How Much Christmas Shopping Do You have Left?

@dorannmwin (36392)
United States
November 23, 2009 4:31pm CST
This year I started my Christmas shopping very early (actually the day after Christmas 2008) and now with Black Friday only three short days away, I am within site of being completely done with my Christmas shopping. I only have to buy a gift for one yet unnamed member of my husband's side of the family, some gifts for my husband and then two things for one of my children and three things for my other child. So, share with me, how is your Christmas shopping coming along. Are you almost done, are you done or have you not yet started? How many people do you have to buy for. What is the one special gift that you would like to find for someone in your life?
3 people like this
19 responses
• United States
24 Nov 09
Oh man I would love to be in your shoes every year I say I am going to do that, but every year I never make it. I still have quite a bit of shopping to do even though this year I did more shopping than I normally do
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
This is the first year that I've actually been able to do it. I've been saying that I was going to do it for a long time though.
• United States
24 Nov 09
Maybe we should start a Christmas shopping club after Christmas this year getting ready for Christmas 2010. Hmm going to have to think about that one
• United States
24 Nov 09
I wish I could do more shopping this year, but money is so tight. If our mortgage was not due before the end of the month I would shop later on in the day. I went out once during black Friday and swore I would never do it again. The stores are crowded and there are too many people. There is too many people pushing and shoving.
• United States
24 Nov 09
I have to shop for my husband yet. He is so difficult to shop for because he tells me I do not need anything. I have a few homemade gift baskets to make yet, but will not start on those until December. I have some homemade ornaments to make yet and I will start those this weekend. With the bad economy and me not working at all Christmas is going to be very tight. I am hoping I can afford to get things for everyone. I already bought for my niece and nephews (they wanted books). I am not sure if I will be shopping on Black Friday. We have gotten snow and I do not like driving in the snow. My husband is not too much fun to go shopping with.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
28 Nov 09
Careful is always important to me and yes I was. I went to the two places that I'd planned on visiting and then came straight home after I was done to avoid the temptation of spending money that I didn't need to spend.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
My husband isn't any fun to go shopping with either. However, I will be going out on Friday to get the things that are on my shopping list. I'm lucky though in that the shopping center that I am planning on going to is not very far away from my house. It is literally just down the street from us.
• United States
24 Nov 09
I went to Michaels the other day and made the mistake of brining my husband with me. I wasn't in the store 2 minutes before he said "are you done yet"? He drove me insane. He doesn't seem to mind going grocery shopping with me (after I went shopping and overspent on purpose just to get him to go each week). I am glad that you live near the shopping center. Just please be careful.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
24 Nov 09
well now this just stresses me out. I have not even started. I have not had any extra money to buy xmas gifts and I don't really see it happening. My 15 yr old who is the youngest and only one that I have left at home and I talked tonite. I got kind of short with her because this morning I spent 30.00 for things to help my 22 yr old and then my brother called and borrowed 20.00. I know he'll be paying me back but I am really struggling here. then the 15 year old waltzes in and casually asks for 6.00 for this, 4.00 for that and then needs 13.00 for something that she needs for school and forgot to tell me about. I kind of only just a little bit got a tad bit well you know.....ya. She started lecturing me on the importance of Christmas and it not being just about the gifts. I KNOW!! I am glad to to she gets that and still....I am still going to feel bad if I don't find a way to do something even tho I know that all my girls could care less about the gifts. I WANT to do a good xmas.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
24 Nov 09
I know how you feel. I won't feel right if I don't find a way of doing something even if it's not much.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
My children are only six (she'll be seven next week) and three and we've always spent a lot of time teaching them what Christmas is really about. However, I can not bring myself to the point of forgetting about the gifts for them.
• United States
24 Nov 09
O.M.G. I haven't even started shopping yet!!!And I refuse to shop on Black Friday this Year NO WAY!
• United States
24 Nov 09
Thank you and have a Happy Holiday!:}
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
Good luck on getting your shopping done in time for Christmas.
