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Christmas shopping - when where and how?

We wanted to know how, when and where you do your Christmas shopping! Do you plan ahead, or are you rushing around the local shopping centre in a panic on Christmas Eve? And are you buying online or do you like to see what you are buying in the flesh?

From what you told us, Christmas shoppers are split between those who plan and buy carefully throughout the year, and those who save it all up until December. And then there are those of you that try to plan, but invariably end up buying everything at the last minute. Molly says “We try to buy or make gifts throughout the year, but we often still wind up with a mad rush in the week leading up to Christmas!”

Many of you are indeed moving online to get your Christmas shopping done. As well as avoiding the crowds, online shopping, according to kimmaree84, “allows me to get exactly what people want, and it allows me to compare prices easily without having to go to a number of different stores to do so.” And for those of you living in rural areas, online shopping often gives you access to a wider choice than local shopping options too.

Some of you have the opportunity to wait until the Christmas sales to buy gifts; particularly if you are buying for family or friends who you aren’t seeing until after Christmas, it makes sense to take advantage of the sales if you can. Other organised folk are using the post-Christmas sales to buy next year’s gifts.

Whatever your choice, it is clear that cost is top of mind for everybody. Advance planners save by spreading the cost throughout the year, and picking up bargains when they see them. Online shoppers search around for the best deals with the added advantage of avoiding the crowds. However good intentions only go so far, as the temptation gets too much for some. Jess312 says “usually buy Christmas presents a week before Christmas or a few days before because in our family, we always say that we’re not doing presents this year until one person accidentally buys them. And then everyone does last minute shopping!”

Last reply: 4th Nov 2015 / 13 replies / Post by Cafestudy Admin

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Di-zee

Posted by: Di-zee
Posted: 17th Apr 2014

Di-zee says: I generally start around September where I have an Idear who is or isn't going to be around for Christmas. Which then I plan for the ones that are going to be home and the ones that are not going to make it get a card and a couple of scratchies. Cheaper to post that way and they understand. Reply

drcrpsych

Posted by: drcrpsych
Posted: 21st Apr 2014

drcrpsych says: Online shopping has become a fav of mine, it's easy. can be done in my own time and i'm not having to deal with the push and shove of finding a carpark (which in bigger cities can take over an hour - costly in terms of fuel, time, energy and stress levels particularly if kids are in the car), negotiating the crowds, getting assistance, paying (repeat several times) and then negotiate your way back to the car this time with arms (or unruly trolley) full to the brim, exhaustion levels going thru the roof and you still have the traffic etc to negotiate before getting back to the comfort of home....
Maybe a tad antisocial, but for me it's easier to stay at my pc a bit longer (using reputable online organisations of course) and have the products delivered to the door.
BUT then again there is always the urge to embrace the Christmas spirit and join the crowds.. so a combined response provides for me a joyous and engaged experience after having done the 'main bit' over the period just before Christmas. Reply

drcrpsych

Posted by: drcrpsych
Posted: 21st Apr 2014

drcrpsych says: Online shopping has become a fav of mine, it's easy. can be done in my own time and i'm not having to deal with the push and shove of finding a carpark (which in bigger cities can take over an hour - costly in terms of fuel, time, energy and stress levels particularly if kids are in the car), negotiating the crowds, getting assistance, paying (repeat several times) and then negotiate your way back to the car this time with arms (or unruly trolley) full to the brim, exhaustion levels going thru the roof and you still have the traffic etc to negotiate before getting back to the comfort of home....
Maybe a tad antisocial, but for me it's easier to stay at my pc a bit longer (using reputable online organisations of course) and have the products delivered to the door.
BUT then again there is always the urge to embrace the Christmas spirit and join the crowds.. so a combined response provides for me a joyous and engaged experience after having done the 'main bit' over the period just before Christmas. Reply

Nellyy

Posted by: Nellyy
Posted: 21st Apr 2014

Nellyy says: Nobody in my family really needs any more 'stuff' so for the last few Christmases have been sending them a Care Australia card representing a donation to the needy, e.g. a chicken for someone living in a village in the third world. You can purchase these online from Care Australia's website. For close friends though I buy a personally meaningful gift quite close to Christmas time, usually from an actual shop. Reply

Anonymous

Posted by: Anonymous
Posted: 5th May 2014

says: I love to shop when it is Christmas , so you get people gifts or do a hamper.
Reply

Anonymous

Posted by: Anonymous
Posted: 17th May 2014

says: i start all through the year grabbing bragging along the way and stashing them for xmas time Reply

aedna

Posted by: aedna
Posted: 4th Nov 2015

aedna says: Hi, That's exactly what I do. I never know what to get people so if I come across something during the year that I feel will suit someone I buy it and store it away. If I waited until December it would no longer be in the shops or I would have forgotten where I saw it. I don't really like panic buying either. All this rush rush rush. All I have to do is wrap it up at Xmas and I'm ready to go. Reply

Sil

Posted by: Sil
Posted: 22nd May 2014

Sil says: I buy throughout the year or if a huge sale is on it when I simply see something that I know someone would love! I like being prepared & all wrapped up by end nov, so then I can concentrate on decorations. I do my absolute best to not shop in December as I can stand the hard parking & people everywhere!! Reply

Preeti

Posted by: Preeti
Posted: 3rd Jun 2014

Preeti says: I just buy gift for all my loved ones Reply

cupcake40au

Posted by: cupcake40au
Posted: 11th Jun 2014

cupcake40au says: Due to limited funds, I plan ahead with Chrisco order for the food side, and I also transfer $20 week to a special account that I don't touch til November. Then I have money to buy some gifts. Also keep an eye on sales throughout the year for bargains to put away (even as early as January sales). It works for me, but mind you I can still have the last minute rush for some people. Reply

Xenia

Posted by: Xenia
Posted: 13th Jun 2014

cupcake40au says: Due to limited funds, I plan ahead with Chrisco order for the food side, and I also transfer $20 week to a special account that I don't touch til November. Then I have money to buy some gifts. ...

Xenia says: This option has always caught my eye. Is it worthwhile or is it just the convenience that is the big selling point? Reply

cupcake40au

Posted by: cupcake40au
Posted: 13th Jun 2014

Xenia says: This option has always caught my eye. Is it worthwhile or is it just the convenience that is the big selling point?

cupcake40au says: Xenia, it is definately convenience but I also look at it as not missing the money as it is taken each week, fortnight or whatever (your choice) and u also nominate the day of week. It saves a lot of time and effort at Xmas and I would not afford to stock up with so much food. U choose which hamper best suits your needs, the price doesnt change and it is delivered to your door. I have been doing it this way for at least 10 years now and wouldnt be without it. Reply

dim

Posted by: dim
Posted: 14th Jun 2014

cupcake40au says: Xenia, it is definately convenience but I also look at it as not missing the money as it is taken each week, fortnight or whatever (your choice) and u also nominate the day of week. It saves a lot...

dim says: My husband has always been a fan of chrisco and I've got to say so am I. With all the financial stress of Xmas getting it is just one less thing you have to worry about
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