Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Christmas Shopping

Christmas 2009

I used to be more of a last minute Christmas shopper. Although, my version of 'last minute' is not during long trading hours two days before Christmas like some of my friends; it's more like sometime in December.

I used to think that Christmas shopping before the actual Christmas month was funny, and overly organised.

Now, I see the point of such over-organised souls, and I confess - it's October and I have begun my Christmas shopping.

I think online shopping has added to the need to shop earlier, in an effort to make sure the presents actually arrive before Christmas - and if there are two things I love, it's online shopping and being organised.

There is no more rushing through the crowds for me - it would be a nightmare with a toddler in tow anyway! - or wandering around for hours trying to find that one right gift. No. Now, I sit on my bum in the comfort of my own home, clicking away for hours searching for that one right gift. And then that one gift at the best price. (Although, it's always annoying when the best price turns out to be in the actual shops.)

I'm a bit stuck for ideas this year though. I have to buy for these nieces and nephews:

Girls - aged ten, four, three and one
Boys - aged six (times two) and three months

Plus Abbey, and I have no idea what to get her this year!

Any suggestions?

When do you start Christmas shopping; do you like getting in early or do you think I'm crazy for thinking about it this early? 


Megan

11 comments:

  1. I don't think you're crazy! I just think you're super organised. I've had people putting in orders for Christmas since July! I wish I was so organised. :) I'd have to suggest my range of things on mmisforme.com :) Good luck with your shopping!

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  2. I've already started too! Just a couple of things :-) I have jotted down a couple of other things I want to get though.

    I have some ideas for master 6 & miss 3, but can't wait to read ideas on here!

    xo

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  3. I've started shopping as well. Actually I buy a few little things throughout the year and put them away. But I'm stuck for my 10yr old daughter and she's not helping by suggesting what she wants!

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  4. My favourite toy website is www.sendatoy.com.au - you can search for ideas by age. Also love Mooo name puzzles (and all things Mooo!) and Global Style and Simply Colours for personalised clothing ... Zoe received a 'Princess Zoe' shirt for her 4th birthday which i can barely get off her to wash!

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  5. I like to make presents to give - it does get a bit crazy at times though!! For the kids this year I will either be making felt fishing sets, felt fruit or clothes for them. Still got to put my thinking cap on for the adults though!!

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  6. How about some of your jam, Narelle?

    Kate
    xo

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  7. I actually had to write an article on this about a month ago so for once I'm feeling a bit organised as well! I made the focus of it the brilliance of online shopping for Christmas time instead of tackling the shops too. I swear, it's like one mind...* cue eerie music *

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  8. I started shopping in September, and have been adding things little by little.

    I always end up having to get a few last minute things though. No matter how organised I am! But as we will need to travel interstate this year it's important to get really organised before hand.

    As for suggestions... for the 10 year old perhaps stationary, a diary, pens etc? That's what my nearly 10yo likes, as do all her friends. Can not have enough pens, pencils, gel pens, containers to put said pens in, erasers, pencil sharpeners... To be honest my daughter wants iTunes vouchers the most. Pretty hand made soaps,bubble bath... or books? Miss9 is devouring all the Famous five books at the moment.

    Best gift we ever got our kids was a really good wooden train set. They both loved it and used it for years.

    Boys love lego, always. Hands down!

    Does Abbey have her own little picnic set? There are some beautiful ones around, or cooking or tea set?

    I'm looking forward to seeing what other people suggest & what you get Abbey! Good luck!

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  9. Ashleigh - thanks, I'll come and check out your shop!

    Kate - will be calling you for suggestions then!

    Tina - you sound very organised! And the older kids get, the harder they are to buy for, I think.

    Amber - sounds like a cute shirt, I bet Zoe looks gorgeous in it! LOVE Mooo, will check out the other stores soon... thanks xx

    Narelle - if I had your talent, I'd make pressies too!

    Seraphim - reading through this just reminded me. I had your article open to read, but hubby closed it. Grrrr. About to go and find it again...

    Nomie - oooh, thanks for the great suggestions! I'd love to get Abbey a toy kitchen and toy foods; she loves all that type of stuff. Will search for those things. Great ideas for my 10 y.o. niece - she'll love all that. Thanks! xx

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  10. I must admit I have already started a small stash, but I'm usually more organised (with 8 nieces & nephews I have little choice). I have loved finding some gorgeous things on etsy, especially whilst the Aussie dollar is at it's peak.

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  11. I start Christmas shopping in the post-Christmas sales the year before. Yep, I am mental! I shall consider more ideas for you Megan as I have a similar age range to cater for (and older too).

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