I made good on my promise to get most of the shoppy parts nearly finished by November this year. It’s very liberating, not to mention easier on the bank account each month. And now I can turn my undivided attention to craftier pursuits!

Daniel is all finished, aside from a couple of stocking stuffers, though to be fair, he’s the easiest. One bigger toy and a few smaller ones — we won’t go overboard because his grandparents will do that for us. There are so very many things I’d like to get him (more to play with myself than anything, hee), that I’m really rather proud of my restraint!

I picked out all our cards very, very early, chronicled here. May I enthusiastically recommend Target for your holiday card needs? Such a huge selection — traditional, quirky, what have you — at reasonable prices. I can even get the stamps online, sweet.

Gifts for my family are either purchased and wrapped, or decided upon and orderable online. The home-made presents are well on their way (fingers crossed that they turn out!). Gifts for the inlaws are just a pleasant drive through the country away. Even D., who is notoriously difficult, is done in my head.

The only true challenge that remains will be Secret Santa

Hoorah!

Dottie is my mother. I always have the hardest time figuring out what to get for people, so I’m hoping to get a headstart this year.

Dottie enjoys classical music — a CD perhaps (Segovia?) maybe.
She has an African grey parrot that she loves.
She and dad just redid their kitchen — new calendar w/ rings?
She’s addicted to free-cell and likes those word-puzzle books.
Doesn’t like cooking.
Jewelry - eh.
Grand-child item. Don’t know.
One of those digital photo frames for them both?

Dad — enjoys going to the gym. Surfing the net. Flyfishing. A new tie w/ grandkids on it? Reading.

Big Lots
Dollar Tree/Store
Target / Walmart
Michael’s / ACMoore / Joann’s
Barnes & Noble - calendars, novelty books, etc.
Linens & Things / Bed, Bath, Etc. - kitchen gadgets
Tuesday Morning - housewares
World Market
10,000 Villages
One World Market

Online:
kidsurplus.com

What are yours?

I know, it’s a bit early, but I’ve giving myself extra time to stress out this year. Heh.

Starting to get the gift list together and think about what kinds of things that I could maybe make to keep costs down. I already did bead bracelets one year, so that’s probably out. Although I do have lots of beading stuff left.

Gifts for Daniel’s preschool teachers and for Andrew’s PMO caregivers. Little gifts for my sunday school class, for my bible study people (or maybe just cards for them).

Gifts for co-workers, for bosses.

Goodies for neighbors.

In addition to the family, of course.

I’m also looking for a nativity set for the boys. Andrew loves to play with the one in the Sunday School room at church. I’d like to have one here that’s OK for them to play with.

Starting to think about Christmas cards. Photos?

So, what about you? Have you started thinking about it all yet?