What Kind of Holiday Shopper Are You?
The days are quickly dwindling down to “the day”. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday in December, there are only so many more shopping days left until those gifts need to bought.
Are you done with your holiday shopping? At the risk of people throwing tomatoes at me, I’ll admit that I’m done with my holiday shopping. In fact, I was pretty much done by mid-November. I’m the type of holiday shopper that shops all year round for Christmas presents. When I see something I know someone would like, I buy it and put it away until Christmas. Usually, by the end of November, I’m done with my holiday shopping. Yee-haa! Now all I have to do is get everything wrapped and ship out the gifts for those who live out of state.
I truly love the holidays, but I HATE dealing with crowded malls and stores. I hate standing in long lines to buy one item, pushy, impatient people trying to get to that sale item, and carrying a dozen bags back and forth to my car that I had to park two miles away from the store because the mall is so jammed packed with shoppers.
Some people love all this stuff and feel it’s part of the “holiday spirit”. In fact, I know that there are thousands of people who wait in anticipation for “Black Friday”, which is the day after Thanksgiving when all the stores are competing for sales and they offer items at ridiculously low prices to draw in the crowd. Usually, on that Black Friday, (and depending on the deals being offered) customers arrive at the store after eating their Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday and camp out until the store opens at 5 am the next morning. Then they rush into the store in hopes of grabbing their coveted item before the hundreds of other customers rushing into the store at the same time.
UGH. I see this scenario on TV every Black Friday and I just shudder and shake my head. To 
me, those “deals” (and some are phenomenal!) just aren’t worth the trouble – not to mention the pushing, shoving, and the risk of being trampled! However, I know there are people out there who do this every single year and love the thrill of getting the item they wanted at an unbeatable price. But not me. I wouldn’t be caught dead shopping on the day after Thanksgiving – even if they were giving stuff away for free!
So now Black Friday has come and gone, and for most people they didn’t buy all their gifts on that one day. Some will purchase their gifts during the weeks leading up to the holiday, and then there are others (like my FATHER!), who waits until the day or two before Christmas to venture out and find my mother her present. And sometimes, because he waits until the last minute, he doesn’t find what he wants (because everything has been picked over) and comes home grouchy and swearing at the crowd of pushing and shoving customers he had to deal with. Well, this could have been avoided if he’d just started his shopping a few weeks earlier!
Again, there are some people who love shopping on those last few days before Christmas, and I just don’t get it. Never have, never will. But hey, all the power to those of you who are brave enough (i.e. crazy enough
I do have to admit, that even though I *believe* all my shopping is done, I inevitably forget to buy a gift for someone. In that case, there’s the internet (which is how I did most of my shopping this year!). I love buying what I need without ever leaving the house, and having it delivered a few days later. Ahhh, for me that’s pure luxury! And if it’s too late to order something over the internet, I’m a firm believer in gift cards – tuck one of those babies into a card and wha-laa, instant gift!
So, what kind of shopper are you? Are you like me and get all your shopping done before December, or do you wait until the last minute and fight the crowds?
I am a procrastinator, so a little bit of both would be my response - for the later gifts, the internet, or even gift cards. I know there are people out there who think gift cards are lame gifts, but you can really get some great ones out there - spa/massage, dining, Best Buy, bookstores, etc. I for one love to receive them, and so do several of my friends - it gives us permission to buy what we want, and to avoid getting something we already have. I might even spend a little more because it’s well worth saving the time and aggravation LOL.
Comment by Stacy ~ — December 7, 2006 @ 7:24 am
I look year round for gifts. It makes it so much easier. I’m almost done!
Although, I was at the outlets by midnight when they opened Thanksgiving night and at the mall on Black Friday. I remembered to buy for other people
Happy Holidays!
Comment by Yolanda — December 7, 2006 @ 9:06 am
I’m almost finished. I have gotten most of my gifts over the internet. I did buy a few in November and just have 1 day of shopping left(next Friday I actually have to go to the mall…not too excited about it either). I would already be finished, but my dad will not shop, so he pays me to do his shopping for him. I too am one of those who shops on “Black Friday”. It’s really more of a tradition for my sister and me than actual shopping. I did get some really good deals, but didn’t really buy any Christmas gifts(found a great i-pod dock at Target for me). My sister tries to finish off all of her kids gifts in that one day. Sounds crazy, but we have so much fun on that day(one of the few times during the years we are together without kids). Happy Holidays everyone!!!
