how far ahead to you buy stuff?

Of course I do! I believe it is a smart thing to buy ahead. The only things you shouldn't buy ahead usually are electronics such as computers, video games, gaming systems since those change over a course of a year. Things such as toys and the like are great since they usually don't change so fast and generally remain the same over a years time. So yes it is a smart thing to do. Who knows? Maybe (heaven forbid) in six months you will lose your job and not be able to afford these things at that time. I hope that doesn't happen to you but it could. You never know. Okay well thats about all I have to say.

it is an excellent idea to buy early, that way you could save money avoid the last minute rush to get presents sorted for people. I keep meaning to do it early each year but I never manage to I always put it off until the last minute.

I normally do yes. However as my kids get older it gets harder to predict what they might want. So instead this year, I am stock piling money for next year lol. I put a little bit away each paycheck. I also find it helpful to stock up on gift cards from Walmart starting at the end of August. My kids love to go shopping.

for people that have the necessary space and money i'd say your way is the smartest way.

We have a pile of books bought on sale for kids in our familiy. They will get a series of books anyways so we have bought them when on special offer. Most other things we do not buy far in advance. maybe some stuff on sale right after christmas for gifts next year - stuff people collect anyways

Extremely smart! I've done the same for years, until this past Christmas. I had to give cash, which isn't my favorite thing. If you shop in advance, you can find the right gift for people, not just buy something so that you can check them off the list. It saves tons of money, too!

I do that, too! The best time to buy for the next year is right after this year's celebration when everything goes down to 75% off!

I buy everything I'll need to wrap next year's Christmas gifts, too, right after Christmas. I buy new decorations and any gifts that I know specific people will like. The thing is to not forget where you put them when Christmas rolls around again! LOL

I try to avoid after-Easter sales, though. I tend to head right for the left-over candy! I'm a sucker for Mary Sue Easter Eggs, especially the vanilla cream ones! Yummmmmmmmmm!!!

I've just recently lost 25 pounds (intentionally) and have no desire to put that weight back on! Thanksgiving and Christmas were bad enough (I did put some weight back on but got sick and it all disappeared again ) but Easter is THE worst for putting on the pounds!

Of course, if you're into Mardi Gras or crafts of some kind, every holiday seems to have their own colored plastic bead necklaces and they're great to grab up when they're on sale at 75% or 90% off!

I buy alot of stuff ahead of time. Usually items for my kids ahead. You need to grab it when you see the deal KWIM? Like I found @ k-mart they are getting a new shoe supplier so kids shoes were like $5 & I have 3 kids with growing feet.... I can't pass that up!

I don't buy gifts too far ahead because tastes and situations change, but I do buy wrapping paper, etc., if I need it, and little stocking stuffers that can be used for almost anyone - but only when I find a good price/sale on them. It doesn't help to pay full price ahead of time, because sometimes the price will go down and you've wasted money. Since I don't have small children, most of my Easter stuff is used year after year. I buy candy right after if I go shopping before it's all gone, but again, without small children, it doesn't take much.

Providing you have the storage space and remember where you put the gifts you have bought people in advance, that's my trouble I buy cheap gifts and presents in sales for people, I put them away and when the time comes to give them the present I have forgotten what I have got for them or can't find where I've put it! It is a good idea, any money saving idea is good. Being able to Plan ahead is a good talent to have.

I buy 3 months earlier so I dont spend time figuring out what to get. Or I buy whatever is on sale and worth having. I find deals mostly and just buy it before its out. This is one of the smartest things to do so you wont be to busy on the right day.