Thursday, August 25, 2011

christmas already?

By Jennifer (Double Duty Mommy) at 6:16 PM
Is it too early to talk about Christmas? I'm not usually the year around shopper but now with two kids I have completely changed the way I think about holiday and birthday shopping. I started my Christmas shopping in February-March this year and started with stocking stuffers just because it's fairly easy to grab small things here and there. I don't like buying a huge ticket item like lets say a My Little Pony dream house because who knows if M is still going to like that come Christmas.

My husband is the hardest to shop for so pretty much as soon as he accidentally says he likes something I go out the next day and get it. He doesn't say that he likes or wants something out loud very often because he "doesn't actually want anything" and "doesn't need anything for Christmas" but really, I think everyone deserves something on Christmas.
I tried asking him for some stocking stuffer ideas but that was a dead end road before I even left the hypothetical driveway if I must say. Since he doesn't "like" things that apparently means he has no advice on what the girls should have either. He is still more of a lets shop last minute type guy I guess so the early bird shopping has been all me this year.

Still thinking about the husband I then began to wonder what are some stocking stuffers for men? A watch, a wallet, gift cards? I would love to put a new video game in there but my husband is so crazy that he has to have all the new video games pre-ordered so he has them the day they come out.

So when should I shop for the more expensive things? It's almost September so I am thinking now would be a good time to start watching commercials more closely, listen to M talking about cool things she wants and all that good stuff.

When do you start Christmas shopping? This being my first year trying the year around Christmas shopping thing I would love to get some ideas on next year.

12 commented:

Anonymous said...

I am a last minute shopper, which I wish I wasn't. My husband is the worst to shop for so if I see something I know he'll like i grab it. Thankfully he isn't into video games.

Ellen on August 26, 2011 at 6:32 AM said...

I don't want to think about Christmas yet. While I pick up a few things during the year, I don't really start shopping till probably October.

Dawn Sandomeno on August 26, 2011 at 7:00 AM said...

I start the day after Thanksgiving, but I don't know if this is the best advice!

Beth M on August 26, 2011 at 7:31 AM said...

We start after Christmas for next Christmas. This year I haven't done very good but I have started a small collection now for some family ... I am lacking on the kids though. Good reminder to get on it!!

Heather on August 26, 2011 at 8:23 AM said...

I love to shop year round especially clearance on online deals. even if the gift doesn't make to Christmas there's always their birthday!

Superdumb Supervillain on August 26, 2011 at 9:33 AM said...

someone was just talking about Christmas yesterday! it seems like every year, we start earlier…

Rob on August 26, 2011 at 10:19 AM said...

Great Post. It is crazy that Christmas is right around the corner. For men gift cards are always a great gift.

Unknown on August 26, 2011 at 2:48 PM said...

Gift cards make great stocking stuffers for men. My husband loves Home Depot and Lowes, as well as AutoZone! Just an idea for your husband, but you might think about a subscription to a gamer magazine, or one of those 'cheat' manuals. I only thought about them because I am a gamer too!
I have a cabinet in my house where I keep 'presents'. I didnt say Christmas specifically because I pull from that cabinet for birthdays too. I pick up things I see on sale through out the year so I have them when the time comes. Lots of things I win from sweeps/giveaways/contests go into that cabinet too!

Rachel on August 29, 2011 at 10:25 AM said...

This year, for the first time, I have purchased a few items early.... Only because I found toy deals i couldn't pass up!

Jessica on August 29, 2011 at 5:14 PM said...

We don't celebrate Christmas but it always amazes me how much shopping goes into the Christmas season. My husband's company makes Christmas decor so I say the more shopping, the better!

ticklemetiffy on September 6, 2011 at 1:12 PM said...

First I pick up things all year round for birthdays and holidays because with 5 kids theres no telling when A) I will be able to shop without them around and B) we live on a pretty tight budget. So if I can find a great bargain or sale or clearance item I jump on it while I can!
Then I shop major sales like black Friday/Black Monday for some of the more big ticket items.

As for stocking stuffers for men/hard to buy for hubbys (like mine) I buy him things he wouldnt buy for himself. Such as he likes puzzle books so I always make sure theres one of those in there. Also since Santa always buys the kids underwear I tell the kids that us big people cant rely on Santa for that stuff and usually I stick a pair of holiday themed boxers in there. Also hubby loves candy but wont buy any for himself so I try to at least stick some peanut M&Ms in there. Small car themed things are always great for him too such as air freshners. As well as small tools, at Home Depot and those type stores around Christmas they have little tools in the front near the checkout that are usually under 5 bucks and easily fit in the stocking.
Happy shopping!!!!

Unknown on September 8, 2011 at 1:19 PM said...

I start before this christmas, meaning the year before, whenever I can get great deals. But mostly after thanksgiving when amazon, etc. have unbelievable deals and I can use my Swagbucks credits.

Post a Comment

For a giveaway: be sure to include your email address in every single entry, please!