is it too early to start buying gifts?

I make a lot of homemade gifts and therefore I will be looking for ideas this month and will start buying everything next month. I know the economy is bad and I will be making a list (and checking it twice) to see what I want to buy people. I think you are doing the right thing by starting your shopping early that way you can space out the expense.

Heck no it isn't to early to shop! Why miss the sales and bargains just cause it is October and not December! I used to start shopping for stocking stuffers in July!!! And when doing a handmade gifts...I started then too. Kids are grown now so the stocking stuffers is out, but I have started sewing things for the grand kids. The only thing you should watch out for is WHAT you buy...for kids mainly. Things go in and out of "style" so fast these days, if you buy it now cause they want it so bad...by Christmas...they might not want it anymore! Or you could buy and keep receipt and if they change their minds you can do a return. And it is great way to spread out the expense. They will have great sales between now and then so go shopping and get the gifts done early! Things aren't always cheaper the closer to the date...and those that are...are sold out or you have to wait in LOOONNNNGGGG lines to get it and just hope theres one for you!

i start the day after Christmas. Here in canada we have great sales on boxing day. i have some stuff put away but not near as much as i usually do due to lack of money this year.

I don't think it is too early to shop for Christmas gifts. It is already less than four months before Christmas, it won't be that long especially if you are a busy person. I've even seen a show or portion in the television entitled Christmas in July or something like that.

Its never too early to shop for Christmas!! I shop throughout the year...sometimes starting before the previous Christmas holidays are over. It spreads the cost, saves that last minute panic & you often spot the 'perfect gift' (or at least something fun or useful) when you least expect it. Have a great Christmas

I don't think so. It helps to get an early start and avoid the financial crunch during the holiday season. I know several people who open up the Christmas CD's at the bank to have shopping $. I say go for it!

I start making gifts around now (usually). The important thing is to remember what you have bought so that you don't impulse buy and end up with too many gifts for one person and no gift for another person. This way is good because you can really focus on finding something a person will like for a good price, as opposed to just buying anything because you need something to give them.

For me, it is okay to prepare earlier so you won't forget something. You can also save more and buy the ones you really want to give. In this way, you will now anymore realize that you are spending much during Christmas. I do that also especially if I have extra money. Happy SHOPPING!