Holiday Shopping - Start Early

Here are some tips on how others are starting their shopping early:

1. One mom starts shopping in the summer. If you also are a summer Holiday shopper, what types of things do you buy in summer?

2. Another friend is trying eBay for some Holiday shopping. Anyone else have good experiences with buying gifts for others through eBay?

3. I like shopping by Internet. Many places offer free shipping and big discounts through Web-only sales (although many time, quantities are limited). Some sites that I've personally shopped at in the past: Old Navy for kids clothes and One Step Ahead (www.onestepahead.com) for baby items. Anyone else have any favorite websites?

3. The best retail store that I like to shop is Barnes & Noble. Their hours are great, and I can shop for a lot of people at once. We give a lot of B&N gift cards for children, teens, adults, co-workers and even teachers. I've bought calendars as gifts, blank journals, kids games and toys, and of course books. I like shopping in their bargain books sections. The B&N Cafe has nice food gifts too, like coffee or tea package gift set, chocolates, etc.

4. If you have friends or acquaintances who represent direct sales companies (like Avon, Pampered Chef, Home Interiors, etc.) try to do some shopping from them as well. You'll get personal attention, at-home delivery, unique gift selections and plus, you'll be helping your friends by supporting their business as well. As a Creative Memories consultant, I offer wish lists for my customers to fill out so that husbands, boyfriends and family members can easily shop for scrapbooking supplies for their wives, mothers, etc.

What other ideas do you have for Holiday Shopping? Click on today's Comments or send me an email with your suggestions.

See you tomorrow.