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I think I’ve finished my Christmas shopping. That’s because I did 99% of it online. First I save up mailed catalogs starting in October, then in November I start marking them up with ideas for various family and friends, and then around the first of December I sit down and order everything. If I have it organized correctly it takes me about four hours to do all my actual
shopping.
This of course doesn’t mean that all the gifts I’ve ordered have arrived. This photo is what my actual porch looked like last Friday night. I’m still waiting for about 9 items, and I’ll worry about what I’ll do for my Plan B if those things don’t arrive in a timely manner.
And this is all complicated by the fact that I’m the only one in my family who makes a list. We all used to do it, but sometime during the years the tradition kind of died out. But heck, if I’d like a throw to match my bedspread, I find it helpful to tell somebody about it. My family starts complaining if I don’t produce a list and yet they, unhelpful people that they are, won’t reciprocate. “You know what I like,” is what I usually hear. To which I reply, “Yes, I do, but that’s what I got you last year.” Sigh.
I did go to the mall a week or so ago, to take my nephews to
see Santa. And I made myself a promise that I would not return until well after the holidays. I may have lost several appendages during that trip. No, I much prefer my internet shopping, even though my mom says you can’t judge how quality something is from a photo.
Do you make or require Christmas shopping lists? Do you shop online, or do you go out and brave the crowds in person? How far along are you with your shopping?
55 Comments on “Shop ‘Til You Drop!”
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LA! LA! LA! LA! LA! LA! I can’t hear you because I am still not ready. New Guy is sort of leaving it up to me to get it all organized and I need more money and time. New Guy wants a couple of seasons of House which should be doable and I have to get the bread machine recipe book *sigh*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 5:52 am.
See, you’re making progress — and you still have 2 weeks, Kelly!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:57 am.
DH & I are done. All we need to do is wrap and that’ll get done either Christmas Eve or right before we head out Christmas Day. The grandkids brought their lists to us Thanksgiving and we went out Black Friday and Saturday and got it all done. Actually, we do have one more thing to buy. We think there might be a new grandpuppy for Christmas so we need to get a toy for that new addition to the family.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 7:22 am.
Wow, Sue! You’re ahead of me. I wouldn’t do Black Friday for a million dollars. (Well, maybe for a million.) *g*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:58 am.
I make shopping lists for what to get the kids for the grandparents. I’ve told everyone that all I want in life are gift certificates to the bookstore but they don’t believe me. *sigh*
I am done shopping. I got the majority of my shopping for the kids done at the Christmas in July sale at the toy store.
I’ve had to buy a few things that they began to want after that but not much. I got the adults done before Thanksgiving mostly so I’ve only had to brave the stores a few times. This year is unusual though. Usually I’m at the stores with the rest of the world after Thanksgiving.
I’m with your Mom, you can’t judge quality online or in a catalogue or the fit of clothes or anything like that. I much prefer to buy in person. There have been too many things that I liked online, then went to see in the store and hated, that I’m a confirmed store shopper.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 7:29 am.
I have to admit, Liz, that you and my mom make some sense — where clothes are concerned, anyway. Man, you’re WAY ahead of the curve!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:59 am.
I dislike making lists thanks to my late grandmother. She would want a list, I would give her the list, and she would go through it and ask why I wanted each item. Having said that I make a list for each son. My youngest is high functionally retarded and works in a sheltered workshop so I make his list according to what he can spend. I gave oldest a list with one thing on it but apparently he wanted additional things. We shop in stores and on-line. This afternoon we are taking the youngest son shopping.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 8:12 am.
I hear you about late grandmas. My grandma would do something similar, only she wanted to know how much everything cost. I guess my grandma didn’t get the memo that it isn’t about how much you spend, but how you give gifts from the heart.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 9:30 am.
That sounds like my grandmother too, Sandi — except she would poo-poo everything on the list and then buy me pajamas. Every year. *g*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:01 pm.
I used to LOVE Christmas shopping when I was working. Making lists for the perfect gift for someone, starting in Sept. Sometimes I just go out, find some amazing things, bu y them anyway without someone in mind, then work the list accordingly.
These past few yrs, I’ve been woefully poor. on social assistance, so no great shopping trips. I do make a video every yr of my great nephew Hunter, using a song he likes. this year it will be set to “I’m sexy and I know it” by LMFAO. I put together shots of the past yr to make a keepsake video and put them on a dvd for his parents and grandparents.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 8:14 am.
