Get Your Holiday Shopping Done Early With These Clearance Items

Getting a head start on your holiday shopping is always a great
idea. When you can get a head start on gifts at clearance prices, it's
an even better idea.Yes, you always want to shop for sales, but for an
even better price, cruise the clearance aisles - both in the store and
online. Most retailers will set aside clearance goods where they want
to quickly turn over their stock to make room for the next season.
Retailers recognize that savvy shoppers know a good deal when they see
one.One reason to shop early is that there will be a better selection
of goods on sale. When you wait until the last minute, you can bet
that sweaters, scarves and gloves will be plentiful. What will not be
available are those unusual gifts that let the receiver know you put
some thought into your selection.Gifts from Around the WorldA
particularly nice gift to give is one that you will not find in the
local department store - something like unusual home goods or jewelry
created or manufactured by designers around the world. A great example
is a handcrafted smoky quartz ring set in sterling silver.Made by Avi
Soffer Designs, an Israeli artist, this ring measures a rich 16 mm
wide. It has a filigree band and is perfect for complementing any
wardrobe. If you are worried about ordering from an overseas designer,
don't be. Avi Soffer Designs has offices and customer service
representatives in the United States, too.For an even more unique
piece of sterling silver jewelry, consider the Tibetan script ring
from Nepal. Made of sterling silver with gold-plated script, the band
is 12 mm wide. The Sanskrit letters around the ring read "Om Mani
Padme Hum." This mantra invokes the blessings of Chenrezig, reportedly
the most compassionate of all Buddhas.The purchase of this ring
benefits those who wear it as well as Nepalese children from 20
families whose educational programs are funded through the sale of
jewelry created by Dipak Tuladhar. The artist uses proceeds from the
sales to sponsor and fund his Modern Newa-English Schools. These
schools educate children in their heart language - Nepal Bhasha -
rather than Sanskrit and Khas, which the children do not naturally
speak.From another part of the world, you could select that famous
symbol of the Aztec empire - a wooden Aztec calendar for a steal.
Handmade by artisans in Mexico, the 18.5-inch circle calendar is made
of intricately painted pine wood that is polished to a fine sheen.For
a bright touch to any living room or dining room, give a bright red,
round bamboo vase from Vietnam. For a bargain price, this bamboo
lacquer ware vase is set by hand and looks beautiful empty or holding
a bouquet of your favorite flowers. It measures 10 inches high by 10
inches in diameter.AthletesIf you have an athlete on your holiday
shopping list, you will be pleased to find great stocks of athletic
gear at affordable prices. Start with a nylon sports duffle bag from
the recipient's alma mater or favorite team.You might also pick up a
bag with two handles and a removable shoulder strap. Measuring 20
inches long by 10 inches wide and 12 inches deep, this bag is big
enough to tote exercise clothes to the gym or books to school. A large
front pocket holds pens, identification and coins - but best of all is
the college athletics logo on the front. Some of the hot colleges
include Alabama, University of Florida, West Virginia, Auburn,
Louisiana State University and Texas Tech.Another idea for the athlete
on your list is the Outbound Spirit 2 two-man tent. For a great price,
this 6 �-pound tent comes with aluminum poles, taped seams, a full
rain fly and 3,000 mm waterproofing. What young camper wouldn't love
this tent, measuring 4 � feet by almost 7 � feet by just over 3 feet?
It ensures a fun, and dry, time in the great outdoors.To go with that
tent, give the camper a Slumberjack Gallatin 15-degree mummy sleeping
bag. Priced at a discount, this bag's light trail weight is perfect
for a long hiking trip. It's made with warm, heavy polyester fill that
keeps you warm down to 15 degrees, but is lightweight to carry at just
4 pounds 5 ounces.ElectronicsA nice digital camera, iPod, navigation
system or even a laptop make fabulous gifts that are often found at
clearance prices. When the new models come available, retailers like
to clear their stock of the older models so they can highlight the
newer models. What better way to get rid of stock than offering it at
a clearance price?So for a happy holiday season - and one that does
not break the bank - shop early and look for those clearance-priced
bargains.