When do you start Christmas shopping?
By ilyzium
@ilyzium (1197)
Canada
October 4, 2009 2:29pm CST
Has anyone started it yet? I'll be starting it soon this month and plan to be finished by November. Though I love that time of the year, I really detest the actual XMAS shopping, being stuck in crowds, long line-ups, no parking in the malls, rude people. That's why I always make sure to start earlier every year that way by December and I am off doing my own things and just relaxing while everyone else is in a panic! :)
2 people like this
23 responses
@Picquarian (724)
• United States
4 Oct 09
I start around the middle of December. No joke. Each year I tell myself that I am going to start earlier, but I never do. Maybe this year will be different...lol!
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
4 Oct 09
At middle of December?! 8-0 at this time of the years shoppings are so full that you can hardly breath to buy a Christmast tree. Good luck with you Xmast shoppings i think you'll need it ;)
@Melbee11 (230)
• United States
5 Oct 09
Well hopefully I get to it as soon as I can. I don't really have a time to do it. Usually I go the same time as my mother. It's easy for me to go shopping. It really doesn't take that long. I defently hate long line's but, only when you got something you really wanted it's worth the wait. xD
1 person likes this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
7 Oct 09
A few years ago I found it easier to buy gift cards. Since I am buying for our adult kids and grandkids, it's easier for them to get what they need when we provide gift cards. It may not be quite as personal but our kids also know I hate to shop. I love the holidays but not the shopping. I might try to buy toys for our grandkids online and avoid actually going to a mall or toy store.
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
8 Oct 09
Hello, hello, hello, :)
I can relate to you because First, I hate to shop and I also buy gift cards for most of my family members, well for those that specifically want then that is. Also, I tend to shop in October, and certain family members (you know who you are), give me shopping lists at the last minute. They know very well I shop earlier and if their list isn't given to me sooner, then they'll just have to get what I give them!
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
5 Oct 09
Hi Chris,
Oh you're also one of the really lucky and organized ones too! You must be laughing at all those poor pathetic people running around at the last minute! lol I think I tend to see more men frantically panicking then, then I do women. I agree about the rude people at that time of year, very stressful to be around.
@granny42 (1)
• United States
5 Oct 09
I start my shopping in October because summer is over and people have stopped shopping for themselves. This way I can get what I hear them say they want without worrying about them going otu and getting it. Plus the selection is much greater.
My 15 year old niece has been talking about a book, "Gateway To DreamWorld" a fantasy that her friends are reading. She has mentioned it several times in passing, so I will get it for her stocking.
Anyone looking for a gift idea can find the book at Amazon.com
@DCLehnsherr (1037)
•
4 Oct 09
Hi Ilyzium,
I too completely hate the crowds and queuing that come with Christmas and so I tend to try and do my Christmas shopping online via Amazon. I prefer it this way because I also do surveys and I get Amazon vouchers from them so I tend to have most fo my free cash in the form of vouchers for mazon instead of high street shops, so I save money to buy from there! It also helps me to shop later in the year and closer to Christmas because I worry I would get gifts a person would then either buy themselves, or not want. The people I know tend to go through phases of interests, so if I bought them something now, they would quite likely not want it at Christmas, so I like to wait until I can be sure of what they want then I buy it from them. With the surveys too I am going to get some vouchers to gift to some people, mostly family, that way I don't have to worry about choosing a gift as they can do it for themselves lol! I will be buying the cards though, I like to do that early as I only have to worry about my impressions then, so it is easier. Wrapping paper too.
All the best and good luck with your Christmas shopping,
Dranz 
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
5 Oct 09
Hey dranz, (haven't heard from you lately):)
That's a good idea I think shopping online for gifts, so much more convenient than, yikes braving those "unruly" crowds at times. Okay I guess when you say "vouchers" you're referring to what we call gift certificates her in North America, I'm guessing? Well, I admit to buying gift certificates for practically everyone, that way they can choose whatever they like. Also the problem I have with XMAS shopping, is that there are many people who can't seem to make up their mind what it is they want and will give me a last minute list, even though I've told them numerous times that I do my shopping early. If they don't give me a list early enough, they'll have to be stuck with what I give them! lol I have to admit I get tired of using wrapping paper, so I go the lazy route and buy those gift bags instead, well most of the time that is. Oh well you're organized to send off the cards early. Yeah I'm finding less and less people are mailing out Xmas cards it seems...
