Okay, I know it is August! Yes, I know that there are some people that are done with their Christmas shopping by Labor Day and I am NOT one of those people. But, I want to share this idea with you because it takes some thought and planning...and amidst all the other shopping you will be doing, getting started now will definitely make it easier. A friend of mine gave me this idea a couple years ago, and I've implemented it for two Christmases and I love this tradition. Instead of buying a big gift for my hubby (and he for me), we buy 12 gifts BUT they have to cost $5.00 or less each. This takes some shopping and some knowing your sweetie. I know my hubby loves Snickers with Almonds, so one of his gifts might be 3 of those lovelies, wrapped up. He knows I love penguins (as well as ladybugs), so he might find me some dish towels that have penguins on them. Do you see how this works? It doesn't have to cost $5.00 but it CANNOT cost more. This is so much fun, and I started yesterday when I found a book I could get for him. The true gift comes in that you must be thinking of your sweetie pretty much constantly, and he is thinking of you. Of course, this eliminates most jewelry from showing up under the tree, but I figure there are other times of the year when the focus is all about you (birthday, anniversary, etcetera) in which these bigger purchases can take place. It is a fun atmosphere, too, as my hubby gets so frustrated finding things under $5.00 and wants to cheat or wants to raise that amount to $10.00 or whatever. I just smile and say "Rules are rules!" Once you get these 12 goodies (and I wrap and label as I go--makes it much easier), you start opening one gift per day up until Christmas. The kids really get into this part, so it is an Advent of sorts for them. Anyway, I wanted to share this idea with others.
This works for me, and if you want to see what works for others, go visit Shannon's blog and get ready to read, as there are already 90 of them and I'm sure more will be added. BUT it is so worth it!!!
Now, how neat is that? :)
ReplyDeleteVery cute idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet sentimental idea! I've been getting this urge to start storing things away for Christmas and stashing bargain finds. I think this is gonna be the next big bargain hunt idea!
ReplyDeleteThat is a TOTALLY neat idea. My husband always struggles every year with what to buy me (I think I'm easy since I scrapbook) and this would help him tremendously...as we don't spend a ton of money on each other at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI really like that idea! Great way to stay within a small budget, too!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Big Daddy and I haven't really bought each other Christmas gifts for the past few years, either because we spent our Christmas money on a vacation, or spent all our money on the kids.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a way we could surprise each other, and stay on budget, too!
I love that this emphasizes the thought and creativity that goes into gift giving.
ReplyDeletewe've been doing a dollar store theme for each other for a few years but i never thought about taking it to 12 days! awesome..
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