Winter is almost over, and maybe you are thinking ahead to spring planting or a summer vacation. But now is also the perfect time to make a gift list! By planning ahead, you can take advantage of unique gift ideas and late season or other sales or make handmade gifts for a lucky few. Most importantly, you can spread the shopping out over the year, which will save you time and money in November and December.
If you have a created a Christmas planner, you may already have a gift list started. If not, creating a gift list is a great way to begin planning. I keep a running gift list on my computer, which I usually update once immediately after Christmas, and again in September or whenever I start looking for gifts in earnest.
For Family First
I love waking up on Christmas morning to a huge pile of presents under the tree. I always have numerous gifts for each member of my immediate family to open. My gift list reflects this. Next to every family member’s name, I add spaces for the number of gifts I want to have for them. I can also use this to keep track of what I have already bought and to make sure I have a good variety of gifts for everyone.
My immediate family page also has a section for stocking stuffers. Here, I also leave spaces for the number of small gifts for each stocking. Extended family and friends are on a separate page. Their names are simply listed down the side, with one space for gifts beside each name.
For Everyone Else
The second page also lists the more general gifts that I know I’ll need. These include small hostess gifts, gifts for exchanges, something for neighbors, work colleagues, or household helpers (babysitters, dog walkers, etc.). I often also include a couple of “emergency” gifts, good for last minute giving to anyone. By putting those smaller items on the list, too, no occasion or person is forgotten and you will always be prepared for any last minute needs.
Giving the right gift to everyone on my list is, for me, the most fun part of the Christmas season. By making my list early and keeping it updated throughout the year, I can be sure to find something special for everyone.
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