Do You Participate in Christmas in July Shopping ??

Every year—around the first week of December—I hear my friends, family, and even strangers on the street complaining about the last minute Christmas shopping rush, and every year I shake my head. Christmas shopping can be stressful, sure. There is a lot to consider. You want to purchase gifts that please your friends and family, but you also want to make wise budget choices. It’s a lot to consider— especially if you’re buying all your gifts over one chaotic, expensive weekend.

Why am I talking about Christmas when it’s still 90+ degrees outside and everyone is wearing shorts and flip flops? Why, Christmas in July of course! I don’t mean that we should all go cut down a Douglas Fir and deck the halls. I mean that July is the month you can beat the annual Christmas stress meltdown and get your shopping started early.

There are countless benefits to early Christmas prep such as less stress, more time to find the perfect gifts, and less strain on your monthly budget. But, I think the most compelling reason to shop early is that you can find excellent deals on Christmas-related and themed items. So what’s stopping you from doing your shopping early?

I have some great ideas on Christmas gifts sure to please:

First, how about a gift for yourself and for your home? If you’re the type to truly get into the Christmas spirit with wall-to-wall décor, buy yourself a new Christmas item for your growing collection. This Hello Kitty 3D Tinsel Décor is capital A adorable. Imagine turning on this sweet decoration all through the month of December. If Hello Kitty is not your thing, it could also be a great gift idea for your Hello Kitty obsessed friend.

For many families, the “Christmas PJ” gift is a treasured tradition. There is just something about Christmas and pajamas that goes together. Perhaps it’s because both remind us of family and comfort. If this is your family’s tradition, or if you want to start this tradition for the future, consider buying this “Sparkle & Spice” Holiday Sleepwear Set for the young baby girl in your life. It’s a cozy set that’s positively adorable. We also have Cute Pajamas for the little boy on your Holiday wish List

It’s hard to imagine when we are still in the summer’s heat, but Christmas means the arrival of cold, snowy weather. Make sure the toddler in your life is prepared for some outdoor Christmas snow frolicking with a Puffer Hooded Ski Jacket. This jacket will make sure they are looking cool, but staying warm.

If you’re planning to buy ahead for the baker in your life, look no further than this Gingerbread Christmas Holiday Iced Ornament Cookie Kit. They will be proud to show off their culinary sweet creations and you will be proud that you had it all picked out for them months in advance. Win/Win!

Come December, when everyone else around you is balancing the budget & crunching numbers, stressed, and tired, you will be happy that you got started on your annual shopping early. Not only will you have saved yourself the hassle of dealing with Holiday shopping crowds, you’ll have saved some serious cash by buying Christmas items a season earlier.

Merry Christmas in July from Good Buys All the Time 

Throw the Ultimate Hello Kitty Birthday Party

Growing up, we didn’t have birthday parties every year – but when we did, mom would do her best to find a theme, bake us the coolest cake and put together the cutest party favors. I can only imagine what she’d be capable of nowadays with the help of Pinterest! At Good Buys All the Time, we understand throwing the ultimate birthday party can add up, but with some cute DIY ideas and some great deals we’re confident your kids will be talking about their Hello Kitty themed birthday for years to come.

Every birthday party needs a great cake, and today cupcakes and decorated cookies are just as popular which gives you options. If you’re inviting a bunch of little girls, mini cupcakes or cookies may be a better idea, but if you’re planning to invite adults as well, a large sheet cake can go a long way.  A cake from the bakery can cost you upwards of $40, but with a simple box mix you can create your own Hello Kitty cake! Simply bake your cake in a rectangular pan and trim the edges to create the perfect shape. Use your favorite candy for eyes, nose and whiskers or try our simple Hello Kitty decorating kit! (also great for cookies)

Save money and make your own cake!

Make cookie decorating a group activity!

If you’re looking to please your younger guests, try these adorable Hello Kitty cookies! You can even decorate them together as an activity.  Our jumbo cookie kit includes cookie mix, frosting, decorations, and cookie cutter. Another fun activity for little girls is a rendition of “pin the tail on the donkey” – Pin the Bow on Hello Kitty. You can draw your own Hello Kitty or purchase a jumbo poster.  Next, all you need to do is print a bunch of red bows or cut them out of red construction paper. Use some tape to make them stick and remember to blind-fold each player. Spin older players around a few times before allowing them to take their turn to keep things fair. Reward the winner with an adorable prize like one of these Hello Kitty body lotions or adorable scented notepads.

 

Save on Hello Kitty prizes when you shop Good Buys All the Time!

You can even create your own party favors on a budget, like these adorable Hello Kitty headbands. The plastic headbands can be purchased at the dollar store and you can create the bows and ears with felt from your local craft store. A.C. Moore and Michaels usually offer coupons so you might even get lucky! Attach the felt with a hot glue gun and be sure to have a mirror handy so your little guests can see how cute they look.

For everything else Hello Kitty, be sure to shop Good Buys All the Time.  We have a huge selection of girly lotions, body wash, hair clips – we even have a complete gift bag set! We hope your birthday party is everything your little kitty wishes for and more.