Christmas is three months away. For some of us, that may seem like an eternity. For me, an avid and persistent believer in early shopping, that just means that it’s time to get moving. Having 90% of my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving lets me have extra cash in December for holiday parties and special treats, not to mention a lot less stress and an ability to enjoy my family more and make even more special memories. Harried holidays are not joyful to me!
I’m a list-maker. I love writing things down. It’s the only way I can remember things, actually, now that “mommy brain” has set in somewhat. I work in notebooks….they’re stackable and toteable. They are expandable and customizable. I have a holiday notebook just for Christmas plans. There are SO many ways to customize a holiday notebook….and the only site you’ll ever need for ideas and printables is Organized Christmas.
I’ll pause for a moment while you swoon at all of the great organizational tools on this site. Ready to go on? Okay. Let’s go.
I keep a running list most of the year of gifts that come to mind. I narrow them down and purchase the ones I choose, then save all sheets to refer to next year (so I can glean ideas from last year’s “runner up” gift ideas).
Another great, great tool (especially if you like to do some of your shopping online) is Amazon‘s Gift Organizer (go look under their “Gifts & Wish Lists” tab at the top of their homepage). I used to think this was the same thing as their Wish Lists, but it is SO NOT. It is so much more. It keeps track of items you select for gift ideas, saving them under family member’s names or other categories. It keeps track of what you purchase, as well as the ages of your gift recipients, and then offers you spot-on ideas for similar gift items. Love it. LOVE it!
These are just a couple of ways I help organize and navigate gift-buying for Christmas. Works for me!
Go read other WFMW solutions at Rocks In My Dryer!
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Blue Castle (3 years ago)
I need to do this. Thank you for the great sites and tips!
Amy (3 years ago)
Yea Christmas organizing!
A subject I love. Thanks for your ideas.
~Amy
MamaHenClucks (3 years ago)
Oh you are so a woman after my own heart! I am already more than half done shopping for those on my Christmas lists!! I always try to be done by the first of November. It makes the holidays so much more relaxing to not be fighting the crowds and shopping. And yes, I totally drooled over the links you provided!
Kim (3 years ago)
That was my Works for Me Wednesday last week. It’s good to know I’m not the only one thinking about it already lol.
Blessings to you!
Kim
Jendeis (3 years ago)
Oh my gosh – that site is amazing!!!
Steph @ Problem Solvin Mom (3 years ago)
Thanks for that great link! I am a list lover and early planner too. I shop throughout the year and I think it saves a lot of $ and time during the busy holiday season. Love the idea of saving gift lists from year to year.
Take care,
Steph
Veggiemomof2 (3 years ago)
I do these same things. If I wait until the last minute, I panic & Christmas is not fun.
Fern (3 years ago)
Thanks for this reminder – it is time to get moving and those tools are great.
I also like buying gifts that we can repeat year after year – theater tickets, magazine subscriptions, etc. They’re gifts that are always appreciated, but require minimal effort – and no gift wrap!
K (3 years ago)
All I can say, is where has this site been all my life? Thanks for sharing it!
Elizabeth (3 years ago)
Visiting for the first time via WFMW!
I love that Christmas site! Thanks for the tip!
Michelle (3 years ago)
Just posted about this myself…organizedchristmas.com
gonna try the Amazon thing. thanks
kristen (3 years ago)
I love that site! I too keep a Christmas binder and love it