CHECK IN FOR AUGUST - Winter Holiday Challenge

[ThirtySomething]

I know we always say we'll start early for the holidays so the money isn't spent all at once, but for those of us that don't normally follow through with that, how about a challenge?

How about from August-whenever you normally begin shopping, we try to buy or make at least one gift, but 2-3 might be better for the winter holidays. I'm going to try to do this each payday of the month before it slips through my fingers.

Some things I like to wait until the boys tell me what they want. However, some of it I choose, so I can shop for that any time.

Anyone in?

[Sandi]

Sure! That's a great plan

[MMJoiner]

Sure! Sounds like a great plan. I always say I'm going to start early then usually wait till November. UGH! LOL

This year I'm doing good I've already started knitting two pairs of socks. A challenge might keep me motivated.

[DEandF]

I already started!!! I bought a bag from Allison for my grandma, because it reminded me of her, and I think she'll really like it. Now I'm going to fill it up with things (have to mail it), like KR's gardner's soap, probably some banana bread made by the kids, ooooh, and maybe a coffee cup with my kids' pic on it, since I'm taking them for pics when dd2 is 6 months old.

[Kbsmama]

I'm in. I won't be able to start until September, probably, when I start teaching again, but I could probably start on making some things before then...

[xt]

I can do my sisters and such ahead. I refuse to shop for the kids or DH ahead of time, because they change their minds 6 times right up to the last minute.

[bluehalo]

Originally Posted by xt

I can do my sisters and such ahead. I refuse to shop for the kids or DH ahead of time, because they change their minds 6 times right up to the last minute.

This is me too (except I don't have sisters ). Ethan will change his mind constantly. DH & I don't usually exchange gifts, unless maybe we indulge in a "family gift" of some sort.

I can do my parents/inlaws/neices&nephews/friends ahead of time though.

This reminds me that I would really like to bring up to my brother and sister in law the possibility of only exchanging gifts for the children. I always forget until too late, b/c I know my SIL starts shopping very early.

[SewEsperanza]

I am in, because I have already failed at my plan
to start shopping in January.
I will start with my first paycheck in August.



I used to be so organized!

[hastings]

I'm in. I'm trying for another completely handmade holiday and August is my last possible start time. Just can't seem to get going this year.

[Katie]

Deal, I'm totally in.

[Korwynne]

I've already got Leila well under way thanks to a coop I was in. I need to start my list-making - I've planned to do calendar quilt hangings with squares from the sewing forum swap - but I need to make a real list.

[mamabear]

I'm in. My kids are tough to shop for ahead of time for the same reasons xt mentions, but I am going to continue my tradition of handcrafting things for extended family - I think this year I will do the morsbags/reusable shopping bags that never materialized last year. September and back to school seems like a good time to take a few days and bang out a few dozen of those.

Thanks for getting me thinking about this nice and early!

[Kbsmama]

Hey! I started today after all. There are numerous birthdays during the Christmas season, so I need to keep that in mind as well.

Today, we hit a garage sale within walking distance, and I found a couple of DVD's that would make good stocking stuffers, one for DH and one for DD.

There was also a tape recorder with mic that DD wanted. I bought it, but stuck it upstairs while she was distracted, so we'll see if she remembers it. I have to put new batteries in and make sure it works, but the woman at the sale said it just needed batteries. So, there's a birthday or Christmas gift for DD (her b-day is Nov. 18).

Also, when I was pulling out the stroller for our walk, I found a 20 Questions party game (the big 20 questions thing like the little ball electronic games) that I intended to give the kids last Christmas.

Total spent $4!

[Katie]

Originally Posted by Kbsmama

Also, when I was pulling out the stroller for our walk, I found a 20 Questions party game (the big 20 questions thing like the little ball electronic games) that I intended to give the kids last Christmas.

Total spent $4!

good for you. That game is fun. lol.

[Kbsmama]

LOL, for a minute, I thought you meant the "game" of finding Christmas presents on the cheap!