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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

JOIN ME IN THE HARLEQUIN HISTORICAL AUTHOR HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!

Today’s my day -- DECEMBER 1 st for the Giveaway!








And I’d love to know about your Christmas/ Holiday shopping plans. Are you the forward thinker who shops all year round so by the time the holidays are upon us, you’re not scrambling to get the gifts purchased? Or are you the Black Friday shopper, who ventures in the dark of night to hunt for the greatest bargains in town?


Are you a shopper like me, who waits until after Thanksgiving and takes those few weeks to find the right gift at the right price? I hit the sales, and try my darnedest to make sure I’ve gotten the most for my money. I have not bought one gift yet, but thanks to gift cards, my shopping list isn’t too hard to navigate through.


Or are you the last minute shopper? Someone who can get it all done within a day and usually that day is RIGHT before the holiday?


Post a comment about your shopping habits TODAY and THRU the weekend and I’ll post the winner from a random drawing on SUNDAY. All commenters are automatically entered into the drawing for the Kindle Fire (or equivalent) on December 23rd. Try to visit all the blog sites from November 29th to December 23rd to increase your chances of winning!!


MY PRIZE: A $25 Gift Card to ONE of these outlets: Amazon or Barnes and Noble or Macy's or Target (You get to choose for your shopping pleasure!)

BE SURE TO STOP BY ON SUNDAY FOR THE WINNER!

Follow the Calendar November 29th to Dec 23rd.
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                                                               CLICK HERE

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264 comments:

1 – 200 of 264   Newer›   Newest»
Fedora said...

I'm not much of a shopper, I confess... I stick mostly to on-line or gift cards unless I have clear guidance on what the recipient likes :) And of course, books always work ;) Hope you enjoy a fun shopping season!

f dot chen at comcast dot net

Ginger said...

It's a tradition for me and a friend to go to the black friday sales. It's fun and afterwards we go to Shoney's for the breakfast bar. I also do some of my shopping during December.

Saetana said...

I tend to start shopping at the beginning of October (mostly online) and continue right up to Christmas week, this is mainly to spread the cost as we are on a low income ;o)

coversnail said...

I like to keep writing ideas throughout the year throughout the year, and then get as much as possible done before December, really don't much enjoy town centres in December, WAY too busy!

Jill B said...

I prefer to shop from home in my PJs, so it is mostly online shopping for me!

Minna said...

I don't have all that much to shop and some gifts I must send to another country, so my shopping is done well before 24th.

Jane said...

I try to shop all year round, but usually end up scrambling to get all the presents before Christmas. I sometimes try to wait it out for the last minute deals.

Sally said...

When I see something perfect throughout the year, I'd save it up for Christmas. But usually I hunt for bargains during the month of December for my Christmas presents.

Claudia said...

I love to collect all the presents over the year. When I see something a person would love, I have to buy it. But I have to admit, the tricky part is to remember what I had bought when its christmas :)

Babs said...

I try to shop throughout the year but usually end up hitting the sales around Thanksgiving -- online if at all possible since I hate the frenzied crowds!

beedle said...

I'm a last minute shopper who often finds that things don't get delivered in time for the big day!

suburbanbeatnik said...

Usually I do my shopping at the last minute. And then after the last minute-- it is not unusual for me to give Christmas gifts in January (or later).

But hey, it's the thought that counts, right?

Kaetrin said...

I buy things throughout the 2nd half of the year and I'm usually done by December. But, that just means I buy extra presents as I can't resist when the Christmas catalogues come out!

Emily Tardy said...

I have a bad habit of giving the christmas gifts to my kids early... So I TRY to buy closer to christmas, but when that happens I am unable to find most of what I want lol... Thank you for the chance to win =D

emilytardy@yahoo.com

LMcLendon said...

I buy throughout the year when I run across the perfect gift for my loved ones. I also give gifts sometimes for no particular holiday, birthday, etc.

sue p. said...

I start after Thanksgiving and do some things last minute. This is due largely because of working retail for over 18 years. So, no haven't started yet, but plan on doing quite a bit this weekend. Also, my hubby and sons all have Nov./Dec. birthdays, which complicates things more! And would never shop Black Friday. You can usually get the same deals or better by waiting two or three weeks.

pennsdog@yahoo.com

Jenny Hansen said...

I make some of the special presents, then send cards for everyone else.

Ebony M. said...

well, I use to buy through the year,now. i dont really do that anymore. i now buy after christmas. and try to buy the right gift for the right person. I hope i win. :)

Michelle Ford said...

I would like to be more organised but evey year its left to the last minute. I live in hope I will be more organised the next year LOL

Tracy Nixon said...

I have been really good this year and have finished my Christmas shopping - simply because I have just brought my new Ragdoll kitten home on saturday and didnt want to leave her for long periods on her own during December. All I need is my food shopping, which I will do nearer Christmas, and I need to wrap up my presents x

Anonymous said...

My nephew is Lego-mad and I've learned from experience that it's best to wait until the week before Christmas to buy him the set he wants 'right now.' (We have long, fun conversations looking through the Lego magazine together debating the pros and cons of each!) I usually make presents (scrapbooks, doll clothes & baked goods) for the rest of my family so think about starting in the spring, talk about starting in the summer and actually get 'round to starting in the fall!
Thanks for a great contest! Louise

Rose M said...

While I try to get things done early, inevitably I end up scrambling at the last minute. Mainly because it takes me until December to get my husband to tell me what he wants for Christmas!

Marthapao said...

I usually pick one weekend in December and do all the shopping during those two days. I always wish I had thought it through more but end up procrastinating and it leave it to almost the end. :)

HapaGirl said...

