Are you done with Christams presents???

**winner** · 11-15-2008, 10:22 AM

Just curious if you ladies are done with getting all presents for family and friends. I would like to hear what you plan to give away this year.
I think this is my first year when I am actually organized in time for Christmas give aways. I know a lady who is such a good inspiration, she has a tall gift cabinet where she keep all her gifts and lists of names, (the reson is to make sure she doesn't give the same present to the same person twice, smart ha?) gift inventory, binder with magazine clips when it comes to wrapping, packing, price list etc., not only for Christmas but also for different occasions. She buys presents during theyear, makes her own once as well, very impressing. By end of November she has everything done, and only cooking is left, no wonder whe is nevers stressed out or rund like "headless chicken".
I had some purchaced presents, but will give away some of my homemade stuff as well.
Scarves for my lady friends, a few friends appreciate food items, so I have some antipasto and tapenade jars, but also hope to make red pepper jelly and biscotti to feel up the coffee mugs..
4 Christmas wreaths, I just need to buy a nice, tall class vase with a candle in it to put in the middle, and use as a center piece, wrap in celophane and tadaaaa.
I am making some baskets.
I wrapped already 5 presents, looks very nice actually, presentation is the key I guess.
Come on, share what you have done so far, or planning to give away.

**happimommi** · 11-15-2008, 10:35 AM

We are almost done with our shopping for the kids, I am ordering my DH gift today. But we have no idea what to give our parents this year. And we give friends baked goods so that won't happen until mid December. We are keeping it simple this year, partly because of money, partly because we are tired of buying junk just to have presents under the tree.

**LuvMyHubby** · 11-15-2008, 05:03 PM

Oh, dear goodness, no. I am no where near being done, infact I have only bought one gift and that is for our DD. I still need to get a list from her of exactly what she would like and we still need to pull names in DH's family and I think I know what I am getting for Brother and family but don't want to purchase until closer to Christmas.

So, let me ask this question: Normally we buy brother and sister inlaw a combined gift (usually gift card) and neice and nephew their own gifts. Money is really tight this year and we are thinking of getting them "family gift" like movie passes or dvd rental and a movie gift box of goodies, do anyone this this is okay and any other sugguestion would be great.

**lgw** · 11-15-2008, 05:03 PM

I am nearly done. We buy multiple presents for my and DH's families -- 10 -- people total, plus four Yankee swap gifts. And I have DH. I have 57 gifts so far and about a dozen more left. Much of what's left, though, are homemade gifts, like soup in a jar or cookies in a jar. Now I just have to start wrapping.

I'm feeling very ahead of the game, though.

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 11-15-2008, 06:14 PM

I've got several things waiting in my "gift box" (the box I use to corral all the gifts I purchase throughout the year) that are recipient-neutral (i.e., I can use these items for my mom, my SIL, my nieces, my MIL, etc.). I'm going through some of those items today to see what I have, what I need to buy and what I still need to make.

We've set a $290 budget for the 19 people on our list this year (not including DH and myself) and I'm aiming to come in WAYYYYY under that amount! It's a fun challenge for myself!

DH and I were talking about setting a limit for each of us that we couldn't go over. However, I'm thinking we may scrap that idea in favor of purchasing a couch, a purchase we've been discussing for the last year. We'll see. I can be pretty creative when it comes to how much or what kinds of things I can buy for a set amount of money.

**Contrary Housewife** · 11-16-2008, 12:04 AM

We give very few gifts, so when I say that I have only finished shopping for married friends we see often, understand that is about 1/4 of my shopping. I know what to get for another couple friends, but have not made the order yet. I need to spend some time and get a couple things on DH's wishlist. We have no family close by, so will only be sending cards to relatives, probably with gift cards to husband's brother and family.

**winner** · 11-16-2008, 09:31 AM

Your idea is great. I found a nice popcorn bowl with 4 small ones as well, so I will give that away along with a gift card and a box of chocolates nivrly wrapped. They will have achoice to rent a movie or to buy a movie with that card.

**winner** · 11-16-2008, 09:33 AM

Wow, 57 gifts, I am very impressed, what are they?

**winner** · 11-16-2008, 09:35 AM

Hi there, what are you making for Christmas presents?

**Gardengal18** · 11-16-2008, 09:35 AM

I was done the week after Christmas last year. I picked up everything for 75% off during the $ales and put it all away for this year. I'll probably do the same again this year.

**winner** · 11-16-2008, 09:39 AM

That what I call Frugal shopper!. Very good.
I am so inspired by you, I will try to do the same when holiday is over.

**FrugalMomof3** · 11-16-2008, 09:56 AM

Pretty much so... just a few small gifts left as Christmas is going to be really tight this year.

**Patty A** · 11-16-2008, 10:51 AM

I am done other than a few cookie plates. I am thrilled as this is the first year that I have been done so early, now all that is left is to get it wrapped and I am DONE!
No credit card bills to look forward to (NOT!) after the first of the year, as it has all been done with cash. I can't believe I am done so early, and it feels great as I now can sit back and not be one of those that has to stress getting it done.

**lovestolaugh** · 11-16-2008, 01:24 PM

I finished my shopping yesterday! Woo Hoo! I only have baking left to do and I will start that in mid-December. I also started decorating the house yesterday. I have everything done except for the 2 big Christmas trees and outside lights. Have to wait until next weekend when DH is home from hunting to help! My in-laws will be here for Thanksgiving and we also celebrate Christmas with them too at the same time. We are all set. I finished all my wrapping too. I can just sit back and enjoy the season!

**geckoace** · 11-16-2008, 02:26 PM

i bought the gift for DS, and Dnephew, i have half of the gifts for my aunt the other half is gingerbread baked in a flowerpot so that will be done closer to christmas.
i have the little gift for DH, and my sister's gift.

this week i will order a family gift for the inlaws, the gifts just for mil&fil, DD and work on my mothers handmade present, i have gifts for 2 of the cousin-kids and need to pick up about 4 more