[Lenae]

I always shop year 'round for Christmas and birthday presents. Off season is always great for bargains!

Gifts for my family, I use the 'goody bag' method. I buy a lot of items I get on sale (usually 75% off or more) and put them in a pretty tote bag or box (sometimes I decoupage them). My mom and sister love getting gifts this way, there are a few items that they really love.

I thought it was funny when I got mom a cool trinket to hang outside. She loved it and then asked where I bought it. I told her I couldn't tell her or she would know how much I spent... LOL

Some of my favorite places to find gifts are:dollar stores (they sometimes get awesome overstock from other places), Wall's, Tuesday Morning, Big Lots and Ross.

Fortunately, my husband shops for his family (it's a big family!). He bought most of their Christmas gifts at Hasting's. He bought a lot of used DVD's and books. For 13 members of his family, he spent $200.