During these tough financial times, families don't have to go in debt to have a good Christmas. This year, avoid crowded malls, one day sales and the day after Thanksgiving madness. Look around town and keep a close eye online for deals too good to pass up.
Online Shopping Ideas
Freecycle : Everything offered is free. Freecycle is nationwide. Find a local group, sign up for emails or log on to the main website to post items offered and items wanted.
Paperback Swap: This site makes it easy to obtain books needed for school or enjoyment. Members post books they no longer want and in return, each time someone request and receives a book from a member's account, the member gets to request a book. There is a little cost involved. Members have to pay to ship out books requested. However, media mail is used and the average cost is never more than $3 a book.