If you stopped by my blog today hoping for some cute Christmas in July crafts, you came to the wrong place!
I’m Just trying to save you some money by encouraging you to spend money. Here’s thing the thing friends, with five children I have had to find ways to cut costs wherever I can. That means shopping early for Christmas gifts so it’s not such a hard hit to my bank account come December.
Guess what?
Target puts a huge selection of toys on clearance in July/Aug to get ready for the new release toys prepping for Christmas. This is when you too should start prepping for Christmas and score some great deals.
I can sweeten this deal even more for you the because the Starbucks inside Target, is now open too! Grab your favorite drink, maybe even a peppermint mocha to get in the holiday spirit.
I hate peppermint and coffee together, so my summer order has been an iced Venti cold brew with a splash of coconut milk and cinnamon dolce syrup, Yum!
How do I track of it all?
You may be asking yourself if you will forget what you bought, and where you hid it, I’ve got you covered. After trial and error by purchasing too much because I couldn’t see what I bought then hiding it so well I couldn’t even find it, I came up with a good system to keep you organized when purchasing gifts early.
Create a file on your phone or computer called “Chores, To-Do, or Grocery list” then make it look like this:
Grocery list
Eggs
Milk
Bread
Pasta
Carrots
Kale x2
Red peppers
Apples
Bananas
Chicken breast
Then leave a large space before you start your actual list
.
.
.
.
.
List each by person and location that it’s stored. I also track price, so I know what I have spent in total. The large space is necessary so that if anyone glances at the file, they just see the boring task list.
(insert person’s name)
$8.98 -Minecraft lamp – in closet top shelf
$3.63 – Fortnight playset – in a black tote in main closet labeled blankets
(insert person’s name)
$1.99 Stainless steel travel mug – In my bottom drawer.
Listing where you hid the item is crucial. I still have a few items hidden somewhere in this house from a few years ago before I stared labeling where I hid it.
Yellies, are toys that move when you yell loudly at it. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to encourage my kids to be even louder than they already are. Not even if this was free would I bring it home!
I bought this Cabbage Patch doll more for me, than my six-year-old. As a child of the 80’s I LOVED these dolls and since it was 50% off I figured, I would give it a shot. It might be me playing with it on Christmas morning!
While I was there another mom was looking for Vintage Care Bears that were just released today, I might have to grab one of those too. Maybe I will just stick to just ONE vintage toy, not even knowing if my children will like it more than me.
One last thing. Be sure to check the price on Amazon for anything that looks like a good deal because sometimes Amazon is still cheaper than at the store. Buy early too, because the prices will go up the closer it gets to Christmas!
If you like these tips, check back in August when I talk about saving money on Birthdays.