• Boston, Massachusetts
24 Nov 09
I have a christmas gift list but it is still a list. I will give myself 2 days to have everything. I have some extra groceries on stock for the christmas but a lot of shopping for gifts to my family, godchildren and friends!
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
Two days to do everything. You are truly my hero, I don't think I would have the willpower to do it all in just two days.
• Boston, Massachusetts
25 Nov 09
hi mama, yes it is possible. The things that i need to get and buy are contained in one store. So with the wishlist i have i can already get everything that i need for my loved ones. An additional weekend is needed for the gift wrapping session.
• Philippines
24 Nov 09
not yet! my daughter ask for a complete set of Geronimo Stilton series. i haven't but yet. i have my driver, my daughter's nanny to think still. i don't have much time yet. as usual i do it after our vacation on the 20th, therefore, and as usual i have to go rush-up shopping. have difficulty in gift giving. im always confused what to buy for the gifts. i am planning to give gift certificates this Christmas as a gift instead, so that they can choose for themselves what to buy. what do you think?
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
Well, for me, if given the choice, I would rather have cash as a gift, but gift certificates are great gifts for the people that you have a hard time choosing the right gift for.
• Philippines
6 Feb 10
quite late thanks you, but better than never thanks, thanks...
@peavey (16936)
• United States
28 Nov 09
I am done with Christmas shopping this year, the first time I've ever finished before Thanksgiving. I'm excited because now I have time to do all the other things, like going to the local Parade of Lights, reading Christmas stories and spending more time decorating.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
28 Nov 09
Well, it took me until the day after Thanksgiving to get mine done, but I too am very excited about it. I like the fact that I'm not going to have to worry and stress about gift buying so that I will truly be able to enjoy the season.
@maezee (42003)
• United States
25 Nov 09
I'm about halfway done at this point, which is much better than I usually do at this time of year. . I didn't quite plan as far ahead as you did, but I've been buying little things for people since October.. every time I have a little extra money. It's so much easier having it planned out and getting the majority of it done before malls & stores start getting crazy, that's for sure!
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
25 Nov 09
I really do like the fact that we are able to space out our Christmas shopping so that it doesn't all hit us at once. Plus, I especially like the fact that I'm not really going to have to deal with the holiday rush.
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
23 Nov 09
Um, pretty much all of it! Ack! The one special gift? Unfortunately that would be healing a happiness for some loved ones, but they don't sell that. I can still pray for them, though :) Karen
• United States
25 Nov 09
Very wise advice :)
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
Prayer is a great gift to give someone that needs it. As far as being this close to Christmas and still having a lot of shopping to do, I know that can be stressful so you need to remember to also take a little bit of time for yourself.
1 person likes this
@khayshenz (1384)
• United States
24 Nov 09
I haven't even started though I should! HECK - I need to sit down and make a list. The list just seems to grow each year!! GAH! This year, a lot of family will be visiting because it's also my sister's wedding. *sigh* And I was hoping for a stress-free christmas. Oh well!
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
A list is a great way to start. That is actually how I got started with my stuff this year. I listed each person and then as I bought gifts I filled in the blanks on my list.
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
24 Nov 09
money has been so tight that i have not done any of it. This is a first for me.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
I hope that you are able to come up with the money to do your shopping.
• Malaysia
24 Nov 09
Hi, Dorannmwin! Oh my, even though I am in high spirit when it comes to Christmas, but I have not even started yet! I think you are managing very well. When hubby and I were looking for a birthday gift to my mother-in-law last month, I saw a nice blouse and decided to buy it to wear on Christmas. I didn't want to wait because sometimes, when I am looking for that particular style, I couldn't find it, so, when I saw one that I fancy, I just grabbed it, but my hubby was teasing me that we were supposed to get something for my MIL and not for myself! Anyway, I will look for another one next month. I have done my window shopping and will probably do it again this weekend, but still have not decided what to give to everybody. I have at least more than 10 people to give and have made a list, but I have to check on the prices as well as I don't want to run out of budget. A special gift to my hubby? If you mean in material form, I hope a perfume and another 'bonus' gift, which I am yet to decide will be special to him.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
I've heard that when you are shopping for gifts for other people you usually end up spending just as much on yourself as you do on other people.
