Holiday shopping in July

Summer just started, but retailers are already thinking ahead to winter gift giving, offering sales and promotions all month long. But while you could get a good deal, would you start shopping for the holidays in July?!

Well this year, you can expect those deals to be pretty good, with Amazon rolling out its second annual one day mega sale called Prime Day on July 12 and Walmart countering with an announcement that it will be offering "some amazing items at great prices" starting on July 1."

And while Amazon requires a $99 Prime membership to unlock its special deals, Walmart says their special pricing will be available to everyone. Even popular rebate website Ebates which offers cash back for shopping at certain online stores just announced that it would now offer those same cash back offers at select brick and mortar stores.

Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at traebodge.com, says July could in fact be the perfect time to start tackling your holiday gift list. She says a lot of other retailers will be offering bigger and better sales. But Bodge warns early bird shoppers to shop smartly. If you see something on sale that you anticipate being on a holiday list, then go for it. And while Bodge says last year's Amazon Prime sale inspired complaints about a lack of gift items, this year will likely be different.

So there clearly are plenty of good deals to be had, but just don't forget to take a break from scrolling through pages of stocking stuffers to get outside and enjoy the sun. It is still summer after all.