How I Am Getting Ready for Christmas Now

Hard to believe, but Christmas is around the corner, here is how I am getting ready!

• Saving up gift cards. Whether I receive them as gifts (and can't use them), from point programs, etc. I am saving them for gifts.
• Making photo holiday cards. Snapfish and Shutterfly have recently offered free holiday cards and I ordered from both of them. Just had to pay shipping!
• Making a list. I've started making a list of gift ideas and keeping an eye out when I go shopping. For example, if someone on my list wanted cookware, Target has recently started clearancing Calphalon and other cookware. (And another Target tip, clearance becomes almost non-existent as the holidays get closer, I have noticed this every year. So if you see some great clearance, get it now!)
• Organizing holiday stuff. This is one I have to work on, but seeing exactly how much wrapping paper, ornaments, etc. I have, helps me stay on track and not overspend.
• Paying attention to sales now. Black Friday is 6 weeks away but some stores are already leaking Black Friday ads. And some are offering deals, like Toys R Us, now to lure shoppers into spending early.
• Toys on your holiday list? Check this list of hot holiday toys and start looking for them now! The top holiday toys tend to go up in price and/or become hard to find as the holiday gets closer.
• Stashing freebies. Many magazines and web sites give away nice freebies. I have been saving them as gifts. Keep checking Savingsmania.com for the latest freebies!

How are you preparing for the upcoming holidays? I'd love to hear your tips, please post a comment, thanks!