Day 6: Shop year round and SAVE $

Now this may seem contradictory to yesterday's post on cleaning out clutter, but I promise you it's not. It's no secret....I love to shop!I also love to give (and receive) gifts! It truly is my love language. I get so giddy when I find that perfect gift for someone, I imagine the look in their face when they open "exactly what they wanted" and I get the warm fuzzies. :-) How can I afford to do this you ask? My secret? I shop year round....that's right I am always on the lookout for deals. But I have VERY strict criteria. First I keep a list in my wallet of all family members /friends/teacher/kid birthday I buy for and the occassions I buy for them organized by months of the year. As I buy a gift I cross if their name & occassion. Other important rules I follow: 1) Is it really usuable by the intended recipient? By this I mean if it 's clothes or accessories is it a classic piece that can be used forever if it's a passing trend I skip it..same applies for kids stuff...no character /popular on trend Tv show related items 2) If I were to receive it as a gift would I like it? It's not necessarily the cost (I have gotten many quality items at 90% off) it's quality. Always keep I'm mind their likes, hobbies etc... 3) How much of a bargain is it? For me it has to be atleast half off (50%) but 70-90% is even better!!!! 4) When will I give this item? Am I willing to store it for that much time? Do I have room? I keep ONE rubbermaid tote strictly for gift giving, as I purchase an item(s) I put them in the tote and write what it I bought and who /what it is intended for on a piece of notebook paper taped to the inside lid. Once the item (s) are gifted I cross it off. Simple! Example: March 19th-Mother-inlaw -birthday-picture frame Once the occassion arrives I can wrap it beautifully (from my always well st-ocked gift wrapping station) that's a whole seperate post ;-) Since Christmas just passed I will tell you a few things what I bought so you can get an idea of what I mean by my criteria: I purchased digital money counting banks for $1.49 at Target 70% off I bought 4... one for each of my big boys for their Easter basket and the other 2 for birthday gifts for their friends. I also purchased led candles (2pk) battery operated with timer for $2.99 this will make a nice gift for my friend's birthday (she loves candles in her bedroom but is afraid to fall asleep and they'll still be lit...problem solved!) I hope this post helps you save some money and time...HAPPY SHOPPING & GIVING!