" I try to get shopping done early. I set a limit for each person and I take cash out and have it in an envelope so that I dont use the credit cards and overspend. I also LOVE the dollar store in Vallejo or Fairfield to get things like stocking stuffers and gift bags. I love having a decorated house, but not the electricity bill, so when the paper puts out the list of homes, we make a map, and then go in the car one night close to Christmas and see the sights. "

" I buy books for my nieces and nephews at the Scholastic book fair at the school in September (or sometimes they have other things than books). Adults get consumable presents generally. "

" Let people know that with the economy the way it is, you're going to have to go "light" this year. Consider giving services, like a car detail. I would love to have my car detailed, and I think I would enjoy detailing someone else's care more than my own. It would cost you time, but not a lot of money. You could get your kids to help wipe windows and vacuum, too. If you have other talents, like sewing or baking, you could offer those. You could offer, for example, to bake two dozen cookies, with 5-day notice, for your sister's bake sale. I also like to give gift certificates to solid companies. Costco has 5 $20 gift certificates to Starbucks for $79! Thinking about myself, I'd much rather receive a $5 gift card for a mocha than a really ugly mass-produced Christmas ornament imported from a country that has some serious manufacturing issues. (Ahem!) Or even more than a sweater I would never wear. I think Christmas has gotten entirely out of hand. I like winemd's idea of books. Copperfields has some hilarious and beautiful small gift books.
Start with a complete list of people for whom you need to buy and write a few ideas down next to each name. With your list in hand, you are more likely to be able to stay focused instead of shopping cold, and being distracted by beautiful merchandise that doesn't match anyone on your list. Sorry to all the local merchants, but I like on-line shopping, especially with kids. Saves gas, saves meals on the road, saves headaches. I think it saves spontaneous unnecessary purchases.
Keep your purchases practical and useful, too. "

" I adore the idea of exchanging names instead of everyone receiving a huge pile of gifts/junk. Or, people pitching in to purchase something nicer for one person. "

" This year my siblings will get home baked items :) I as well shop online for nearly everything. I save money, I don't impulse buy. It helps me stay on track.

What makes Christmas at our house is the decorating of our home, baking all the goods, Christmas Carol's playing on the stereo or via cable TV :)
Of course the kids love the gifts and the gathering of family but really our Christmas Season is officially kicked off with the Napa Christmas Parade :) A long time family tradition. I guess ultimately the gifts are a fun part, but truly it's remaining true to what Christmas really means, and building solid family traditions. "

" My grandma did shopping for me and my younger sister a couple weeks ago... online! We took her to websites for Aeropostale, Abercrombie and Hollister and picked out what we wanted and she bought it for us! We had a price limit of $80, but thanks to Aeropostale's 30% off when buying online, we were able to get a lotof stuff! "

" I like on-line shopping at "stores" that allow local returns. Lands End, for example, allows you to return merchandise to Sears, I believe. I wonder if the stores Angelina lists allow the same--wouldn't surprise me. It can be frustrating to have to return via mail, stuff that isn't quite right. "

" It's always in the back of my head...

A coworker once asked my husband "How do you SAVE money"?
My husbands response was "I don't spend it!"

(The wife does!...very carefully though)

This year the kids wanted to re-decorate their bedrooms, change the theme and colors...Went to Target and got a bunch of really cute stuff on sale!

They will have to ask Santa Claus for the Wii! "

" My kids know money is tight and also that we dont need a bunch of junky toys cluttering up our house...so they asked for a trip to Marine World for Christmas.

The best part is that when you buy season passes you get free admission to the holiday themed park open now. They think that is all they are getting (the one trip in December) but they will be happy when they see those passes come Christmas morning! "

" steph-
We actually went to those stores to get our sizes and, yes, buy a few things then went back online to order more! "

" Well, Angelina, you're one smart cookie.p "

" Steph-
Thanks, but it was really my moms idea! "

" I hope none of you are packing heat when you go to Toys 'R' Us.
And don't trample the poor WalMart workers'.
They make more gifts at the North Pole, there will be one for you too...
You just might have to ask the nice Elf if there is one out back...
So just relax and if you don't get that gift you thought you needed right this second, don't start a war over it!
Is it really worth dying for??? "