I can’t believe I’m about to type these words, but….it’s almost time for Christmas! It seems to sneak up on me every year.   Each holiday season, I try and find the best deals, all while making sure I buy the “perfect” gift for each of my loved ones.  This week, kicks off my Christmas shopping and I’m always looking for better ways to save. But then again, aren’t we all?

Here are a few things I do to tackle my Christmas shopping list:

• Make a list – I’m a list maker!  Before I start shopping, I make a list of everyone on my “gift list”. Next to each person’s name are ideas of possible presents. I’m a visual person, so it helps for me to see it all written down in front of me.  It also allows me to see how I’m doing at staying close to my budget.

• Sign up for deal alerts – Using my master list, I cruise the internet daily for “one day only deals” – it’s amazing the bargains you can find! My personal favorite – Amazon Gold Box deals!  I scooped up some major steals there last year! I found a toy for Maggie that was 50% off the store price! I’m also a fan of Target’s Daily Deals.  Be sure and sign up for their deal alerts!

• Compare! Compare! Compare! – Call me crazy, but I never buy a present at the first place I see it (except for daily deals).  The Internet is a shopper’s best friend when looking for the lowest prices.  When I find an item I want to buy, I Google it to find other site’s prices – I can usually find a better deal elsewhere. Although, buyer beware when it comes to the shipping/handling charges! Sometimes shipping fees can make or break a deal for me.  Any site that offers free shipping is always a plus!

Let’s help each other save money this upcoming holiday season, share your money saving secrets! What do you do to save money during the holidays? Do you brave the mobs and hit the sales on Black Friday? Shop online? I look forward to hearing how you save while shopping!