I pick up things throughout the year, whenever I see something I know would be perfect for someone. However, I still somehow manage to have a lot of shopping left to do so I end up taking a day or two in early December to finish my lists. I have to finish early in order to ship and have everything arrive on time.

Refhater said...

I'm usually a last minute shopper, unless I find the perfect gift with the perfect deal earlier. But for some odd reason I managed to get everyone taken care of before Thanksgiving. I've got 9 people on my list, so it's challanging!

Maureen said...

This year I bought a lot of presents online with the cyber monday sales. My children are both in college so they are tough to shop for and I wait to find out what they want.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

Julie said...

All my shopping is already done and wrapped - I feel so smug :-)

Kat ~ Forever Book Lover ♥ said...

I shop online, my family lives in CA it is more easier if I purchase gift cards or send directly from a website. No hassles for returns for them. My husband and I make one big purchase for each other. We were not blessed with children so I miss out on all the fun at Toys R Us.
I don't do well with crowds or riots :) so I keep a low profile from malls.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Bibliophile said...

I usually start in January, and buy Xmas presents throughout the year. I even shop for future Christmases if I see something perfect for someone I have already bought a present for. I also keep a large box full of gift items to use on short notice, e.g. for Secret Santa at work and so on.

However, several of my recipients are people who "have everything and need nothing" so every other year I give half of them baskets with gourmet food items, which of course have to be bought or made shortly before Xmas. The other half gets regular presents, and then I switch for the following Xmas.

This year I have been very lax in my Christmas shopping, however, and still need to find two presents.

Malatryx said...

I like to look for ideas all year round but i don't like buying things until closer to the holidays in case likes change or they buy it before then.
Most of our shopping is done mid Dec payday.

Samantha O'D said...

eeek i am so disorganised this year, i have most of my daughters presents so that the most important thing but we are struggling to get the rest of the familys gifts
samantha_ripley at hotmail dot co.uk

darlenecom said...

Sadly, I have not even started my shopping. All I have done is to order savings bond for the grandchildren.

Unknown said...

I am not much of a shopper myself and I wait until after Thanksgiving to get it done. Right now I have bought a few thing but not many, have not even got my tree up yet. Have a dinner planned for my sisters birthday this weekend so I want get the shopping started until next week. I am running behind this year because I have been sick. Like you I will give a lot of gift cards or money.

Bri said...

I love to shop for other people but do not usually get started til about Thanksgiving. I shop during the month before, looking for sales and deals and usually do pretty well. but i also do not have too mabny people to shop for. I DO NOT do balck Friday. I spent a few years working retial and that was enough for me :)

Anonymous said...

I already have all the gifts in lay away! We try to shop early so the popular toys are still on the shelves.

Pollie the Pug said...

Hi all! Years ago, I use to have all my shopping done before Thanksgiving. Now, I'm lucky to have all of it done and shipped before Christmas. So much for planning! Happy Holidays to everyone!

SiNn said...

honestly im a relaxed shopper i buy what ic an make sure i get my mother something then let everything else be coem what it may works well for me id ontd o black friday shoppinga nd id ont shop all yearround simply because when i do i end up giving the person the gift way before hand im really bad about suprises ty for the chance

Bonnie said...

I start shopping after Black Friday,that day is to much madness! :) I do as much online shopping as I can,then try to take at least one trip to the outlets with family to finish up!

Diana said...

In the past I used to have all my shopping done before Thanksgiving, but the past few years that's been tough since we draw names now on Thanksgiving. I do a lot of online shopping, then pick up everything else when I'm out and about.

orchid7 said...

I usually do most of my shopping online now. I used to love to go through the stores, shop the sales, and enjoy the decorations while soaking up the holiday spirit. I just don't enjoy the way that the entire holiday has been turned into a commercialized event just to make money. It takes all the joy and fun out of it to see people shoving each other over sale tables. I also like having the UPS man deliver everything right to my front door!

debbie (at) burdeen (dot) com

Terri said...

I am totally a very last minute shopper. If I start too early, I keep shopping and spend more than I planned. Also I have no self controk so if I have gifts around I give them early then have to reshop!

Dee said...

I'm addicted to internet shopping but so I get most of my presents online. There's nothing like a wander around the hectic shops coming closer to Christmas though to get the last few bits and get your in the festive mood!

maryflhughes said...

I try to buy things through the year, so if I see something good in a sale I get it and put it by in my 'pressie box'!
I always buy cards and decorations in the january sales ready for the following christmas.

Sara M. said...

I tend to cheat and gather up points for rewards programs until November, when I use them on gift cards and magazines to send as gifts. When I do shop, it's always last-minute so I don't spoil the surprise.

m0mof2 said...

Every year I try and get my shopping done before Halloween, mainly the kids things. But this year I did not start until after Thanksgiving!! It has been such a rush trying to get things purchased and wraped! I love the holidays!! :)

jean s said...

I tend to shop after thanksgiving and find sale items. Last year was my one and only time I ever did the black friday sales. I got a few good bargins but I hated the crowds. I also find with grown kids and almost grown grandkids gift cards make good gifts.

Eabhnat said...

This year I have been very organised and have had a box hidden away where I hide bargains I found throughout the year. I've made a list of what's for who so I don't forget and buy twice. I love wandering through the clothes shops looking at the winter fashion...even if I'm not buying!

Lois said...

Well, this year, I did get two presents for two people, and been done for a while. So no problem here. :) Part of me does want to try Black Friday sometime, but yet... I like my sleep, no probably won't ever really happen. LOL

Lois

Anonymous said...