Making videos is an AWESOME idea, Kathy! It’s something I certainly have no skill with.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:02 pm.
I ask for lists and never get them. Of course someone asked me for one yesterday and I had nothing to put on it, so I’m no better.
I like to internet shop, though I will brave the stores next week just once. I’m about half way done with my shopping.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 8:26 am.
See, Lori? You have to make a list to get a list. Except I never get them, either. Wear something bulky when you go shopping — we don’t want you damaged!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:05 pm.
It depends on the year…a couple of years ago, me and the plastic sat behind the computer and ordered with glee. It was great. Things arrived at the door every day. I chose the wrapping option whenever I could. This year, though, has been going to stores. I think I’m done with DH, Son is mostly done. Just a stocking stuffer or two for him left. Daughter is another matter. She is in the ‘tween stage. She’s too big for baby dolls, but still too young for lip stick. We batted around the idea of another e-device (Kindle fire, ipad, etc), but have decided against that one. Our kids don’t need another gaming device. If anyone has an idea for a tween, let me know. I’ve no idea what to get her.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 9:37 am.
That’s a tough one, Amanda. I’d go with a bookstore giftcard, myself. Ahem.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:03 pm.
The rule in my house is “no list, no gifts.” This came about from a disastrous birthday/christmas season (our birthdays are all in November or December) at the beginning of our happy little blended family — my husband & his brother had just moved in with me & my then-teenage daughter. For this “first Christmas together, the gifts were either blatantly for the person buying them instead of the person receiving them (apparently a regular practice between the brothers) or were so inappropriate — “oooh, new kitchen spoons” — that I instituted the rule. Apparently I’ve been scary enough to make it stick. The brother is the only one who tries to dodge it, but even he caves when he gets my “if I don’t get a list then you’re getting a bag of rice” e-mail each year.
Those lists make everything much better for us during the holidays!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 9:44 am.
I am totally going to try the “bag of rice” threat next year, Malea. I love it!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:06 pm.
I love Christmas shopping, honestly. I leave it late, and wade into the crowds with all the music and decorations….ah.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 9:53 am.
I’ve tried doing that, Barbara, and though I do like to surprise harried shoppers/cashiers with a smile and a “Merry Christmas”, it’s just too crowded for me to enjoy it. Good on ye, though!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:08 pm.
I don’t even want to discuss this.
Okay. Okay. I gave up on requiring lists a long time ago. I never got any in return, so why waste a precious breath?
I haven’t been in the spirit so while ordering a gift online (my main way of shopping) the other day I decided to order something for myself as well. I instantly felt better! Suddenly I liked shopping. That lasted only a few minutes because my father texted me, asking, “What are you getting your mother from me?” This turned into getting things from my mom to my other half. AND I had to shop for myself from my mom. I proceeded to pull my hair out. My spirit left me in an instant, and now I am in search for the Grinch, because I feel like I can show him how to really wreak havoc on Christmas.
Now that I said that I am on my way to the chiropractor. Afterward I will hit a couple of stores and hopefully finish up. Then I have to wrap and get them in the mail, wearing a grin the whole time. Maybe. Tis the season, right?
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 10:08 am.
That’s tough, when you have to buy the gifts that everyone else is giving. But I’m thinking every third or fourth gift should be for you, Kelly. That’s only fair. *g*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:09 pm.
We do lists in our family, even Leia who circled almost everything in two catalogs. Then when she saw Santa only asked for two things, one of which was drums. DD#1 got her bongos. Oh, my. Leia already goes crazy with two pencils and the coffee table. DD#1 went so far as to provide me links to everything on her list. She isn’t getting everything, of course, but it was fun shopping that way. DD#2 aggravated me because she already bought one of the gifts on her lists after I’d already purchased it. Now I have that money tied up in returning it and it was one of two big presents on her list. Now I’m not sure what to substitute. Everything else it done, just not wrapped.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 10:42 am.
I hate when people buy the stuff they say they want for Christmas! We did institute a “you can’t buy anything for yourself other than deoderant and underwear after Halloween” rule, and so far that one’s actually stuck. It sounds like your Leia is going to be very happy, Donna!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:11 pm.
“is” done, that is.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 10:42 am.
If I were as organized as you, Suzie, I would do it all online. I think about doing it that way, but then I forget, and then, you wake up on say, Dec 10 and think, holy smokes, I have two weeks to get my act together.
I will be venturing out sometime this week to do what I didn’t do online
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:00 am.
