Friday, November 14, 2008

Day 3 over at the Blog Party brings us another question:

When do you start Christmas shopping? How do you budget for Christmas? Do you stick to your budget?

In the past there has been NO budget. I see it, I know they will like it, I buy it. Last year and this year have been totally different and I have no choice but to have a budget. We cut down who we buy for by drawing names with some of the family members. We are also lucky that our kids are small. I know as they grow bigger, their wish list items become more expensive. Let's face it, I can visit the "dollar" section at the front of Target and they think they have been given a treasure. I am very THANKFUL for this!!!

My shopping is 90% complete. I have two more presents to pick up and am watching for the sales. I have always been this way. It is just less stressful for me to not "HAVE" to shop with all of the crowds. If I want to go out and deal with the atmosphere, I can and not feel pressured that I didn't get the item that I needed to. It's not part of the question, but I am just curious as to "What is your budget for Christmas presents this year?"

Sponsors: Day Three Blog Party Question is Brought to you by Appledonia, Hippos Toes and My Bag



22 comments:

Sarah said...

My budget? As little as possible! I would really like to do a homemade Christmas for as many people as possible!

Staci A said...

Our budget is pretty tight this year too. Clearance and finding good deals are a lifesaver.

Anonymous said...

No budget here, I just don't shop! I buy for my parents only. I'm an a-hole! Here's My Day 3! Come sign Mr. Linky!

Miss Blondie said...

I'm the exact same way as you!!

Tena said...

I think drawling names is a great idea!
We cut back a few years ago, by only buying gifts for people we will see. A lot of my hubby's family is on the East Coast, and it was just too much to buy gifts and than ship them. we started saving a lot of money when we did this

Caitlin said...

Our presents are pretty low key, too. :)

Unknown said...

Wow, good for you to have almost all your shopping done.

Michelle@lifeinawhirlwind said...

I'm hanging on to the dollar store bins as long as I can too.

Trish said...

We are on a rotating schedule with my husband's family, but not mine, since I'm the only one married on my side. We don't have a budget, but I try to keep it as small as possible.

Cathy said...

I am so jealous that you are 90% finished with your shopping!

FreeStyleMama - Diana said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Anonymous said...

I'm quite envious that you're so close to being finished! I shop all year long to make things less stressful around the holidays.

everyday mom of one said...

Our budget is $20 per person for family. We are finished family shopping just have to shop for hubby.

Unknown said...

Sounds like you have a good plan. Mine are still fairly young too, so I'm able to get away with far less than if they were older. Luckily, we don't have any other family near us that we have to buy for either. :o)

Allison said...

We are doing the name thing as well! There are just so many people in our family.

Sandy said...

I love the Target dollar section!

Cat@3KidsandUs said...

we draw names when the budget is tight as well.

Unknown said...

i'm jealous! i wish i were so close to being finished. fact is, i haven't really started yet!

danette said...

I'm with you, we avoid the shopping crowds at all costs by shopping early or online...

SavvySuzie said...

Drawing names is a great idea, especially if you have a large extended family! I know what you mean about buying for the little ones too...I am dreading the day when the Boy Wonder actually has SPECIFIC gift requests! Hide the Big Toy Book!!

Amanda said...

Drawing names is great! That's what we did for the family Christmas party when I was growing up on my grandma's side.

I'm the opposite this year. We've had to have budgets in years past, and this year I can buy it if I see it, but I prefer to get the kids just a few things they'll really like instead of tripping over a ton of discarded toys all year.

Momstart said...

I'm really not going to get very many presents this year and my husband and I have set a budget on each other.

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