Plan on friday to go look for hubby's pressie. Then over the weekend finish off for 2 sons and grnadson. Hubby keeps askign what I'd like but can't think of anything. So whilst shopping will be trying to get inspiration for mine!

Elena Gray said...

I shop on Black Friday but later in the day. I pick up gifts as they go on sale and it's usually from Black Friday on.

elena(at)elenagray.com

Corrie said...

I am usually done by Thanksgiving but am behind this year.

girlygirlhoosier52 said...

I try to shop all year long because I'm looking for truly unique items. Not just the 'trendy you have to have for Christmas' stuff, but something that will really click with the person.

Joanne H said...

I do all my shopping online because of my disability. I try to start early to make sure things arrive in time. Thank goodness for the Internet!

Meg @ A Bookish Affair said...

I did most of my shopping online. I'm terrified of crowds!

Kathy said...

I try and complete my shopping before Thanksgiving. Happy Holidays!

katoree@hotmail.com

Grandmareads said...

I usually start early but that said I still find myself shopping frantically hoping to find that special gift for that special someone and hoping that I find it before the stores close for Christmas Day.

Rose said...

I start shopping after Thanksgiving and I buy presents way before Christmas.
andantespirit08@gmail.com

Danna said...

I wait until almost the last minute, because that is when everyone puts their Christmas wish list out for us to buy from. We do not always find everything on the list but we try. I usely give photos for Christmas because we live so far away from family. Wishing everyone a Happy and Merry Christmas and New Year.

stephendanna@yahoo.com

ChrisS said...

I usually start my holiday shopping about September as I pick up cute things here and there. This year I didn't start my shopping until Thanksgiving morning when I was lucky to find some great deals online.

Happy Holidays!

faikens1 said...

i'm a last minute shopper but i go by a listing of what they wants

Anonymous said...

I usually start my shopping a few months before christmas and as it gets nearer get most things online as i can not bare to face the shops when it is so busy.

Hope you have a great Christmas

Charlotte

mystbooks said...

I usually begin shopping in the fall. I buy items that I think others will enjoy. As time goes on and stores become crowded, I shop online. Hopefully, everyone is pleased with their gifts.

Ami Weaver said...

I will do a lot online. I get a kick out of all those boxes being delivered. Plus it makes my kids go a little nuts. :) I've made headway but am by no means done yet!

Nicole's Book Musings said...

I almost have all my shopping done, just one more gift to buy. I stated buying gifts in September. I try to get a lot of things done early like decorations and shopping because of work. I work at a bakery so around Christmas time it's get crazy busy.

JV said...

Like you, I like to choose my gifts carefully. When I find the perfect gift for someone and know that someone will love it, it makes me absolutely delighted.

My shopping tendencies have changed over the years. Before marriage, I tended to have all of my Christmas gifts purchased and wrapped by Thanksgiving. (I've always tended to keep my eyes open for those gifts that just scream at me to buy them for a loved one and to store them away for Christmas or birthdays, etc.) Of course, that was when I was unattached and lived with my parents. I had a pretty carefree holiday season in that I was not responsible for decorating for the holidays or doing any of the cooking, and all my loved ones lived nearby.

Now, I'm lucky if I have everything purchased and wrapped before Christmas Day. I still keep my eyes open for those perfect gifts throughout the year. (Of course, I'm often surprised when I get ready to wrap to find things I'd forgotten I'd purchased for someone far in advance -- when I can keep myself from just giving it to the person at the time I purchase it!) My tendency over the last 15 or so years has been to get all the stuff for my immediate family wrapped the night before Christmas. Then, after all of the cooking, cleaning, and opening takes place Christmas morning and early afternoon, my hubby and I go to the basement and wrap the gifts to take over to a close friend's house to exchange.

Unfortunately, my close friend passed away unexpectedly in late October this year, and my mother is quite ill. So, I'm not entirely sure what the buying and wrapping will look like this year. We're still invited to my friend's family's home for their Christmas celebration after our own, but it will be very different. Sadly, I purchased several of those "perfect" gifts for my friend earlier in the fall, so I'm not quite sure what to do with them now. This year, my focus for gift-giving will be largely on my daughter and my husband.

Like Ami, I've done a lot of my shopping online for the past several years, but I also try to shop our smaller, local shops, too.

Jessica Peter said...

I'm a year-round planner (I make lists of what people might like), then a relatively early shopper. I start in early November usually, picking up the odd thing here and there - in store and online. Although I'm so sporadic that I do also usually end up doing some last-minute shopping!

Anne said...

We don't exchange Chirstmas presents any more. My mother got fed up with how commercial the holiday had become and said no more. (There are also no children in our family.) We're all much happier not to spend the money or deal with the highs and more typically lows of gift receiving. Ahhh, the year I got 5 pairs of socks and how about the silver WRENCH charm?!?

Kathleen O said...

I never could start my shopping until December, becasue if I bought soemthing early, I tended to give it to the person before that. I once bought my Nana a beautiful neckless in August, but I couldn't wait and gave it to her then.
But now most of mine is Gift Cards and a few small items. I will start next week getting those things I need to shop for. I make up little goodie bags for my nieces and nephews to go along with the GC, which they love. I try to make up a new theme each year.. The little ones get a soemthing to open, they are easy to buy for the tweens, teen and the young adults are a big harder to buy for so, they make it easy on Aunt Kathleen and love there Gift Cards.

gamistress66 said...

I don't have a lot of gifts to buy & about half (such as for work) I have established the tradition of giving ornaments to them which I often pick up in the after holiday sales for the next year. Most other gifts are picked up btwn Nov & Dec either as I see things for someone that says "buy me for xxx" or a "planned" purchase :)

gamistress66 (at) aol (dot) com

Patricia Eimer said...

