Buying Christmas Presents All Year

[eliza61]

Hey LJ,
Generally I don't buy presents all year long. first, I don't have the willpower to hold onto them untile Christmas. LOL.

I do save up during the year for Christmas though. I'm lucky in that my siblings and I are not big "gift" exchangers. since we all live in different states we much prefer to "do" stuff together than buy useless toys. This year we're taking a family trip to London over spring break so our kids don't expect gifts from aunts and uncles.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Mrs. Pete, that was a really helpful post! Gave me lots of ideas for ways to simplify Christmas next year. Thank you!!

TP

 

[mjantz]

I've found Mardel to be a great source of cheap generic gifts to purchase throughout the year. I've bought jewelry & picture frames there for pennies as they have been known to discount stuff up to 90% off.

 

[malinka]

I'd like to reccomend you making your own video greeting. It took me only 5 mins, and I am sure children will love it
go to dedmorozonline.com

 

[ilovemk76]

I know that some of you buy gifts all year and finish your shopping quite early. I feel like shopping and money gets in the way of the fun things I want to do at Christmas so next year I want to do it differently.

I have dd(14), ds and dil, dgd(2) and dgd(4), older ds, Dh, mom, mil and fil. And then all the office gifts, friends etc.

What about older DS's wife?


So my questions are:

Do you have in mind what you want to get each person that far in advance? Or do you just pick up things you think they would like as you see them?

No. When I buy a gift ahead, it is because I saw something that is perfect for a certain person.


Do you have a set amount for each person each year and stop when you reach that amount?

Not a hard number but I do keep a list and the dollar amount spent, so I can decide when I have enough.

Do you hold back some and save for a big item the kids may ask for closer to Christmas?

For kids, I tend to wait for later to see what is "in" that year for their age. I do not buy clearance toys to give just because they are a good deal. I do the same for charity gifts we give. I want the less fortunate kids to have more than just last years toy left overs. Some toys are timeless but others are just a one-year wonder.

We are planning to fo to Disney in November so being through by then would make Christmas almost stressfree!!

You can be done shopping but there are still things you cannot bake and freeze that you will still need to make.

I know I am probably making this harder than it should be but just looking for ideas before I go tobuying wily nily. TIA

See red above.

 

[luvsJack]

See red above.

Wait sorry I went back and read. Jumped too quick. She isn't here anymore. And thank you for the advise.