May the Force be with you, Julia. *g*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:12 pm.
Suzanne, I start back in October, and yes, I need lists. I am close to being done thanks to a little help from my daughter who purchased something for me on black Friday and alot of internet shopping. Wednesday I will go out and hopefully one more time and then I will be done. I have to ship out my out of state gifts this week so that they will arrive in time. I think your system sounds divine…whatever works, right?
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:13 am.
I would think lists are in everyone’s best self interest, Lisa, wouldn’t you? I only have a couple of things to ship out, and of course I haven’t done that yet — it’s much easier when the packages just arrive.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:14 pm.
Haven’t started! Actually, I think we won’t even start our shopping until the 21st this year!!! Yup, I said the TWENTY-FIRST. And, yes, of course it is in person! It’s not fun otherwise.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:16 am.
The 21st? You’re braver than I am, B!!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:14 pm.
I do a little online shopping and a little shopping in the stores. I like to actually see and feel things in person, unless it’s something specific that I know I like. I have no problem ordering things from Bath & Body Works and Yankee Candle online, and I also order books and movies online from Amazon. I used to love browsing in Barnes and Noble, but they don’t keep many real books in stock anymore and it was a waste of time to go there only to have them tell me that they could order it for me online…I can do that myself, thank you!
Ok, stream of consciousness is over, I think.
I have almost all of my shopping done and almost all of it wrapped and under the tree. I only need a couple more things for the hub and a pretty new sweater I’ve been eyeing for my daughter, and I’ll be done. Now, the hub….he has a lot more to do. We went shopping together to most of the things that are under the tree, so he wasn’t able to hide anything from me on that trip, so the only present I have under the tree so far is one that I know he got (and he won’t let me have, darn it) is the Princess Bride on blu-ray. 
He’s planning to go this weekend and do his shopping for me, and I’ll be banned from the house until they are wrapped and under the tree. 
I don’t usually require lists, unless there are specific things they want. I can usually grab something that they like and I don’t have to spend a lot. I got my 12 going on 25 niece 3 sheer lip glosses (one of them was the ‘coca cola’ kind that smells and tastes like coke, which was her favorite), 4 bottles of nail polish and a $10 GC to Starbucks and you’d have thought I hung the moon….I’m officially her favorite aunt.
I think buying presents is fun and I like to spend time thinking about each person and what they like to do.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:35 am.
You are an awesome aunt, Julie! And you’re right, there is something special about going out without a list and finding that perfect thing for a friend or loved one. It just takes SO much searching.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:17 pm.
Sounds like you have a good system! I’m more of a go find it and buy it in the store person. I usually take a Monday or Tuesday (which is next week for me now) off work to do this, and knock out most all my shopping in one day.
List?! That would require my dear ones to be organized enough to put some thought in to what they want….yeah right. Instead I listen to them throughout the year and covertly scribble down whatever they mention they want. That works with pretty much everyone, with the exception of my two pain in the arse brothers.
Brother #1 buys whatever he wants, whenever he wants it–and he hates gift cards. I usually end up getting him something silly in hopes that it appeals to his sense of ridiculous. Brother #2 is trending toward the same status of Brother #1–so we have an agreement. I buy his Cyclone Football season tickets every year for Christmas. Not very inspiring, but it’s something we enjoy and get to do together since there’s such a large age gap between us (14 years). As it turns out, the mind of a 16 year old boy is a strange, strange thing.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:42 am.
It sounds to me like your system works pretty well, Haley! And lol about the mind of a 16-year-old boy. I hear you. *g*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:35 pm.
Yesterday, I let out a loud sigh of relief. I have a few more cards to address, but I mailed out 95% of all Christmas gifts and cards. I have always been an online shopper – catalogs before that. I am especially that way since interesting shopping choices are slim to non here. I took advantage of some online deals, free shipping and ordered early.
Geezer sometimes asks me for a list. I provide it for him and he usually ignores most of it. I asked him for one and after a couple weeks badgering him, he finally gave me an item. So I ordered it and it is here and wrapped. If he’d given me a few more things, then he would have more under the tree… but we’ll stick with the one that I know he’ll use.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:45 am.
Well, you’re now ahead of me, Sheridan, because I forgot about Christmas cards until I read your post. Sigh. *g*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:37 pm.
I did it all, shop at store and online, maked and baked, wrapped and shipped and I am done. Every year I tell myself I will not be caught unawares, but this coming year I am making sure of it, I already got a few things for next year and put them away in the linen closet.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:11 pm.
