Holiday Shopping in June? You’ll be glad you did.

Summer is here in full swing and as far off as winter seems right now, soon enough the holidays will be upon us again. Imagine how much more enjoyable that time will be if you have already paid for and wrapped all your holiday gifts. Shop early and you’ll thank yourself later!

Gift ideas
Personalized gifts are always a hit. Personal Creations is currently running offers for free shipping or 15% off orders of $59 or more. A nice gift for a guy would be a laser-monogrammed watch box with a glass lid. Know a breast cancer survivor? Check out the personalized, pink "She Who Survived" mug. Also check out the affordable and cute personalized t-shirts. ** Be sure to get the corresponding coupon codes here.

Know any kids who seem to have everything when it comes to toys and video games? How about ordering a magazine subscription instead? Magazines.com offers a great selection of kids’ magazines, from "National Geographic Kids" (10 issues for $19.95) to "American Girl" ($22.95 for 6 issues) to “Scooby Doo Magazine” ($19.99 for 12 issues) to “Thomas and Friends Magazine” ($29.97 for 8 issues). They offer a wide selection of titles for all ages, so you might also find gift ideas there for husbands, wives, friends, etc.

If you are looking for gift ideas for neighbors or close friends, how about a "From Our House to Yours" personalized ornament? Or give a red glass teacher ornament to a beloved instructor.

Save now, shop later
Want to save the money now but shop later, say Nov. 1? Open up a Christmas Club account. Or, just open a separate bank savings account and call it your Christmas fund. Put money in there regularly each paycheck. Online savings accounts typically earn higher interest rates. Check out the Orange Savings Account from ING Direct for no fees, no minimum balance, and a direct link to your current checking account to easily transfer money.

With your gift shopping done by December, you will have lots more time to spend on more enjoyable pursuits, including the following:

* Baking
* Attending holiday parties
* Decorating the house
* Making holiday crafts (often a favorite activity among kids!)
* Going ice-skating and sledding
* Spending time with any visiting out-of-town relatives
* Putting more money into your savings account

The possibilities are endless. What are your thoughts regarding holiday shopping? Are there any strategies that have worked for you? Share with the rest of us. :)