Anyone started to buy Christmas presents yet?

[Nicpem1982]

I'm very excited for Christmas this year and have started to pick up presents for my dd (2.8)

Nothing that will date and nothing character branded as she changes her mind like the wind.

Mainly board games, play doh, wooden toys and jigsaw puzzles at the minute.

My dh thinks I'm mad for starting this early (normally July) has any one else started?

[jarviscockerslover]

Yes you are mad.

[KoalaDownUnder]

Dear God, no.

[letitgo1234]

I started last month as my daughters birthday is the 23rd too so just buy in what i can ans when to build up

[CoffeeChocolateWine]

Umm, no. It's May. Why are these Christmas presents...if your DD is 2.8, she has her birthday first doesn't she?? I don't start thinking about Christmas till September at the very very earliest!

[FreeNiki]

Hell no

[Justmadeperfectflapjacks]

No words. .

[Roystonv]

I've started, stocking filler bits (for grown dc and their partners!) and was shopping with my dd yesterday and she saw something she liked and that has been put away too.

[Roystonv]

Have always done this. I keep and eye on offers/ sales and it spreads the financial commitment plus I get a bit panicky otherwise

[ShiningArmour]

I've got a few things put away which I've bought in the sales.

[NoCapes]

I start in September and considered that early but May?! Wowsers!
Don't you find the earlier you start the more you buy and the kids end up with ridiculous amounts?

[AlcoholAndIrony]

Shameless follow.

I've bought a few books and bits.

[Nicpem1982]

Coffee - she's having a large birthday present early as she's a September baby and we're taking her to Europe to visit some pandas as she likes them, so birthday wise she will only have a few things to open on the day, plus she's having a large party on her actual birthday and she will be bought presents by other people (family)

[flapjackfairy]

Head off to the xmas boards . We are merrily chatting planning and indeed buying for christmas on there.
And yes we are all mad ! But happy so please keep leave us to it if you do not approve !

[flapjackfairy]

Onh you are already here i see. Welcome x

[Nicpem1982]

No capes - she doesn't usually end up with ridiculous amounts I keep a list in my phone and track the costs through a spreadsheet so I don't get carried away.

I also do arts/games hampers for a friends 3 children so looking out for bits and bobs that go towards that.

[Nicpem1982]

Thank you flapjack

[OhTheRoses]

Stocking bits yes. The crap that gets reduced on 27th December. Presents no. Mine are 22 and 19 though so things like Cath kidston manicure sets, naice soaps, etc

[strikhedonia]

good lord, if you start in May, how much stuff do you have by December!
Don't you get duplicate presents with the birthdays and various gifts turning up before December?

For us, Christmas is only one day. It's a nice month with gatherings and parties and nativities etc, but really Christmas is one day. I much rather enjoy the rest of the year instead of looking forward to one winter day before summer has even started. I wish we had a special summer day celebration in this country - last bank holiday doesn't count, it's just before we go back to school and work.

[flapjackfairy]

I do enjoy the rest of the year though!
It is like looking forward to a special occasion like a holiday or wedding. You can still enjoy the rest of the year while waiting for that special time. They are not mutually exclusive !

[MumIsRunningAMarathon]

I'm the biggest Scrooge and I hate Christmas!

But there were some homeware bits in the sale at work so I bought some! For xmas for my adult dd's!

I shocked myself and I'm feeling a bit 'smug' now there's a thread for it!

[tygr]

[Nicpem1982]

Strik- we don't get many duplicate presents really (or haven't up to yet) family liaise with us and close family friends buy from our Amazon wish list and we there's.

Dds friends parents tend to get dd books/art supplies for her bday.

I do enjoy the rest of the year we generally have loads of lovely days out and our holiday to look forward to.

I find that if I buy things through the year I don't have to face the shops when they're über busy and the Christmas shopping day that work give me each year can be spent doing something fun with dd.

[strikhedonia]

you are so much more organised than me. If I start in September, I already buy far too much, so I tend to do everything in November. Much better for my bank account!

[fizzytonicplease]

Yes I always start now, DH used to think it was crazy. However now our DS birthday is on Xmas day he understand and is grateful for how organised we are

[Nicpem1982]

Strik- I don't really notice the costs if I spread buying out through the year.

If I leave it to the last minute I panic buy