You’re finished, Carla? Wow! You win the prize – and my jealous admiration.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:37 pm.
Did I forget to hit submit again? I had a real comment but its at home on my iPad. Oh well, eventually l’ll learn
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:12 pm.
That’s okay, Fresh. We love you, anyway. *g*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:38 pm.
I’ve done that quite a few times, too. Or it’ll be in a different window. Oops.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:40 pm.
I like lists, but my dh is awful at getting one for me. I’ve been asking for months, too. Then, last night he told me to ask him, again. So I asked him, and his response, ‘Intangibles.’ Mind you in the past, I’ve given him coupons for ‘intangibles,’ but he never cashed them in, so after 3 years, I tossed them. I think he’s going to end up getting some clothes.
My kids are great at getting their lists together, they just need to do it earlier in the month. I think we’re pretty much finished with our dd’s list, but I’m not sure about ds list. My dh said that he’d take care of it, which has me a little worried.
I’m only sending presents to 2 of my neices and nephews. I’ve 13 total (8 boys 5 girls), and I know that 11 will be given a ridiculous about of stuff, especially my 2 brothers’ kids(the 2 yo nephew is getting his own ipad.). I’m getting an Amazon gift card for my neice who received a Kindle when she won her school’s reading contest last spring (read the most pages and by a LONG shot, too). I’m getting her brother a Target gift card, so he can get whatever ‘yellows’ aka construction type toys he wants. For my sister and her dh I think I’m going to get another Costco card for them, along with a Kohls card.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:23 pm.
I love the idea of getting a Kindle for a kid reader, Janae. That’s probably enough to make her a reader for life.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:58 pm.
Online is the way to go! And I love EBates.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:58 pm.
I’m getting close to done, a combo of online and IRL shopping. I like to get lists too! The dh and sons will sometimes send me links to what they want or throw out “Hey, I could use…” which sends me running to my list. Son1 also has a birthday during the holidays, poor kid.
I don’t mind going out and shopping, though few years ago I went to a mall on the Sunday before Christmas and when I got back to my car there was a guy in the car in front of me bashing the dash with a hammer to get to the stereo system. :/
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:20 pm.
Yipes, Christie. Merry Christmas, indeed. I do get throw outs like that, after which I usually yell “dibs!” to keep everyone else away from it. *g*
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:59 pm.
I do a mix of online and actual shopping, although I did spend 5 hours shopping on Sunday at a outdoors mall. But that was mostly for Christmas decor things to match my newly renovated house.
That stuff you really DO have to see in person.
But I think I’m almost done with Christmas gifts. Now I just have to get them all sent off!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:52 pm.
Yeah, I know what you mean, Sabrina. Mailing stuff is an ordeal unto itself.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 5:00 pm.
I too order stuff online as far as possible. I hate going anywhere with crowds of unpleasant people. What’s it about the holidays that brings out the worst in shoppers?
ugh!
But I digress. I get my 12 and 9 yr old to make lists. We only do Christmas gifts for kids as it is too complicated otherwise.
So my older nephews/nieces get gift cards. younger ones – their mum tells me what they want. I order online!
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:43 pm.
Forgot to add – I have done a big chunk of the shopping for my boys already. But I have a 2 yr old, an 11 and an 8 yr old left to shop for!
I will have to brave Toy R Us.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:47 pm.
Godspeed, colinfirthfan. *g* Not even I will brave Toys R Us during the holidays.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 5:01 pm.
I shop online more and more. I even do Macys online. I’ll go out to the mall once or twice before the end, though. I am behind but I have at least bought the stuff that has to be shipped. Sometimes I can get the online site to ship it directly and that helps, which is one reason I shop online more now. I require lists but they are often not much help. And one son gives me his on Dec. 23 every year.
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 6:32 pm.
I go out black friday and one other day for my official Christmas Shopping.
I pick up stuff throughout the year.
This year though…oi. So, anyone know some good elves?
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 6:47 pm.
I have to make a list so I can keep track of what everyone wants, what I have bought and what I still need. Some are easier to buy for so it’s easy to lose track of presents and overspend.
I have bought several things online and I also brave the stores. Sometimes I just like to go out and soak up the atmosphere of Christmas. Now if I can just get in the mood to wrap.
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:33 am.
I love lists. I make lists for everything, including Christmas shopping.
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 3:54 am.