This is part 2 of the series to get ready for Christmas! I know I personally slacked a bit this year. Usually I have finished almost all of my shopping by now so I am playing a little catch up for sure.
Typically I have a calendar that I create at the beginning of the year and I update it with all the major events we have. All family birthdays, anniversaries, any baby showers, weddings- all those events you purchase gifts for. I have a separate list that I keep for Christmas shopping.
As the year progresses, I am constantly on the lookout for great deals. I have found it is much easier on the budget to spend a little here and there than it is to spend a whole lot at once. Not to mention once the holidays are in full swing, I find myself getting swept up with the shopping spirit and tend to spend more than I should.
So I am attaching two worksheets for you, if you want to get organized for the holidays.
The first worksheet is the one I use to keep track of what I need to buy throughout the year. I typically keep track of things by month and check off each event as I purchase the gifts. I also make notes about what it is I bought so I can easily find what I need. (And because I tend to forget what I have bought for people.) I actually have all my gifts tucked into boxes at the top of the closet. This gift list is tacked to the wall in the closet and I can easily update it as I pop items into the boxes.
For those of you with a lot of children’s parties throughout the year, you might especially consider getting started using the buy ahead idea. I know you can’t always predict every party, but we will see wonderful deals on toys and things during the next few weeks and after the holidays. It is a great time to buy a few extra items to put into your gift closet so you are prepared for those last minute party invitations next year.
The second sheet is just for organizing your holiday shopping list. There is space to jot down names, what it is you purchased, your actual spent vs budgeted amount and a checkbox for when you have completed your shopping for that person.
Hopefully this is a little motivation to start really planning your wish list and to establish a budget ahead of time… 46 days and counting!
I’m wondering about recipts and return policies. Usually I give a gift recipt so the person can return it if they want. Do you do that? Some stores have a time limit on returns like 30 days. What’s your advice in this regard? Thanks and I appreciate all the help
Thanks for these! I also shop throughout the year for Christmas. I think this cuts down on the stress both financially & timewise.
I will use the first sheet this next year to keep notes (by the month) on some bigger purchases I hope to make (furniture, cell phone, etc). I found a “best times to buy” listing a while back & I will fill in these items on the list so I am sure to keep my eyes open at the best times for these bigger items.
Jenny- I try to tape the receipt to the package in case I find a better price. I usually shop at Target and places like that, which have awesome return policies. A gift receipt is a great idea and I guess just see what the return policy is. That is probably a downside to planning ahead because if you buy it in Jan and then return it in Dec- that probably won’t work 🙂
Great tips!!! You are so organized!! I love the calendar idea and the gift list in the closet where you keep everything is Genius!
I do the same thing with christmas every year but never thought to do it for eveything else, GREAT IDEA!! I will definately be using this tip from now on thank you, such a wonderful tip that I’m sure will save me time and money from now on . There’s nothing I hate more than having to rush to a store last minute for a birthday gift and trying to hunt down a last minute deal (which usually isn’t that great of a deal) So Thank you again.
I love it! Thank you – what a great idea! I definitely try to buy Christmas and birthday gifts early but I have never been as organized at you. They are mostly stuffed in some box in the storage room and I forget what I have and buy two gifts for the same person and other craziness.
You’re fab Charlene, thanks!