Make your own holiday gifts to save a bundle, mom says
Frugal mom Serena Beltz says that this holiday season she's focused on handmade gifts and decorations.
"I've been stocking up on supplies at Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics using any and every discount coupon I can get my hands on [and they are out there]."
She's knitting hats and scarves for some children's gifts, "and my kids will be decorating wood ornaments for their grandparents."
She's also putting to good use coupons from retailers' e-mail lists. "Lands End and LL Bean . . . are pushing sales like crazy, ranging from free shipping to 10- to 20-percent off, and it's on a weekly basis."
"Those two e-tailers will probably be my fallback for gifts as well," she said.
And, she says, don't miss out on craft fairs. "There will be one at our parish in a few weeks, and I'm definitely going to check it out for gifts. You may not find a "bargain" per say, but find a great artisan gift that will really be appreciated," Beltz said, adding "I'm on the lookout for something fun and funky for my very hip mother-in-law who loves handmade jewelry."
Alice Wood, a Naperville mom who founded Wealth Watchers (ewealthwatchers.com) to help people stay out of debt and use money wisely, suggests that, rather than only seeking out bargain merchandise, shoppers scrutinize their daily habits -- such as $8 lunches and $3.50 mochas with whipped cream -- for items to eliminate and save money.
And why not make the world better while you're spending money? She suggests shopping at locally owned retailers to keep people employed and giving gifts that are eco-friendly such as a reuseable water bottle or a travel coffee cup.
"Our tag line is, 'Every day and every dollar make a difference,' " she said. "When you start making better choices, it's remarkable how [the savings] add up."
Toy manufacturers are taking their goods directly to shoppers with sites such as MattelShop.com, which lets shoppers connect with friends and research toys.
Make your bargain a real savings: Put what you saved on a gift into your savings account. If you got $20 off the toy you bought as a gift, realize the savings by putting it in savings. Otherwise, you might keep respending that $20 savings by convincing yourself you still have it to spend.
Saks Inc., the troubled high-end retailer, is trying out private events online, according to the Wall Street Journal. The attempt to compete with discount Web retailers and others provides value while keeping letting customers still feel "exclusive."
The Journal said Saks opened a 36-hour sale, dubbed Fashion Fix, earlier this week, but it was open only to those who received e-mails from Saks directing them to the site.
How good are you at finding the best bargains? Share your holiday shopping finds with us. You can also share your tips for saving or making more money. Write to psmith@suntimes.com