Q: I love after-Christmas sales but I often buy with little thought about who I'm really buying for.  Is there a way to have a more organized approach? 

A: Before you venture out to the stores, take an inventory of what you have from last years after-Christmas sales.  Match up your current inventory with recipients on your gift list.  This can help give you an idea of what gaps need to be filled.

Consider storing all items that will be used as gifts in a labeled storage bin. Before closing up the bin, be sure to include your list of recipients and what their gift(s) will be.  Keep a copy of the list, in a Christmas file, you can easily access.  Before you go out shopping for the upcoming season, check your gift list first.  This can help to avoid unnecessary spending and the Christmas clutter.  

Getting Your Life in Order!

~S