prices are only revealed if added to your shopping cart.

Nikon Coolpix L20 10MP Digital Camera with 3.6 Optical Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Deep Red) $79.00
Pictureka $9.99
Hi Ho Cherry-O $4.99
Guess Who? Board Game $7.99
Chutes and Ladders $4.99
Candyland $4.99
LeapFrog - Letter Factory $7.49
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl $11.50 (I LOVE her recipe blog!)