Christmas Shopping

@MsTickle (25180)
Australia
October 28, 2008 4:39am CST
How far along are you with your Christmas shopping?? With the economy as it is we need to be careful, buying only what we can actually pay for. I'm a low income earner so being cautious and clever comes easy to me. This year I will be having family to stay and we will all share gifts to some degree...piling them under the tree to be opened in the morning as we begin our Christmas celebrations. I've bought a couple of gifts and am still thinking about the others. The shops are about 3 hours away so things have to be well organised. How are things going for you?
20 people like this
68 responses
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
28 Oct 08
I made that mistake last year.I bought a lot of gifts on credit and now i am still paying for them and it is almost here again.This year i will NOT do that.If i cannot afford it i will not buy it..I have a few things bought but not a lot.I am afraid this christmas will be a little skimpier than last year.I really do not think the price counts as much as the thought...I am going to be very careful this year...
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
I think maybe a lot of us needed this sort of wake up call slick. I rarely see anyone at Christmas but I decided to spend the hols with family last year. I rushed out and using my credit card bought gifts for all then was not able to get away from home because of flood waters. We don't really need to spend lots on gifts. I reckon being together is the best part, the gifts don't have to be huge...it really is the thought that counts.
1 person likes this
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Well i really cannot afford to do it this year,so everyone will just have to understand.I will buy for my grandchildren and if i can i will buy small gifts..Really no one i know actually is in dire need haha.It seems the grandchilren all get it before christmas & whatever they want,so its going to be nice but small this year..I am still paying off credit cards from last year and i will not do that again..
1 person likes this
29 Oct 08
believe it or not i am done with my christmas shopping. i started about 4 months ago buying things off amazon. they have bill me later and i just payed everything off last week.
2 people like this
@gemini_rose (16264)
28 Oct 08
At the beginning of the year before the crisis started I had pulled our finances into a good position by clearing some debt. I have had a bad christmas for the last two years and hardly had any money at all and so I was determined to knuckle down for this year so I started putting money away from January which turned out to be a good thing in the end. I started my shopping a few weeks ago and so do not have much more to get, just a few annoying bits! I made a list though this year and budgeted for everyone and cut down a lot. I have four children and usually I am one for getting them every little toy that they want, but they do not look after them or appreciate it so this year I have asked them what they would like to have the most and have taken the top two things and that is what they will get and those will be their main presents and the rest will be little stocking fillers. It is also my daughters birthday two days after christmas day so I have to prepare for that too!
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
Wow gemini...good for you! I'll bet you're proud of yourself now that you got your self up to speed with your debts. I think Christmas gift buying has become way out of hand and I'm glad to hear you are being more conservative...so sensible in light of the economy especially. I think too that kids don't appreciate what they get when they get too much. I think you are showing a good example to many people that are maybe wondering howe they will manage things this year.
@gemini_rose (16264)
29 Oct 08
I am proud of myself for pulling my finger out with the debts, especially considering the way things are now and it has placed us in a safer situation should anything go wrong with hubbys job which at the moment is very likely. You are right about christmas being way out of hand, I also think that we as people put ourselves under way too much pressure to get the perfect gift for people AND parents mither themselves silly about getting their children every present that they want and you know something that I am learning about my children is that actually they are not bothered about having every gift whatever they get they will be happy with it is probably actually us that would make them ungrateful by keep on giving all the time. I have seen a few discussions on mylot of late of people saying that because they cannot afford to buy anything that they are going to make handmade gifts and would that be OK, and you know I think it is great that more people seem to be looking along the lines of doing this. What a great and personal idea for someone you care about I think that it would be much more appreciated, plus it kind of goes back to what christmas should be about. I have not got time now this year to do anything handmade because I do cross stitch which takes a long time, but my plans for next year now is to plan some cross stitch pictures for family and make small gifts out of it for them. I think that christmas needs to be planned over a year, instead of people waiting for the wage to come in december and getting themselves in debt a few pounds each month soon builds up and then I know where I stand come christmas and how much I have got to spend.