Comment by Liza — December 7, 2006 @ 9:33 am
I wish I was as organized as you!! But this year I’m doing pretty good, I only have a few gifts left to buy.
Comment by Theresa N. — December 7, 2006 @ 9:45 am
I start my shopping the day after Christmas, so by Black Friday, I am at least half way done. There are always those people I tear my hair out trying to figure out what to get. I have decided that gift cards are the greatest invention when it comes to that- one for dinner out and some movie tix are my standbys. Especially great when it is a family gift and you give them a night out which can be expensive.
I usually shop on Black Friday but we were in manhattan this year so I didn’t bother. Even I won’t fight the crowds there.:thumbsdown:
I am down to 2 people to buy for and for once I am not beating my head on a wall wondering what to get hubby. We usually just buy what we want when we want it throughout the year,so it gets tough. Since I got out of the gurad 3 years ago, I have been asking for my pistol permit (he can pay for it), and I am still waiting.
does anyone else out there get “ignored” with what they ask for as opposed to what they get??
Comment by ev — December 7, 2006 @ 9:48 am
I am another big proponent of internet shopping! I am just about finished and I’d say I got about 75% of my stuff online. My hubby calls every day and asks if my boyfriend (the UPS guy) has brought me my stack of presents for the day.
Comment by Leslie — December 7, 2006 @ 10:14 am
I have to admit it. I’m a Black Friday addict. I live for this day. I don’t, however, use this one day to buy all of my presents. I’m usually most of the way done by the time Black Friday arrives. That way, I feel less pressure to buy a certain number of gifts and I can concentrate on shopping strategy for the particular items I want. I actually talked my hubby into going with me this year. He did and we were in line at Kohl’s at 3:30 a.m. Needless to say, it was his first and last time. I figured I’d heard it all when it comes to cuss words (my hubby wrote the dictionary), but he managed to surprise me with a few, making the entire experience educational, as well as fun. For the rest of my gifts? I LOVE to internet shop. Happy Holidays!
Comment by Kimberly Raye — December 7, 2006 @ 10:28 am
I do some shopping during the year, mostly on trips — when we travel (not nearly often enough) we pick up things for gifts that we couldn’t get at home. Then, I also make quilts of various sizes and uses that always count as gifts. But as for shopping, no, I don’t like crowds at all. I don’t really even like shopping much, frankly. I make a list, I have it organized, I know where I need to go, and I go at 8am on Monday or Tuesday because no one is out and I get what I need quickly and get home. Everything else is done online.
I love wrapping presents, though — that’s far more fun and Christmassy for me than shopping…
Sam
Comment by Sam Hunter — December 7, 2006 @ 10:33 am
I have most everything bought ahead of time.
that one will have to wait until next year.
I did order most online. Especially the popular items , you know the ipod Nano’s that had to be in a certain color. If I can get my hand on a Nintendo Wii my kids would love me forever.
My problem people to buy gift for are my mother and my husband.
My husband usually buys stuff for his motorcycle when he see it and we call it birthday or Christmas. But oh wow! my mom is super hard to buy a gift for. :doggie: I’ll probably have a lump on my head form banging it againt the wall before Christmas time is over.
Comment by Gigi — December 7, 2006 @ 10:33 am
Because I worked retail for ten years (upscale jewelry store) I tend to avoid the malls at all costs. I start my shopping in September with an organized list (I do sometimes deviate from the list - but not often) and by Thanksgiving I am all done. I do go to the mall once between Thanksgiving and Christmas but that’s only to bring my niece’s to see Santa. That trip is a multi purpose trip. I remember why I avoid the malls, the girls get to see Santa, and I get my fix of the decorations and the hustle bustle of the holiday shoppers.
This year I had several big ticket items that I was able to find on line at great specials. To me that was better than any Black Friday day of shopping.
So, it is with delight that I say I am finished shopping and Merry Christmas to all.
Comment by Barbara-Jo — December 7, 2006 @ 10:43 am
I have a few more to buy. I do some shopping online and it is a lot easier than fighting the crowds.