@DCLehnsherr (1037)
•
5 Oct 09
Hi Ilyzium,
Yea I think vouchers and gift certificates are the same. I tend to see vouchers as the ones I get from surveys, and gift certificates as the ones I buy in stores, but I think that is just me being awkward LOL
Uhh you would hate buying gifts for me too. Half the time I never know what I want until December because only by then I have a pretty good idea of my interests so can pick something. That said digital camera is my answer this year so people should be pretty happy with me 
.
It is sad that cards are going out of fashion. It is a big thing in this house. We always have to put extra card holding strings above the fireplace to hold them, my grandparents do it as well. I sort of imagined everyone did! I love picking cards. I don't have to send many so I always get personal ones for people to show I care, that buzz of picking one that speaks to the heart is my favourite part of Christmas because it is so personal. Do you get a lot of cards in the US, and if they are stopping being used what is replacing them, is it eCards now?
All the best,
Dranz
.
It is sad that cards are going out of fashion. It is a big thing in this house. We always have to put extra card holding strings above the fireplace to hold them, my grandparents do it as well. I sort of imagined everyone did! I love picking cards. I don't have to send many so I always get personal ones for people to show I care, that buzz of picking one that speaks to the heart is my favourite part of Christmas because it is so personal. Do you get a lot of cards in the US, and if they are stopping being used what is replacing them, is it eCards now?
All the best,
Dranz 
@much2say (53959)
• Los Angeles, California
4 Oct 09
I start Christmas shopping right after Christmas - hee hee! But I am serious!! We are on a budget, and I have so many to shop for . . . and I don't have a lot of time. So I buy things throughout the year - that way I can take my time and really find nice gifts at a bargain. I like to buy thoughtful gifts . . . I like it when the receiver can see that time was taken to get them a gift personalized for them.
I, too, hate holiday shopping way too into the season. I hate not being able to find parking, waiting in long lines, and panicking that I can't find anything. I want to enjoy the holidays - not get stressed out - over shopping of all things.
We have a baby coming early December, so this year I have especially been shopping way early. I'm almost done - yayyyy!! And now I can concentrate on other things!
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
5 Oct 09
Hi much2say,
I complete understand in your situation why you'd be shopping right after Christmas, because I think if I were in your circumstances I'd be doing the same. Yes I like the care & attention given towards a gift myself. There are certain people that I buy gift certificates before because that's just what they prefer, but for others I'll put more effort into buying what it is I think they might like. Hey congratulations for you! Omg how exciting! you'll have a baby for xmas!! Yeah I hope that will be me next year, keeping my fingers crossed now. :)
@much2say (53959)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Oct 09
Yah, I really put a lot of thought into gifts. I know a lot of my friends don't have a lot of time to shop . . . they literally shop right before our gift exchange - and it seems like they buy "whatevers" - sigh. Gift certificats and cards are great - so easy and everyone can use those!
Oh, thank you!! Yep, this Christmas will be different for us - but in a good way! Ohhhhh, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you . . . I'll rub my tummy for you too - hee hee. Here's hoping Santa brings you the gift of life for this coming year! 
@nishdan01 (3051)
• Singapore
5 Oct 09
I start Christmas shopping in Dcecember. It will be a rushing time for everyone, But I prefer to grab the sale offers. Planning early is also a good idea and I may do that this time!
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
5 Oct 09
Cher,
I like that you're that organized to do your shopping then. I always ;)say to myself that I'll get it done throughout the year, but really only start in October usually.
Wizzywig,
Are you just trying to be frugal now by not wanting to buy a gift? ;) lol shame, shame...
@Wizzywig (7847)
•
4 Oct 09
Yeah, that's the way I do mine too. Buying it when you see it means you're not desperately looking for inspiration and having to post endless discussions on myLot asking "What shall I buy my mum/dad/gran/boyfriend..." 
(Mind you, my theory is that if you can't think what to get them they don't need anything so you may as well save your money!)
(Mind you, my theory is that if you can't think what to get them they don't need anything so you may as well save your money!)
@angellyril (249)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
hello ilyzium, yes your right, some people actually practice what they so called "last minute shopping".
I usually start buying mid September! but this year i haven't enough money to do so. So I guess i can start next month (hopefully :D)
@Ingkingderders (3832)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
I have not started yet, cause I'm waiting for the christmas bazaar in the world trade center to open.. I love shopping there cause I can buy everything that I need in one place, eventhough it's crowded, I still go there, I mean it's not christmas shopping if you're not going to brave the crowd and the long lines. lol.
