I get nervous about whether someone will want to take something back or exchange it for a different size or something. I love getting gifts ahead of time and on major sale but the threat of if they'll want to return it scares me. When you buy way ahead of time you are usually running over the return policy time and would never be able to get another one since it was a while ago.

I have bought things ahead and put them up in the attic. However, I have forgotten about many items.

So now I need to go up and see what we have and then go shopping in the attic for birthdays and christmas.

To make sure I do not buy one more item I stay out of the stores ... I love sales so much; however, to save money I must stay out.

For the last 5 years or so we go out the day after Christmas to the sales and buy at least half of our presents for the next year. Saves a lot as our area marks stuff 75% off that day. I really try not to buy last min stuff as it adds up fast

it's really easy when you have small kids or a person to buy for that likes the same thing every year- but I'm just not that lucky.
I used to buy things throughout the year, but then, like another poster said, if you buy too far in advance, the person can't exchange it- usually only 90 days on return policies.
also- for the bath and body stuff- not trying to be critical, but I've found that after about a year the fragrances "turns" - it just doesn't smell the same as "fresh" and newly bought. Maybe I just store it wrong though-that could be me.

my difficulties with buying ahead come from an unpredicatable family. one year I had bought ahead and started making themed gift baskets for everyone- and some people ended up not coming that year. Ugh- so I had a really cute italian personalized basket for SIL and she wasn't even there. Kind of a waste- no I didn't ship it to her, ya gotta come to christmas to get your gift. Another year, I had purchased things year around and then the family decided to draw names- something they had never done before. That cute butterfly bathrobe I had bought neice was not going to fit next christmas- and I bought it in February, I couldnt' return it. Ugh.

I know alot of people think " well just save that present for a birthday" or whatever, but our family doesn't exchange gifts like that, so it was kind of wasteful- of money and time. I ended up using some of the non-given gifts myself though.

ANYWAY, I decided I'm better off just saving money and going out in November to shop. This of course goes against my personality of being chronically early and very organized, but I only have so much money. I HAVE to get the gift right on the first try, because there isn't any more money to go back and fix it, and in the case of things I've made, or bought months ahead of time- return it.

Definately try to get all the little odds and ends throughout the year...stuck in a drawer waiting for a name. It also helps b/c there are times when a birthday pops up out of nowhere and then I'm not running to the toy store and spending more $$ in a hurry.

Big items...I'm a big believer in the shopping day after Thankgiving. I have a "reconnaisance" trip the week before and make out my list. Up at 4am the morning of and get crazy deals. Since i know what i want it actually isn't that bad. I don't spend any time browsing around. Between special deals and coupons that I have saved up I easily only pay out 25% for what I buy. and then I have the next month to just sit back and enjoy the holiday.

I make a list of everyone I buy presents for after Christmas. When I buy them something I write it down on the list so I KNOW what I have bought for everyone. My kids like to make presents for people so that works out. I just have to find an age appropriate craft for them.

I love it when Target has their July clearance to start getting ready for the season. I buy things for the kids and things for b-day parties the kids will get invited to and have them ready to go.

I also will be crazy enough to brave black friday IF and only IF I am going to get something that my kids want at a GREAT price.

I also like garage sales and thrift stores. I just bought my 4yr old son some of the kid kinex sets for $4. I priced them at Toys R Us and he got two complete sets for that price. All I had to do is wash them and dissinfect them.

I have found the key is the list and sticking to it. It will take some will power but it can be done and you will feel better after Christmas not drowning in bills.

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