Alright, who's done it??

[hlbtimes2]

I have bought one gift. My son (4) has been begging for lamp with an airplane on it. I found a cute one with Mickey and Minnie at disneyshopping.com I had a great code, and some other item to purhcase so it was cheap and shipping was free.

 

[gradtchr]

I have sent one family their Christmas gifts and my Dad got his in May because we got something really large for his fathers day gift.

I have a couple of people left. Now the day after Thanksgiving shopping can be all about me.

 

[keishashadow]

Like other years, I've started shopping & will continue to hunt for unique presents for the adults on my list, esp. when I'm @ WDW.

I don't know how people manage to complete Xmas shopping for kids & teenagers far in advance. Most of the "hot" toys & video games don't roll out until mid-November. Also, wouldn't want to take a chance on a growth spurt for clothing either.

My new goal is to have a CC-free Xmas, getting better each year. At least I've put away some money each pay, hope it'll make a dent in the cost.

Have tried to get extended family to discontinue individual presents or at least have a grab bag but, I've given up. Moreso the junkie presents that never get opened esp. for kids (think the goofy stuff they sell on QVC???) & get donated to charity. We'd rather receive a $5 or $10 gift card - anywhere.

 

[petrymom]

I have a few gifts left and then I will be done. I want to start wrapping today, but will see.

 

[mrsheppo]

With a large family, I shop most of the year. I have quite a few gifts bought already, and I'm about halfway done.

 

[clh2]

Haven't bought a thing yet, but DD's main present is all decided on though. Unfortunately, we do not want to buy it early, the warranty period would about all be over with by Christmas day. Plus, in this category of gifts, the technology gets better and the prices drop, so no point getting it now. And no, since she occasionally lurks, I will not be saying what it is. Stocking stuffers are SO easy for her, since she is a normal 12 YO girl.

All nieces and nephews will get appropriate GC's. We get those much closer to Christmas.

Neither DH or I have exchange gifts with our siblings, we focus more on the kiddos, which makes Christmas a lot easier. (DH is 1 of 8 kids.)

And then, the only people left are my parents (DH's are both deceased.) We usually give them a GC to something special, or make a donation to something that has special meaning to them (i.e. like the pipe organ fund at their church)

The hard one is always DH. I really want to get him a GPS, but we do not exchange expensive gifts. We have always tried hard to find meaningful, albeit inexpensive gifts.

Congrats to all of you who are done!!!

 

[Stepharoonie!]

Christmas shopping? Are you kidding? I'm still thinking about getting a day off in Labor Day, just so I can get some sleep!

 

[EthansMom]

I bought a couple of Lenox items last January at steep discounts for gifts this Christmas. Also, I just picked up a couple of stocking stuffers for DS. Have no clue what to get DD2.

I'm trying to stick to less than $150 for each of the kids, though, since they have more toys than they know what to do with.

 

[liamsaunt]

You guys are freaking me out! I haven't even thought of Christmas yet! It's about 90 degrees outside!

Allright, I have thought about it, a little bit. But I haven't been shopping yet.

 

[Stitchfans]

I "AM" done it.... yep, finished..... with the exception of stocking stuffers.

me too. well.... really done with everyone except DDs. I wait to get their wish lists.

 

[XYSRUS]

I've started. I'm not done yet but I always have everything wrapped by Thanksgiving. I started this when the boys were young and I've found I love the holidays so much more. Tons of time to do nothing but enjoy life!

 

[tiggersmom2]

I'm done except for a couple of big items for the kids. The way I see it, I'm going to be VERY pregnant in December and would give anything not to fight those crowds.....hence, the shopping in July and August.

 

[EthansMom]

I've started. I'm not done yet but I always have everything wrapped by Thanksgiving. I started this when the boys were young and I've found I love the holidays so much more. Tons of time to do nothing but enjoy life!

Me too! I try to have all gifts bought by the end of November.

Several years ago, I found that Christmas was stressing me out: fighting other drivers for a parking spot at the mall, hurrying to buy last minute gifts (not necessarily meaningful gifts -- just SOMETHING so I wouldn't be empty-handed), dealing with getting gifts that showed how much family members either didn't know me or didn't care enough to think about their gift selection, etc....

I decided to change things so that I could enjoy Christmas. I've cut our Christmas budget severely, reduced gift giving/spending on other adults, and try to have gifts purchased before December. Now, I'm able to find plenty of time for holiday baking (one of my favorite things), decorating for the holidays, and singing Christmas carols.