Gift List Spreadsheet

**cmu** · 12-23-2011, 03:09 PM

So I found myself with the awefull feeling of not knowing what my kids "wanted" for christmas this year with a couple of exceptions.. So I decided to create a spreadsheet on my computer that anytime I hear the kids say they want something I can jot it down on the spreadsheet and then keep an eye out for super low prices and cheap deals throught the year.... Christmas will not sneak up on me next year!

**Wendy99** · 12-23-2011, 06:15 PM

That's a great idea, can use that list for birthdays, easter, christmas - whatever you normally buy for

**Debbie-cat** · 12-23-2011, 10:58 PM

What a great idea!!..... I think I will steal it but use two spreadsheets ....one for things people mention but also one for things that have been bought....that way I will know exactly what is in my gift closet too!

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 12-24-2011, 01:00 AM

I've done both, but in a combined form. My spreadsheet lists each person, gift ideas for him/her/them, and how much I've budgeted for them (this is really only for Christmas and the Excel program totals this amount for me at the bottom of the column). Then I have a column where I write down how much was spent on each item (the Excel program totals it for me at the bottom of this column) and a column for comments like what was purchased and where. While I mainly use this for Christmas, I have referred to it for birthdays as well.

This method has worked out SO well for me for the past few years and I think I'll be sticking with it for the foreseeable future.

I also have a separate spreadsheet where I keep track of the items in my "gift box" (the huge plastic tub where I store extra gifts that I pick up on sale throughout the year). This helps keep me super organized!

**Lady_V** · 12-24-2011, 07:43 AM

I started something like that because I am making the gifts next year and I have a habit of forgetting what I wanted to do

I have more to add, but this is the rough draft

**cmu** · 12-24-2011, 09:40 AM

Yup, mine has a column for the person, what they asked for, where it was purchased, regular price for the item and purchase price so that I can watch my spending and a column for where it is stashed

**Sophiasmama** · 12-24-2011, 01:02 PM

Thanks for posting this idea...going to use it myself.

**Nana2two** · 12-24-2011, 01:59 PM

I kinda did that except had a notebook in my purse. Wrote down little things. Like earrings, belts, art supplies ect.i could pick up through out the year and then get to main gifts they wanted a few weeks go. You know how kids are. My daughters little nano ipod went out she has had for 3 years. Well we found one for 50 % that was her big present at $28 bucks.