Our Christmas club check always comes in either Black Friday or the Friday after (this year it's the friday after) and then i sit down with a cup of coffee and log onto the internet. I've already got the gifts saved and I just go in and add them to the cart. Free shipping and if I'm lucky free gift wrap. My christmas shopping is done and I can get back to baking.

llcallis said...

I start by buying things that I think a person might want when I see them. My mother, sister, and I do the midnight sales on Black Friday. We buy for everyone else and sometimes try to "lose" someone in order to buy what we saw that she liked. Most of my presents are bought in physical stores, but some come from the internet. Most presents will be bought by the first week of December and everything by a week before Christmas - otherwise I don't get to enjoy the boxes under the tree.

Julie Hilton Steele said...

This year I have done a bit of shopping along the way but my son and DIL want cash since he is back in law school. At least I have adorable grandchildren to shop for!

My husband and I pretty much find something outrageous (like the planer Man O wants for his workshop) and say "that is our Christmas present". And then we get each other something $10 or less to actually open on the day.

Loved the calendar last year. Such fun this year as well.

Peace, Julie

Laura Cromwell said...

This is the first year I've ever even STARTED before December 1st, and here I am...just about done! A few more things for the little one and things to be delivered for the big one...and Santa can hang his hat with pride!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

CrystalGB said...

I usually begin shopping in November and will search for deals on the items I am looking for. I have a big family and lots to buy for.
crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com

Annie said...

Unlike last year, this year I fortunately have good ideas what to get for most family members. Some earrings, books and baking. What to get some family members remains a mystery.

AnDi said...

My shopping is sort of throughout the year, but I listen to those around me (my kids usually at Wal Mart) saying, "I want this..."or "Can we get this?" So I keep all of them away and by Christmas I have a decent amount of things that I can get for them. I do not wait for Christmas to roll around. I usually do a lot of online purchasing, my hubby doesn't always like to go shopping. So I know what I am buying, we will see if everything is there after a while. My husband did do a Black Friday shop but he only wanted to get Legos and he got 2 packs of 1,600 for $30 each. We are getting our girls hands on things.

Karen H said...

I buy gifts throughout the year as I see something that I know someone on my list will like. And I shop 100% online most of the time. I only go out to the stores to buy stuff that either I can't find online or the S/H fees are just to high especially if there is a bricks & mortar store close to my home! I never, ever go to a store on Black Friday.

Kim Swiderski said...

I look at the Black Friday ads but it has to be something REALLY good to make me go out. Not because of the crowds, just because of the early hours. LOL I used to work retail management and if you have your store ready, it can be one of the funnest days of the year to work. It's a high energy day that gets you in the spirit for the season. But, I'm like you and sale shop from now til Christmas. Once in a while, I might pick up something through the year but I usually end up giving the gift way before Christmas. I just can't wait to give them. lol

Charlene Sands said...

Entering for nomosnow@tampabay.rr.com

Karen Witemeyer said...

Hi, Charlene.

I'm a lot like you. I shop mostly in late November and early December. However, more and more I've been shopping online. It's so easy to find exactly what you want, and since I shop a lot at Amazon, the free shipping makes it painless. It's like Christmas before Christmas when those boxes start arriving and I get to sneak back to my room and open them in secret.

Happy shopping!
~Karen

Connie said...

The last few years, my husband and I have traveled to NC to spend Christmas with our son's family. The car is always loaded with gifts and the children jump up and down when we pull in the driveway. I shop for months and spend hours wrapping gifts. When we arrive, I make Christmas cookies with the grandchildren using their great-grandmother's cookie cutters. They love to "help" and decorate the cookies. By the end of that day, I need to put up my feet. Whew! My daughter-in-law loves it because we're there to entertain the children so she can get out and do some last minute shopping. In addition, she and my son love having Mom there to cook big dinners. Christmas Eve, my daughter-in-law gathers the children together to read The Night Before Christmas and then cookies for Santa and carrots for the raindeer are set out. Christmas Day is a zoo with the children so excited opening their gifts. While all this is exhausting, it's so rewarding. Then, my husband and I head back to our home in Florida and some warm sunshine! Happy Holidays everyone!

susied said...

My shopping varies year to year. Last year I felt brave and went to the store on black Friday, though not at the crack of dawn. This year I raked my leaves instead!

I've been buying mostly on-line and only do this close to the season because my sons usually ask for video games and they list those they haven't purchased themselves during the year.

Elizabeth Banda said...

I'm a last minute shopper. It's easy to shop for my young nieces and nephews. It's the teens that give me trouble. I always say I am going to start early so I can enjoy the Holidays, but I never do.

Rebekah E. said...

I'm not much of a shopper but I do like to do the black friday shopping. I think it is fun.

azteclady said...

My list is very short, what with one thing and another, and it's all done--the shopping part. I need to finish a scarf I'm knitting for my daughter, then I'll be done.

Generally speaking, if I see something during the year that I know X would love, I'll get it and put it aside. Otherwise I start in early October and try to get done by early to mid-December.

Janet Pepsin said...

I used to be pretty good about shopping beforehand and taking my time. Then I find what I already bought, at a better price, closer to Christmas, and end up in a flurry of returns and repurchases.

Last year, I discovered online shopping. Around here, it's utter craziness fighting for spots, people swinging their car doors open, usually leaving a ding in my car. So now, I shop online for virtually everything, and avoid the stores like the plague. The presents are delivered here, I feel like it's my present too, since I get to open the box, and then I get to anticipate the looks on the recipients' faces when they open their gift. The deals are better online, virtually everyone offers free shipping, I don't have to go out in the cold, and my car stays beautiful.

