topic Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished? in Community Chat

Christmas shopping started? Finished?

Shorty2U — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:55:27 GMT

Has anyone been Christmas shopping yet? Is anyone finished shopping? I used to start in July and have every thing wrapped by black Friday, but the past few years I am taking it slower.

My grand kids are now 19, 17, & 13 and I am stuck on what to buy (even though they gave me a few ideas). We all make some list ideas another words, but I like to think of some things on my own too.. Also, I give gift cards to everyone in my immediate family to shop, and then some gifts to open of course.

I had to laugh, my middle granddaughter who usually has a list of a million things, said she just wants cash. lol. I said oh I prefer to give gift cards and some gifts but maybe I could give some cash. Well now she sent me a list of items. lol.

Anyway as far as I got is to look on line for some ideas. I loved it when my grand kids were younger, it was so easy. Also they always all tell me I buy the best gifts so i feel like I have to keep up and buy some cool things they will love.

And DH wont even talk about Christmas shopping for his family until Thanksgiving. lol. He sees Christmas as nothing but money/spending time. But I like to pace it to budget some of the money.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

Sweetbay magnolia — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 11:30:24 GMT

I've mailed a few things already - no waiting in line at the PO and the packages got there in just a few days. I asked the recipients to just tuck them away 'til Christmas.

I don't buy for many but I found myself last night pencilling in an idea for my next door neighbor. I'll probably get that done soon.

I like to avoid the rush, but then there are always a few things I pick up last-minute. I consider that part of the festivities. And thank goodness for bill-to, ship-to!

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

StylishLady — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 11:45:54 GMT

I wish.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

Financialgrl — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 12:00:52 GMT

I am the oldest of 4 kids. We used to buy gifts for each other, as time went by we drew names. I'm single and when they had kids I bought all the kids gifts till the oldest was 10 years old.

Once that happened, I stopped, and instead opened an account in a stock market subaccount and each month put $100 in it. During Christmas I'd wrap a new calendar for the upcoming year with the theme of what they like (sports teams, Harry Potter, etc).

Untouched money left alone taking advantage of the volatility of the market for 15 years made for a pretty substantial account. When the youngest hit 18, I moved the money to my checking account, divided it evenly among the 3 kids and gave each of them a check. Once they got older they each said they appreciated the check when they'd most need it - two put it toward a new car when that was necessary, the other used it as a down payment on an apartment. Now some of them have kids but I figure it's time for the grandparents to take on that generation. We no longer get gifts for each other or even draw names bc the family has grown too big. Instead we all now go out to a restaurant for a meal together (sometime during the month of December). We also have summer barbeques. Doing so allows us to remain connected as a family (we all live within an hour of each other).

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

queendiva — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 12:21:50 GMT

Started.

Bought for most of the women at post Christmas sales last year and a couple of items for DSs. Fortunately the list of gifts to buy is shrinking, along with my income. I buy for the nieces and nephews until they graduate from college. Also, happy to have only one box to ship to one family in state. My baby was overseas last Christmas but will be home with his mama and family this year- Best gift for me!

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

Laura14 — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 12:40:53 GMT

I am started and down to two Christmas gifts and two December birthday presents.

I had to stop and wait for some more paychecks to pile up. Probably will pick up again for the home stretch next month.

I am getting stuck on teenagers too. I really do want to make the effort and buy a gift I think he would like but a 14 year old boy is stressing me out with what I can get for him under $50. I'm hoping to pick some ideas up at his birthday in November.

Any ideas for that age group are very welcome.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

chrystaltree — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 12:51:48 GMT

Finished...on October 18? I have never thought of Christmas shopping as chore to be get through and be done before the season even comes. I love Christmas, I love everything about it, including choosing gifts and wrapping. I might pick up a gift or two, if I see something early, like the pj's with socks that I bought earlier this week but for the most part, I don't do any Christmas shopping until after Halloween. I don't go into Christmas mode until the after Thanksgiving. I like to enjoy the seasons and the holidays as they come.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

Shogirl — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 12:57:33 GMT

I've started my shopping - I have 6 grandkids and a husband. Last year I did something different for the kiddos - They all got stockings full of goodies only. I filled them with little toys, candies and gift cards. The funny thing was, my two granddaughters seemed to enjoy this so much more than opening gifts - the older kids, not so much. But, I'm doing the same thing again because it really helps my budget!

