things to buy or do now for the holidays

**Sara Noel** · 07-28-2009, 01:29 PM

Outside of store bought gifts such as toys or clothing, what can you buy or do now to prepare for the holidays?

150 days left.

I'll go first.

I've been organizing crafts to do with the kids. I mostly like to do ornaments, but always try to do a craft that can hold goodies, too.

**imagine** · 07-28-2009, 01:38 PM

Buy School supply stuff for holidays is at a great deal now.

These are wonderful holiday presents for pre-school children. pencils crayons, markers, scissors, paper. Maybe a fun folder ( or personalized plain folder) They will love it.

They also make wonderful stocking stuffers. One year son was so happy to find scented markers in his stocking and I paid way less than a dollar for them. school aged children maybe be needing replacements supplies by this time anyway.

**madhen** · 07-28-2009, 01:56 PM

I have only adults to buy for, so I don't really look at toys or crafts.

I'm preserving a lot of food right now. Christmas will probably include food gift baskets with HM jars of catsup, mustard, relish, and possibly a few jams/jellies.

I've also been experimenting with some knitted/sewn items, hoping to have a few unique gifts to give.

**Sara Noel** · 07-28-2009, 04:25 PM

Yep, definitely at least get some recipes together. You can try new recipes now, so there's no surprises later, too.

Make sure you have your gift, card and activity lists made out.

**Karen1** · 07-28-2009, 04:28 PM

As adults we do not trade gifts anymore. We decided that Christmas was for the kids now.

I do pick up a small gift for mom and dad like a restaurant gift certificate, that type of thing. Other than that, they don't need anything.

We kids get money from mom and dad so we can get what we want.
I like that.

Only thing I literally "prepare" is buy a small live tree for outside in front of the home we decorate

will make some Xmas cookies with my daughter when the time comes

shop early for some gifts for her (4 years old) and she is very easy to buy for. keep eyes out for sales.

but don't need to prepare now at all.....I start in late Oct/early Nov and will be done easily and NO STRESS holidays are for me!

**pollypurebred39** · 07-28-2009, 05:08 PM

It finally occured to me what I do that is preparation this far in advance. My son attends a white elephant party every Christmas, and every year it was this mad scramble the day of this party to find something in the house for his white elephant gift. Nothings worse then a bad white elephant gift, they think your being stingy. So I started the hunt early a few years back and I haven't been sorry. It gives me time to scour the house for that one gift that someone gave one of us through the years that left us scratching our heads. The white elephant party he attends is great, after they open their gifts people trade for what they want so even though we didn't want that "I heart bears sign", someone from that party did and got a great gift.

**2ndGenGranola** · 07-28-2009, 06:05 PM

I would have to say "workout".

Most of our family is either dead or doesn't exchange gifts. We already know what the kids are getting so I just have to punch a button there. (The ILs send $$ for the kids Christmas). We put the tree up early so we can enjoy the decorations and not have to rush around all the rehearsals and performances.

**CouponShelle** · 07-28-2009, 06:36 PM

I shop year round (this drives hubby nuts, he wants to ASK for gifts). I started my homemade gifts last week, crochet dishcloths. I plan on making 80 of them at a minimum. I'm hoping to sell some at a craft show, others will go to coworkers.

Have a new baby girl so this will be her first Christmas. I've started a change jar to go toward her gift. Goal is $200 in there

**TigerGirl1226** · 07-28-2009, 06:40 PM

I always make sure to buy Scotch Tape either during the pre-school sale or the clearance sale after school starts. You can get the "good" kind pretty cheap. Also, scissors and pens/markers. All this is great for gift wrap and holiday card time.

**pollypurebred39** · 07-28-2009, 06:58 PM

Loving the scotch tape!!!

**skw6559** · 07-28-2009, 07:20 PM

I am gathering up 18 "presents" from my stockpile to wrap them up. Last year several of my family members were having a rough time and it was decided that we would not exchange gifts.

We had typically each brought a gift and played " dirty santa". It was a game where numbers were drawn and everyone went in order and they could choose a wrapped present or take something from another person.

I wrapped up the stuff from my stockpile last year and labeled them with hints of what was inside and it was a huge hit. For example, gift not included- batteries, The old gray mare- anti - aging moisturizer and Santa needs these - cookie mix.

I never thought that I would see 18 people running around laughing and snagging shampoo, pledge, windex and toilet paper

. I guess we have a new tradition because people are already asking what will be in the " presents" this year.

**Judi Dial** · 07-28-2009, 07:38 PM

If I can get the recipe right, I'm going to make HM seasoned salt to go with our traditional holiday gift: HM bread delivered on Christmas Eve. If I can't get the recipe to the way I want it, then I won't attempt to give anything to anyone other than the bread.

I DO look for baskets, cheap packaging, etc. year 'round, but most of that I usually get right after Christmas for the following year (gift tags & ribbon, mostly).

**firefly615** · 07-28-2009, 07:40 PM

I work in a winery on the weekends and really don't drink all that much. This time of year I start stashing the wine I am gifted from colleagues and boss. That way, when the holidays come I have hostess gifts and presents for kids teachers, etc.

**scooby8themall** · 07-28-2009, 08:21 PM

I have a lot people to buy for so I do mine all year and most of it on sale or marked downed .I pay close attention to what people need like this year my DD1 moved and a lot stuff was left behind due to the land lord so she really needs towels,glasses house hold stuff.And of course I pick up stuff at SA new .And I also make dish clothes.
I found mens heavy sweat shirts in Walmart last Jan for 5.00 they were 20.00 reg price.My grown kids get lots of clothes that are marked down or on sale for Christmas.I also do the HM jams and some times I get request for it.