Dawn F said...

This is the first year that I started early. I really wanted to save money this year, so began to look for good bargains and cool gifts in the summer. I don't think I will ever go back to the mad rush again. I already have about 1/3 of my shopping done and am looking forward to starting next years shop in Jan!
Please enter me into the competition as those gift cards will go to good use!

Tammy Mace said...

I mostly shop online usually during and after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Black Friday at the stores are definitely not my thing. I never know what to buy anyone so that eliminates all year shopping. We live 50 miles or more from any shopping malls so it really is more convenient to shop online especially with the free shipping that most websites offer.

Merry Christmas to all!!

Nita said...

I generally am a last minute shopper and one of those people frantically looking for good gifts in the store the week before Christmas. This year my goal is to get all my shopping done earlier and do it all online. I know I can do it!

Alleyne said...

I shop all year. When I find the right things for the right person, I buy it. That doesn't mean I don't have a rush in the last two weeks, but it helps!

mrstrooper said...

I'm an online shopper and try to find the perfect gift. I'm about 1/2 way done and hope to finish by the 15th so I can relax and enjoy the holidays!

Tamsyn said...

I don't have a very long shopping list so it is easy. I enjoy the sales and usually window shop more than actual buying!
Happy Holidays!

Sandy Hill said...

I try to do most of my shopping online through November so that most of it has arrived by the beginning of December. This year... a bit more last minute. Eeek, must go shopping!!!

regencygirl01 said...

i try and get things when I see them, but some family is hard to buy for so that makes things difficult. My dad tends to buy what he wants so that makes it hard for the rest of us:-)

Anonymous said...

About half done now will try to finish everything next week.

Unknown said...

I love shopping on Black Friday, though I know there is a good possibility I will not get the best deals. Just love to shop that day! Most of my shopping is done by the second week of December, though I love going out on the 24th to see what deals there are! This year I have done alot online also. Almost done shopping!

Catriona Riddell said...

I'm normally a 'plan and buy' over a month or so leading up to Christmas but this year I bought everything well in advance - mostly from Amazon - for the first time ever, I'm organised and not flustered about Christmas - I'll probably leave all the food shopping to the last minute though!

Janey said...

When I used to buy presents I used to get started early but still end up being a last minute shopper. Now, I make all my gifts, so I get whatever I can done early, and then bake what I need to on Christmas Eve!

teena3940 said...

I started Black Friday and I'm still going..I have 3 Grandchildren that I love buying for..Merry Christmas....

Damaris said...

I scan the ads on Thursday and I rely on my email alerts from favorite stores, then decide on a route for Saturday. If I don't end up finding something I like then I use gift cards.

Michelle Bledsoe said...

I usually wait till 2 weeks before
Christmas to shop. I did that when I worked because I would use that last check to do the shopping. I usually find so great deals when I do that. Besides I find it fun to kind of be a little rushed at Christmas(crazy I know).

koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

Venetia said...

I'm a shopper who likes to do many different methods. I really love Black Friday and do only stores that have exactly what I'm looking for. I also love the convience of online shopping.
And Gift Cards make the christmas list easier now that the kids are older.

Alyn said...

I've yet to try shopping year round for Christmas. I did Black Friday two years in a row and it was not worth it. Last year was the worst, there were rude customers and unhelpful workers. I do half of my shopping online and the other half in stores. I did last minute shopping one year and I felt so bad because most of the "cool" toys were gone.

Anonymous said...

I tend to start shopping early. I will buy Christmas presents all year long finishing up by 12/16 usually.

LISA A ROBERTS said...

I SHOP THROUGHOUT THE YEAR---GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT IT AFTER THANKSGIVING -- TRY TO BE DONE BY END OF NOVEMBER

Cheryl St.John said...

I used to love to shop and even did black Friday, but I do most of my shopping online now. I am one of those people contributing to the demise of the brick and mortar stores - don't tell anyone.

Bridget Keown said...

I usually try to knit things for as many people as I can (especially people with babies or who might have just moved, etc.), so my holiday shopping usually happens around July so I can get to work. Otherwise, I love giving people books, so I have a great excuse to hit the bookstores :)

Tanya Hanson said...

hi Charlene, I do buy things whenever I see them, all year long, especially if it's a good sale. For my hubby's side ,we draw names with a $25 limit and each person has a lost of three things you can choose from. I don't do Black Friday although hubby did have to brave it to get a new TV as ours suddenly crashed. that's our gift to each other. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Tanya Hanson said...

Forgot to leave my email. Tanhanson AT aol DOT com

Thanks for the fun post.

Cady said...

I do a bit of both, love to go out on Black Friday, but around 8 or 9 and see if anything worthwhile is out there, then I do most of the rest in December. I always have good intentions, but never end up buying much early.

cheryl c said...

Decorating is done, and the shopping is almost done. Nothing is wrapped yet. I am also in the midst of helping my dad move, cleaning house to prepare for company, and starting the busy social season. I still find time, though, to engage in my marathon of reading Christmas stories!
castings at mindspring dot com

Michelle said...

Hello,
I usually get the bulk of my shopping done before Thanksgiving with a few last minute purchases afterwards. I'm not a fan of crowds to shop in (shudder) especially the "Black Friday" crowds...this year we had someone stabbed at Walmart in my area during the sales and another person going around macing other shoppers (not my idea of a fun time!)

Happy Holidays,
Michelle B. aka koshkalady

libbybeer said...

