With stores slashing prices for midyear sales, now is the perfect time to beat the heat with a little shopping.
Father Christmas sits on the beach with a tree and presents(Getty Images/moodboard RF/moodboard)
Father Christmas sits on the beach with a tree and presents(Getty Images/moodboard RF/moodboard)
WASHINGTON — Stores slashing prices for midyear sales means now is the perfect time to indulge in a bit of shopping.
Whether you are planning a Christmas in July celebration including a gift exchange with loved ones or know someone who needs a midyear pick-me-up, here are some gift ideas for summer.
Christmas decor
Now’s the time for some of the best deals on holiday decorations. Stores such as until the end of July on everything from Christmas lights to holiday inflatables. on Christmas decor, and is offering a flat $5 shipping fee on holiday purchases. If you’re a child at heart, or just heart animated characters, check out the on ornaments and collectibles.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Beach reads
Bring back the paperback by giving the gift of a solid beach read. for your beach bag. If you’re looking for a specific type of literary adventure, Popsugar came up with the , PureWow recommends this  long after you return home from the beach and Vulture has a that are, well, timeless.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Tote stuffers
Instead of stocking stuffers, try filling a tote bag with small surprises instead. Think of summer essentials anyone can use, such as sunblock, flip flops, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, sunglasses or coupons for ice cream or iced drinks. Stores such as Ìý´Ç°ù are one stop shops where customers can pick up everything from household essentials to beauty supplies.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Picnic basket
Switch out the holiday gift basket for a picnic basket that your recipient can use all summer long. Fill it with such as seasonal jams or fresh fruit and , or any of these  your recipient can grab on the go or take on a road trip.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Portable fan
If you know someone who doesn’t have an air conditioner, a portable fan can help beat the heat. Some , and you can find a variety of , too. If you plan on a ceiling fan upgrade as a gift to your home, Â and free shipping on some items. The on select items as well.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Back to school supplies
If you have a friend heading back to school, get the best deals by shopping back-to-school sales. See what , or find out exactly what supplies your recipient needs by .Ìý on backpacks and clothing, on apparel and footwear and .
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Event tickets
Give the gift of an experience (or memories, if you will) through concert, performance or amusement park tickets. Here’s a list of  See if you can catch some of these  Does your local county fair have an entrance fee? . And if all else fails,  on everything from riverboat cruises to golf lessons to sip and paint night experiences.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Bar experience
If it requires too much effort and energy to head out to a bar when it’s so hot outside, bring the bar to you. Buy all the ingredients you need for ´Ç°ùÌýadult versions of these . Maybe you can ´Ç°ùÌý±ô±ð²¹°ù²Ô through the experience.ÌýPair your beverage of choice with a Ìý´Ç°ù maybe enjoy with a  for a full at-home bar experience.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Streaming service
If you know someone who doesn’t have a Netflix account or a subscription to a streaming service, they might miss out on some of the . These provide more content than you could ever watch, perfect for wiling away the dog days of summer.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Fishing equipment
You won’t be able to enjoy these if you don’t have the right equipment. (Although some locations rent out fishing supplies.) For Christmas in July, it’s not about caroling, decking the halls or drinking hot cocoa by the fire. Summertime is prime time to go fishing. But if fishing doesn’t hold much appeal, celebrate the season by , getting your fill of ´Ç°ùÌý.
(Thinkstock)