For Every Season There is a Sale

The last thing most of us want to think of a Christmas time is how to be better consumers. There is a whole host of Christmas consumers who pride themselves on the ability to find the perfect gift at 3am Christmas Eve at the 24 hr Walgreens.

The thing about gift giving is unfortunately we have to do it throughout the year with weddings, birthdays, universes, and housewarmings. Many times we have in our mind the perfect present to give, but in reality we have waited too long either to find that item on sale or have any realistic shopping timetable.

The thing that really organized shoppers know and we do not is that every month there is a sale. One of the ways to remove the dread of buying presents throughout the year is to develop a shopping tragedy. It not only will take the anxiety out of gift giving, but you will also find yourself finding higher quality products at lower prices for your whole house hold. Go to your computer and make a calendar of the month' certain items are discounted. Stick the calendar on your refrigerator so when you go out shopping you will know what kinds of products go on sale during what part of the year.

January- January is a time when most retailers still have the after Christmas sales going. If you have the space to store things it is a good time to stock up on gift wrap, boxes, ribbon, and other Christmas necessities as most will be at least half prices. Other things that go on sale in January are lingerie, accessories, luggage, winter clearance boots and shoes, furs, ski clothing, craft supplies, cosmetics, and fragrances. There usually are the first white sales of the year and semiannual furniture sales.

February-Major department stores and some discount stores have Lincoln, Washington, and President's Day sales. Traditionally, house wares, fabric, last year's electronics, and hosiery goes on sale. Pre-season sales of grills, patio furniture, and lawn care equipment are also fairly common.

March- In preparation for the upcoming spring wedding season china, glassware, crystal, and flatware go on sale. Items for spring home improvements many times go on sale as well. This might include flooring and paint.

April- Depending on when Easter falls there will be last minute sales of items related to the holiday. Once Easter Sunday has passed most summer related items will go on sale including garden supplies and outdoor furniture. This month is also traditional for diamond and gold jewelry to go on sale.

May- May is another month that major white sales occur. It is also the time of year to stock up on baby related products for baby showers. Practical home gifts for brides and gifts for graduates are also usually discounted at this time. Memorial Day sales will also offer even greater discounts on products related to gardening and outdoor living.

June- Sporting goods related to summer time activities go on sale. These sales will include equipment for golf, tennis, fishing, and camping. Summer clothing will be at some of the best prices of the season while you can still wear them. Swim suits and beach related gear will be on sale. Father's day sales will include various kinds of hardware and men's accessories on sale.

July- Fourth of July sales will abound with continued discounts on summer living items and picnic supplies. Summer wear will be picked over but on clearance. Truly, off season items like furs and winter coats will be deeply discounted if you can still find them. Many furniture stores will now be having another semi-annual sale.

August- Back to school sales will abound. You will find discounts on quantities of all school related paper and craft supplies. It is a good time to stock up on supplies for your home office or kids craft projects. Fall clothes will be on sale, but not necessarily deeply discounted. Toys that were popular last holiday season will be on sale and much easier to find. Final summer clearance sales on all summer related items happen during this month. Pre-Labor day sales will include discounts on the last of seasonal items such as outdoor furniture and lawn care equipment.

September- Labor day sales will focus on clearance of the last of the summer projects and pre-sales of winter seasonal items. Computers, calculators, and cell phones aimed at students will be father discounted. Home entertainment equipment and general house wares go on sale this month. Halloween related products might be on sale but will not be deeply discounted yet.

October- Columbus Day sales will push remaining fall and back to school clearance items. Pre-season sales of winter sporting gear will be promoted. Infant products go on sale again this time of year. Halloween items will be more deeply discounted. Thanksgiving related house wares such as roasters and buffet serving dishes will be on sale, but not necessarily deeply discounted. The first of the pre-Christmas sales start occurring.

November- Veterans Day's sales will hawk the remaining fall seasonal products and be the first time that outerwear for the whole family is deeply discounted. Winter related sporting goods go on sale such as skis, sleds, and skates. Bike many times is deeply discounted this time of year in preparation for Christmas gift giving. Most house wares are on sale at this time of year in time for holiday entertaining, but they will be more deeply discounted in January. Early Christmas sales may provide major discounts if the economy warrants it.

December- Anything related to Christmas gift giving will go on sale and the discounts generally become greater the closer to Christmas it gets. Half priced Christmas cards, tree trimmings, gift wrap, candy, cakes, and cookies start appearing in abundance after the 15^th of the month. Holiday fashions and New Year's formal wear are on sale. Many times hard back books are half priced for gift giving this time of year. End of the year clearance sales generally start after Christmas day.

http://financialplan.about.com/od/savingmoney/a/BargainShopping_3.htm

http://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2007/06/when_things_go_.html

http://nymag.com/urban/guides/nyonthecheap/shopping/calendar.htm

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-whitesale.html