How to Find Great Gifts at Bargain Prices

Tired of spending too much money on name brand items that are "must haves" for that someone special on your gift list this year? Here are some super easy tips that will help you rethink your current shopping strategies and turn you into a bargain diva in no time!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper or Journal
• Internet Connection

1. Create and Maintain a Price Journal. Research, research, and more research. Check current prices of the items you covet on popular shopping bots like shop.com or pricegrabber.com. Note the best price you find online and write it in your price journal. Take journal with you on all future shopping trips. Note those prices you find "in the field" in your journal as well.

2. Go on a window shopping spree! Hit the discount department stores first. Shop clearance sections all year long so that you can buy off-season or overstocked name brand items at deep discounts. Even seasonal merchandise is well over 50% off mall prices at such stores like Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross, Big Lots, and Burlington.

3. Keep an extra $10 in a separate shopping wallet so that you are not tempted to overspend. If you find a great bargain under $10, don't pass it up...it may not be there tomorrow!

4. Look online for secret sales! Be sure to check for online coupons and or codes that may entitle you to free shipping or dollars off discounts. I use secretprices.com most frequently to check for such deals but if you do a google search, for example, Macy's Coupon Code, you'll get a host of web sites that have updated coupons for that online store.

5. Now compare the prices that you found online with the prices you found on your window shopping spree. How do they compare? When convinced you've got a bargain, go for it! If not, just wait...it will eventually go on sale somewhere locally or in cyberspace.

6. 

   Need great gift ideas that won't break the bank? Visit my website for tons of free tips, tricks and techniques to make gift giving easier this year! www.thegifttherapist.com and don't forget to check out my bargain alert blog for frequent updates on all the best deals out there in shopping heaven www.thegifttherapist.blogspot.com

Tips & Warnings

• Try browsing local consignments shops and Goodwill stores. Many carry new merchandise at a fraction of the price.
• Re-gifting is practical when the item is in brand new condition and would be meaningful to the recipient. Label your re-gifts with the name of the person who gave it to you to avoid embarrassment :)
• Try ebay and other online auction sites. Beware of excessive shipping rates or negative feedback ratings. Make sure you are really get a deal and for sure not getting scammed.
• When in doubt, wait and be patient!

Resources

• The Gift Therapist on the Web
• Bargain Alert Blog

[GiftTherapist]

on 10/1/2008 Thanks everyone! Come back often for much more closer to the holiday! Happy Giving!

[Thims]

on 9/27/2008 I guess around Christmas and Birthdays all of us might need a "gift therapist!" No, I don't need another tie, bowling ball, or socks!!

[Thims]

on 9/27/2008 I consider this article a gift. Great ideas!
A price journal, why didn't I think of that!?

[vdeneen]

on 7/27/2008 Great tips! Thanks!