Comment by Crystal B. — December 7, 2006 @ 10:43 am
I shop throughout the year for Christmas and birthdays. If I see a nice present for my sister or my best friend, I’ll buy it then (that is if I have money
). I buy gifts months before Christmas, and keep them stored up till the time comes =) Saves a lot of last minute panic 
Comment by Bel — December 7, 2006 @ 10:44 am
My deadline for shopping is Thanksgiving. Most of my husband’s family believes in NOT shopping until the last minute (I don’t know why because they have to ship our presents to us two states away). They also will NOT give us lists until the last minute so I can’t do my shopping. They also do NOT believe in ‘wish lists”. I am still puzzled by this because why not ask for what you want and not have to deal with returns. Obviously, I have issues….They also don’t believe in gift cards. I, for one, LOVE gift cards. It gives the recipiant an opportunity to buy what they either NEED or DESIRE without guilt. Also, I don’t know what they have and don’t have. It saves them the energy of getting something either they have and have to return or don’t want. Again, I probably have lots of issues going on there.
ev, we seem to have the same hubby. I offered to get my hubby’s presents for me and he turned me down.
I did a TON of shopping on ebay and online this year. It’s just too tough to go to the mall. I have to go again this weekend to return some jeans for my son and I am DREADING it. It’s almost worth me losing the shipping costs. I also decided to pamper myself this year. When I placed a big BN order this year, I got books for me (thanks to my winning Janelle’s contest). I also saved some other gift certificates and used them when I placed orders for others. I decided that I needed to take care of ME (that sounds so self-centered).
Comment by katie — December 7, 2006 @ 10:46 am
I have done most of my shopping online this year. Most of my family is going to Disney right after Christmas so we are not exchanging gifts this year. But I still had to buy for my daughter and step son, and of course my husbands family. I hate waiting until the last minute, and before I had my daughter I admit I would go out on black Friday. I got an incredible deal on my DirecTv satelite dish and receivers plus free installation 4 years ago. I mean with the rebate EVERYTHING was free!! So I made out like a bandit.
My husband on the other hand is one of those guys running around on Christmas Eve!
Comment by Kelly — December 7, 2006 @ 11:51 am
I finished up the last of my shopping over the weekend. That is a little later than I usually finish but I’m not complaining since I was able to get exactly what I was looking for. I absolutely love shopping online no crowds, lines or pushing and a big bonus is my UPS guy is a hunk!
Comment by Susan — December 7, 2006 @ 11:56 am
I am normally a bit of both. I pick up gifts throughout the year, then at Christmas head out for just or two items. Then I end up finding other items for people that I have already bought for and forgotten about. Then I start to wrap and have like 4 gifts for one person and none for someone else and have to go out again.
However, this year I have only one gift each for my two kids. It has been the hardest year, we have had in a while. The emergencies just keep mounting.
So, I have decided to give a card with warm wishes indicating that my family and I will say a special prayer for them as their holiday gift.
Have a super day.
Comment by Debbie — December 7, 2006 @ 12:14 pm
Late, I always wait until after X-Mas
Comment by Qua — December 7, 2006 @ 12:25 pm
I do like to shop on Christmas eve. Not for anything I really need but just for fun and to have a coffee all by myself in the food court at the mall. I guess that makes me a people watcher and it gets me into the spirit of things. I did all my shopping this year on the internet. “I love how I could get scarfs at the beannie store personalized. I got one for everyone,” she says hitting the “that was easy button” on her desk.
Comment by jeannie — December 7, 2006 @ 12:29 pm
I’m like Leslie… I shop online. With the exception of just one or two small gifts and stocking stuffers, I have bought everything online! Life is great! I come home, there are boxes on my front steps (I live in the middle of nowhere so there’s no danger of it being stolen), and I just have to wrap them! Sweet!
Lara
Comment by Lara — December 7, 2006 @ 2:50 pm
I’m a middle shopper. I start before, I shop on Black Friday and afterwards. I am 98% finished. I also do so much online I don’t know what we did before the Internet! My thing is that I’m never done shopping b/c I love it, LOL. OTOH, b/c Hanukkah USUALLY comes early, it forces me to finish before Christmas which is a plus re: the crowds. And b/c offices shut down, I get my business gifts finished early too, so those can be mailed the week after Thanksgiving. As for my friends, I’m still buying and thinking .. HAHAHAHA!
Comment by Carly — December 7, 2006 @ 2:59 pm
I think that the internet is the greatest inventions ever when it comes to shopping. I love it. However, the internet is very, very bad when it comes to procrastinating — I can spend HOURS surfing the net for nothing at all!
Comment by Janelle — December 7, 2006 @ 3:33 pm
Janelle: I totally understand about the internet being great for shopping. I have realized my weakness is EBAY. They have EVERYTHING and anything that I could ever think of geez.
