topic Re: My gift closet is practically bare in Among Friends

My gift closet is practically bare

chrystaltree — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 18:52:51 GMT

The proof that I bought much less from QVC and all the shopping channels this year is that my gift closet is bare. Yes, I have a gift closet. I have always bought things, usually same items, and stashed them away as future gifts. By this time of the year, the designated shelves would be full of stuff. But not this year. Just a few items. I think for me, it's proof of how merchandise had jumped in price and how little I actually bought in 2024. I don't buy many gifts but enough that I have to make my list and start shopping Online. Usually half my gifts are already in the closet. Hubby does his own shopping and he likes the mall experience but he was disappointed that the mall he likes wasn't very festive looking last year.

Re: My gift closet is practically bare

Puzzle Piece — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 20:28:57 GMT

I've never had a gift closet but it's not a bad idea. I buy when the time is right and don't build up items for others. I will buy some things for the Christmas Holiday but not a lot. Things are just too pricay today.

Re: My gift closet is practically bare

goldensrbest — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 20:32:45 GMT

No gift closet for me for years now.

Re: My gift closet is practically bare

Roscoe the Rascal — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 20:44:10 GMT

I use to buy things ahead of time and did it for years but times have changed and do not have so many to buy for any more. My grandkids are getting older and I wait until about October to start buying. I donated all the extras I had a few years back. Just a little of this and that and extras that made good gifts for giving tree.

All my gifts are purchased and wrapped already.

The extras were nice at the time but no longer a need for that.

Re: My gift closet is practically bare

Meowingkitty — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 22:17:51 GMT

Never had a gift closet. We stopped buying gifts for each other years ago and there are no kids to bother with. I only give my hair dresser a gift card to a restaurant and I've already bought that. So I guess I'm done shopping except for me if I find something at a killer price.

Re: My gift closet is practically bare

FancyPhillyshopper — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 07:08:48 GMT

I just went to several stores today, and they are FULL of holiday gifting ideas. Christmas music was playing, and it was very festive. I did not yet see a lot of store holiday decor yet.

The stores seem to be starting early with pushing shopping.

For me, a gift closet has always been a place where I stored smaller neutral gifts I needed for unexpected giving.

I always start shopping for family the day after Christmas for the next year, and I try to finish by Black Friday so the month of December is more relaxing.

I am a VERY experienced comparison and bargain shopper, although I will splurge on occasion, and I spent the same as usual and bought just as many gifts. Prices may be higher, but there are still just as many great sales as ever (if not more)!

Re: My gift closet is practically bare

ScrapHappy — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:40:35 GMT

I picked up a part time cashier job for extra money at a popular craft store (not Michael's). Their Christmas items have been out for months. Fall decor has been narrowed down to one aisle weeks ago, hardly anything left. It has been VERY VERY busy. Lines go to the back of the store with all registers open. I worked 1pm to close last night (close at 8 pm) and was at the register the entire time. The people and the lines did not end. Was there 3 hours after close straightening up the store. It was a disaster of a mess. As far as I can see, people are buying and they are buying A LOT! I'm not too much into the holidays this year. I'm not being a debbie downer. I'm just not feeling it. I buy for the usual people. It gets less each yyear. I don't spend as much and I'm more careful with money.

Re: My gift closet is practically bare

Pecky — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:52:18 GMT

I have never had a gift closet. I haven't had the need for one.

Re: My gift closet is practically bare

Estellee — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 16:41:20 GMT

I have a drawer that I put gifts in