I've been doing this for years so I have it down to a science. Here's the method to my madness:
- I make notes throughout the year of things I hear others saying they want or need. I also make notes of things I think they might enjoy based on their interests.
- If I'm out purchasing a birthday gift and already have a Christmas gift in mind for that person, I buy it and store it in a safe place until Christmas.
- In September I set a budget and make a more firm gift list by person.
- I start deliberate buying by the beginning of October with the goal of being done by Thanksgiving.
- I use the Internet - a lot. You can do some great comparison shopping online plus many sites offer free shipping.
- I give gift cards. I don't think there's anything impersonal about it. Especially if I know someone really loves a particular store. Then they can shop on me and get something they really want.
- I do my shopping in small batches. I love to shop but a day of marathon shopping is exhausting and unrealistic with a 4 year old.
- I also do these things in small doses, starting early - make gifts, bake, and wrap gifts. The making gifts is a relatively new addition. I really want my son to experience giving his own gifts, so we made ornaments in October. When it comes to baking, I've found that cookies and candies freeze really well.
On a funny note - my mom is great at early shopping. She usually starts for the following year right after Christmas. But there is one flaw in her plan - she sometimes forgets she has a gift and we get a bonus gift mid-year. I guess that works out well for us.