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?

"What?! I start on the 23rd December"

seriously? The shops are so busy and hot and people are generally impatient and rude. I just couldn't

Yep, I do all my best work at the last minute under pressure. Any earlier and I "accidentally" end up shopping for myself...

(sorry, finally figured out how to change my name on here!)

Yolo- wow

Yep, bought DS1 two moana Lego sets because they were half price

Yep, already bought DS1'a main gift as it was less then half price and I couldn't leave it. It's a huge Lego set he's wanted for a while.

We made it to the active board again Sideorder which always provokes howls of outrage from less festive minded people as we all know. I am enjoying this extra flurry of xmas postings myself .

I have the cards and wrapping sorted,the jar of funds to spend later in the year up to date and the spreadsheet organised. Normally start Septish but DC1 is due next month (eeeeek!) and won't be working so planning on online bargain hunting bit by bit earlier. I always have it all sorted by Dec so I don't have to leave the house to get anything but am aware this year it will be hectic/different

Flapjack - that makes sense now

Oh and where are these pandas?!?! Very jealous!!

Rugger - congrats :)

Rugger - Holland they've just arrived

I used a great app called Gift List. I can add gifts as I buy, including photos if I want, I can set a budget for each person, I can add links for online shopping for ideas not yet bought. It also automatically saves itself at the end of the year and let's me start over, whilst still having easy access to last year's list to guard against repeat ideas. It's wonderful.

My dh and I left the kids with the in laws, went to toys r us and bought everything on one trip in December and it worked well as didn't have to store presents for long. They are only 4 and 2 mind you.

I have started to buy for xmas in July in the past but I prefer the "attack" approach. One thing is... if there is something that my 4yo desperately wants I'll make an exception for fear of not getting it on the day.

Ordering presents over the internet has a disadvantage too as if you tot up the cost of p&p, it usually adds up to a couple of presents!!

While- that sounds brilliant

I bought the first present on the 23rd of december. It was a pair of hair straighteners for EldestSprout as she will be 11 thereabouts at Christmas and they cost me £4.97 down from £20.

Then i bought in the boots sale

And i buy through the rest of the year. With 3 sprouts it takes alot of stress off. I also know what two of them will have as main presents as well so will buy them when they drop in price!

Thanks Nicpem if this thread is still going at the time could you please post panda pictures? Please?!

Will do rugger

Side - I have a vague idea of my dds main and am also waiting for it to drop in price.

Got eye on the learning resources website to have a back to school sale as there's some Items I have ear marked on there for her

I never start before November really, but mostly because I don't have space to store much. Out if interest do you buy many/any toys, clothes or other bits and bobs she needs at other points in the year? I tend to buy toys and craft things ad hoc as my dd needs them / grows into them age wise and give them to her straight away - I would find storing something for 10 months a waste in case she outgrew it... it does mean that I probably give her a much smaller amount if presents than some give theirs at Christmas itself as she just doesn't tend to need much iyswim. Plus I think she'd find it overwhelming!

Mrs - yes my dd gets small toys/craft stuff/books regularly through the year

craft stuff just as and when she needs it

Books - when ever I get fed up of her current collection as we read to her a lot and need regular refreshes

Toys - pocket money from grandma or when she earns stickers at nursery or she's achieved a goal such as potty training etc

I decide on my Christmas Table when I see "The Thing" as my DD calls it.
"Mum have you planned your Chrustmas table colour scheme? Have you seen The Thing? "

Last year The Thing was a gorgeous green and red paisley tablecover so I bought crackers and napkins to tone ( Victorian Father Christmas ).

I might not see it till December ( I'll be panic stricken by then) but it might be next week

I've done about 1/3 of ours. I really enjoy it, and enjoy spreading it through the year. Kids I'll do in December though.

😂🎄 the thing - love it

Not this year but I have in the past. Sometimes an offer comes along that is too good to miss and/or not something I can use for birthdays (my DCs have very similar taste and often their big xmas present is shared, like playmobil)

Will probably start thinking after both birthdays out the way though (basically after summer holidays) as due #3 in November