@rosepedal64 (4188)
• United States
23 Nov 09
Hi doran I have all my christmas shopping to do. It seems that I cant get the money ahead to any at all. Since I have moved in here the first of this month it has been a roller coaster ride for money. I don't regret the move I just need to find a way to save some money for the christmas shopping. Im hoping that I will be able to do the Friday shopping for some things. Good discussion. Have a nice week. Keep smiling.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
If moving was the best decision for you, there is no reason that you should regret it. It isn't just you but everyone that is having difficulties this year in getting ahead for their shopping. Good luck.
• United States
25 Nov 09
I would never take back the decision of moving at all. I just hope that the funds will happen now for the christmas shopping. Have a nice thanksgiving and keep smiling.
• United States
24 Nov 09
I still have to do all of my Christmas shopping. Right now I'm trying to save up money. My mom is giving me 50 dollars, but I have a good 12 people to buy for, so 50 dollars won't go far. I try to buy cheaper gifts and personalize them, but that can only go so far as well. I don't really know what to get my boyfriend - I want him to be happy but he's so hard to please. He tends to want the expensive gifts, and with a budget I can't really afford to get him something big.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
25 Nov 09
That is a great idea to buy cheaper gifts and to personalize them. As far as what my husband and I are doing for each other this year, we've decided to wait until we get our tax money back and then exchange some very late gifts then so that we don't hurt our budget.
@aimee750 (1116)
• United States
24 Nov 09
I have only done about 1/3 of my shopping so far. Which is pretty slow for me, I am usually almost done by Thanksgiving. Most of what I have left can be done online thankfully. I hate fighting the crowds in the stores.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
This is the first year that I've done a lot of online shopping and I have to admit that I really like it. I'll continue using that avenue for a long time to come.
• United States
24 Nov 09
All of it! I haven't even started yet! I'm very behind this year, it's awful. I am going to be doing some last minute online shopping with overnight shipping, at the rate I've been moving! I did a lot of online shopping and it wasn't too bad, but I started earlier. I have to get my tush in gear this time... Good for you for being almost done! That's a big feat!
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
A lot of the shopping that I've done has been online as well and I've really enjoyed it. I don't have to face the tempatations of things that I would like to buy and don't really need and it can't be any more convenient.
• United States
24 Nov 09
Hello dorannmwin Believe it or not I am actually done with all of my Christmas shopping for the first time in many many years. the only things that Ihave left to get is the wrapping paper and then the cookie mixes for all the baskets I have to get done. I went all out this year and did christmas cards with our photo on it so I am excited to get them all sent but I am not looking forward to wrapping everyones presents.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
The present wrapping is also the thing that I am not looking forward to as well. Congratulations to you on getting all of your Christmas shopping done before Black Friday.
@jugsjugs (12967)
23 Nov 09
I have still a few gifts to buy as i have not had the time to get them as well as i did not know what to get them.I think there are a few gifts that i have got to get at the last minuite as they will not be fresh for the day as well.I only have my children left to buy for as the others i give money to as they live miles away and i am unsure what to get them.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
Sounds like you are well on your way. Good luck to you in finishing up your holiday shopping.
@cbwork6 (44)
• United States
23 Nov 09
I still need to buy all my christmas gifts. Oh I am so horrible. I don't know I am usually done on the day of black friday but this year I really slacked off. I will be kicking myself I am sure when it gets closer to Christmas. I have to buy for my husband, 3 kids. 3 moms, 2 dads, 5 sisters, 4 brothers, plus 7 nieces and nephews. This is going to be GREAT!!! just kidding I think I can handle it I have done it before. But Yeah that is a lot of people. I don't really have anything that I am expecting to get for my husband if I could afford it I would buy him his truck back since he had to give it up so I could get a van.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
24 Nov 09
That really is a lot of shopping to do. I used to be one that waited until the last minute to do my shopping, but this year we decided that we were going to do it credit card free so I knew that I had to start early in able to be able to pull it off.