Christmas Shopping
@melvinandheather1 (540)
United States
November 12, 2008 7:15pm CST
Has anyone started their Christmas shopping yet, or is many of you already done with it? I have started my Christmas shopping about a month ago, and have almost got it completely finished. I have been trying to find the best deals, and for some I have to wait until the Black Friday sales, but other than that I am getting the items relatively cheap.
I know that some people always wait until the last minute, which is not good because then you will have to not only pay more, but take what is available. A lot of times the newest toys sell out very quickly, so it is best to get a head start on it, but sometimes it is just up to the person or the finances. I try to do it little by little so it doesn't seem like it is really that much. What do you do? Are you frequent with your shopping throughout the year, or do you wait until the last moment? Why or why not, do you feel that is the best way?
8 people like this
25 responses
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
13 Nov 08
I haven't done any Christmas shopping. I don't generally do it. My wife does it for me and I'm fine with it. Cheers!!
1 person likes this
@melvinandheather1 (540)
• United States
15 Nov 08
Whew man I hope she gets it done soon, could save a lot of money if she does it sooner rather than later. You are very lucky although I would have to say with my husband and me i am the one who does it too lol. Durn it lol. I always seem to find the better deals though, not knocking you hun if your looking at this, but truth is the truth lol.
Right around the holidays i do a checklist and make sure that I have everything. I plan as much as i can, but occasionally the times to arrise when I don't have what I was looking for getting them for Christmas, and that causes the dreaded store lines lol. Thanks so much for your responce, and Happy Holidays.
@soyporteno (406)
• United States
15 Nov 08
I haven't started yet. I usually do the bulk of my shopping on Black Friday. I get the best deals and it feels more like Christmas then. Good luck in your shopping and finding bargains!
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I haven't actually gotten to go out and do any shopping yet, but I plan on starting soon. I've pretty much made my list and checked it twice lol. I used to buy things here and there throughout the year and set them aside, I quit doing that as much because there's always the chance they got it for themselves. (Had that happen at least twice hahaha) Now, when they mention something they'd like earlier in the year, I write it down on an index card and keep it in my desk, and if they haven't got it yet I might still buy it. I hate waiting till the last moment to Christmas shop...the lines, the crowds, it all just gets tiring (especially since we've been hearing Christmas music since way before Halloween!!!) I don't shop on Black Friday, while the sales are wonderful, it's just too hectic for me anymore. I'd rather start earlier and still get things at a good bargain price.
@zhangfzoe (432)
• China
13 Nov 08
Christmas is only popular with young people in China.So, I'm not bothered to buy the gift at an early start. But for the Chinese New Year, my family also starts to buy the food ,gifts and so on a littler earlier before the New Year's coming. We also do not rush at a last moment and the price is high during that time. Make out a shopping list is a good way to buy everything you want .
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I plan on going Christmas shopping with my sister the day after Thanksgiving. I am hoping to finish up my shopping that day. I am already done with most of it. I have a large family so I start early. I have to! 
@gardenstategreg (175)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I actually like shopping little by little too and this year instead of shopping at major retailers which i would normally do I will be shopping online and some of the purchases will be made by going to various dollar stores in my area trying to grab as many things as I can that I think people would enjoy for under $50.00 also I am a craftsman of sorts so I am going to finish up on this project i started 2 weeks ago metalworking and welding the project is a candle holder that I am going to present to my sister for christmas to use in her new home
@melvinandheather1 (540)
• United States
15 Nov 08
That sounds absolutely beautiful. i have always thought that the best gifts were the ones that we handmade, because it not only shows that you care, but also shows that you thought about that person enough to make them something, which takes a lot of time. Props to you for doing that. I hope it all turns out very well, and I hope you have Very Happy Holidays.
@TiffanyRose831 (57)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I have gotten a few things along the way. But i was suppost to get it done this weekend. Or at least my kids. No body else matters.
1 person likes this
@jenseyedea (579)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I seriously need to start shopping all year long. I never do, and then I don't feel like I can get everyone what they want. I have a lot of my shopping left to do, plus we are moving so my budget is cut there as well. I always find that Christmas is so stressful and it really shouldn't be. Kudos to you for having yours almost done!
@kylie_quistis (1220)
• Philippines
13 Nov 08
Hmm, sadly no, I haven't started yet my Christmas shopping, yeah, I know, I'm a bit late and I have to start it at least buy some, but have no time right now. But I'm planning to shop this last week of November or first week of December. I don't want to wait and shop until the last minute too, just like you said, it will be more expensive and not that good anymore. I just hope that my plan will not change and will be able to start my Christmas shopping by last week. 
