Is it bad to bargain shop for gifts?

valanhb · Feb 13, 2006

I don't think I'm overly cheap, but if I can get a bargain I would prefer that to full price.

When my friends recently bought a new house, I wanted to get her a housewarming present. Well, Yankee Candle was having a buy-one-get-one sale on certain fragrances, mostly Christmas but not all. I found two that I thought she would like (Home Sweet Home and Cookies and Milk) and got them on that sale.

I told her about that because she is the QUEEN of bargain shopping and knew she would appreciate it even more if it was a good deal.

But I found myself pondering this while at Petsmart this weekend. They had holiday (Christmas) toys 75% off. My first thought was that I could get a bunch for my Secret Santa for next year!

It's not like they go bad, and I could sure make my dollar stretch a hole lot farther... But is it tacky to bargain shop like that for gifts? It's not like I would tell the recipient (unless they are like my friend Kathy who appreciates a good bargain LOL). Earl gave me one of "those looks" when I mentioned Secret Santa, so I was wondering if I'm a smart shopper or just plain cheap?

ali012281 · Feb 13, 2006

I'm the same way... and it isn't the amount you spend on a gift, its the though. Remember???

eilcon · Feb 13, 2006

I agree. It's the thought that counts, not the price tag.

As much as stuff costs these days, I think it's smart to bargain shop.

maverick_kitten · Feb 13, 2006

your just getting more for your money this way!

AbbysMom · Feb 13, 2006

I start Christmas shopping on December 26th!

There is nothing wrong with getting a bargain!

lunasmom · Feb 13, 2006

Oh don't worry sweetie! I'm sure that I've gotten several bargain gifts. My rule of thumb is that as long as you remember to take the red sticker off you're in the clear.

You never know too: one of your gift givers could have been eyeing that potential present for herself the previous year!

tari · Feb 13, 2006

I agree with everyone else! I shop at the after-Christmas clearance sales for little gifts to give the next year. The price tag doesn't matter. Besides, I look at it this way...the recipients end up getting a much nicer gift than they would have otherwise because I got them at a reduced price.

pat · Feb 13, 2006

Originally Posted by valanhb

But I found myself pondering this while at Petsmart this weekend. They had holiday (Christmas) toys 75% off. My first thought was that I could get a bunch for my Secret Santa for next year!

It's not like they go bad, and I could sure make my dollar stretch a hole lot farther... But is it tacky to bargain shop like that for gifts?

I have a friend with whom I exchange and we have such fun - we are talking way overboard, each present wrapped, multiple presents, mainly cat theme...and I have no shame in buying some of the presents at the shop of my former employer who has a cat collectibles themed store at her annual post Christmas sale. I get awesome ornaments (including Laurel Burch design and those suckers are expensive!!), neat stuff, and I also buy not on sale items from her shop, so it's a mix. But it allows me to buy her nicer items or more items - really stretches what funds I have.

Since I simply shop year round now for family and friends & shop while travelling, I always check out unusual sales

Mind, I am a reformed (only took me 30+ years) week before Christmas type shopper

squirtle · Feb 13, 2006

Originally Posted by valanhb

I don't think I'm overly cheap, but if I can get a bargain I would prefer that to full price.

When my friends recently bought a new house, I wanted to get her a housewarming present. Well, Yankee Candle was having a buy-one-get-one sale on certain fragrances, mostly Christmas but not all. I found two that I thought she would like (Home Sweet Home and Cookies and Milk) and got them on that sale.

I told her about that because she is the QUEEN of bargain shopping and knew she would appreciate it even more if it was a good deal.

But I found myself pondering this while at Petsmart this weekend. They had holiday (Christmas) toys 75% off. My first thought was that I could get a bunch for my Secret Santa for next year!

It's not like they go bad, and I could sure make my dollar stretch a hole lot farther... But is it tacky to bargain shop like that for gifts? It's not like I would tell the recipient (unless they are like my friend Kathy who appreciates a good bargain LOL). Earl gave me one of "those looks" when I mentioned Secret Santa, so I was wondering if I'm a smart shopper or just plain cheap?

Heidi thats not tacky at all

I would only think it's questionable when you buy something that's buy-one-get-one and keep the get-one for yourself

Which is something I would do, depending on what it is of course

rapunzel47 · Feb 13, 2006

1. It's the thought that counts.
2. Look at the item. Does it please you as a gift for the person?
3. You can either get what you intended and give your wallet a break; or get something even nicer without breaking the bank.

I've received lots of gifts I know I would never have got if they hadn't been on sale (for instance, a whole set of really nice cookware, every piece of which was bought on sale), and given lots I could never have afforded (but really wanted to give) if they hadn't been on sale. Take the bargain! Tell the person, only if it will give them pleasure (like your friend) or relief (if they are uncomfortable with apparent extravagance).

scamperfarms · Feb 13, 2006

its not bad at all. I do it all the time.

katl8e · Feb 13, 2006

I shop year-round. If I see something, that will suit someone and its on sale, I buy it. The twins didn't really need new shoes but, I found purple suede ones, on sale for $7. Threw in some Valentine Peeps and a couple of stuffed toys and Valentine's Day was covered.

The 99-cent store is a treasure trove of stocking stuffers, calenders, cat/dogs toys and hair ornaments, as is the dollar section at Target.

By bargain shopping, I can buy MORE stuff!

sweetiecat3 · Feb 13, 2006

I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with it!! As long as you don't get a college graduation gift from the dollar store

Because it's the thought that counts, not the money, and by going to a cheaper store you aren't putting any less thought into it right?
Yeah you're a smart shopper!

menagerie mama · Feb 13, 2006

I don't think it's bad, as long as it's something you know they would enjoy. My aunt is really stingy and she just picks up stuff when it's on sale and gives it to whomever....without thought as to if they're going to like it. candles are almost always appreciated!

valanhb · Feb 13, 2006

I was especially eyeing the Christmas kitty toys for whoever I get as a Secret Santa recipient next year. So since it would surely be someone here that would eventually get the toys, I may have to go back this week and pick some up!

(Just please don't dredge this thread up next December

)

I was also thinking that since SS always has a price limit, I could really stretch that amount getting things at 75% off!

sar · Feb 14, 2006

Oh no, there's definitely nothing wrong with that!! I love bargain shopping - especially for my SS, as I can get WAY more than expected!

gailc · Feb 14, 2006

That why they are called bargains!!! If there is an item that would work for me or a gift and its on sale-even better!! More bang for your buck.

phenomsmom · Feb 14, 2006

I love getting this that were on sale. I mean you get what you really wwanted and the give isnt broke now. So it makes EVERYONE happy! I absolutely LOVE the idea of getting the SS stuff now while it is on sale! Whatever kitty gets those treats will be THRILLED that you got them the most for their SS buck!!

annabelle33 · Feb 14, 2006

If I plan to spend X amount on someone, and get somthing cool for less than that, then they just end up getting more in the end. Nothing wrong w.that!

evnshawn · Feb 14, 2006

Originally Posted by Tari

I agree with everyone else! I shop at the after-Christmas clearance sales for little gifts to give the next year. The price tag doesn't matter. Besides, I look at it this way...the recipients end up getting a much nicer gift than they would have otherwise because I got them at a reduced price.

Heck yeah. If you're going to buy me a gift, PLEASE buy it out of season so that I get a much nicer one.

Is it bad to bargain shop for gifts?

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