Holiday gift giving

[brdgt]

So how is your holiday shopping/crafting going?

This year I have less time and slightly more money than last year, I'm buying more things (rather than making them) but I'm also trying to buy a lot of handmade things (from local craft shows, like Art vs. Craft, or online from Etsy).

Or, are you doing more charity donations this year? Less? Any suggestions for folks?

[Getcrafty.com!]

[danielepea]

I am having such a problem getting into the swing of things this year. I finally have a few ideas of things to do for some of my friends. But by and large I am completely uninspired. I almost feel like people expect me to make their gifts, which would be fine if I could think of something to make!

[Slinkster]

I just have to pick up a couple of things for the boys and I will be done. I think I am doing that tomorrow.

Whew! Now I have all the rest of the time to get my homemade ones done!

[Sewlittletime]

We're doing a very low-key holiday this year. My older son has more than enough Legos and other little things, so he's getting some books and 1 big, expensive gift. My younger son is still at the age where commercialism hasn't influenced him, so I can still get away w/ re-gifting his big bro's outgrown toys and books. I'll probably find a new computer game for him, though.
I started wrapping gifts yesterday!

[mrs_stroozi]

My younger son is still at the age where commercialism hasn't influenced him, so I can still get away w/ re-gifting his big bro's outgrown toys and books.

That's so smart!! My kids are 8 years apart and different genders, so I wasn't able to do that, although I did save baby toys and clothes from my son and my daughter played with or wore them. AND she just became interested in Animorphs, so one of her holiday presents will be the big box of Animorph paperbacks my son devoured 8 years ago.

When my son was little I'd watch to see when he lost interest in opening packages, quietly squirrel away the ones he hadn't opened yet, and then rewrap and give them to him for his birthday in May.

[DsgndbyRJ]

I'm almost done thank in very large part to some terrific barters I've been doing over the past few weeks! I've only got a few people I have to buy for (bro & dad) and they'll be a quick trip to the mall tonight. And then a few handmade goodies (mostly jewelry) to do and I'm done! Though really, I always try to be done early - I can't stand when the stores get crazy - and living in suburbia I don't have many choices.

[Nancy Flynn]

I'm comforted to see that I'm part of 46% who have a long way to go... I had hoped to be farther along on my holiday list, but no dice. I have a bunch of stuff to make for the one craft fair I'm doing, then I can focus on the gifts (if I'm not too pooped, or my sewing machine doesn't betray me). if all else fails, there are gift cards...

[Slinkster]

I'm comforted to see that I'm part of 46% who have a long way to go... .

And I am surprised to see that I am one of 6% (technically only me) that are almost or completely done. Not surprised that there are not more like me...just surprised that I am actually almost done! I usually go running around like a nut the last week of Christmas.

[MRSM103]

Fortunately I only have a few odds and ends to pick up and I'm done. Of course, I christmas shop and craft all year long so that by the time the season arrives, I can spend more time actually enjoying it and doing other things like baking etc.

[xuli]

My family (7 people in just the immediate family!) does a gift exchange where we draw names so we don't have to give to everyone. With my friends, I try to limit the number of people with whom I'm on a gift-giving basis.

Keeping the list small and meaningful is very important to me, and that's why I'm almost done!