Anonymous wrote:What’s the big difference in shopping now or just putting the money away now to shop closer to December?

This seems like a good idea. Often the best sales are a week or two out from Christmas as stores get desperate. Though this year with tariffs (NOT trying to turn this thread political) who knows? If OP sees a good sale it might make sense to jump on it now.

I buy some of my kids’ gifts are the thrift store (usually Unique Thrift). Things like board games, books, puzzles, etc. You can often find things in good condition. Also, re: books, some libraries have book sales in the fall. Lots of great stuff at ours for very cheap.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop buying for others, seriously. Adults don't need gifts.

OP’s kids are teens.

Teens whose parents divorced this year. This is not the year to stop giving gifts if it's been a tradition.

I agree. I was countering the poster who said adults don’t need gifts.

You guys seriously need reading comprehension skills. The mom said she also gives gifts to other adults (in addition to her own teens). She knows her teens aren’t adults. The PP is suggesting she not gift other adults to save money, so she can gift more to her own teens. The PP is NOT suggesting to not give gifts to her own teens. JFC.

What happened last two Christmases?
If the kids are teens indeed, there's nothing more they want than to go shopping for themselves with friends.
It really seems to me that you are the person who likes shopping. I feel the excitement in you post, but money seems to be an issue.
Money is not an issue for me, but I don't get care for shopping.
Keep the excitement of shopping, but also work at the money problem. Don't hand the two down to your kids.

There’s a chocolate store on Conn Ave by Farragut north that has really cute and delicious wrapped chocolates. Hearts, coins, etc you buy by weight. They feel way more special than chocolate from Target. Great stocking stuffers.

Each year I get a pair of flannel pjs from Old Navy. Inexpensive but cozy. They always have a lot of different designs. Also, fluffy socks. You want things that take up a lot of space but don't cost a lot. You can buy a bath bomb set on Amazon and then split it up between the two girls.

Lotion/body spray when bath and body works has their $5.95 sale

Pack of tarot cards

If there’s an HMart near you with the Art Box store inside, the little cute stationeries and stickers from there

Anonymous wrote:Stop buying for others, seriously. Adults don't need gifts.

I meant other people like her siblings or parents obviously her kids should get presents.

What’s the big difference in shopping now or just putting the money away now to shop closer to December?

My mom used to do fun little cards with things like "You get to choose tonight's dinner" or "Ice cream out with mom" choices. Even as a teen, I loved them. Also, $1-2 scratch off tickets.

Anonymous wrote:MIL once gave me origami folded dollar bills. One year I hid dollars all over the christmas tree for DS to find. Another year I put them money in little boxes and he had to do an easter egg type hunt to find them all.

I wouldn't spend money on junky things if money is tight. Take the $20 you'd spend on stocking stuffers and do something cute with 20 one dollar bills.

Really - remember the box of cash post from a few years ago? Teens want cash. They would love it.

But for bulk, mine like chips. Salt and vinegar are a current favorite. They might not be by Christmas.

This thread is showing you they are all so different. It would be a waste to buy anything now. I usually get the stocking items last minute and get food if I haven’t thought of anything else. They always like food. I have a son and daughter.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop buying for others, seriously. Adults don't need gifts.

OP’s kids are teens.

Teens whose parents divorced this year. This is not the year to stop giving gifts if it's been a tradition.

I agree. I was countering the poster who said adults don’t need gifts.

Anonymous wrote:MIL once gave me origami folded dollar bills. One year I hid dollars all over the christmas tree for DS to find. Another year I put them money in little boxes and he had to do an easter egg type hunt to find them all.

I wouldn't spend money on junky things if money is tight. Take the $20 you'd spend on stocking stuffers and do something cute with 20 one dollar bills.

My mom took dollar coins and wrapped in gold foil to look like chocolate coins. She'd throw them into the bottom of our stocking. One year, she cracked whole walnuts, scooped out the inside, folded up a $1 bill and glued the edges back closed. It took my dad a long time to figure it out. Then he had to work for his $20.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop buying for others, seriously. Adults don't need gifts.

OP’s kids are teens.

Teens whose parents divorced this year. This is not the year to stop giving gifts if it's been a tradition.

Bath bombs are usually a hit