1 person likes this
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
1 Nov 08
We usually leave Christmas shopping for late. There good bargains and we try to spend the least possible. I have a large family therefore you have to spend wisely. It is more the thought behind the present rather than the present itself. © ronaldinu 2008
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Nov 08
Are you saying that spending the least possible on people's gifts is thoughtful??? Oh come on...thoughtful for whom....certainly not the receiver of the gift...definitely to yourself. It sounds like you are saying it doesn't matter what you buy as long as you are careful and pay as little as possible...that's not being thoughtful, that's being cheap....
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Nov 08
It's looking for the bargains and markdowns that go on the day before but were pricey the day before. I've done that, and haven't felt badly at all. It is the thought and not the gift although my sister in law once said something to one of my sisters about the "junk" that my kids used to buy for her when they were young. They were so thrilled to go to the school Christmas store and pick something out for her........I don't think I've ever told them about it, but that is pretty shallow of her. She stopped buying for them a long time ago so she could go all out for her own boys.
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
8 Nov 08
hi mstickle! you're lucky you have started with your Christmas shopping. i haven't started with it. i've been spending a lot over the last two months and i've forgotten that its already the "-ber" season and that i need to budget for my Christmas gifts! i've been going out a lot because its my therapy for me to be able to forget certain things in my life. ^__^;; i'm not forgetting though that i'll be needing money for the Christmas and i'm just hoping that the money i have saved will be enough at least for Christmas gifts to people i love.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
14 Nov 08
I have one daughter to buy for...she has expensive tastes and friends...they will be easy as I will make some edible goodies to hand out. Luckily, I don't have too many to buy for. I budgeted for Christmas but I damaged my car and it's costing me nearly $700 to repair....an unexpected expense unfortunately.
1 person likes this
@tabyorky (281)
5 Nov 08
I have started buying Christmas presents, but still got loads more to buy. Started early but then stopped as started buying birthday presents for my daughter, as she is 1 this weekend. Will start buying more Christmas presents once I have saved up a bit more money.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
14 Nov 08
It seems like you have it all under control...congratulations! Happy birthday to your little one too...and welcome to myLot (love your avatar!
1 person likes this
@quinnkl (1667)
• United States
2 Nov 08
I always put my shopping off till the last minute. I really do NOT like to shop. So Christmas shopping is always a horror to me. I love the buying and giving of gifts but do not like to shop. I am lucky because as my family ages (most of my nieces and nephews are teens now)they actually prefer gift cards, and those are so easy to get. And most of us have lower incomes and have kids in school with bills that need paying, so we keep costs down and the kids draw names and we adults only exchange with our parents. So it works out well for all of us.
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Nov 08
I love it when a family has a system!
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Nov 08
I love to shop but not with the crowds. Many times I will leave the house very late and go to the stores that are opened late to avoid all the people. That is the way that I grocery shop all the time and it is so much quicker getting in and out. (I realize that many can't do that with the way they work, but it sure works for me.)
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
28 Oct 08
I bought some gifts when in Europe. I have only few people to buy gifts for. I have good hand when buying for bargains. I don't use credit cards and I always budget my money wise.
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
Hello pola ...how very wise you are. This is the most sensible way to handle all Christmas spending. I hope this is a happy Christmas for you.
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
28 Oct 08
LOL how far along am I?? Well I starting thinking about writing a list and i have a mental note of a few gifts I want to get ppl...Does that count LOL
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
Of course it counts Raven....I'm sure you'll find that you are a lot further along than most people...
• United States
3 Nov 08
I've got most of our Christmas shopping done. I just have a few more gifts I need to buy. I try to start buying presents during the summer so I don't have to spend so much money all at one time. It seems easier to me if I do it that way.
