I've decided to get several holiday gifts. I have not shopped for my child for obvious reasons. I sense 2013 and next year will be especially harsh economically speaking.

Anyone else?

Actually, yes to some extent. I can't do that with the kids because their wants change so much. But I plan to do it with the adults and/or generic gifts (like teachers).

I usually try to buy in advance. Like with the CVS Tablets right now. Each child is getting one for their birthday. I was also able to get a set of flannel sheets for DD10 at Shopko marked to $11. For my DS7 I was able to score a Bakugan Wii Game shipped from Best Buy for $3.15. And as for my DD3, I got a princess comforter normally $79.99 marked to $19.99 and a princess sheet set normally $49.99 marked to $14.49, both at Shopko. Then my DS18 I was able to score 3 Axe Gift Sets (so far) for $1.49 each at Shopko! I still have some board games that were free at Target last year, for my DD3 and I picked up some misc stuff for Easter baskets. As for Xmas this year, I am still shopping for that stuff. I wanted to get their birthdays done first as DD10 is this month, DD3 is in March, DS18 is in April and DS7 is in May.

My grandmother actually taught me to do this years ago. She shops all year long for her grandkids and great grandkids so she doesn't have to do it all at once. Not to mention, she is able to get so much more since she only spends $25 on each child! I think there are 40+ of us!

that is a good idea- i usually shop early anyway- but not this early- but i do plan on it now- thanks for the tip!!!

I always shop throughout the year. I could never afford to put down a lot of money at once for gifts so that's my reasoning, plus I love bargains! I have already bought a few gift sets that I got either free or close to it at CVS and Walmart. But I'm on the hunt all year long

me tooo ccant think of paying full price for those gifts lol . This time i stocked up on bath and body works got each lotion for $2.50 each. then grabed some give sets at walmart in xmas clearance isle for 1.25 each. got some girlies make up bags 1.29 each. and got toys for all my friends kids bday again 75% clearance.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future .. Jeremiah
29:11. God I love you for you're so amazing

I also shop throughout the year. With sales, coupons and UPs, I have already finished my husband's Valentine gift and my friend's birthday gift, whose birthday is in March. I have also bought one friend's Christmas gift and had two other friends' gifts finished until I had a flat tire this past weekend. Two of their gifts were broken. I was extremely upset, since I thought one of them was absolutely perfect for one of my friends. I have also bought two gifts for my nephew. I plan to go to a bigger city Friday to see if any Christmas clearance is left on the shelves.

After the recession, the siblings decided to pair down Christmas gift giving. We now draw names in November, so no-can-do on the early purchase of Xmas gifts cuz I don't know who I'll draw, but that's okay because in the long run drawing names saves a lot of time shopping and a lot of money. I don't think we'll go back to our old ways even if the economy improves.

I can do some shopping in advance for the "kids" (nephews and great nieces/nephews). If I see something during the year that I think they'll like, I will get it; if not, that's fine too.

I noticed the deals I like and need were non-existent thru the fall/winter of last year. Things just dried up and I was caught a bit offguard. I am definately going to do more stockpiling of both essentials and gifts early in 2013 so I don't have to worry about that happening again.

I always start the day after Christmas during the clearance sales and I'm usually just about done by the clearance sales in July. Of course, it does not keep me out of stores on Blackfriday.