When do you buy presents?
Do you generally buy gifts way in advance of the giving occasion, within a few days before it, or (oops) afterward?
For someone close to me, I just make them one, like a special handmade greeting card, or a painting etc. Otherwise I just buy in advance.
Most of my favorite gifts are hand-made or collected (I collect rocks) by friends and family. We RARELY purchase cards or gifts for each other; instead we have an outing together (visit a museum, arboretum, zoo, concert, play, etc.).
It varies for me. I already am picking gifts for occassions like Christmas - I know it's really early, but in my opinion, when I see just the PERFECT gift, it can never be too soon to get it. Otherwise, I am able to pick the gift after the occassion - and all those who matter to me know I can be that way and do not mind the wait, because they know I wish to give them a thoughful gift, not just something which may be pretty, but otherwise absolutely useless.
Good answer! I am much the same way--if I see the perfect gift, I buy it in advance, but only occasionally. Often I buy gifts after the fact. Sometimes I do give gifts that are just plain pretty (like real, original artwork) but otherwise useless.
It depends on how discombobulated I am. I'm terrible with birthdays...lots of belated birthday wishes come from me, and I think people have come to the realization that I'm just horrid with dates.
However, I usually end up making gifts if they're for family, and when I do buy gifts, I try to get them a few days in advance.
I do that, too! I make gifts if I can, rather than buy them, for family. Our family has a "no gifts/no cards" policy for all holidays because we generally buy what we need when we need it and don't need useless stuff, and no over-priced cards!!
I buy my gifts year round. There are very few people I buy gifts for. Mostly in laws and my husband and children. I know what all of them like so if I see something I know one would like I buy it even if there are months before I can give it to them. Christmas shopping is usually done in my house by July!
JULY! WOW, you are one organized person! In my house it's usually done by January (of the following year). LOL
What do you do if, in the mean time, they end up buying an item like what you've already purchased for a gift?
I tape all receipts to the gifts so that if I need to I can return them. There are always a couple things that can't be bought till last minute. It's kind of hard to hide new bikes!
For Christmas, my goal is to be finished before the craziness starts on Black Friday. Usually I'll start shopping at the end of August with nothing particular in mind. I can just see something and know it's the right gift for the people on my list. When it comes to baby and bridal showers, I usually go out and get something a few days after I get the invitation. Other things - birthdays, anniversaries, etc - a lot of times I fit under your "ooops" category.
Haha--I'm glad I'm not the only late gift-giver! Very smart to buy bridal/baby gifts right after you get the invitation--much more to pick from on their gift registries, and at more price points so you can afford it!
by Ania Lichszteld 13 years ago
Do you prefer to make Christmas gifts yourself or buy them?
by Stacie L 13 years ago
I know many pet owners buy their pet a Christmas gift or two every year. I have been guilty of this in the past.Is it silly to give your pet s gift?Are you giving your pet a gift this year?
by Marissa 14 years ago
Do you or your children make/buy presents for Father's Day?
by Pink Dove 13 years ago
Ideas for unusual birthday presents?I'd like to get my sister something other than jewelry for a change ... (Although particularly interesting or unique jewelry might do the trick.)
by Slightly Bonkers 13 years ago
Are you already starting to buy Christmas presents?
by MomsTreasureChest 12 years ago
Do you open your Christmas presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
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