I started my Christmas shopping today
We’ve been putting aside $25 a month for Christmas. I know that this doesn’t sound like a lot, but keep the following things in mind:
1. My husband and I don’t buy each other gifts for Christmas. Seriously. If one of us wants or needs something, we discuss it and then plan appropriately. Besides, with the birth of our son, we both get more joy watching him open presents.
2. We don’t spend a lot on family. In the past few years, we have sent framed pictures or photo books as gifts using gift certificates and other discounts. I plan on using Boomertowne gift cards for family this year as well.
3. My son (who this fund is primarily for) doesn’t need a lot of toys. Last year, we spent $150 (toys and clothes) and he had a wonderful Christmas. We figure that a similar amount will be good for this year, especially if we shop ahead of time (which we didn’t do last year).
Today we went shopping to get my husband the new Guitar Hero game (free after gift cards). On the way home, we stopped at Toys R Us – I had heard that they were having a sale on Brio trains. I was wrong – they were actually having a clearance sale!
For $60, we got our son a new train set with track, 2 extra sets of track, 2 stations (a conductor station and a repair shop), and 2 additional train cars. This is going to be his “big gift” this year. I’m really excited that we were able to get such a great deal, and we know that the kid loves trains already (he has a smaller Brio set).
The only thing I haven’t gotten ready is a good hiding spot for this year’s gifts!
Do you like Christmas shopping early? Why or why not?
Yes! I Christmas shop all year long — often taking advantage of the big after Christmas sales for certain kinds of gifts for both Christmas and birthdays. It only makes sense to me to do this. You sure save a lot of stress by having all your shopping done by Thanksgiving
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I like your way. Always plan on your purchases. Try to buy a little oversize if you are looking for clothes or shoes.
Margaret,
My son was born in early January – my husband once joked that I planned this so that I could take advantage of the after Christmas sales! I think it will be nice to have a lot of shopping done prior to Thanksgiving, although last year I used the slickdeals forums in December to pick up some great deals for 2 friends who were expecting.
Atniz,
I’ve been very lucky up until this summer making purchases ahead of time for my son. Right now I have some shorts that are way too big! I do set aside gift cards from Boomertowne and use them for clothes, so that helps!
Thanks for posting!
i almost always start shopping early…usually in august or so. not sure it’s going to happen this year or not…i lost my job and my husband is supporting us. your post reminded me to set up some sort of christmas fund though, so thank you
it hadn’t even crossed my mind yet!
tiffanie’s last blog post..why pay if you can get it for free?
I Christmas shop all year round too. It saves me time because by the time December rolls around I already have several gifts purchased and ready to wrap. It saves me money too because I can take advantage of sales and deals. And since I shop while I’m on vacation, at street faires, etc. I can find some unique gifts that normally wouldn’t see during the traditional holiday shopping season.
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Tiffanie,
I am sorry to hear about your job loss, but am glad that I was able to help out a little. It’s also early enough to start with some homemade gifts to cut down costs.
Thanks for posting!