A thread for people who have started the present buying who don't don't normally start this early!

[SirSamuelVimes]

I'm feeling unreasonably proud of myself.

I know by this board's standards this isn't early and some people are already done by now - but for me this is exceptionally soon to have anything sorted out! I used to be a Christmas Eve gal - but kids has made that impossible!

I've only made a start - that plan is to buy bits and pieces from now til Nov and then step it up a notch or two.

So far I've bought both dds matching PJs (not Xmas ones, but Harry Potter ones which kind of feel christmassy to me) and I just picked up a reduced Knight Bus soft toy for the eldest one.

Ordering a model train to run around the base of the Christmas tree at the end of the month, and I've got grand plans to make a tree skirt.

Anyone else in the "I've just started" club want to share what they've got sorted so far?

I'm historically a last minuter, a few years ago I started starting early, thinking I was doing really well & then panicking a week out! Last year I was sorted well in advance, though only for buying & realised too late I'd not done any of the cleaning! Started earlier still this year, I'm a bit wary of the warnings rumbling away about freight issues, plus it's a good way to wrest a little control back when there's mayhem all around 🤣😁 Just have to remember the spring cleaning too 🤦

I wrote my list (copied last years spreadsheet and updated it) last month. I've only bought a few stocking fillers for DD so far but I've started planning menus ....

I will have an 8 month old DS by Christmas and could not be more excited. I realise he'll be far too young to appreciate Christmas but I did buy his first present yesterday as it was on offer and I have already started looking at things like a Santa plate and a wooden crate for Christmas Eve/December 1st for the years to come.

Nice to see everyone on these threads just as excited as me!

I have started earlier than usual. I appear to be in the mood, so while I am, I will continue.

I have been buying bits in shops that may be deemed non essential in a few weeks time, so thought it wise to visit them now. Glad I did.

I started last week, was in a far away city with a tiger shop so got some stocking fillers. Have also picked up a few bits from the middle aisle of tat in aldi, again stocking fillers.
Need a new tree this year as our usual spot for our humongous tree has been occupied by fish so that's next months shopping along with advent calendars since they're not on sale yet.

I've bought a couple of things (perfumes and pyjamas) but have my spreadsheet ready with budgets etc so will start getting things from next month

I bought a big Lego friends set for dd last month. It's the set she really wants and can be her main present.

Ds11 is a problem. What he liked to have is a Lego Star Wars set costing £320. He won't need a phone ( he doesn't want one), tablet, computer or Xbox etc. I have no clue what to get to him. Even if I would find that Lego set reduced it would be expensive.

You can get a Christmas app for presents planning, I used one last year it was a game changer for me. The one I used is called Gift List. Spreadsheets make me feel sad!

I’ve bought ds a few stocking fillers, and I’ve started a list for his main presents. He’s 12 now and it gets easier at this age.

I use gift list too - it's a bit clunky and could be slicker but I try and log gifts when I buy them as I buy all year and forget what I've hidden in the loft otherwise 🤣

@MissyB1

You can get a Christmas app for presents planning, I used one last year it was a game changer for me. The one I used is called Gift List. Spreadsheets make me feel sad!

I’ve bought ds a few stocking fillers, and I’ve started a list for his main presents. He’s 12 now and it gets easier at this age.

Maybe I'll try this app then. Spreadsheets don't scream Christmas festivities to me either!