When there are things that is not available in the bazaar, that's the only time I go to the malls to buy my other gifts.
When there are things that is not available in the bazaar, that's the only time I go to the malls to buy my other gifts. @Ingkingderders (3832)
• Philippines
6 Oct 09
hehehe... well, we don't have snow here.. and long lines really reminds me of christmas season, just like when malls are full of people, and everyone is pushing to get to the sale rack first. lol.
@aixshaonline (600)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
Hi!
Now that you mentioned it, we (spearheaded by my mom) started shopping just last week! There were a number of sales here and there, and we couldn't resist browsing through the items on sale. Much to our delight, many of the things were the ones that we've been eyeing to buy! We were trying to save up for the presents, and by some stroke of luck, we can buy other things as well as the things that we're supposed to buy have lower prices now. :)
I don't like going for last minute shopping as everyone else seems to be in a rush and end up fighting over things. Hahaha! Especially in the grocery stores!
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
5 Oct 09
Hey aixshsonline,
Hey good for you that you've already started it, even if you had to kidnap your Mom to do so! lol Even better for you that you found all these deals too. Oh no I can't stand last minute shopping, because you have to realize how many people are out that time of year, and with that volume of people you're going to encounter psychos, weirdos, and very mean people. Most of course are not like that, but they're out there nevertheless. I once had a nasty encounter last year over a parking spot. I was in the right, the other person was in the wrong and she threatened to slash my tires! Yeah, I thought "Merry Christmas" to you
@irefed (200)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
I will start shopping by end of the November month for me to reassured that I can more cheaper gifts for my friends and family.I can save up and can give more gifts for an early Christmas shopping.
@webdesignsbyaw (74)
• United States
12 Oct 09
I usually start on Christmas day right before the party. LOOOOOL. JK. No, I actually start Dec 23 almost. It's kinda fun shoving people through the malls..
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
5 Oct 09
I normally don't start my shopping until November. However, I do have one item purchased for a gift and have plans to soon start buying a few more items for people for Christmas. I've seen some items on sale lately that I know would make perfect gifts and I know that I need to jump on those items very quickly before they sell out! I make it a point to pick up items that I know would make perfect gifts if they are on sale so I know I have them.
@blueberry053178 (217)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
I always make sure that i start Christmas shopping as early as possible so i will not get into the rush when Christmas is near. I also hate long lines when paying at the cashier because i think that it is a waste of time. I don't do panic buying and i shop about 1-2 months ahead. Happy mylotting!! :)
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
5 Oct 09
Hey blueberry,
Well you do exactly what I do, shopping around October and trying to finish by the end of November. Like I say, I really detest the crowds, long line ups, and just general mayhem that time of year. I know I do my shopping earlier and just laugh at those last minute people rushing around trying to get everything done. I think to myself is that kind of stress worth it?
@Jennlk84 (4206)
• United States
5 Oct 09
Believe it or not I started at the end of August! This is truly the first year I've ever started Christmas shopping this early. The only reason I even did was because I found a great deal on something I knew I wanted to get someone for Christmas - so I went ahead and bought it. Since then I've bought a few other things oh and my hubby and I bought some Christmas ornaments at Hallmark this weekend because they were on sale. I think this is the first year I've done THIS much shopping THIS early! I usually don't start until Black Friday, in November. Wow. haha
@zzyw87 (1254)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
It's the BER months once again. I haven't started on my Christmas shopping yet. I plan to start a bit by next week. Like you, I don't want to be buy stuff in December because there are too many people. The malls will usually be crowded and I won't enjoy my shopping. Right now, I am making a list of people to give gifts to and what I would most likely give them. It's spending time once again.
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
5 Oct 09
Hey zzyw,
That's exactly what I'm doing right now too, making my list and budgeting how much to spend per person. I know it's just way too stressful shopping in December. I remember last year I needed to pick up something last second on XMAS eve, well I went grocery shopping and was in such a rush that I locked my keys in the car with the motor running! lol lol OMG I thought I was going to have a heart attack or something! :( That was one of my dumbest moments to date!
@irene3184 (898)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
I will start shopping if there is a mall wide sale so that I can buy cheaper gift for my family, friends and relatives. I will probably start shopping for Christmas the second week of December because we do have a mall wide sale here. I really enjoy shopping!
@cutepink_13 (691)
•
5 Oct 09
i will shop when christmas is near so that i can avail of sales heheh to buy as many as i want
