Christmas All Year Community

Okay - We've (hubby and I) actually done a bit of early-for-us Christmas shopping. Way back in August we purchased a gift and then last week we purchased another. So now we have 2 people already crossed off our list!!!

How is shopping going for you?

Kevan and I had a talk about it last night and decided to set ourselves a little Christmas Challenge. We have £20 each (thats about $40) to spend on one another. I think thats more than enough!

We don't have many to buy for, so I think the budget for each person will be just a bit more than we're allocating for each other. I'm quite looking forward to finding something extra special for everyone now.

Great challenge! I'm sure you'll find the perfect gift. Remember time is also a great gift.

Can't shop yet - we don't draw names for Secret Santa yet...as for my wife, her BDay is November 3rd so I won't buy her Christmas gifts till after that to see what everyone got her...

Last night hubby and I went out while Grandma watched the girls. We did a little shopping and found almost all the girls stocking stuffer gifts!!! I just can't believe how much I've accomplished in shopping this year.

I've already bought many gifts:

I got my grandmother a pin from a thrift shop that looks expensive yet didn't cost me a bundle. I also got my brother a t-shirt from a thrift store that is of his favourite brand and is in great condition. I also got my mom a special gift package of certain bath products. (She loves those kinds of things.. ) I got my aunt a necklace.....

I still have lots of shopping to do (which I don't mind because I love shopping for others) and am always keeping an eye out for good deals on items to give as gifts to family/friends on x-mas.

I am still studying in high school so I do not have a full time job (I had a part time job in the summer but got none of the money because of how expensive my hobby of figure skating is on my parents so I have a limited budget. Does anyone have any good tips for me on how to save money and shop more smartly? Thanks!

Oh,and I bought my brother a stocking stuffer and my mom a special black leather change purse she was wanting....

Wow, x-mas is in only 107 days! Hooray! It may seem very far away but believe me...it will come sooner then you think!

I remember last November my mom was thinking I was crazy for watching x-mas movies and singing carols. I did my shopping early and all she did was think I was crazy. However, x-mas came fast and my mom had to do x-mas eve shopping.

Yes, Christmas presents really arn't about the costs but about the thought that went into it.

I am finding so many great gift ideas and having to keep in mind that I do have a VERY tight budget. I was hoping that buying early would save money and obviously time. This is my first year of actually being organized so it will be interesting how this all turns out.

And wow, x-mas is in only 107 days! It will be here really soon...I better keep up the shopping.

I just bought my grandpa a movie that was on clearance for only 5 dollars. I think I may go back and buy abother one for my brother.....

I have made out about 5 lists for gifts and have finally fixed it up into one final list. I am trying to follow it and get the gifts...but it will involve a bit of running around. That's fine though because I love Christmas shopping.

So...how is everyone else's Christmas shopping going?

I haven't bought any Christmas gifts yet. DH and our youngest daughter have birthdays in October. Also the money I earn taking care of the little ones. I am putting away so we can purchase firewood to heat with. So hopefully by the middle of next month we will get the wood and then I can start saving for Christmas gifts. November sometime we will probably start.

November, now that sounds like a normal time to shop. I now feel a little crazy for being 95% done with my x-mas shopping.

But I don't think I'm going to shop anymore because I've been doing a lot of spending...I think I'll save and then start buying for the last person on my list at a time that is nearer to Christmas time. I still love Christmas shopping so I want to be able to buy for someone to experience a little bit of holiday shopping in the snow.

I think I am planning to do a theme for my gifts this year. Books and treats. Books are an inexpensive gift that can be fun for all ages. I like to look for paperbacks and bargin hardcover books. Amazon has great deals too.

As for the treats, they make great gifts for teachers, coaches, and family friends.

Nettescraps I like your book idea. DS loves reading and DD 7 is starting to enjoy it too. DD almost 5 loves the pretty, girly books being read to her.

Christmas Eggnog don't feel crazy for almost being done. I think that's great your almost finished already.
You were able to get most of it completed before it gets really busy and everything is picked over. Plus you found some really great deals!