Holiday Shopping

[mywisecrafts]

I told the girls I want Christmas (and birthday for one) lists by Nov 1st. My girls send me lists but also create lists on Pinterest so that I can "see" what specifically they want!

We are keeping things less expensive and smaller this year. I think we will go back to 4 gifts each total- Want, Need, Wear, Read. Our budget is tighter this year so that should work ok. We also applied for a puppy (through a foster program) so the girls were told if we get him, that would be a big part of their Christmas gift this year).

As far as shipping concerns, my husband works for a shipping company and I know how hard they work! As much as I would LOVE for him to help get all of your gifts to you on time, I would also like to see him some and do things as a family! During the slower parts of the year he already is working 12+ hours a day. They have block out times between the beginning of Nov through Jan where they can't take any days off. So, expecting them to work even harder to get you your gifts, means less time he has to spend with his own family. Just another side of the equation to look at!

Well I want him at home with his family too..... I tell my kids to roll with it if it doesn't arrive on time. Could be worse, it could be during the pony express days. LOL. I like how you do the gift selection. Sometimes I feel bad for my kids because their friends have these huge piles a gifts around the tree, but we keep it relatively reasonable and sensible. I'm probably to low key for them.....I like practical as well.

 

[mywisecrafts]

We used to buy the kids gifts for every day of Chanukah but now that they are adults.. they just get $$, much easier. Hubs and I don't really do gifts so that helps, lol.

Yes it does.... that 's what I tell my husband. I think he likes the gifts more than me.... but we manage to usually keep it in check.

 

[mywisecrafts]

Luckily my kids are older (all teens) and don't have specific things that they really want. My younger 2 still get a gift for every night of Hanukkah, but all 3 are perfectly happy to get cash or gift cards most nights. For the physical items we're buying them I'm trying to strike a balance between ordering early enough that they arrive but not so early that I miss return windows or they've changed their minds or bought it for themselves. We do small gifts for Hanukkah (since there are so many). I'm more worried about 2 birthdays in late December and early January. Neither has asked for anything specific, which ups the chance of me guessing wrong and them needing to return things.



This summer I tried to be very on top of the back to school shopping because they were predicting not enough inventory. I ended up with a sweater for my daughter that we missed the window on, but at least it wasn't expensive. A few school supplies, too, but those were mostly inexpensive things that can sit here until a future teacher requests them. Best Buy changed their return window, and my son's mouse only had 15 days regardless of the reason. It ended up being defective (which we found out when he tried to use it 3 weeks later), but at least in that case we were able to go through the manufacturer for the replacement.

Those late December and early January birthdays can be a challenge for sure. My niece is in January and I've already asked for a list that is separate from the Holiday list. LOL.

 

[craftytam]

I am the worst at shopping early! It sounds like I really need to get on the ball this year. Ugh!
Our daughter, SIL and grandkids are visiting the week after next (YAY!!), so I'll get ideas for what they want then.

 

[renatasluis]

I bought some gifts, but it's for Sinterklaas on dec 5th
So i need it a few weeks before christmas.

 

[Sherri Tierney]

I've picked up a few stocking stuffers. I'm thinking of giving each kid some cash and calling it done, though I should send something for the grandbabies.

 

[Dalis]

I do too, unless it's for my daughter. She treasures even the hand made card....

Really, I would love to send her a card then.

 

[bienejen]

My mom called and dropped a BIG hint last week that Kohl's just stocked all their stocking stuffer/holiday gift stuff and there was a big puzzle section. Cue me going Friday night while the selection was fabulous! One person done!