@phoenix25 (1541)
• United States
19 Nov 08
I finished shopping for my family about 2 months ago. I like to buy their presents early because I have to ship them to Louisiana. I bought some of my son's xmas and bday presents last week and will buy more stuff next week. I buy most of his stuff online on Amazon so I don't have to fight crowds and I can take my time shopping and deciding.
@YOULANLIU (311)
• China
13 Nov 08
A month ago?oh,I think it is a little early.Although Christmas is not a native festival in China,more and more chinese now used to find a good reason to relaxe themselves then.But I belive lots of stores have already prepared for the coming Christmas and wait until December,chinese' passion of Christmas Shopping will appear then.
@melvinandheather1 (540)
• United States
15 Nov 08
Thanks so much for your responce, i love to hear about how other countries celebrate or if they do or not. A lot of the stores around my area have already started decorating for Christmas and of course have all the stuff that kids could ever want in the front for them to see lol. Makes it about 10 times funner for the children, and about 50 times more hectic on the parents, but you gotta love how the stores try lol.
So what do you do for Christmas, I mean do you give gifts, do you have a holiday like that or is it just America? I honestly have never been aware of anything like that. Thanks so much for pointing out.
@melvinandheather1 (540)
• United States
15 Nov 08
I completely understand. Sometimes though you can find really good deals also depending on how old your children are. Now i'm not trying to sound terrible or anything but honestly, my children are 3 years old and 1 years old. They don't know the difference yet between old and new. So if i go to the store and buy something new for 30.00 and see it in a thrift shop for 10.00 I realize i could have saved 20.00.
With my children it's easier to do because they are so young, so auction sites, thrift stores, community selling forums and things of that nature is what I use now. But of course when they are older i'll be looking more for auction sites with new toys lol. However now it is just easier. I hope that you have a wonderful Holiday, and everything will work out, it always does. If you would not mind to PM I'm sure I can think of something. Thanks for the responce.
@daceyp (327)
•
13 Nov 08
ive just about finished my christmas shopping which isnt like me at all normaly this time of year im just starting it when funds allow.but my partner this year has got me to get a move on with things as he loves doing it all early and somehow we had the money to do it.its all wrapped up and in the loft ready for santa to bring it down.i cant think of anything worse than tearing around on christmas eve still trying to get presents for people because youll never find what you want then get something that isnt right for the person you got it for
@kaui_808 (191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
You know, I'm a procrastinator. This is something I want to brake in me. I want to be on top of things and prompt. I have yet to start my Christmas shopping. Maybe I'll start this weekend, although I'm on vacation right now and I'd prefer not to have to pay more for luggage than I already have to. Then again it's always nice to get stuff from other people's vacations right?
@gauthami (137)
• New Zealand
15 Nov 08
No i havent started my shopping yet..i will shoping dec may be second week..i dont want to keep lot more money in that before..i m trying to look some gud deals and offers..i know dec is the month of cheap sales..so i go for it ...some times i shop in bETWEEN the year if needed....i feel to wait until last moment...
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
13 Nov 08
I have not done any Christmas shopping and sadly none of it is for Christmas. I need to buy sprayers and empty sacks and mulching materials. I hope your shopping s going fine. Cheers!!
@mikeysmom (2088)
• United States
13 Nov 08
christmas shopping is tough this year as i have no money. it will be slim pickins so to speak and i am only buying a few gifts for a few people. my son is the most important as he has to have gifts from santa on christmas morning. so i have made sure he has all the things he wanted and then if there is anything left i will get some light shopping done.
@graybilly (25)
•
13 Nov 08
I've only just started to think about Christmas, it's not as far away as I thought!
Better get myself on eBay lol.
@wolveren (1586)
• Cebu, Philippines
13 Nov 08
It's good that you're almost done with all the xmas shopping Melvin. I have not started even. hhehe. Not that I don't want to but things are just a bit tight nowadays and I just don't know come what may on christmas eve. Lol. cheers!
@maroseqf (3657)
• Philippines
13 Nov 08
I haven't bought anyone a gift for Christmas. I usually start Christmas shopping when December begins. But now that I just gave birth, I think I will only shop for our Christmas clothes and I will just give cash to my nephews and nieces instead of buying gifts for them. My husband and I don't have much time to think of which gift to give. I also gave cash last year and I will be doing it again this Christmas. I am thinking of giving my parents a Christmas gift. I haven't come up with anything yet.
@joniterry24 (15)
• United States
13 Nov 08
Ughh! Christmas Shopping I've done a little but not a lot! I have so many people to buy for I always hit the after Thanksgiving Day Sales! Only bad thing is the crowds to bad we can't get all the sale items off line like everything else!
