PHOENIX -- Money is tight for many people around Arizona this holiday season.
It's no surprise that consumers are looking for the best bargains they can find, especially right now.
"Garage sale shopping is smart shopping," said Lynda Hammond, a Valley garage sale guru.
The Garage Sale Gal, as she's called, says people are always trying to get rid of items they've bought and never used.
That's great for shoppers because you can find new, once-pricey items, for next to nothing!
Hammond offers the following advice on garage sale shopping for the holidays:
1. Start now: You many need to hit up many garage sales to find the right gifts for the right people. Plus, the early bird gets the worm. Friday garages sales may have the best selection. But Saturday garage sales may have better deals, since owners want to get rid of their stuff in the finals hours of the weekend sales.
2. Look closely: Inspect items to make sure they really are new. They should be in their original, undamaged box.
3. Family fun: Make holiday garage sale shopping a family affair. Hammond suggests you challenge each family members to find a great gift that costs $5 or less.
Examples of some of Hammond's finds at Valley garage sales: new Waterford Crystal wine glasses and Lenox china for less than $10!
Find Arizona garage sales on Hammond's website
