Gift Cards For Christmas?

I know the topic of gift cards is touchy. Is it impersonal? Does it say I don't care? How much is cheap?
So here are my thoughts on gift cards.

~Gift cards are like cash but they limit where you can spend them.

~If you are giving a gift card to a child, cash would be better, as mom or dad could then decide how much goes into savings and how much of it they can spend.

~Since the recipients obviously won't use them until after Christmas the money you put on them will go farther since so many things will be on sale!

~The best presents are things people won't buy for themselves. If you know the person well get them a Gift card to their favorite store.

~Some people are harder to shop for and you can even buy "mall" gift cards. This is like a visa and they can spend it anywhere.

~The only down side- Just remember a gift card is essentially like cash in the essence if it gets lost it is gone~

~I don't suggest getting the in laws a gift card unless it's for a cruise! lol

So in short gift cards can be a great gift!

Smart Christmas Shopping

Okay so for those of you that didn't buy out the stores on Black Friday here are some last minute shopping tips.

~look for coupons online for the stores you are going to shop at that day. Kohl's, JCPenny's, Ect have 15% or 20% off coupons that you can just print off. There is typically no minimum purchase to use them but if you spend $100 that is $15-$20 off ; spend $200 and it becomes $30- $40 and that's worth printing a coupon for sure!

~pick up a circular when you walk into a store- often they have coupons in them you can use that day

~ask the clerk at the checkout if they have any store coupons that apply to your purchase or an extra flyer. They usually have one at the register they can scan for you when customers coupons won't scan properly. They don't tend to offer it but if you ask they often won't say no. (this works at grocery stores too)

~if you have an expired store coupon try it anyway- often stores will still honor them to get your business especially during this time of year ;)

~shop online to compare prices first so you get the best deal without having to go from store to store to look at prices and then map out your shopping route.

~make a list- it is easier to spend more when you are unfocused on what to buy.

~A lot of stores are already putting things on sale 30% off such as Target.

~Target for at least 1 is a store you can bring your receipt back to if the price of your item goes on sale in the next 7 days from purchase (does not apply to clearance items)

~and the last and best trick of all--if you are seeing anyone-coworkers, extended family, friends, after Dec 25 shop on the 26th!!!