(Originally Written on December 28, 2008)

For those of you who like to do their Christmas shopping be out dateearly, there is no better time than now to get moving.  While many presents like electronics could d by next Christmas, other, more personal Christmas themed gifts will only be available for another couple of weeks and are a safe be for next year. I’ve devised a short list of presents to start stocking up on ASAP and a list of things to wait to buy until closer to next Christmas to help you know what to look out for.

Things to wait on

Electronics – There are a couple of reasons not to buy these as gifts for next year yet. First, most electronics that are considered a luxury this year will already be a necessity next year and there is a good chance that whoever you bought it for will already have it. Let’s face it, we don’t have a lot of patience when it comes to having the latest electronic gizmo. How many people did you know two years ago with digital picture frames? Now compare that to this year. That goes for cameras, mp3 players, cell phones, video games and home theatre equipment. As soon as it becomes popular, available and cheap, they will buy it, and chances are they aren’t going to wait another year to see if they get it for next Christmas.

Secondly, technology advances are likely to make whatever you’re buying cheaper by next year, that is, if it isn’t already obsolete. Take a look at the cell phone you bought a year ago. Even the newer iPhones are down to below half of the original iPhones price, and the technology is much better. That 7” digital picture frame that you were looking at last year was only $70 this year and now you can get the 9” for not much more. This is just the way of technology. You’re better off waiting to see what newer, better, cheaper stuff comes out next year.

Lastly, depending on who you’re buying for, their electronic tastes may have changed. The guy that was stocking up on HD DVD’s last year is most likely trying to replace them with Blue Ray this year. The kid that wanted “Call of Duty 3” for Xbox last year wants “Call of Duty 4” this year. The way electronics go in and out of style; it just isn’t worth trying to pick them out a year in advance.

Children’s toys (12 and under) – This is for some of the same reasons as electronics. Children’s interests change so fast that there is a good chance that when the school year starts next September, they will be into something entirely different. There are some exceptions to this though. Things like summer sporting equipment for the kid that plays baseball every year are probably a good buy now. Most stores don’t keep this in stock for most of the winter because it just doesn’t sell but they will bring it in just before Christmas, then try to get rid of it to make room for more seasonal equipment.

Food or candy – Every family has one, the person who stocks up on fruitcake and the ultra-mega-vacuum-packaged cookies or chocolate that could survive a nuclear holocaust and gives them out next year. Yes, some of it may survive and be somewhat edible but everyone knows and you really don’t want to be “that guy/girl”. That same rule also applies to anything that you would need to keep in your freezer for the next year. “Just say No!”

Clothes – This is a tricky one. In a lot of cases it’s better to wait and make sure that you’re loved ones New Years resolution to lose 30 lbs falls through before picking out clothes for them. But if you know someone who has stopped growing (in either direction) and hasn’t changed much in the last few years then you’re probably safe picking out a couple of sweaters for them. The same goes if you have several prospects that the gift could go to instead.

Gift Cards – It won’t really matter when you buy these because it’s just a dollar for dollar exchange anyways. But if you’re thinking you might be strapped for cash next year and want to stock up just in case, be sure to do your research. Read the back of the cards. Most cards will deduct a certain amount of value from the card each year if it isn’t used up. Some of them will even expire.

Things to buy now

Ornaments – Thoughtful, sentimental, and cheap, at least right after Christmas. If you have friends or relatives that like to collect ornaments, now is the time to get them. They’re on sale and won’t be back on the shelves again until next Christmas.

Candles – Just like ornaments these can be thoughtful gifts that can be stored easily. The only difference is that, with the exception of Christmas themed candles, most of these will be available all year. You can usually find some good sales on really nice ones right after the Holidays though.

Any winter décor – The stores are clearing out their wreaths, Christmas tablecloths, runners, artificial holly, bows, candlesticks, ect… Many of these things are not just used for Christmas decorations but can keep a house cozy all winter and wouldn’t be out of place as a Christmas gift next year.

Christmas Cards – Everyone uses them, they store well, don’t change much from year to year, and they’re on sale now.

Books – Most books are kept for many years so it’s not usually a big deal if you get one that’s a few years old and the best books stay relevant for decades. They store well, (as long as you don’t keep them in a wet basement) and they can be extremely meaningful. The only downside is that, with the exception of this year’s hot buys, the holiday sales on books tend not to be quite as good as on many other gifts because bookstores aren’t really trying to clear the shelves of them for the year.

Things to buy for yourself

A new artificial tree – Last year my wife and I got a brand new, pre-lit artificial tree (from Home Depot) for $30 because of the after Christmas sales and the fact that it was the display model. After getting it home, we realized that the tag on it said $299! The only bad part was that we had to get all the fake snow off of it because it was part of the display. Still it was well worth it. If you think you might want a new tree next year there is absolutely no better time to get it than right now!

Decorations/lights – You’ll use them for years to come and the stores want to get rid of them all.

Wrapping paper – You can find paper for birthday presents or graduation gifts throughout the year but the Christmas stuff will be gone soon. And face it, it’s just a long sheet of paper that you’re  going to rip up and throw away anyways. You might as well get it for as cheap as possible.

Storage containers – Me and my wife were lucky this year and got some plastic ornament and decoration storage bag thingies for Christmas and I already can’t tell you how much they have saved me in time and space. These are usually specialty products that are made specifically for Christmas decorations so the stores have them on sale after the holidays. The best part is that you won’t have to wait until next Christmas to use them.