It's starting to look alot like Christmas!

**mommy4ever** · 07-25-2007, 03:01 PM

Ok, maybe not, and maybe yes. Christmas stuff is already starting to make an appearance in the stores.

Who's started shopping?

Starting in September, I'm getting 1 gift card on each of dh pay periods for those people we get cards for. I'm also going to add $50 to a walmart giftcard for the big shop we do for the kids, since we get 90% of the gifts there anyway. And I'm thinking a smaller one at toys r us. This will be much easier to deal with this way, then trying to come up with a large sum in December although we could if we dump the debt payments to just min, which I dn't want to do.

Anyone planning yet?

**auntie2many** · 07-25-2007, 03:46 PM

I bought a few Christmas gifts today. I am about half way done with Christmas shopping. I am expecting to finish by early November.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 07-25-2007, 03:58 PM

I've been collecting since March. As I come across something thats right for each family member I buy it, take it home and add it to my collection basket in my office. Since basket holds my mending no one ever digs in it. I put the presents under the mending. lol
I also keep track in a little book in my purse so I can cross check who's got what already. Also I note down when someone makes a comment about liking , needing or wanting something special.

Laurie in Bradenton

**miss_thrifty** · 07-25-2007, 04:02 PM

christmas stuff already?// seriously, what stores?/
here its right after Halloween stuff goes away. We are getting afirst look at school stuff now this week at Walmart and zellers.

**mommy4ever** · 07-25-2007, 05:00 PM

Yeah, at costco..lol.

They always jump the gun. I'm always looking. My 3 girls are each getting a webkins and I'll make outfits. DH will want to spend more on them. But I think this year we'll cut back if we want to stay on track. I can make alot of great things for them if I start soon and they'll have a great Christmas.

**Its_Donna** · 07-25-2007, 05:07 PM

I haven't started shopping yet..I just can't bring myself to think about it yet

We do have a Christmas Club Account that I fund thru an auto withdrawal from my paycheck and it's available after the 1st of November. We will have a years' worth of savings to use then.

**bumplett** · 07-25-2007, 05:51 PM

I've finished 3 crocheted blankets for 2 neices and a nephew - finished one scarf for mom, mil, and brother - so that's 6 total -

still working on it - and I need to find felt at a decent price to make knotted blankets for 3 more nephews (pre-school age)

I'm thinking of trading in my MyPoints in October for a gift card to KBToys (we have a KBToy outlet nearby) and I can use that to get my boys presents - hopefully..... but I don't know how long it takes to get the giftcards??? I haven't cashed in my MyPoints before --- ???

**Kris B** · 07-25-2007, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by bumplett

I'm thinking of trading in my MyPoints in October for a gift card to KBToys (we have a KBToy outlet nearby) and I can use that to get my boys presents - hopefully..... but I don't know how long it takes to get the giftcards??? I haven't cashed in my MyPoints before --- ???

I just cashed in some of my "mypoints" for a linens & things GC. First time I've done it. It only took about 2 weeks to get here!

Kris B

**Jilse** · 07-25-2007, 06:27 PM

I have a holiday fund that I put 100 into every month. By the time Christmas comes this year we should have around 1,000 to spend. Until November I won't be doing any Christmas shopping but I will be writing down lists of things I'd like to buy for everyone in preparation.

**sdrjeolsen** · 07-25-2007, 07:46 PM

I've done some here and there as I see things, but not really in earnest yet. Picked up snowboards for ds and dd#2 from Craigslist. I figured the best time to buy would be summer and I got a couple of good deals. At this point, just setting money aside. We are cutting back this year with extended family, thank goodness.

Hard to believe merchants are pushing Christmas already...sheeesh!

**frugalfarmwife** · 07-25-2007, 08:28 PM

I'm DONE!!! Been done since early spring, All the brothers are getting NICE lined flannel shirts, the SIL's and moms nice fuzzy bathrobes, the kids bunches of mittens/glovesl/hats/scarves, and I spent SHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! $25.00 total! I'm so thrilled, I HATE SHOPPING!!!

kj

**Dancing Lotus** · 07-25-2007, 08:35 PM

Ihave already been makeing plans. I have several things knocked off my list but the big stuff will have to wait as I have no extra money at all. Dh almost alway get a 700 or more bonus and we use that.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 07-25-2007, 08:48 PM

I started in Spring... I've got about 80% done. I've spent around $50 so far...have about $25 left to go...and already bought the supplies for the rest of the gifts (in that $50). Just have to get to making things!!

I like to have it all completely done by mid-November...so I don't have to mess with any of it from Thanksgiving on...

I still like to go Black Friday shopping (day after Thanksgiving)...it's just fun to watch the crowds!!

**Lauren** · 07-26-2007, 09:09 AM

I used to be so good at getting mine done way early [like in April] but that was years ago and now I'm seldom done until early December. *Sigh*

I haven't noticed any Christmas things in the stores here yet but did see fall decorations yesterday and for some reason, it really took me aback [is fall really "that" close? *lol*]

Lauren

**Jayne** · 07-26-2007, 10:02 AM

I have a few things...a bunny that a got at Boyd's for Kieran and fleece to make Joe and Kieran each a blanket...Joe's has skulls and other skater stuff and Kieran's has sock monkey's on it, Joanns is having a good sale and I had coupons!!