I am a terrible shopper. I have the best of plans to shop early and then somehow Thanksgiving rolls around and I haven't done much of anything! I was going to sew quilts for people, but I killed my sewing machine. So, Christmas shopping? Ack!!1

Tara W said...

I tend to start shopping online around Black Friday and Cyber Mondays. I hate the crowds. I get the bulk of my shopping done early and then I tend to impulse shop in stores up until Christmas Eve.

Happy Holidays!
mizztuts AT bellouth DOT net

JoanneR said...

I really don't even consider shopping until after Thanksgiving and have a tendency to shop mid-December and try to finish in one shot. That gives me time to cook and bake for holiday parties without worrying about the gifts.

joannereynolds@sbcglobal.net

Lexie said...

I shop all throughout the year for stuff and then hide it all from everyone (including myself) so that when december comes around I'm like 'OH GOD I NEED PRESENTS' and end up buying all new stuff...before finding all the old stuff.

So basically everyone in my family ends up with a lot of gifts each year XD

Lexie
Lexie.Cenni@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Charlene! Hm, I'm not much of a shopper. My sister and my mom are the big shoppers in the family. I do try to pick up things throughout the year, but I always need to pick up some stuff between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, because my family never makes lists!
Ah well. It's fun browsing the crazy sales... especially if it's online so I don't have to deal with crazy people! :P

Karen H near Tampa said...

I'm not a shopper at all and, like limecello, it's my Mom and sisters who got the shopping gene. In fact, I don't really do any holiday shopping at all. Do I have to turn in my American female membership card?

kesh1@att.net

Anonymous said...

I'm more like you. I'm afraid if I shop too far in advance, I'll end up not liking what I'm giving. I wait until it's December and then hit the mall to find those special items. I will say the advertising circulars give great ideas.

Unknown said...

I do a little of all of them. I pick-up odds & ends through out the year, if I see something & it says buy me for ??. Then after Thanksgiving I start to get more serious about shopping & try to find the best deals, mostly online. When I run out of time to do my online shopping & still have a few gifts to find, I do the last week before Christmas panic shopping.

Somehow, every year I manage to run out of gifts to buy before I run out of time or money, but I think it's more luck than skill.

drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

carrie said...

I shop all year around, buying slowly here and there so the amount of money I spend doesn't hurt so much! I love buying gifts for people, it's hard to control myself sometimes LOL

Joanna V said...

I usually start shopping after Thanksgiving, but Not at the Black Friday sales- I don't want to wake up that early or be that competitive. This year I'm having a hard time getting into the mood to shop so hopefully this will get me started thinking about it!

Sharon said...

I'm like you, I usually start shopping after Thanksgiving and try to find the best deals for my money. Although I started more of my shopping online this year.
Thank you for the opportunity to win the Kindle Fire!

donna durnell said...

My hubby & I have bought our first Christmas present -- a Wal-Mart dated bear for our granddaughter. This has been a tradition for many years - since she was probably about 4 or 5, and she will be 20 on Dec 5!!!
Otherwise, our shopping is just sporadic thru the season.
Since my hubby is a Pastor and he will be doing both an 11PM Christmas Eve service and regular Worship on Christmas Day, our Christmas with family will probably be late this year. That certainly gives me some extra time to shop!

Laura said...

I tend to buy gifts late in the year. This is because I tend to buy electronics/at stores with shorter returns periods and if the things I buy need to be returned, this gives a longer opportunity to do so to the receiver.
lauraalbert@hotmail.com

Ashley J. said...

I will admit, I am exactly the type of person who waits until last minute to do the Christmas shopping. :p This can actually be fun, as it feels like I have a mission to complete, but I do end up finishing all my shopping!
ashleyjeon77@hotmail.com

Maggie Marr said...

I am not the greatest of shoppers. After two hours of lights--decorations--and holiday music everything starts to blur together. I have to shop in short bursts. Still have loads to accomplish before the end of December!!

catslady said...

I'm more like you. I wait until after Thanksgiving (although I start worrying afer Halloween now lol). I don't do those huge sales. I want to give the best gift that I can within my budget which seems to get harder every year (sigh). The closer it gets to Christmas the more I'm willing to spend unfortunately lol.

GottaRead said...

I'm really bad this year, or maybe I'm being good, but I held back from jumping on the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for the most part. I've gone crazy with the sales in the past and overspent because of it. As of right now I'm less than 25% done, but still following the "deals" for the items I want to purchase.

Sherie said...

I take my time shopping throughout November and December. I try to watch out for good deals, but I am not a Black Friday Shopper. I do love Cyber Monday though.

Belinda said...

I like to start my shopping after summer and I usually know what I want (if I can find it). Finding it on sale is a BIG plus! Having five kids to shop for makes it a challenge ;)

Anonymous said...

i tend to wish i could shop while on holiday. i come home with one or two small trinkets and watch my sister shopping instead.

Lisa said...

I want to have it all done, but in reality there's usually one or two more to pick up on Christmas eve!

Mia said...

I am like you. Shop between the 1st of December and the holiday. My challenge s the number of birthdays I have in December: 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, 17th, 21st, 29th, 30th, and 31st are the big ones, the ones that I remember. So I usually don't start Christmas shopping until after the 12th. I do get occasional gifts before when I find something.

DeborahR said...

I'm job hunting so I won't be doing Christmas shopping this year...unless I get a really good job really soon!
Merry Christmas and congrats on the new release!

~ jeni said...

I'm a last minute shopper - sometimes as last minute as Christmas Eve! Every year I wish I had finished it all sooner though :)

Unknown said...

