Yesterday I ventured out to my local Target to check out the after Christmas sales. There was a lot of Christmas merchandise left, so I decided to wait until the items go to 75% off. At that time, I’ll be looking to stock up on gift wrap, tags, bows, and Christmas cards for next year.

In the Target I was at yesterday the big bargains were in children’s clothing. I found racks and racks of items at 50% off so it was fairly easy to stock up on items for the children for next Winter.

I also found 50% markdowns in the toy aisles. These will also go to 75% off in the next few weeks so I will be watching those aisles as well, looking to purchase birthday gifts and to replenish the gift closet.

Something things to hunt for that are also 50% off include the Christmas themed paper towels, Hello Kitty makeup and cosmetic sets, some flannel sheet sets, flatware sets, kid holiday themed t-shirts, and Gladware plastic containers.

I will also be watching the Christmas candy items for anything that can be used to be put into Valentine gift bags or Easter baskets.

Last week I was out finishing some Christmas shopping and just happened to drive past one of my favorite thrift stores. Now I have not visited this store in the last 6 months or so, mostly due to a lack of time. But on Saturday I just felt a very strong urge to stop in and I am so glad that I did.

I had forgotten that December was one of the best times to visit a thrift store and find loads of bargains. Why? Because people are making their end of year charitable contributions and donate a lot of stuff so they can get a tax deduction.

The thrift store was filled to the brim with furniture. Some of it had seen better days but a lot of the furniture was really nice (names like Broyhill and LazyBoy) and was definitely in good shape. I also found loads of clothes with brand names like Talbots, J. Crew, Gap, etc. Years ago when I was in the “corporate world” I used to spend a lot of money on my clothes for work. I still have several brands I enjoy wearing but I certainly do not pay the prices I used to. At the thrift store I was able to find two name brand dresses that were in perfect condition and just my size, and I only paid $3 for each of them.

We started our Christmas decorating this past weekend by getting all of our Christmas decorations down out of the attic. For the past 5 years I have saved all the Christmas cards that family and friends have sent to us, so I now have a substantial collection. I use these cards to decorate the house and the Christmas tree, and they are a wonderful reminder of the people in our lives.

Some of the cards I hang as ornaments on the Christmas tree. I punch a hole in the top of the card and tie a decorative ribbon or bow on it to act as a hanger. I also use the Christmas cards to decorate a doorway arch. Another method I use is to attach a string on a bare wall and secure the cards with decorative clips.

Yet another frugal way we decorate is by wrapping empty cereal boxes or books with pretty Christmas wrap and displaying them around the house. This works well for a bare corner or on a tabletop. You can purchase some really cute wrap at the dollar store for a dollar a roll, so the cost for this decorating idea is pretty minimal.

We’ve had our artificial tree for quite a while now and every year I have the kids make some new ornaments.

I use a plain red tablecloth with a simple poinsettia centerpiece for our dining table and it makes the entire kitchen look nice. I like the house to smell like the holidays by using scented candles or by doing some holiday baking. A little bit of Christmas music goes a long way in contributing to the spirit of the season.

These are all frugal but easy ways to spruce up your home for the holidays. Do you have any frugal ideas for decorating? I would love to hear them!