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
3 Nov 08
That negates the whole excitement of Christmas shopping for me. By the time Christmas comes the gifts seem boring and I want to go out and shop for better ones...amidst all the decorations and Christmas music and stuff.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Oct 08
i actually started mine last night. spent about 2 hours hunting thru 4 or 5 different sites to find a nice set of bangle bracelets for my 13yr old...found a lovely set in silver ON SALE no less, and immediatly placed my order! woot! i was happy it had begun early and that id gotten a great price! then..this evening i got an email from the site saying that due to overwhelming orders, they didnt have anymore in stock, didnt know when they were gonna get more..and so was cancelling my order and refunding my money. ::sigh:: and now back to finding a decent set of bangles at a decent price!
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
Hi Cinder, long time, no see. What a bummer...how come you are one of the people that missed out....that would be me too...lol. Good luck with finding something...sounds lovely. I have a 13 year old granddaughter and she will be getting a dainty pair of earrings.
28 Oct 08
I adore buying people presents, but money is so tight right now that it's not going too swimmingly. I've made my future mother-in-law a cross-stitch picture for her present this year. I hope she appreciates the effort that went into it. The remaining problem however, is paying to get it framed! Everything costs money! I'm disabled so I have trouble getting out to the shops so I do a lot of my shopping online. Most of it in fact!
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
I'd love to do my buying on-line but I'm usually disappointed by the size or the quality. I'm still not good enough to be able to trust myself to buy on-line. I end up spending double lots on postage when I need to return things and the postage charges are so high. I'm sure your future MIL will love your needlework...you are right, framing is expensive. Give the framers plenty of time as they will probably get busy closer to Christmas. I love Christmas...I'm just sad that I can never afford to buy the gifts I'd like to...mind you....my family are all well off but they buy crappy gifts....how does that work????
@gracie04 (4549)
• Philippines
28 Oct 08
I've started my early Christmas shopping two weeks ago but still i have long list of presents to buy for my loved ones.. i am on a tight budget, i needed a day or two to raid discount stores around the metro..
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
I think that's the secret. have a plan and don't leave all your shopping till the last minute. I always allow for some extra gifts of chocolate or shortbread in case someone extra turns up.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
28 Oct 08
I shop sales and clearance specials all year, buying things and putting them away for Christmas. If I didn't do that, there wouldn't be presents under the tree to open. One year, my son couldn't come for Christmans day, but came a few days later. That year, we did all of our shopping and celebrating after Christmas. It was a blast! We all started with a preset amount of money...and went together to hit the mall. While we, of course, split up to shop - we got it all done in 3 hours. Amazing the bargains after Christmas! My son will be here for Christmans this year, but we've been talking about doing the same thing. Have stockings on Christmas day, but having the real celebration a few days later, after we've done our mall thing.
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
I can't do that cat.... Christmas is to be celebrated at Christmas in my home, not several days later. I'm a traditional sort of girl. When I was little we had Christmas day at home with our family but the next day, Boxing Day we went to my aunty's and did it all over again...the meal part that is. Even shopping for gifts....it wouldn't be the same shopping after Christmas for gifts and leaving them in the cupboard all year to be wrapped. It just wouldn't be the same. It's great that you have such a blast celebrating in your own way.
• United States
28 Oct 08
yes we do need to be careful when shopping it is easy to go way over way fast but remember that if we dont spend then our country going in the craper even more than right now so if the middle class dont do anything then we die as a country we are the heart liver and back bone of this country
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
30 Oct 08
Actually, I'm an Australian and this post was directed towards the whole myLot community, not just the Americans...your response didn't really address the topic either now did it? Please try and remember that this is an International site and that everything isn't about the good ole US of A. Meanwhile, welcome to myLot and I hope you enjoy yourself here...the best way to do this is to read the guidelines and follow the rules
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
30 Oct 08
So far I bought my sister an excellent book on ebay that I've wanted to pass on to her, but can't part with my copy.. and am waiting today on the closing of a bid on something for her hubby.. Soon I will online order my folks some movie theatre tickets which they love to get.. But I plan to take it real easy this Christmas..
