to buy xmas pressies in the sales?

[littlepixieonthetree]

does anyone else buy pressies in Jan for xmas? and what do they do if, er, they don't fit the person?!! My friend wants to return something I bought last january for xmas just past. I'm too embarrassed to tell her it was in the sale ... am almost put off trying to save money again...

don't be embarrassed, the money spent at christmas is ridiculous. you could always say you bought in october because you thought it was so suited to her if you don't want to admit the truth.

i personally wouldn't buy presents that early in case they got dusty, damaged, a bit rough around the edges etc. in addition the last thing i need is more stuff filling up the house. there's nothing wrong with it though!

Think you're going to have to come clean or say you've lost the reciept and then get her some gift vouchers from the same shop ( they wouldn't refund without type excuse!!),

As for buying clothes presents that far in advance... always risky, stick to stuff that will fit whatever, leather gloves a good example, ( and if she wants to take those back she's just being ungrateful and don't bother in the future)

I buy most presents throughout the year in the sales. I think you just have to be honest and say you bought it a while ago as you thought she would like it and it would fit. tbh you could have bought something in November and it be discontinued by now.

Don't be put off, there's no point paying full price for anything if you have the storage space and see something throughout the year somebody will like.

YANBU. Your strategy means that friends probably get "better" presents overall as you can afford more by shopping wisely.

I buy stuff all year round when I see bargains. I have never had anyone ask to return something. If someone did, I would offer very nicely to return it for them, if necessary claim I haven't got the receipt (which would be true.)

I would then buy them something different, and apologise that the shop didn't have the correct size/type (which again would be true if I had bought the item months before). If I did have to buy a "full price" replacement then I wouldn't feel too hard done by as I manage to pick up so many bargains.

Agree about the gloves etc...toiletries (check the sell buy dates if there are any!), books, toys. I stockpile presents in case the ds's get asked to parties too.

Not unreasonable, just nauseatingly organised.

I think you may have to recycle it for someone else next year and get her a voucher though - and as Doris points out, stick to stuff wheich is lower risk next time.

I havn't bought any pressies yet but did get all my cards today.

I've already bought my cards and am planning to do another splurge in a weeks' time when Boots stuff goes down to 75% off. There's nothing wrong with buying in the sales, and as others have said, the recipient will benefit! However, I wouldn't buy clothes, just in case the recipient's size alters etc. My sister has just bought me a dress for my birthday in June!!! But, she did tell me first, and asked which size I thought I needed.

I have in the past bought 'gift sets' from M&S and boots but wont any more because I think the stuff gets 'past its best' when its been kept for a year.