Are there any stores you have been in where you have been surprised to find good deals on presents? When Kohls first opened here I was surpirsed at their toy sales. I just thought they sold clothes, shoes, bedding and kitchen stuff. Aldi's is another place to find great deals on toys, books, character blankets, etc.

mendards they sell all kinds of different things thru out the year. i always find nice candles ect for really cheap in there.

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SILENCE IS GOLDEN BUT DUCK TAPE IS SILVER.

Here in the Seattle area, we have BigLots, which is a discount store that can actually have some pretty good finds. (I'm sure they're in other parts of the country, too, just don't know where.) Also, dollar stores are great for stocking stuffers or in-law gifts. We have a nice dollar store close to us (some dollar stores are pretty junky; I stay away from those), and I've gone there for stocking stuffers and candle sets for my husband's sisters. The women in the family usually give each other gifts at Christmas that are $5-15, so I try to really stretch that and make the gifts as nice as possible.

Also, the trial sizes available at grocery stores (of shampoos, etc.) make fun stocking stuffers, too.

And...I like to shop clearance racks and tables at various stores.

Wineries. We're simplifying our gift giving this year a bit more, and while on vacation last week we stopped at a few wineries for free tastings. If you buy a case of wine, you get a discount. We bought some wines for ourselves & others as gifts. Sometimes with the discount the bottle can be as low as $8. Nice gift for neighbors, friends, etc - one or 2 bottles. They also often have lots of little wine-related items for sale too.

TJ Maxx also has some great toy bargains!

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Arts and Crafts fairs! I attended one last week and got so many wonderful gifts. I was there on Saturday and decided to go back to get a couple of things Sunday. On Sunday, many vendors had their items discounted up to 50%! I got some super deals - custom sweatshirts $9, handmade throw pillows $3, etc.

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Homeschooling Mom to Daniel (13 Years), Andrew (10 Years), Stephen (8 Years) and Emily (4 Years)

Cost Plus--it's like a cooler, cheaper Pier 1. Last year they had all their Christmas stuff 75% off three weeks BEFORE Christmas! Look there for stocking stuffers and special Christmas treats too--many items look handmade--they add to the Santa's-elves-make-the-toys feeling.

Sam's Club has lots of good stuff!

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~Happiness is a large family~

Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. James 1:19

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24