It's officially Fall!  I'm not sure if you've ventured out into your local shopping centers, but the displays, mannequins, decor in stores have all switched to fit the season.  I now see lots of pumpkins, orange colored candles, Halloween themed decorative accessories, cinnamon apple wreaths and more.

With Fall in full force, now is the time to start making your shopping lists for the holidays.  Try to plan early and you'll be able to maximize your savings, save time and be the person who kicks back and sips hot chocolate while everyone else is running around like chickens with their heads cut off on Christmas Eve.

Every week leading up to the holidays and more, we will have the top 5 deals from our site just for you. We've got some great deals that will help you on your holiday shopping extravaganza.

Deal #1: Even after the back-to-school shopping spree, I've found that my daughter is growing way too fast and she needs more leggings and t-shirts.  For today only, use this Gap coupon to get an additional 30% off sale items.  Combine this coupon with the prices on the sale items and you can get huge savings. Expires today 9/26/2012.

Deal #2: My underwear drawer always needs some updating with fresh panties and bras.  Who likes to wear the same thing over and over again?  Well right now, head on over to Maidenform to use an extra 50% off coupon on clearance merchandise.  After discounts, you can save up to 70%!  Expires 9/27/2012.

Deal #3: Who doesn't like the "Brown Bag"?  If you want some great holiday deals, head on over toBloomingdale's and use their coupon for 20% off most regular/sale items for women, men, kids and home.  While they are considered a high end department store, if you combine the reduced prices in the Sale section with the discount from the coupon, it makes for an incredible deal.  One year, with all discounts applied, I was able to buy my daughter's teachers' mugs for only $2.99 per mug.  Expires 10/01/2012.

Deal #4: 
The next offer will not start until tomorrow 9/27/2012, but it was just that good that I had to include it.  During the Friends & Family Event, Naturalizer is offering a coupon for an extra 30% off your entire purchase.  They currently have a great selection of Sale items and with the added discount from the coupon, you'll get incredible savings.  I use to think this store was only for my mom or grandmother, but my recent visit to the store changed my mind.  They've updated their selection to also meet the needs of a younger generation.  So they have something for you, your mom and your grandma!  Expires 9/30/2012.

Deal #5:  
I haven't included any deals that are for my plus-size sisters, so this next deal goes out to you all!  Over the years, they've definitely made plus-size clothing very fashionable..  I remember 20 years ago, my friends had trouble finding a cute outfit, but now plus-size fashion is so cute it makes the thin crowd envious.  A few years ago, I walked into a plus-size store with my friend and I was gushing over this really cute dress and of course there were none in my size (made me plus-size jealous)!  Right now, get a 30% off coupon from Avenue during the Friends & Family Sale and save on their oh-so-chic outfits.  Expires 10/01/2012.

Here's to another week of "This week in deals" where we save you time, energy and money.  Start your holiday shopping soon to score some crazy deals and to set yourself up for a stress-free holiday!

(Original article: Savings.com)