Children’s birthday parties. A co-worker’s birthday. A housewarming gift.
Think of all the gifts you buy throughout the year.
Now think of the savings if you would have been able to buy all of those gifts on sale.
Maybe you can.
A great way to save money is to buy gifts ahead of time when you see items on sale or clearance. A lot of times you’ll see this called a “gift closet”. Granted, there still may be one or two people that you end up buying a full price gift for because what you have is not right for them, but shopping ahead of time can be a fantastic way to cut costs.
Start with re-gifting what you’ve been given, but can’t use. Don’t mind those who say they wouldn’t do it. Not only will this practice save you money, it will help the landfill by not throwing the items away, but giving it to someone who will use it.
Check flea markets, yard sales, garage sales, tag sales and estate sales for nearly new or new items that can be given as gifts. Browse thrift shops and consignment stores for new and wrapped items that can be used for gift giving.
Here are a few ideas of items to be on the look out for:
candles
seasonal merchandise
stationery
journals
books
frames
baby items
cd’s,
dvd’s,
magnets
games
toys
coasters
dish towels
photo albums
bath items
stuffed animals
Just like with a food pantry, your “gift closet” will need to be maintained and updated. Keep tabs on what you have by checking it frequently. Once you get into the habit and filling and using your stockpile of gifts, you’ll love the savings! 
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