How to shop for Christmas Toys on a Budget

This article is about saving you money! You will learn through savvy and timely shopping to save money and time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Organized List of children you are buying for
• Toys your children have asked for
• A babysitter- you must shop alone on this excursion.

1. Talk to your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Find out what they are into. Make a list of the kids you are buying for and put the toy of their desire next to their name.

2. Look for slashed prices. The idea of Christmas in July is a very good one. Towards the middle of July, while we are soaking up the rays, stores are prepping for the snowflakes of Christmas, by cutting prices as much as 75% off!! Many times the very same toy you purchased far in advance in July at, $5.00 is "on sale" in November for $20.00!
   Target and The Disney Store hold huge sales during the month of July.

3. Go alone. Do not take the kids with you to shop for these bargains. The point is to gift these gifts at a later date- not now!

4. Be prepared to hide. Once you have your bounty- you have to keep it hidden- for months. If you do not already have plastic colored totes- guess what? You will be buying them along with the toys to house them. They can be purchased for $7.00 to $10.00- don't forget the lids- you'll need them!
   Don't know where to put them? These totes can easily be disguised. They blend in perfectly with the other totes you should have all of your Christmas decorations in! Just pile them up next to the totes with decorations- and viola! Hidden in plain view- almost!

Tips & Warnings

• Caution: be prepared to say no to a bargain. If your child has moved on from Dora to Hannah- there really is no going back. Do not fall into the "price is right" trap. If the toy is to babyish for your child- DO NOT BUY IT! If your son is into PSP games do not buy him Superman action figures- (this I learned the hard way- through my wallet.) Point is: look at your child's interests and age, this is your guiding point- not price! If you are patient, you will find a bargain toy, even an electronic one, for your child.

[Ruth07]

on 7/28/2008 This advice is helpful. Great job!

[CathyHall]

on 7/26/2008 Sofi,when my kids were little I started shopping in July and by October, I was done! Oh, if it were only that easy (and cheap!) these days...

[HouseWifeMafia]

on 7/25/2008 AWESOME - Very helpful tips!

[acole]

on 7/24/2008 Great ideas.