Over-the-top spending is becoming less in-vogue, and being frugal is becoming even more common and acceptable than it was when our parents and grandparends were young.  But it's not about wearing worn hand-me-downs or using your the same tea bag all day anymore.

Now, being thrifty is as much about being smart with your purchases and use of products as it is about cutting back on extravagances like dining out or buying the latest fashions.  But I'm not here to give you a lesson in frugality, there are plenty of other websites and blogs out there to do that.  I'm writing to share my suggestions on frugal Christmas gifting!

Start Early
I know you say it every year - "I'll start buying my gifts early this year, in the sales!" - but how often do you actually do it?!  Stores run sales all year round, and the best bargains aren't always found in the post-Christmas rush.  Watch for clearance tags at your local Kmart, Target or other favorite department store.

Think Carefully
Your husband complains every time he looks for a tool that he can't find something, but he never does anything about it.  Perfect!  You can buy him a tool-box or trolley for Christmas.  It's all about paying attention to what your friends and family really want, and buying accordingly.  That way you don't rush out three days before Christmas and buy the most expensive thing in the store just because it will impress them.

Know Your Pricing
Just because one store has something 'On Sale' or a 'Huge Discount' doesn't mean you can't get it cheaper elsewhere.  If you have a specific item in mind, shop around for the best price.  If you're buying a big ticket item, plan to pay in cash and haggle for the best deal.

Shop Online
Online clearance warehouses and department stores like DealsDirect, TopBuy, Catch of the Day and a horde of others have great daily deals, often with extra discounts off their already low prices, and with other perks like free shipping thrown in on top.  Check for offers through online payment sites like Paypal.  Shop smart on auction sites like eBay - take note of the rule above, and don't get caught out by shipping costs either!  Make sure you buy with plenty of time to spare - a gift arriving a week after Christmas won't be much good!

Re-gifting
It's not an evil word!  Sometimes you end up with fantastic gifts that you're just never going to use. Or maybe you win some random competition, and wonder hell are you going to do with a second cordless drill?!  Just because you don't need or can't use an item, doesn't mean you didn't appreciate it in the first place - so why let a perfectly good gift go unused?!  Needless to say, don't gift back to the person who gave it to you in the first place!!

Don't Over-spend
This one is pretty simple.  Set your budget for Christmas spending, and aim to come out on top.  Narrow down that gift list if you have to - and don't be afraid to let people know you can't or won't be buying for them this year.

Make It Up
Close friends and family enjoy gifts made with thought and care.  Gift packs with a mix of smaller items are great fun for kids - and adults too.

Let Other People Know What YOU Want!
Others can be frugal too!!  Make an online Wishlist and let all your potential gift-buyers know about it.  That way you end up with exactly what you want, and people don't over-spend trying to buy you the 'perfect' gift.

I hope you enjoy these tips!!   I'll post again soon with more Christmas tips, to help get in the spirit!