I am SO behind!

[OohMrDarcy]

I normally start my shopping in September, and am finished by now - with just the ignoring of the wrapping to go.

This year
DS has his 'main' present
DD has one small present
I've bought chocolate santas for stockings

nephews presents are sorted, but that is it!

I have lots still to do and I can't seem to make myself sort it out! I've just been looking online and sorted some board games as a family present and ordered a voucher for someone but - ARGH!

I'm going to have to spend the next week just shopping at every opportunity!

Anyone else as behind as me?!

Oh, and I've not made my Christmas pudding yet, or even considered what to get teachers!

I've done less that you, but don't regard it as behind - plenty of time isn't there?

Exactly how much shopping do you need to do?

I have booked my Xmas Tesco delivery and got DS2 a Kindle from the amazon black friday deal. Advent calendars were bought in time.

Next is to write and send overseas Xmas cards.

Actually, the main thing that needs to get done in my world is to plan visits with everyone. That's done.

I normally start my shopping in September,

:| lol

I have bought one present so far. I do usually start in november, but this year i have a baby and we just moved house, so present buying is low on my list of priorities. I'm sure I'll get round to it all eventually.

Take a deep breath and relaaaaaaax !

Oh I haven't even bought cards yet!

What do I need to do?

Both DC presents from me
DD 'main' present = no idea what to get
stocking fillers
present for my mum = no idea what to get
teacher gifts = no idea what to get
secret santa for work

Christmas shopping delivery is booked

I'm still trying to plan in seeing people too - I just like to be organised so I can enjoy December without being stressed, and know I can get the things I want.. having looked last night, I'm already scuppered on one of my ideas!

I don't find shopping fun so the earlier I can do it the sooner I can forget it!

I'm at about the same stage as you but I'm not panicking. Husband and I are going shopping tomorrow and I've made a list. Got ds main present (a bike) already.

Teachers- ds just does handmade cards from his craft box.

Ds stocking fillers- novelty slipper socks, top trumps, glitter pens, chocolate bar.

My mum - getting her a nightie from M&S

The food shopping I literally do a few days before, I'm not one of these people that goes OTT with it all, it's just Christmas not a siege!

You will get it done just make a list.

That is exactly what I'm telling myself right now

writing out a list, I know I'll get it done in the end

best add some baileys to my next food shop - that will help

You see, for me doing all those things in December is part of the Xmas fun. I don't mind shopping, but I plan it very, very well. Proper list, get there early - few hours and done. nb do lots online as well.

Writing cards, doing the online food shop, wrapping etc in Dec with a glass of something in the evening - it's nice.

I have 2 kids in school with quite a few things on, but nothing crazy (e.g. neither of them are choristers or anything like that!).

The most stressful part is the hundreds of email from a single relative trying to discuss presents. Well intended, but I wish she'd just buy the gifts instead of emailing me every single step of the process! AND then she gets them sent here for me to wrap 'because I enjoy wrapping' I have NEVER ever said that in my life!

How old is your dd? Do you need ideas?

You have got plenty of time. I admit mine is all done, but I did the bulk of it in a few days of ordering and collecting, so you'll be fine once you've made some decisions.

I am in desperate need of ideas for DD yes!

She is 9, nearly 10... at an awkward point where she doesn't really play with or want toys, but if DS (6 nearly 7) gets lots she'll feel left out if that makes sense?

I've got her a nerf rebelle crossbow so far, and have just ordered a little lego set I think she'll like - mostly because DS is pretty much only asking for lego so want her to have something to do when he's building!

She has NO main present type ideas at all... she loves smiggle stuff - have got a couple of little bits for stocking from there, but I find the bigger stuff generally not the best quality so am loath to buy much!

You are right of course, its the lack of decision I'm stressing about ... Also DS wants a furby - the new one is out of my budget but thought I'd be able to get one of last years a bit cheaper - but no... can't seem to find any bar the new one!

My niece is that age. It is tricky.

This year she is getting a pottery wheel, games for her ds, Harry Potter books. In the past she liked getting a sewing machine. Think it was the Sew Cool one, she progressed v quickly onto a normal one though. Also a really nice art set, with proper paints brushes etc went down really well. Lava lamp and things for room.

Ooh what about a Kindle? The basic one? My niece loves hers and they often have children's books on sale in the Christmas holidays.

The Lego Elves sets are really lovely.

Have to say my niece would still enjoy getting a really nice doll or build a bear vouchers as well.

This is where it gets tricky... DD has never really been in to many toys more craft etc so ...

Proper sewing machine last christmas - though I'm thinking of hunting and seeing if I can find a 'kit' to make on it - she doesn't want me to teach her how to use it so has only done a few little bits herself
Currently reading the last harry potter - on the (basic) kindle she got for her birthday!

Lego elves she loves - much prefers them to the friends ones, and its a set from this I've got...

She sounds just like my niece (are you my sil?) and you've covered that ground already? She prefers "collecting" toys rather than actually playing with them.

Science kits etc? Or maybe vouchers for an experience or theatre trip?

How about Karaoke machine- I got the iDance Bluetooth version in pink with wireless mic or the OSMOS kot which has a 'masterpiece' programme which looks amazing- partic if your daughter likes drawing. I have been looking at robots and programming -loads of stuff out there of that kind - good luck

sounds very similar!!!

OK - I now have a couple more ideas for her

karaoke - sounds AMAZING... she's always singing! Now hunting for one I think she'll like - doesn't do pink!

Also thinking - a cross stitch kit and / or some kind of sewing project she could do on her sewing machine!

Then I need to find a cheaper furby for DS and work out what to get my mum and the main stresses are over... ish!

Don't get the teachers anything, they get inundated with crap at Christmas, they won't notice - one job done!

I meant to write OSMO kit not kot.....
www.playosmo.com

Now, does anyone have any ideas for a 90 year old MIL?

Night in wine get online

Mama my MIL (70) is getting a scarf from NT...

shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/national-trust-dunwich-heath-landscape-scarf/p8193

OP my DD has just had her birthday and I got her a DAB radio so she can listen to Kiss - we have different tastes. I got a little HP build your own snow globe in Waterstones for her stocking. Would she like a 3D puzzle?

For main present tickets to a show maybe just for you and her with some lunch thrown in or afternoon tea? My DD loves something like that.

I've bought one present for my sister And that's it. DS hasn't even written a list.
I'm not even close to panicking.

Oooo National Trust shop , what a good idea...

Well I thought so Mamma It came up as an ad in my FB feed and I thought she'd like it.

RSPB have got some nice things in their online shop. Either my mum or dad are getting binoculars from there for watching birds on their feeders and foxes in their garden. 15% off with code snowflake when you spend £25. If you have Sparks card there is currently 20% off handbags and scarves, gloves etc.
DS is 2 in January so I have him a big bag of toys from the NCT sale - less than £20!

I've just bought a personalised jar of marmite for Grandad. A bit expensive with postage for 1 but better value if you order more than 1.

Have a look at the Royal Observatory website for space themed ideas. OP how about a telescope?