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

beckyb1012 — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:05:14 GMT

Way back in the 80's and 90's as a full time homemaker I was always done by Sept. 30th and my Christmas cards were received by all the day after Thanksgiving. Then it was just fun little stocking stuffers for my son and baking. Loved it all and still do with the little remaining now. Now with so many gone home above and the family so much smaller I wait until around Halloween. My extended family stopped the gift giving many years ago and just enjoy the fellowship and Turkey. Our younger generations were much relieved when they did not have to buy tons of gifts for all the uncles, aunts, and second cousins ect....... But when I was child Christmas afternoon at my Great-Grandmother's home was almost better than Santa Claus at home that morning.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

newjersey — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:16:20 GMT

I'm done shopping as no one in my family gives me any ideas of what they want. I'll give them money.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

grandma petes — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:21:35 GMT

My Christmas shopping is easy. I start the first Friday in October and I buy a gift card a week for our son. I get ones from Trader Joe’s, iTunes, gas cards, his favorite restaurants, etc. He’s 42 and has everything he needs in the way of clothes, so this way he has a new gift every time he wants to shop, get gas, buy a movie, etc. Then I bake up his favorite treats and I’m done. We also just get gift cards for the grandkids. They’re teenagers, so trying to buy anything for them would be difficult since their taste changes by the day.😊

DH and I don’t get gifts for each other as we just buy what we need or want anytime. After 42 years of marriage, it’s tough to surprise each other anymore. LOL.😊😉

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

pegomyheart — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:25:52 GMT

14 years old is an om possible age for gift giving. As much as I hate gift cards, that's what I'd give him.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

Allegheny — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:38:58 GMT

I don't know why, but I haven't even given thought to it yet, which is unusual for me.

We don't exchange gifts with DH's family anymore, that was a group decision made a few years back. We exchanged with my brother and his girlfriend, but we're ceasing this year; none of us need more stuff.

That only leaves my DH. I still gift my nephew and his wife, but that is cash and an annual sentimental Christmas ornament.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

seaBreeze — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:59:05 GMT

I have begged my parents, friends, neighbors to stop buying gifts for several years ... no one needs anything, honestly. But the gifts keep coming! I want to celebrate this special season with contributions to the less fortunate ... not stuffing my house & closets with "things" .... perhaps one day.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

faeriemoon — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:06:21 GMT

I bought one gift. I wasn't Christmas shopping but saw something I thought someone would really like, so I bought it. Accidental gift buy, I guess.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

Cumbercookie13 — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:34:04 GMT

I started early this month. With each paycheck, I've been buying a few things. I'm not going overboard. My stepddad and brother are the hardest to shop for, but they say they're happy with money and gift cards. I do small things for co-workers, and my birthday dinner group at our annual Christmas party.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

wagirl — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:35:28 GMT

I'm done---we give our grown kids cash for Xmas. My DD b-day is Dec 23 and I have her gift already.

The hubs and I don't buy for each other anymore---easy breezy !!.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

LindaSal — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:37:04 GMT

I pick things up along the way. I've learned when I see something and the moment strikes me, that is when to buy. I don't have a lot to buy for but I always try to be ahead on things, regardless of what it is. I have never stressed about Christmas as that was an advantage of being ahead of the curve. While others are running around like nuts, I just sit back, listen to Christmas music and drink a couple of glasses of wine by the fireplace. What could be better than that???

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

gidgetgh — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:38:38 GMT

I’m probably 75% done.

I still have to shop shop for my sisters children (adults), my hisband’s 5 year old grandson and my brother in law. I always do all that Thanksgiving weekend.

Everyone else is done. Waiting for a few things to come in the mail.

I’ve wrapped the gifts for the out of towers and packed the shipping boxes. I’ll mail,those the week before Thanksgiving.

And I’ve wrapped the gifts for my friends and stepsons and daughter in law.

I don’t have much to go.

Re: Christmas shopping started? Finished?

Cakers3 — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:40:49 GMT

Just finished Halloween gifts for grandkids.

We know what we are getting DS, DDIL, grandkids, and a friend of DS who spends Christmas with us so browsing for one time on-line shopping will be next, probably in Nov.

The only store shopping will be for the Angel trees when they go up.