I've pretty much bought all the gifts I need for the relatives and friends on the list (not including my own household).  However, I'm seeing some really nice, inexpensive gifts that are perfect for people on my list.  

Here are some of the deals I've found:-

• Hardcover novel in the dollar store - $1 (can't find the defect and the story is quite good!)
• A nice foldable tote - a knockoff of a much more expensive version that I saw in a duty-free shop during a recent trip - $7.50
• A set of 2 Hannah Montana framed pictures - cost $1.50
• Lots of Christmas storybooks and activity books at the dollar store
• A lovely gift boxed mug with the Serenity Prayer - $2 (would be perfect for my mother, who collects mugs)

My husband would think that I am certifiably insane if he knew that I was already thinking about next year's gifts!

I normally wait till the day after christmas to start. My husband thinks I am crazy. I am finding out that I don't have the storage like I use to for all the treasure that I find. I am to try to break my self from buying early and save money in a Christmas club for 2010. I was going to do it for this christmas but didn't get it done. Came across a great sale and did good.

 It is never too early if it's in the budget to spend and you found some good deals that can help you make Christmas fun but frugal next year.

 

I saw something last night that would have been neat for a small gift. Maybe I can remember it for next year.  It's never too early to think about the next gift giving occasion.  If I hadn't bought things August-November, I'd be trying to cram it all in now, when I don't have the time or money.

I am spending much of today wrapping gifts for sending across the country. I found myself wishing I had more goodies to fill the boxes with, and kicking myself that I didn't look for more bargains during the year. So I am already thinking of next year's gifts, too!

I find a lot of good knick-knacky type gifts, ornaments, inspirational books, etc. on super-duper clearance at my local Bible bookstore each year right after Christmas. They mark their after-season merchandise down by 75 to 90%. I will definitely be looking for goodies there soon!

That sounds like a good idea! I started seeing things I wanted to buy for Christmas earlier this year and I wondered if that was too early. It turns out that I didn't want to give any of those things as gifts, so I think waiting in my case was a good idea.

Nice budget, by the way! Not a thing over $10 I see.

I had already bought most of our gifts before the end of October.   Thanks to the year-round shopping, the gift buying stress has been significantly reduced.   Of the gifts that remain outstanding, we already know what we're going to buy (like an orchid for MIL).   

Christmas is a lot more fun when I am not stressed!