Bargain shoppers know it's never too early to start buying gifts for the holiday season. Personally, I like the idea of shopping early and often (and smartly...and cheaply), especially if it helps me avoid a huge credit card bill in January.
Forgiving the fact that we're still a healthy two weeks away from Halloween, here's a roundup of what's already out there:
Snapfish: From now until Oct. 24, photo greeting cards are 50% off (as low as 20 cents each). Use code EARLY2006 at checkout.
Crate&Barrel's online outlet is still trying to unload last year's holiday dishes and decor. (Snow deer appetizer plate, pictured is $3.95, matching double old-fashioned glass, $2.95).
Neiman Marcus unveiled its 2006 Christmas Book. Among the anti-"Cheap Thrills" offerings: A Virgin Galactic Charter trip to outerspace for six people aboard SpaceShipOne for $1,764,000 and a custom-built backyard water park from Waterplay for $100,000. Closer to reality: Quirky/cool crystal-bottomed desk bell (great teacher gift) for $25 and colored leather passport covers for $35.