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Nov 08
I like it that I can find unique things on ebay and gifts which are along the lines of people's interests.. For my brother in law I found a poster of the band, Kiss on the empire state building with signatures.. He's crazy about Kiss, and the cost plus shipping was under $10.. and I don't think he'll think of it as used.. I'm quite excited to have gotten it for him. Currently I'm looking for a book called "Atlas Shrug" for my husband.. I may find it for as low as $5.00 whereas a new one would likely cost $30. To me that it was previously owned by another person doesn't bother me in any way, though I wouldn't give a gift of previously owned clothing..
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Nov 08
A lot of people mention ebay in the same breath as christmas shopping. I simply find them way too expensive and I'm not into giving second hand gifts. I know they have new as well but the prices are high. Add the shipping costs and I find ebay to be a rip off.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
28 Oct 08
I am trying to figure out how we are even going to have a christmas here. We will be lucky to eat and pay bills. I hope things start turning around soon.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
Do you have decorations left over from previous years....I've found decorating really helps to get into the Christmas spirit. I hope you are able to pay your bills and put food on the table. If there is nothing for gifts, I wouldn't worry...being out of debt is more important at this stage. Good luck.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
I always find that something turns up at just the right moment...that is, before I've torn all my hair out and chewed my fingernails down to the first joint. Be the best you can and good things will happen right when you need them to.
@Cudzoo (20)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
Oh thoroughrob, I'm on your page, I just don't know how I am going to manage to be able have xmas this year either as we find it hard just to eat each night but I guess I will work something out and I know I'm not the only one finding it very hard at the moment everyone is in the same boat :(
1 person likes this
• Canada
29 Oct 08
Well Ms Tickle I am afraid that there will be no Christmas (Gift wise) this year! I cannot afford to buy anything for anybody! I have purchased the odd little thing here and there throughout the year and that will have to do but when I went to the closet to check it is hardly anything at all!!! Ah Well, as long as we are together.....I don't have a list of wants either this year except money to continue my Son's Therapy! ~Heavens~
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Nov 08
All the best to you....I'm sure there will be some things under the tree. Everything will be fine...you'll see.
1 person likes this
• Canada
3 Nov 08
I hope so! ~Heavens~
@p1kef1sh (45681)
1 Nov 08
Sounds like online shopping was designed for you MsTickle. Personally I've just about caught up with Christmas 2005! As a no income person I have to be more than careful. Fortunately I am like many men. My wife does it all except for my present to her, and she's told me what she wants so that's alright! They do say that if Christmas was left to men it wouldn't happen. Let's face it, even Jesus was borne by a virgin! Can you blame us for being less than enthusiastic?!! You can box my ears now.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Nov 08
Would you like that my dear...I'd happily oblige...I'll be gentle too..
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
3 Nov 08
You're safe, I'm a pacifist. A non violent type person...practising coward.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
2 Nov 08
I seem to bring out the dominant in women! LOL. Bang, I mean box away!
1 person likes this
31 Oct 08
I have got a couple of presents already and have been paying throughout the year money towards some vouchers which will be presents for my family and my BF family. I think it has helped me prepare for Christmas as I now wont have to panic and think about where to get them vouchers for as the ones I have got are high street vouchers. I prefer a much organised Christmas!!! Ive got wrapping paper from last year and I think I still have some cards aswell. In January I bought special Christmas cards for the family. The think that puzzles me is that we never think about Christmas until October/November time but yet we know it is looming. By this time its too late to save money and stuff. I will be saving for next Christmas all year through.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Nov 08
Having a little Christmas account is great. Just $5 a week gets you about $250 at the end of the year...some banks even have accounts that pay extra interest if you deposit and don't withdraw.
6 Nov 08
Since having my second job I have been able to save more aswell. I have even started putting some money into my other saving account just for savings for the future.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I haven't done any yet, I really don't know what I'm going to do. I guess I keep hoping money will justt show up to help with this. I may just have to send IOUs like we use to do. You know IOU one week of bedmaking, or dish washing or pet care.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Nov 08
This is a great idea...I love it...do you actually follow through?
@savypat (20216)
• United States
2 Nov 08
Of course we do follow through, it would only work one time if we didn't. And it's pretty funny to have someone waving an IOU in your face for doing dishes in November of the next year.