I am an all through December shopper. All the gifts out of town get gift cards/homemade goodies sent out around the first and second week. Everyone else is shopped for throughout the month.

Merry Christmas everyone! Happy 2012!

Loni
llglover@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

I'm usually an online shopper. When I go out to the stores, I usually try to go early in the morning in order to avoid the crowds.

Eva said...

Mostly the first week of December for everything!

Colleen Conklin said...

I try to plan it out and then get my shopping done in a week or two... sometimes that does not work out and I have to scramble at the last minute... Happy Holidays!

Amy T said...

Every year I say I'm going to start early and every year I wind up waiting until after Thanksgiving. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush at heart (sometimes!). Thank you so much for participating in the Advent Calendar!

Lesley Bain said...

I'm ridiculously last minute...but love it as I usually get some great bargains!!! ;)

Cathy P said...

Most of the family and friends we exchanged gifts with decided there are too many to buy for, so we don't exchange many gifts anymore. For our gifts to each other, my DH and I decide on what we want, and usually get it about the middle of December. The same thing goes for the few people that we still exhcange gifts with. I have been a Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopper a few times over the years, but it was so crowded that I quit. I shopped around Christmas Eve for many years also.

aelder said...

I follow lists and have most of my shopping done. All that's left is a few gift cards.

Kat said...

Shopping on the internet has helped curb my last minute shopping frenzy.
Happy Holidays!

arteemus37 said...

I refuse to Christmas shop until after Thanksgiving, and often I must wait until a couple of weeks before Christmas before doing the majority of my shopping. This year I took advantage of Cyber Monday, and completed most of my shopping online. Now I'm just waiting for the boxes to start arriving!

Joni said...

So far I've been doing my shopping on the internet and have been getting some great bargains. I know I will have to brave the stores soon.

Ann_a_reader said...

I'm waiting for Christmas lists so my family may get something they actually want.

Cathy and Steve said...

I'm a touch of all three! Throughout the year, if I see a perfect trinket that I know someone would adore, I pick it up and tuck it in a tote in our cedar closet. On Black Friday, DH and I make a trek to our fave shops just to be part of the excitement and to try to get some of the great bargains that are only available that day or weekend.

But the reality is that even after all that, we don't often have the lion's share of our holiday shopping completed and so we tend to do 90 percent of our shopping at the last minute in one fell swoop....

Tulip2uk said...

I tend to get most of the christmas presents for my family around middle of November time,then I can lovingly wrap each present up ready for the 25th December,I also love to online shop for products that I need as well.

vivid13 said...

I shop year around. I find the best bargains that way. I found a kimono style sweater at Old Navy this summer for 99cents. It is perfect for my sister for Christmas. Happy Holidays!

JEAN MESS said...

IF I SEE SOMETHING EARLY TO MAIL FOR IDO, CHECK WHEN I'M AT GROCERY STORE IF THEY HAVE WHAT I WANT, THEN THE BOOKSTORE, AND FINALLY END AT DEPARTMENT STORES.

Kathleen Conner said...

I'm an early-bird, and shop for great deals throughout the year!

klconn7 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I usually do my shopping in December. This year 2 of my 3 kids have already gotten the Christmas presents so I don't have much shopping to do.

Bonnie Gault
bonnietg64 at yahoo dot com

Lorraine said...

I'm a grazer. I pick up little bits & pieces throughout October-December. Then I'll take a day off work, midweek towards the end of November, or early December, go off to a big mall & not leave until I've bought everything else I need, even if I want to commit random acts of stupidity by the end of the day.

John Billiris said...

I tend to shop last-minute. I think there are more deals available that way.

cbstrat(at)gmail(dot)com

Jacqueline Gowins Fortner said...

For my children I shop year round and store my find in a box at the top of my closet (big items get hidden in the garage).
For myself and everyone else, I shop Black Friday or Amazon.

Jessi said...

I'm an early shopper. It try to buy from local stores, and since everyone in my family are grown-ups I always try to get a few little fun things and encourage my family not to break the bank either.

JeanMP said...

I like to do my shopping early and on the internet if possible.
skpetal at hotmail dot com

penney said...

Hi Charlene,
I always start my shopping just after Thanksgiving. I didn't go to any stores on black Friday I was home sick so I missed it all
Penney

Merry Christmas!

joannie said...

Hi i have to do my shopping online since i am disabled. i have to wait till the sales pop up and i do alot of searching to get the best price i can. I have 14 grandchildren and one great grand child so its real hard on my income. i hope i win i need it lol. thankd for the giveaway and God Bless Joannie jscddmj [at]aol[dot]com

Marcy said...

I prefer to shop over the few weeks before Christmas taking my time. I wish I could be one of those 'shop all year long' types but I just can't get in the spirit until the temps drop.

Anonymous said...

I want to do my christmas shopping soon

Anonymous said...

and me

stepperB said...

I prefer to shop online and wait until a few weeks before Christmas. Always seems the deals are better than Black Friday.

Jenny said...

We have late November and early December birthdays in my family, so traditionally no Christmas shopping is done until after the 7th of December (because otherwise my youngest brother used to have tantrums). I am an obsessive list-maker 'though, so I shop with super-human efficiency once I get going.

Jenny
jvennall(at)hotmail(dot)com

tammy ramey said...

i am actually a little bit of both. if i see something during the year that is a good price and i think someone will like i get it and put it away. i do the majority of my shopping after Thanksgiving when i am hoping for the best prices. :P

trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com

Cathy M said...

I love shopping early and do most of buying online these days. Lots of great coupons out there, and you can't beat shopping in my pajamas, lol.

caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Lisa J said...

