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TOY · 04-22-2009, 07:26 AM

I have gotten quite amused at reading about the gift stashes some of you have because I've done that for years and years! In fact, I've been through with this year's Christmas shopping since March, I think. Well, except for the things I get my husband at the last minute. I do this by staying away from fad items and I have no kids/grandkids who write wish lists.

Instead, I try to find seasonal sales and by doing so I'm able to give gifts I can afford that in season I would never be able to give. I also generally have a "theme" in mind so that I don't have to remember what I've given to whom and when. This '09 Christmas everyone I buy for (except the newborn) is getting flannel sheet sets. Although I do add cash to the only teenager I buy for, he's also getting a set of queen-size camo flannel sheets. He loves to hunt and I know he's going to love the sheets!

I have also already bought our Yorkie's seasonal stuff including her Christmas gifts! Amazing clearance prices on doggie Christmas stuff in January and February! Plus, she has Halloween and Valentine toys just waiting for next year.

All this pre-shopping can cause a couple of problems though. Storage becomes an issue at times and (for the first time) I have greatly misjudged sizes which has resulted in lots of stuff that our Yorkie will never be able to wear. (I've always done well with the predictive size of children in the family but not with the Yorkie! Yes, I always get the children clothes and toys until their teenage years when it becomes clothes or something useful and cash or a gift card.)

I just go "shopping" in the stuff I've pre-bought when I have a secret pal. Generally though, I also buy at least one thing special that is triggered by what I know about the recipient. Often I have lucked out and already had things that were appropriate.

I've never liked the "stress" of having to have a gift immediately when I have absolutely no idea what to buy! The way I shop now is generally online and I watch for sales, clearances, and free shipping...all of which are a shopper's delight!

04-22-2009, 07:26 AM	#151
TOY Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,094 Blog Entries: 4	I have gotten quite amused at reading about the gift stashes some of you have because I've done that for years and years! In fact, I've been through with this year's Christmas shopping since March, I think. Well, except for the things I get my husband at the last minute. I do this by staying away from fad items and I have no kids/grandkids who write wish lists. Instead, I try to find seasonal sales and by doing so I'm able to give gifts I can afford that in season I would never be able to give. I also generally have a "theme" in mind so that I don't have to remember what I've given to whom and when. This '09 Christmas everyone I buy for (except the newborn) is getting flannel sheet sets. Although I do add cash to the only teenager I buy for, he's also getting a set of queen-size camo flannel sheets. He loves to hunt and I know he's going to love the sheets! I have also already bought our Yorkie's seasonal stuff including her Christmas gifts! Amazing clearance prices on doggie Christmas stuff in January and February! Plus, she has Halloween and Valentine toys just waiting for next year. All this pre-shopping can cause a couple of problems though. Storage becomes an issue at times and (for the first time) I have greatly misjudged sizes which has resulted in lots of stuff that our Yorkie will never be able to wear. (I've always done well with the predictive size of children in the family but not with the Yorkie! Yes, I always get the children clothes and toys until their teenage years when it becomes clothes or something useful and cash or a gift card.) I just go "shopping" in the stuff I've pre-bought when I have a secret pal. Generally though, I also buy at least one thing special that is triggered by what I know about the recipient. Often I have lucked out and already had things that were appropriate. I've never liked the "stress" of having to have a gift immediately when I have absolutely no idea what to buy! The way I shop now is generally online and I watch for sales, clearances, and free shipping...all of which are a shopper's delight!