Christmas?? It's July!

I know, I know, who wants to think about Christmas in July??? The truth is, not many of us! But, if you want to reduce the stress and save your budget this year, July is truly the perfect time to start on Christmas! Planning ahead will reduce the temptation and frustration of overspending in December. Here are some ideas and tips to get you started.
1. Make a list! Start by writing down who you want to get gifts for this year.
2. Divide the number of names on your list by the number of payperiods you have until Thanksgiving.
3. Decide your limit on how much you want to spend for each gift and STICK TO IT!
4. Purchase/make those gifts using ONLY the amount you have delegated for them each payday, then WRITE what you've bought and where you've put it by the name on the list!!!!
5. When buying online, try to combine your order. You'll save on shipping if you buy several things at a time and have them shipped together!

Tips: Get creative! Think "couples, or family" gifts. You can often pare down your list by making/purchasing 1 gift that is suitable for the entire family, saving yourself a heap of time and money! How about a Movie Night Themed Gift. Purchase a video, suitable for the couple/family on your list, or give them a gift certificate from a video rental store. Add some packets of microwave popcorn, a couple boxes of "movie theater" style candy from the dollar stores, wrap it all up in a cute basket or box and VOILA, a family gift!

Some "romantic spa" items for a couple is always appreciated! Handmilled soaps (http://hangingtreelodge.com/product.sc?categoryId=5&productId=14), a soap filled loofah (http://hangingtreelodge.com/product.sc?categoryId=5&productId=5) and a dog bone pillow (http://hangingtreelodge.com/product.sc?categoryId=7&productId=18) can all be attractively wrapped in a basket for those newlyweds, or couples who would like to feel like newlyweds, again!

Think personal: What would that person truly love? Shopping early gives you time to actually find something you know your recipient will appreciate!

Consider handmade: Starting early gives you the time to actually make something for that special someone! There are tons of free patterns/ideas on the internet for creating your own gifts! Skill levels range from incredibly easy, to quite complicated. If you aren't up to the challenge, consider giving them a handcrafted item made by someone else! We'd appreciate your consideration of the fine gifts made here at Hanging Tree Lodge, http://www.hangingtreelodge.com for any and all of your gift giving needs.

For your "GREEN" friends, consider making them each an eco-friendly, budget friendly cleaning kit! You can find the "recipes" for making these kits, here! http://hangingtreelodge.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=7

We hope these ideas save you some frustration and $$$ this year!