Christmas shopping - when do you do it?

[Gemini]

Are you a wait until December then hit the shops person?

Or do you prefer and earlier more gradual start, leaving only last minute things until December?

Do you buy gifts all year round, whenever you see something suitable?

Or a mixture?!

My method is the second. I like to start in October, and be finished by the end of November, barring the odd little extra. The grandchildren's presents are usually bought in October (often at a great saving)
This year apart from personalised cushions for DD1 and 2's families, and a necklace for a friend, made by another friend, I have really done no shopping. I have quite a lot to do and all of my mum's as well, so I am not happy that I have done so little

[Clover]

Mine is the mixture method. Special request presents I have to wait until the recipients tell me what they’d like but I do spot smaller things throughout the year and tuck them away.Traditional gifts of sweets for family I buy when I see them if they are on offer.

[Nanto2girls]

I like to start early.As soon as i think of something for someone,i go and get it or order off the internet.

[Oma]

Bit of all really , cant start the two youngest GC yet as I have no idea what they want yet but the adults are mostly done and I have bought bits and pieces throughout the year if I have seen something in the sales ,
I like to have it all done and out of the way as soon as I can

[Plantaholic]

Goodness me, what an organised lot you are. I only buy each person one present and ask GC to send me a list of what they would like. DD usually has ideas for SIL and my Dil gives me ideas for my DS and herself. DD is usually my difficult one.

[Qwerty]

Similar to you Gem I start earliesh as I have been known to leave it only a short while and the popular gifts have gone and no chance of them stocking up again , remember the ALaCarte kitchen I trailed the breadth of England and never got it till the new year.
Ive done most of my Christmas shopping online, just some vouchers to get, and bits and pieces I intend to go shopping at Meadowhall when we go to our hotel that dil booked it’s not much further
I buy one big present for immediate family and some stocking fillers each

[Qwerty]

Daisy I have asked you before but can’t remember where you bought those manicure things for your two dils and what they were called can you remember?

[Sunshine]

I start seriously thinking about Christmas shopping from October. I do buy things before if I see something that I think is “perfect” for someone. I start getting a bit panicked if I haven’t got MOST of it by the end of November. This year my daughter, SIL and 2 eldest GC are going on a Caribbean Cruise over Christmas, so their main presents will be money, to spend on a trip in the Caribbean. I am still looking for inspiration for a small gift for each of them to unwrap as a surprise. I hate the pre Christmas rush in the shops, if I still have gifts to choose. I love the pre Christmas hype when all I have to do is sample the mince pies, mulled wine and enjoy the Christmas carols. But I do think the pre Christmas hype starts far too early. From the beginning of December would be fine for me! It is just much too commercialised nowadays. Merry Christmas everyone 🎄🎄🎄

[Mimi]

I am usually upbeat about Christmas but at the mo it’s hard to look on the bright side , kids ‘eh ? They break your heart

I have got a few bits , mostly for GC , a friend of mine has wrapped everything and written her cards out , too much too soon for me. Cards, now I have some left over from last year , where did I put them ....

[WeeGranny]

Am just starting to think about presents.....luckily we don't have many to buy. But, no bright ideas so far. This afternoon I shall be making a start on my Christmas card......if the hidden artistic mood shows its head, otherwise I'll be messing around!

[Glammanana]

I pick up presents during the year if and when I see something that will suit specially for my DILs I like to have them sorted and wrapped and packed away.
I now ask the parents of my GGC what they need rather than buy toys which they have loads of and like to get something they can use,I have ordered 2 x xmas tree baubles for them as token presents to give on the day.
This month I will put the money in gift cards for all my DGCs they are big now and like to have the money to buy what they want.
My two sons like sports stuff so they are easy I just have to sorce a special gift for DD

[Plantaholic]

Not started yet, have some ideas. GD1 has just finished her Christmas present buying at JL today, she works for Waitrose so can use her discount.

[Daisy]

WeeGranny - I love your cards - don't forget to show us when you've created it.

As you know, I think a good time to start Christmas shopping is around 20th December, but I do start a little earlier than that just to avoid some of the crowds or any problems with deliveries for online shopping.

I think both teenage grandsons would prefer money this year, with a few goodies to unwrap on the day. I always ask mummy and daddy what our granddaughters would like. As Glamm says, they have so many toys, they certainly don't want duplications. GD2's birthday is 27 December, so that tests my ingenuity a bit!

Sunshine - I like the idea of the pre-Christmas amble, sampling mince pies etc with no pressure to rush round looking for the ideal present for a loved one! I'm sure DD and family will have a wonderful time on their cruise.

Plant - your GD1's discount is well worth having at this time of year.

I can very rarely find anything to surprise OH with. If he wants anything for wood turning he really has to choose it himself. The only present I've ever really surprised him with was the flight in a Spitfire for his 70th. He still says it's the best present he's ever had!