Too early for Christmas?

[TEK224]

I was in Cracker Barrel last week and they had Christmas decorations out!

I feel like I am getting selfish as I get older. I want to spend my money on my vacations and saving for my retirement. But I do like buying gifts at Christmas. I love seeing the look on their faces when they open something that they know was picked especiallyfor them. It also drives me nuts trying to come up with something that "fits" their personalities. But that's half the fun.

I do not have kids of my own, but have many nieces and nephews. Have always bought for them at Christmas & birthdays and like doing so. But I have been trying to become more budget conscience. In the past I have spent $2-3k at Christmas. Last year got it down to $1500 and hope to keep it under $1K this year.

Most of the kids are grown and have spouses or SO's. So this year I was thinking of making up baskets for the couples. For instance, my one niece and her SO LOVE coffee. So I was thinking of getting a basket (on sale or w/coupon at Michael's), getting a couple travel mugs and a variety of coffee and snacks to fill the basket. Does that sound okay? Thinking I may be able to do that for $50 total instead of spending $50 on each of them. Plus, I know it's something they'll like and use.

For the younger kids, I usually get them something I've heard they want and add to their shares of Disney stock.

So, if anyone has other basket ideas I could possibly use, I'm all ears. Any ideas would be good and I can see if any would "match" up with any of my family members.

Thanks!

 

[TLuvsD]

Game Baskets are good for most ages, just vary the games.
Movie Baskets...either movie tickets and candy or DVD's and candy or those popcorn holders.
Popcorn Basket: good popcorn with toppings, possibly a popcorn popper (either stove top or electric).
Crafter's basket: paper, punches, glue (Micheal's with 40% coupons).
Hope this helps!

 

[clintswifeymomof4]

I'm a coffee lover as well and to be honest- I have a bazillion mugs and a trillion travel mugs... what about a coffee of the month club or something of that nature? Coffee is a touchy subject with me and I'll only drink certain kinds and brands... I just don't want you to spend $ on something that they will shove to the back of the cabinet, you know?

What about an experience basket... like a gift card or prepaid visit to a museum or spa or some other type of experience instead of a tangible thing? You could add in a few inexpensive chotskies that pertain to the experience... I personally would love something like this instead of something that I could probably buy for myself if I wanted it. I'm less likely to spend $ on an experience or going somewhere, but that's just me.

 

[timzagain]

It's never too early to think of Christmas.

I love gift baskets - you can put together a budget friendly gift that is tailor made to the tastes/ interests of the recipient. It's even easier on the budget when you can accumulate gift basket items over time!

Here's a link to a list of 101 gift basket ideas:-

http://www.angelfire.com/on2/SantaClaus/baskets.html

Hope you can find some useful ideas there.

Enjoy!

 

[crusoe2]

If you have any bookworms in the family, a basket filled with reading material and accessories might be nice. A few books and magazines, bookmarks, book plates, clip on reading light and some munchies to enjoy while they read.

A wine basket with a bottle of their favorite, some pretty glasses, snacks, and cocktail napkins.

A kitchen themed basket for folks who like to cook could include small kitchen tools, gourmet ingredients, small serving pieces, and a couple of nice towels.

 

[TEK224]

Great ideas! Keep em coming!

 

[TEK224]

bump

 

[Princesca]

Yes, it's too early for Christmas. It's still August for pity's sake!

 

[beansmom]

i'm through with my xmas shopping except getting an outfit for each of our boys.

I have some crafting things to do for dgd but that's it.

I

am

DONE!!