Christmas Shopping

[karenlyn]

It's October and Christmas is looming whether you like it or not (I do!). When do you normally start your Christmas shopping? Do you usually have to make a mad rush the week before?

I've already bought some thing during the big fall sales... just to save a bit of money.

[Alexa]

We have a mix of Halloween and Christmas stuff. Not interested in any of them. I hate when I'm forced to buy earlier.

A bit early to start my Christmas gifts. Maybe at the beginning of December. Unfortunately, there are other bills to be taked care of meanwhile.

[brian]

They've been stocking the Christmas stuff in the shops already during September!

I've already bought a couple of small things for the kids - will probably go on Amazon within the next week or so and start buying for other members of the family.

[Alexa]

What if you can find interesting and less expensive gifts later ?

As I know myself quite well, every time I start my shoppings earlier (well, if you can see those gifts everwhere ), I buy more than my budget allows. Sometimes I changed my mind about the gift and bought something else for the same person. *sigh*

[tater03]

I usually get the kids done early. I like to put it in layaway. I just found out that next year Walmart is discontinuing their layaway. I really like the option of layaway because then I don't have to worry so much about the boys snooping around and finding their stuff. Will have to see if I can find a different place that has it next year.

[Leto]

No Chrismas shopping till at least mid-november for me. No need to rush it.

[mtatum4496]

I'm pretty much done, just a few more things to pick up. I wrap as I go, so that will not be much of a production either.

Question - I am giving a lot of gift cards this year. Frankly, my long time friends and family don't need one more article of clothing or some doodad for the house, so I thought a gift card to a favorite restaurant or retial store would be nice. What do you guys think?

[ozzie]

I have four adult kids and their families to buy for. I used to ask for their wish lists by Halloween but no one co-operated. Now I ask for them by Thanksgiving. With so much to do, that doesn't give me as much time as I would like to get all my shopping and other preparations done.

So far, I've only purchased 3 or 4 items!

[mtatum4496]

Originally Posted by Leto

No Chrismas shopping till at least mid-november for me. No need to rush it.

I have done mine incrementally throughout the year ever since I was in my late twenties. These days, I can sit back and watch the tv coverage of the packed malls and the bumper to bumper traffic around town while I am at home enjoying a nice glass of wine and admiring the lights on my tree. That makes for a nice Christmas present just for me.

[baileym1]

I'm the same way. I start shopping the day after Christmas the year before. Most of my wrapping is done by Halloween. I like to get that out of the way and enjoy the season.