I have started my Christmas shopping

**Suzy** · 02-10-2009, 01:19 PM

I thought of doing this a few years ago but never carried through with it.
My step son plays b-ball for his school. During practice I crocheted a blanket for my bed. Took approx. a month. I am finishing a matching pillow tonight.
Since it didn't take long and baseball season is coming up I could do another one and give it as a gift. A matching pillow would be perfect to stick between the 2 pillow shams on the bed.
So today, when I picked up a few things (with coupons) from Walmart, I also picked up a few rolls of thread.
Since we all give a family gift and not individual gifts to the adults I thought this would be perfect.
(starting 1 and 8 to go)

**angelbumpkin** · 02-10-2009, 01:31 PM

Your off to a great start.
We have purchased a few gifts and made a few gifts already.

**homesteadmamma** · 02-10-2009, 02:03 PM

I've made 2 gifts and we have a couple of scrollsaw art pictures that dh made. It's so much easier to have some done before Christmas rolls around.

**frugalbabe** · 02-10-2009, 02:32 PM

Great idea! I have been thinking as well about starting birthday and Christmas shopping but I think that will have to wait until I can get this budget settled and get the van paid off, seems like I don't have a cent to spare at the end of the month yet!

**momof4ga** · 02-10-2009, 02:39 PM

That is so great. I think it means more too that you spent time creating the gift.

Every year for years I keep telling myself I'm going to start shopping for Christmas earlier.

Haven't been very successful yet, but this year I have already been thinking about it at least, so that's something! I use coupons so I look for good stuff on buy one get one free deals that I can use a coupon on top of it, so sometimes I can get things for free or almost free. My 15 year old daughter loves makeup, so that's one thing I will try to buy ahead. Most cosmetics keep for 3 years if they aren't opened.

**Grainlady** · 02-10-2009, 03:04 PM

We have a $10 Christmas gift limit (2 adult kids, 1 son-in-law, 13-year old granddaughter) so I'm ALWAYS on the lookout for bargains and keep a gift box going. Our son and SIL are covered for the next couple years when I found some clearance items in the tool department. I always check the isle at Wal-Mart where they have their clearance items. I've found many gift items there. Just got a Bill Nye the Science Guy Paper Recycling Factory for $10 - our granddaughter will have a great time with it making homemade paper from recycled paper. She already likes to make her own cards...

I have an ACE Rewards card, and the other day I got a $5 card towards a purchase at our ACE Hardware Store. We usually use these cards towards the purchase of a gift. Same with our True Value card.

**Maine Girl** · 02-10-2009, 05:37 PM

You guys are doing great!! I haven't decided what i want to do for everybody this year.

**Debbie-cat** · 02-10-2009, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Suzy

I thought of doing this a few years ago but never carried through with it.
My step son plays b-ball for his school. During practice I crocheted a blanket for my bed. Took approx. a month. I am finishing a matching pillow tonight.
Since it didn't take long and baseball season is coming up I could do another one and give it as a gift. A matching pillow would be perfect to stick between the 2 pillow shams on the bed.
So today, when I picked up a few things (with coupons) from Walmart, I also picked up a few rolls of thread.
Since we all give a family gift and not individual gifts to the adults I thought this would be perfect.
(starting 1 and 8 to go)

This is exactly what I do all year long. I find that it is so easy to find better prices, whether it be a store bought gift or yarn/material/supplies for a homemade gift, during the year instead of right before Christmas. Believe me, you won't be sorry you decided to do this. I already have 5 homemade gifts done for Christmas!

**Michelle** · 02-10-2009, 05:54 PM

Wow, you all are doing great

I'm still making gifts to give throughout the year, and I never seem to make Christmas gifts ahead of time because I'm crafting year round. I may need to rethink that plan

**Judi Dial** · 02-10-2009, 06:06 PM

Suzy & co.,

You've inspired me. The only gift I've made recently was a copy of my seasonal calendar for my SIL, and she's getting it in pieces as I get it printed out.

I should start looking around for presents and/or start making gifts too!

Thanks for the great idea--

Judi

**MomToTwoBoys** · 02-10-2009, 07:22 PM

This year I actually know who I'm buying for and what they like months before I start my shopping. We're waiting to see if SIL is having twins before I put the new baby on my list. I'm tempted to do all of my shopping starting in March because that'll give me nine months to get everything done.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 02-11-2009, 01:14 AM

You're off to a great start!! And really early! Way to go!!

So far, I've got a few things for my mom's Christmas stocking... And picked up some containers for cookies (planning to bake some gifts).

**tervsforme** · 02-11-2009, 01:43 PM

Great job! I want to make some table runners and quilted wall hangings this year. I have all of the fabric organized, I just need to get started on it! Thanks for the inspiration!

**rainbowgc** · 02-11-2009, 02:12 PM

I now have 2 people off my list. We have too many end of the year bills to pay to wait.

**tbs727** · 02-11-2009, 06:33 PM

You are off to a great start!

This year I have decided to make one gift a month. Every gift is different. I just happen to have 13 family members to shop for, my husband will get a store bought gift, so I have 12 gifts to make. My budget for everyone is $100. I have a blog about it, but it's private to keep my family out.

If anyone is interested, you can pm me your email address and I will send you an invitation. So far it has been a lot of fun, and I'm only on my second gift of the year.