Christmas Shopping part 2

So last time we when shopping at the dollar store.  Now we can move up a notch or we can at least think about making presents.  Which should we start with? 

We are still talking cheap presents here folks.  If everyone had plenty of money there would be no reason to do entries on shopping.  Remember that ok?  Also remember that my suggestions/ideas also depends on who you are buying for.  Buying for family who know and understand that you have no money is one thing, buying for someone that doesn't know it or that you don't want to know your money situation is another.

Thrift stores.  AKA: second hand stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, consignment stores.  In other words used stuff.  Don't freak out on me here.  I am not talking about giving someone used panties folks.  There is more to be found in these places.  Know someone that still has a record player?  You can't buy new records anymore so you have to go the used route.  Be sure to actually look at the record before you pay for it.  It could have another artist inside the cover, and you need to look for scratches, etc....

Books.  Used books for Christmas?  You can find some that aren't worn out and that could pass for new.  But even if they don't pass for new and they are for your sister or brother so what?  I love to read.  Give me a book from anywhere and I am happy.  If I have the book or have already read it I will just hop on down to the used book store and trade it in for another book.  No biggie.

Furniture?  If you watch the show Trading Spaces you know that you can recover/rework some pieces of furniture.  I would not recommend trying this for the very first time a week before Christmas.  And if you are not careful you could end up spending more to fix it up that it would be cheaper to go buy something new.  Find a good deal on something that just needs fresh paint?  Go for it.  If it is cheap enough you can try it.  If you mess it up you can keep it or donate it back to where ever you bought it.

Used clothes?  I would stick with just for your children.  They wouldn't know or even care.  At Christmas their eyes are on the toys.  And speaking of toys you can (if you are willing to look, really look) find some next to new toys and books for children.  You can even find some usable computers.  Unless you know what you are doing I would not recommend buying a computer at Goodwill, unless you are going to use it just for the kids to play games on.

It continues to amaze me the people that look down on going into a Goodwill store but think nothing of going into a "vintage" or consignment shop.  It's the same stuff folks.  Also the same as yard sales (which is another place to "shop" for great one of a kind type things).

Comb your local newspaper ads for people selling items you might could use.  But make sure you go over the item really good before you pay for it.  And never, NEVER go to a strangers house alone.

Also at used stores you can walk out with some really great buys on clocks, kitchen/house wares.  But to find the good stuff you have to be willing to look, dig, and keep coming back (as they restock all the time.  as them when they put out new stuff and go in then  the good stuff gets gone fast)

Should I mention re-gifting yet?  No, we still have crafts and other things to cover before we get there.  Maybe.  Who knows when I may get around to that.

Is everyone counting the catalogs they are getting in the mail?  I have had over 50 and some from the same companies twice or more.

I have another idea to get everyone into the season.  And it won't cost anyone anything.  Nope, not one cent.  Be looking for details coming soon..........

And don't forget we still have to get through Thanksgiving!

                     

christmas shopping part one here
extra cash for christmas here