I shop all year round. Of course, that means I forget half of what I have and buy lots of extra things.

feefeegabor said...

I start of quite well and get a lot of stuff in November but then go into panic mode the week before Christmas!

sara said...

I do my shopping entirely online! Way easier and less driving around. I love the interwebs!

May said...

I wait for Thanksgiving sales too. That's usually enough time for me to get all my shopping done... I would hate buying the gifts and seeing it on sale during Thanksgiving/Xmas sales...

natz101 said...

Entirely online and all finished by November if I can possibly help it. Much less stressful that way!! :)

Snookie said...

I do a little bit of online, little bit of gift cards and some last minute shopping at odd hours. I hate crowds so try to avoid them. Definitely avoid black Friday, do check out cyber Monday (didn't buy anything this year though). Husband still unemployed so not much money for gifts. Usually try to do stuff for people.

Lin Lou said...

I usually avoid the Black Friday rush and start after Thanksgiving to find the good sales that are in the store flyers and get good deals by not starting too early. I still end up running at the last minute for a couple of items to add in for extra gifts for someone on my list. It's fun looking and love all the store Christmas decorations to put you in the mood!

Kat said...

I always try to let gifts speak to me corny I know but I tend to get it right most of the time, so I keep an eye out most of the year. I really start to look around mid November then look and see if anything I want is going to be on sale during black friday then get it then!

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone,

I'm not much of a shopper either, but I try to get all my shopping done one week before Christmas. Stores are open 24 hours a day starting on Saturday so I like to shop at night when its a bit quieter and less hectic. Carol

emptycalories said...

I try to make as many gifts as possible, which is nice (although don't ask my family...), but I always wait too long to get everything done. That oh-crap-I-can't-finish-it-all panic is just about to set in!

The Scarf Princess said...

I'm an online shopper for every gift that's not a gift card. I hate being around large crowds and being out in wintery weather, so the internet is my shopping friend. I try to get things done by the first week of December to cut down on stress and thankfully I don't have many gifts to buy every year.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Linda Nunley said...

I knit and try to get many gifts done as possible. But mostly if I shop for gifts its online stores... I'm not a fan of holiday crowds.

Nina C said...

I try to be organised! I usually try and find a few stocking fillers when I visit family in the summer as I have time to browse the shops. The rest gets done in November and early December with as much of it ordered online as I can!

Lynne Colter said...

As fall comes around I start picking up the odd present as I see something that seems ideal - my MIL is very difficult to buy for. But the majority of my shopping ends up being last minute, as we usually get a bonus at year end where I work.

Lynne-RC / Lynne Colter

Marg said...

I have bought precisely one present, but that is a big one. I guess I need to start to think about what to get nephews and siblings etc.

Amanda Gardner said...

I sometimes buy items throughout the year but it normally ends up being the couple of weeks before Christmas or the weekend before Christmas depending on the person. If I can't find something for the person, they get money or a gift card.

I am also a bargain shopper so I like good deals on gifts for my family.

Elizabeth Pawson said...

I'm a year round shopper. We are 95% of the way done, with some gift cards and presents for the nieces to pick up still.

Dina said...

I have no special things for shoipping anymore. did buy online 1st time.

Theresa N. said...

I feel like I've been running to catch up all year and it looks like my holiday shopping is going the same way.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(doT)com

femamore said...

My shopping routine changes but I'm never the Black Friday shopper. If I find something that my gift receivers will like, I will be it. :-)

LSUReader said...

I start shopping around October. This year, I'm finished--Yay! But next up is wrapping everything--Ugh!
mochfly(at)swbell(dot)net

YzhaBella's BookShelf said...

I'm no a very good shopper at all. This year, money is really tight, so I am trying my best to limit to sensible gifts for the kids. Hubby and I can "have each other" for Christmas! lol!

mleger0546 AT rogers DOT com

georgi said...

I'm crazy for bargain hunting so I always haunt the sales finding great deals for items I'd only wear on holiday :)

katsrus said...

I am a Black Friday shopper. And I also watch the newspaper ads for good deals after that. And also online deals. I like getting the best deal I can get.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

Estella said...

I don't shop. Our family doesn't exchange gifts.

Di said...

I do all of the options. I'll pick things up thru the year, especially when I travel, as long as there is no chance the item would have to be returned. Then I start asking what people may want in November. I won't go to the stores on Black Friday, but have gotten into online shopping on Black Friday weekend & Cyber Monday. Then go into high gear early in December & want to finish asap. I hate to run around the last minute!
sallans d at yahoo dot com

jacks said...

I'm a year round shopper. easier on my pocket book

lindalou said...

I pick up items thru-out the year; more during the holidays... but I've already gotten a head start by then!
Thanks for the contest!
lindalou(at)cfl(dot)rr(dot)com

books4me said...

I have gotten 90% of my holiday shopping done...before Turkey day! I did purchase some earlier in the year but most started after Hallowween!

Thank you for the giveaway!

books4me67 at ymail dot com

Loves 2 Read Romance - Laura said...

I have gotten into buying things all year around. This way the cost is lower. Plus I moved to a small town so the closest mall is an hour drive so I have started to shop more online as well.

fantum2004(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

chey said...

If I find anything during the year that's just perfect for someone, I try to get it. I try not to be in the stores on busy days.
chey127 at hotmail dot com

Maria said...

I've become an online shopper. I used to like to go out and find something good or fun for the kids, but now all they want is cash or gift cards. It takes the fun out of trying to find something right...and makes it less worth battling the lines to find it.
:)
mblakemtc at aol.com

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