I usually make all our gifts that we give out but I do buy for our kids and grandson. I picked up a couple of things for them already. I really do need to get a move on what I will be making for folks this year, I'm drawing a blank it seems.
I commend you for doing the black Friday shopping....I dislike shopping to begin with, I know I couldn't deal with all those shoppers.

I have about a third of my Christmas shopping done. My pension can't take the hit if I leave it all till the last minute. I live in Canada but was in the U.S. last year on Black Friday. it was an amazing experience!

I have bought a few things. I am a coupon shopper, so with all the coupons out these days, I have been a busy girl.

I guess I've started. I picked up a Junior Monopoly game for Nick at a yard sale on Saturday. It was still shrinkwrapped so I decided to put it back for Christmas.

Instead of drawing names as we did every year, we're buying a generic gift, and if anyone wants someone's gift they can take it. It's a Rob your Neighbour game, or Stealing Santa.

We were firm that it's just the generic gift we are to buy and nothing more. Even drawing names we often bought something small for everyone, something for my parents, etc.

Adults only, so I bought a really nice non-stick roasting pan with rack and bamboo cutting board. My brother would make lasagna in the roaster, vs cooking a roast, so it has appeal to everyone.

It was on sale for a great price, and the bamboo cutting board is similar to the one I bought for myself for $15. So all well within budget.

So now it's just hubby I have to buy for, and I'm done!

I always start shopping on the day the kids go back to school. The Wednesday after Labor Day. I like to pick up a few stocking stuffers on that day. Just a fall tradition, marking the end of summer for me. I went out and bought some sample size cosmetics for my 2 grown daughters' stockings. Hide them in a closet where they never look, in with the cleaning supplies.

I shop all year long, then put things away for Christmas, birthdays, etc. I started a tradition last year of giving my daughter and each of my granddaughters new pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve. They get them a week or so early so they can be washed and ready to wear. Other than that and a few other purchased items, I make everything else. This year the 6 greatgrandkids are getting Colors/Alphabet ziplock bag books that I made, grandkids and daughter are getting card boxes filled with handmade cards, a pen and stamps, washcloth scrubbie bees, and lots of other handcrafted items.

Like Lindaohnowga, I'm always Christmas shopping. I keep a running list of my finds so that I don't forget something and overbuy. It sure helps the budget to buy when items are on sale and to spread my purchases throughout the year. The only gifts I leave until right before the holidays are those for the young children because their desires and sizes change so quickly.

I usually also make our gifts. I have had health problems this year, so nothing was done. Then CJ, who many of you know, posted pictuires of tooth fairy pillows I had to have. We had a bumper year of babies a few years back, so five GGD's are all five and started school. These baby teeth needed something cute, and these are adorable and she personalized all of them. I'll have her make more, for the others coming up behind them.
I have finally bought some fabric, to make table runners and place mats for a couple people, and more fabri for Mommy and Me aprons. All easy to do, but I need to get motivated.

I always start fairly soon after Christmas, taking advantage of end-of-season sales, especially from Lands' End. We have four fall/winter birthdays in my family, so my "present shelves" are usually pretty well stocked by the end of summer.

I started last year! I always buy some things at the after Christmas sales. I bought 3 gifts while I was in California 2 weeks ago. I buy things throughout the year when I see good deals.

I LOVED Jannie's comment. She hides her small gifts in the closet with the cleaning supplies. Where her daughters would never look!

I've started thinking about possible Christmas gifts. Does that count?

No but oldest granddaughter is getting married next April and I already have her gifts. She will be just out of college and starting a teaching job so she needs everything. We got her a good set of stainless pots and pans, a set of Oneida silverware (service for 8 plus a bonus of an extra service for 4), a set of 24 glass (8 each small,medium and large) and a S/S mixing bowl with S/S measuring cups and spoons, which we'll give for a bridal shower. I'm on a first-named basis with Macy's now :-) They have the greatest sales!

We give money at Christmas tucked in something different each year. Last year the girls got billfolds and the guys got those banks that count how much you've put in them. I'm thinking of doing gift cards this year.

I haven't even started.

Gift cards or money for most. Much easier all around

Noooo not me! I'm waiting for inspiration.

I have...now I just need to make a spread sheet so I don't forget what I got!!!

It is usually gift cards or money from me too. Now when the new baby gets here that will be different.

Sue

I bought myself a new computer. I'll have to send myself a nice thank you note. Wonder if I should wrap it up and surprise myself with it or just give it to me.

I only have two gifts I have to purchase and the rest are going to be cross stitched beaded Christmas decorations and a box of cookies. I've been stitching all summer and all I have left to do is stuff them and sew the little squares together and trim them up with cording.

Anne

One of the local Walmarts just closed and reopened in a different location as a super walmart. Huge sales everyday leading up to the move. I bought Damien 4 games for his leapster at $5 each!! Guess that means I've started!

Tami

Does thinking about it count??? LOL,LOL I have been doing that and making lists.
Kathi

We stopped exchanging gifts and I really miss the searching buying surprising

I bought two gifts in June while we were on vacation. Bobby is getting a round trip to Atlanta to see his mom for Christmas. I have already purchased his ticket. The other grandkids get money. That leaves just getting something for 3 people.

I have!

Just started yesterday in fact....have a few little things bought up so far...it will be a riot this Christmas with my grandkids so close!!!!

i did i got quite a few things already ,but im also cutting back big time they dont appreciaie what you do.i found out recently my daughternlaw sells things we buy at her yard sale.ok my daughter saw some things at yard sale.like we bought books the kids arent reading yet 5,4,3she sold them we would buy cute outfits we never saw them wear.bah hum bug

*waving to jel48* Hello from another Michigander! Houghton is a lovely town!

I have done a little Christmas shopping for my daughter so far. I have a few American girl items hidden away. I actually would like to wrap them so I can hide them easier (I don't mind if she sees the wrapped boxes lol) but I'm not sure if any stores have wrapping paper yet for the holidays.

i don't ever start before Nov but this summer i came across child-sized power tools, work bench and tool box at Lowe's for my 5yr old nephew. i'll probably end up sending before then LOL. only problem is finding equal things for for my 5yr niece that she won't outgrow by christmas! ~ liz