Christmas Shopping Season

[2moretrees]

OK, I know that it is still July, but I promised this year that I would begin my xmas shopping early and have it all done before december rolled around. I spent the weekend making my list of people I need to get gifts for and jotted down a few ideas next to each of their names. Anyone have good suggestions on gifts that people would really appreciate getting that don't cost a lot of money? I am somewhat crafty and I'm more than willing to make things myself.

[terry1156]

Great job on getting your Christmas shopping out of the way early. I guess I should do the same. I give my time to a lot of people. I make a coupon for a day or weekend. It probably costs me more in the long run than an ordinary gift, but I get to spend quality time with that person which is a gift I get the most in return for no matter the cost.

[marla]

I wish I could get myself motivated like that. I know I should be planning, but I seem to always buy things at the last minute

[emily1067]

Wow! I am inspired by you...thinking about starting that list myself.

Here's an idea for you. A small scrapbook for a person you know well and have a lot of pictures of. You could use one of those small flip books that are only abou 10 pages.

Also, since you have so much time to browse...why not check out thrift shops. It may take some time, but you can find some great deals and really interesting/fun things!

Let us know what you end up doing...I know we would all like to save some money on Christmas gifts!

[2moretrees]

I found a great assortment of colored crock jars that are just beautiful at a garage sale which will be perfect for my friends. They were unbelievably cheap. I got 12 of them for $10.00 (whoopeeeeee) I think I will bake cookies or fudge to place inside and then make a nice card for each. That single buy wiped clean half my list. Now to work on family gifts.

[terry1156]

Great find and at a wonderful price. I'm sure that you friends will love them!

[Razzy]

Whenever I see coloring books, sidewalk chalk, or any school supplies on sale I try to get them and save them for the kids I know for their birthdays and Christmas. I know this year I am starting to make Christmas gifts early this year and buy things I can give has gifts so I won't have to worry at the last minute for Christmas gifts.

Razzy

[PrincessPerky]

I started a list of crafty things I would be willing to do for my famiy, so far I have:

bath salts,
bath oil
Milk bath
sugar scrub

trail mix (everyone loves mine, dunno why, nothing special in my mind)
chocolate covered nuts
fudge
pumpkin bread

but nothing for kids. I also saw a thing for lipgloss that I bet a teenage girl would enjoy making. (I just saved the ideas, I figure I'll google the recipe closer to when I make it.) I also thought Canning apple butter or apple sauce would be cool and put that silly cloth over the top to pretty it up, but canning is rather hard with a toddler and preschooler. Least I have trouble.

I also saw a recipe for scented beads you can make, and then turn into jewelry or sachets (how on earth is that spelled?) but I am saving that for when DS and DD are older.

If I could sew I would make placemats or napkins and then either let my kids color them or paint, or I would embroider them (I can embroider, just now sew)

[marjorie]

Need to get some ideas for relatives in their 20s for Christmas. Six in 20s, and 2 15year olds. I've done afghans, qwillows, freshman year college boxes and last year was "Let There Be Light" baskets. Cheap to ship would be an advantage, but can tote if need be. Soem of these folks are on their own, some in school...

[Tree0164]

Marjorie
I find it best if you have to ship it somewhere you are better off ordering online and having it shipped there.

Gift cards are always good. You can could do a theme basket for dinner and a movie. Or snack attack basket as well.

[midnight]

Wow, you all are much more organized than I am. I haven't even thought about what or who I'll be getting Xmas gifts for.

[marjorie]

Since I need to "gift" so many (the kids are only a small part of the equation), I'm hoping to come up with something in the $15-20 range. Gift cards are hard because they all have different likes, few of which are mainstream. The snack attack basket is a good idea, if I can get the kids to tell me what their sibs most like. It's tough when they all live out of state... Thanks for the ideas!

[PRICEPLUS]

I have always thought about buying early but I never do. One could save a chunk of money by buying early. I am going to wait until at least July before I start Christmas shopping.

[Razzy]

I get a lot good Christmas gifts and kids birthday gifts at the dollar stores. I just stock up on a few items and when an occasion comes up I am prepared.

Razzy

[forry]

I am brand new here today and was looking at the different threads Christmas caught my eye right away.

I think I start shopping for the next year the week after Christmas.

The gift sets at like a Walmart are 1/2 price, so for a couple bucks each, the daughters and son and son-in-law get new brush sets, nail sets etc.

If you have a Kohls in your area, they are famous for big time clearance. 70-85% off. I'm always checking there. Other than that year round at Wal-mart and Target, I scan the Clearance racks and throw my stuff in the closet.

I need to get more crafty and start making some things, always wanted to make some of those jar gifts and get recipes but haven't done that yet.

Hello to everyone, I think I will get a lot of good information from this site.

Have a good day. Forry

[Razzy]

While at the craft store the other day I picked up some a few things I can give for Christmas. Even though each item was only a dollar I can always give these items to my friends kids.

Razzy

[mom-from-missouri]

Our Walmart has a clearance rack all the time now. But they always move it. It is either by the toys or by the curtains.goes back and forth between those two locations. I have already started--I got my parents a new electric blanket 2 weeks ago-king size, dual controls for around $15. Normally around $49. I guess it is considered out of season right now, so that is why they were marked down--plus the packaging has changed from the current full price ones. I also found some printer ink there and photo paper, as well as socks. Just an odd assortment of items that they keep there.