I just made a big purchase of paper goods for one of my son’s birthdays (it’s in early, early January), so no running out to the party goods store for me! Plus, since it was such a big order, I got no shipping!
Comment by katie — December 7, 2006 @ 3:54 pm
I do not shop for gifts. We just have a family dinner. When we gave gifts, I shopped all year long. You could not pay me to shop the day after Thanksgiving!
Comment by Estella — December 7, 2006 @ 4:12 pm
It totally stresses me until I’ve finished. I don’t want to think about it ’til after Thanksgiving though and usually I can’t seem to get motivated until we get our first snow (which happened to be today) and it feels more like the right time of year.
Comment by catslady — December 7, 2006 @ 5:31 pm
I only have to buy for my two grandchildren, because we do not buy for the adults and have not for a few years now. This year I am opting out for Gift Certificates for them, because they are just at the age where I have a hard time figuring out what they want……….I know, I know it is the chicken’s way out, but I cannot stand crowds and since they have to be mailed, the postage charges would kill me and I could just add extra to their gift certicates. I will cook dinner for my parents and sister who is here, and for the rest it will be very low keyed………
Comment by Cryna — December 7, 2006 @ 5:53 pm
Cryna: Don’t worry about gift certificates..I think they are perfect for people. I totally agree…why spend extra postage, when they can have exactly what they want and get a lot more!!!!
Comment by katie — December 7, 2006 @ 6:10 pm
Katie- I asked hubby if he knew what he was getting me yet and he said I hadn’t told him!!
Any of the posts on other sites I have read,most seniors think that gift cards are wonderful- they don’t need anything else to dust or find space for, orclothes that aren’t their style or don’t fit so they have to return them. G/c’s to their favorite restaurants, grocery stores or even services that they use (or could use) seem to be what they really, really like.
Comment by ev — December 7, 2006 @ 6:35 pm
ev, My hubby ASKED me, “what do you want?”. I made a list and said, “I REALLY want these things AND anything from my online wish list is good.’ So, what DOES HE NOT get me….the stuff on the list that I had to spend time on because he specifically asked for. DUH. ev, keep telling your hubby about what you want. I told him I would get the things I wanted MYSELF. It’s not that hard….that’s when I told him maybe he needs to give me a budget and I will be happy to buy my own stuff.
I love gift cards (and I am not that old!) because they can pick out exactly what they want. I get so tired of exchanging my son’s presents after Christmas (so, maybe one toy under the tree and then a gift card). I hate going into TOYS R US and then, getting garbage from my in laws because my boys don’t use the toys they got them (they already have it or don’t like it). I think I need a gift certificate to a shrink for my in law issues….LOL! I am SOOOO off topic.
Comment by katie — December 7, 2006 @ 7:01 pm
I am pretty much done, too. I did the whole thing on the internet this year, just had to hunt down some stocking stuffers, and that was easy and painless. I don’t like the crowds, or the jammed parking lots, and the intersections backed up for blocks…wow, I really did do good this year.
Comment by cathy — December 7, 2006 @ 8:29 pm
I am so not a shopper. Malls? Target? They give me hives, lol. I’ll do anything to avoid hitting the stores. Thank God for the web.
Comment by jill — December 8, 2006 @ 11:32 am
I shop all year as well, so I am pretty much done. I love the clearence sales that pop up and have gotten some fun stuff. I am also a big fan of amazon.com. My husband is wiggin’ cuz he has not even started yet and I am the only one he shops for. I cover everybody else. I offered to go on line and pick out a few things for myself and he resisted at first but now he is cool with it. I just have a few small things to get here and there.
Comment by Sue Mont — December 8, 2006 @ 4:12 pm
I’m a last minute shopper myself, much to my family’s chagrin, but oh well…they get their gifts, don’t they? And you will never see me shopping on Black Friday again…
Comment by Dylan — December 8, 2006 @ 7:29 pm
I’m an online shopper. Not to mention a catalog shopper. Hopefully, anything I want to buy can be found there. Lately, I’ve been marketing the company for which I’m a Consultant (www.barefootparties.com/celisecolston) to encourage people to buy online instead of hitting the malls.
This time, though, I’ll be hitting the grocery store. Because there, I can now get gift cards. Yay!
Comment by Celise — December 9, 2006 @ 8:00 pm