tenchi18ph - Great article buddy. This will help us to save money on holidays.

- great review..i will try do that.(save)

aliaslucs - thank you for this great information actually its a great tip to me.

- :¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-Thank you >^..^< Great Review!!! -:¦:-•:*””'*•-:|:-

erica5412 - These are all great ideas. I do shop at the outlets. That is one of my favorite things to do. i save a ton on clothes for my kids. i also get alot of things on ebay for alot cheaper than you would pay in stores.

- For Christmas 2009 I will be making Christmas presents, what I don't make I will try to buy handmade gifts online.  I've already started making quilts and monogrammed towels for my grown kids.

- my plan for 2009 christmas will be making handcrafted gifts for the adults along with tins i have collected to fill with home made cookies.  With the economy so bad i dont care if they are not happy about it its the thought that counts and i cant afford christmas anylonger.  Besides i would think home made gifts would be more personal

Karen (Guest) - You cannot purchase items from Amazon through your own Amazon links, through your own Amazon account.  Amazon is very clear about this in their Associates Agreement:

"You may not purchase products during sessions initiated through the links on your site for your own use, for resale or commercial use of any kind. This includes orders for customers or on behalf of customers or orders for products to be used by you or your friends, relatives, or associates in any manner. Such purchases may result (in our sole discretion) in the withholding of referral fees and/or the termination of this Agreement. Products that are eligible to earn referral fees under the rules set forth above are referred to as "Qualifying Products." "

I always try to remember to visit a friend's or colleague's website that has Amazon links on it when I am going to purchase from Amazon.  At least that way someone is gaining from my purchases besides just Amazon!