Elfing How To's: How Those $tockings Get $tuffed

Good morning all!

Woke up to a message from a DGMSer asking for tips on shopping for bargains as she is adopting three families this year. As I wrote back, first of all - THANK YOU - the impact we can all have is dramatic in transforming this holiday season from full of darkness and worry to merry and bright.

As I began typing back, and my response grew and grew, I thought it would be good to share with everyone. If you have ever wondered how I go about it, or if you are shopping for your own family and friends and want tips, my years of elfing have fine tuned my already miserly tendencies to an art form.

Email/Newsletter Subscriptions: Yes, it can be a pain in the elf caboose to constantly see your inbox overflowing with ads, but it's worth it. After this many years of Yes, Virginia, my inbox overflows with emails from far and wide. While the delete button gets a work out, I open them all and often find shopping gold. Coupon codes, Doorbusters, One Day Sales, etc - all worth the time to open and read.

Coupon Code Extensions: When I shop, I have added various extensions to my browser like RetailMeNot and Cently which automatically engage and search for discounts in the shopping cart. NOTE: I do not rely solely on their service. I actively Google each and every website I visit to insure I miss nothing. Simply type in the name of the website and the words "coupon code". Then invest the time in trying the various sites and codes that pour forth.

Google Is Your Friend: When it comes to toys, clothing, heck, ANYTHING on a wish list, I put in a lot of time Googling for the absolute best prices. When I tell you it takes hours, I mean that. Your donations are not taken for granted. Once I have found the best price, I then see what additional savings can be added. At the bare minimum, it is very rare that I pay for shipping as free shipping can typically be found, especially this time of year.

Walmart, Target, Amazon: These are the big three that are always good for toys and clothing deals. I use my RedCard to get the additional 5% and free shipping when I find something at Target while elfing. And since Walmart began to imitate Amazon's marketplace you can find some great deals there, too, that are not necessarily Walmart exclusive. When I find something through Amazon, my Prime membership insures free and timely shipping.

Old Navy and Gap: Sales are constant and worth keeping up with. All sizes and coupon codes can often be stacked for greater savings. For example, today, 11/15, Old Navy has $9 Flannel Joggers and $5 Holiday Tees.

Places You Wouldn't Think Of: Even websites that trend higher in prices can be secret savings havens if you stay on top of the emails that come in. Disney is one of them. They have really great sales - some only for 24 hours - but are worth keeping on top of. Lands End is another. Today - 60% off cold weather items from Fleece to coats to boots - I am currently elfing there for some children who need to stay warm. Keds, too. Doorbuster savings have begun. Sign up for their emails and don't miss out!

Guaranteed $ales: JC Penney, Shoe Mall, Macys. I have huge $uce$$ pinching pennies by staying on top of their constant sales. Shoe Mall (not just shoes) is currently 30% off all regular prices items. JC Penny clearance section promises up to 80% off! This matters, as when I elf the requests are from everywhere. So when summerish items are in clearance, there are children in warm weather states that can benefit year round.

Time Invested = Less Money Out: As I have said, my organic compulsion to never pay more than necessary in life translates to your dollars working harder than ever. It takes time, monitoring, making lists and spreadsheets, but in the end, it means donations spread further, which means we have more room in our sleigh when more requests come in.

Now, before I get back to making the pennies beg for mercy, please do keep sending people my way. I appreciate that you let them know ahead of time that we are trustworthy and that my vetting is not meant to be intrusive or embarrassing. I protect their privacy, their children are not exploited (I know, I know, I, too, miss the days when we were all innocent and naïve and shared so many pictures of Yes, Virginia children online), and once I am done with their personal information, I delete it.