How do you look for Christmas gifts?

Question

Do you have a system on where or when do you buy gifts or do you just rush around the last minute?

Answer 1

I start in January. I have several catalogs from unusual companies that are little known in my circle of family and friends. I clip out the stuff I think my loved ones would like OR, if something strikes me, I might even go ahead and buy it. (I have a shelf in my closet reserved for presents.) Every time I go to stores to shop, I look around for things I think my family and friends would like.

I listen very closely to conversations when I'm around people to see what they like and what they don't already have (especially my hard-to-shop-for in-laws) and lock that in my mind. When they receive as a gift a movie or a CD that they mentioned several months ago just in casual conversation, I think it makes them feel really good.

I love to give gifts to my loved ones. It's the best part of the season!!

Answer 2

Anymore, I just buy gift cards because I hate to shop. But, when I did buy gifts I tried to be done a week before Christmas so I wouldn't have to be in the stores with all the last minute crazies.

Answer 3

I make lists all year long. Asking people what they like/dislike and trying to fond out what they already have. No one wants 10 bottles of Glow. Then I set a budget at the end of November for the total amount that I am going to spend. Then I break down that amount say $500 on family and :$200 other (coworkers/club/whoever)
After doing all this I still spend two weeks running around frantically trying to find said items. It also never fails that I have to go out on CHRISTMAS eve and buy one last thing I forgot. I will try to do better this year though.

Answer 4

I browse different store on the internet. Make a list of things I think people will like. I order some things from the internet that I can't find in stores. For popular toys I buy from Wal-mart because it's cheaper , all other toys I get from Toys R US or Target.
Almost all other Gifts come from Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Target, Sears or online specialty shops like FAO or Hearth Song.

Answer 5

I begin making my list through the year. Making little mental notes when I hear of something that someone wants or needs. Then each paycheck I'll go out and find a few things and check them off the list.
Sometimes something will catch my eye and I'll go ahead and pick it up too. I hate last minute shopping because then the stores are crowded and everything is already all picked over.

Answer 6

I suggest looking for times when everyone else is doing something so that you can get to a mall or other store on your own, and then hide the presents in your trunk and maybe relocate them somewhere else afterwards.

Lets say Fathers at work, children are at school, or father took children to see a movie, etc.

Thats your time to rush out and get something, in the mean time its always nice to make a list of what you want to get and where you want to get it.

If that fails it will probrably wind up being a last minute shopping trip.

Answer 7

I hate the last minute rush. It just makes me crazy!!!! I shop all year long. I find alot of great deals for Christmas in the summer time.

Answer 8

I shop a lot on eBay you can find so much cool stuff but you have to be cautious of who you buy from... check their rating and comments. Also, I try to get it done by thanksgiving- that way I beat the rush and if there are any shipping delays or other problems I can get them resolved prior to Christmas.

Answer 9

I shop all year also. If i see something I KNOW someone I am buying for will like, I just go ahead & buy it if it's a reasonable price & store it in a "present cabinet" I have set aside. Some of the harder people to buy for, I just make a list of ideas & buy things off that.

Answer 10

I try my hardest to make a list, the last few years I've gone Black Friday and if I don't have a list and some ideas Im bound to forget. This year I'll start in toys, then electronics, then work out from there.