Christmas Shopping Update
Tsh from The Simple Mom (an amazing site) wrote a great post last week about preparing for Christmas. I love how she outlines budgeting ideas for Christmas shopping.
As I mentioned in August, I do my Christmas shopping year round. I am a firm believer in NOT going in to debt at Christmas. Because we travel every year for Christmas, I really don’t want to be buying ANY gifts in December. We have enough other expenses!
I have shopped year round for gifts for as long as I can remember. My biggest hurdle has always been that I would forget what I bought and buy too much, or I would buy too much because I got such great deals- and end up spending the same amount or more on everyone anyway.
Since becoming more cost-conscious, I realize how silly this is. The recipient is not going to know or care what I spent on their gift. It is the thought behind the gift.
Last year, I bought this cute Christmas notebook on clearance at Michaels. In it, I have a list of every person I need to buy for. As I have bought gifts, I have written them in the notebook. This has been so handy. I am pleased to report that I have about 65% of my shopping completed!
How are you doing with your Christmas shopping?
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I haven't even started yet! I started doing baked goods for the adults in our family last year, because we're on a very very tight budget, but I make a few cookies and breads that my family members love. This year, we're really stressed because my in-laws said we don't spend enough $ on their gifts, so we're worried about making people happy and also not going into debt!
Your Christmas book sounds really cute and useful! I'll definitely have to do that for next year 🙂
We haven't started yet either, unless you count purchasing some of the craft supplies for some homemade gifts! I noticed TSH mentions Dave Ramsey in her "12 Weeks Until Christmas: Prepare Your Holiday Budget Now" article – we took the Financial Peace University course and that was the best thing ever! Not all our parents ever taught us how to handle money and even if we messed it all up, it's never too late to start implementing and teaching our kids! We don't believe in going into debt during Christmas either…never have! We have fairly small, simple Christmases and just try to enjoy each other during the holidays! I have found homemade crafts and eats are always a good idea, though! We always participate in our church's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, too! It's always amazing!
such a great idea! I'll have to keep that in mind for next year 🙂
I start very early, I actually bought some things for my daughter for this year on sale after last Christmas! I love deals and I can't wait until Black Friday to race out for some good bargains to try to finish up early. I keep an excel spreadsheet because I always forget but it is not cute like the notebook you keep!
I haven't started yet but we put designated Christmas money aside each month so that when that time of the year comes, we have the money ready and waiting. Our family has grown so big that we draw names or I would probably shop year-round.
Don't hate me but the kids are done and to each other is done. All that's left is 1 brother, inlaws, stockings and home made goodies. It feels good. I hate the rush.
Jessica, I love the idea of shopping year round, so much more practical.
My friend's sister is trying to do Christmas with out spending a dime from her families account. It made me think of you, and I thought I'd link you to her blog! I've looked over it and it does take some time, but I guess it pays off in the end!
http://fancysdeals.blogspot.com/
Have a wonderful Tuesday, and I hope your migranes have gone away.
I love your Christmas notebook idea! We typically only buy for our kiddos (we're a poor young family;), but like you, as the year goes on, I find that I've purchased too much…(and we like to limit what we give our kids). And then the extra stuff gets hidden and carried onto the next year, of which I forget about and end up buying more *stuff*. And even though it may be a good deal-too much is too much!