# Christmas Shopping **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 9, 2002, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061 "2002-11-09T20:25:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2002, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/1 "2002-11-09T20:25:45Z")
**"But it’s not even Thanksgiving yet!"** I know what I’m getting my mom and her husband. I know what I’m getting my sister, BIL and nephew. I have an idea what I’m getting for my best **fiend**. Today I shopped for my friend of the female persuasion (but not “girlfriend”). I’m going for a “theme” gift this year. Since she lives out on the cold, wet Olympic Peninsula, I’m giving her the following (all from [REI](http://www.rei.com), one of my favourite stores): A green [candle lantern](http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=4495&parent_category_rn=4500586) with a reflector to direct the beam and another one that fits on top to direct the light down, plus spare 9-hour candles; A clear REI Thermo Mug; A box of Oregon Chai instant spiced chai latte mix A cylinder of Hit sandwich biscuits; One each Land-O-Lakes Chocolate Supreme, Chocolate and Hazelnut, and French Vanilla cocoa mix; A [Woolrich fleece throw](http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47566232&parent_category_rn=11549375) (the Loden one); And just for fun, a red REI whistle keyring. Her birthday is this month, so I got her some Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almonds (the _best_ candy in the world, IMO). I’ll probably get her a DVD as well. As for the other people I mentioned; I know what I’m giving them, so it’s just a matter of getting the goods. I might actually be done shopping within a week! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2002, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/2 "2002-11-09T20:31:53Z")
Oh, yeah. I’ve also bought [Christmas crackers](http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/home.html) for everyone as well, plus some extras to spread around at work. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![evilbeth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/evilbeth/32/2268_2.png) [@evilbeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evilbeth)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2002, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/3 "2002-11-09T20:46:19Z")
In the interest of taking up less space in my house before Christmas Day and in the car when transporting gifts, this year I developed the container idea. What this means is that in general, everyone will receive one package from us. Inside that package will be a container holding all the other gifts for that person. For example, hubby’s mom wanted a new workout bag so we got her one and inside it we included some jewelry, some decorative things for her kitchen, some of her favorite candy and a couple other thngs. That way, I only have to transport one gift package for her but she still gets all the stuff we got for her. Of course, coming up with a useful container for each person is the hard part! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2002, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/4 "2002-11-09T20:56:00Z")
I’m sort-of doing a container thing for my Hoquiam friend. The blanket will be in a wrapped box. The candle lantern and accessories (and, I guess, the whistle) will be in a wrapped box. The hot cocoa mix, chai mix, and mug will be in a wrapped box. Then all of these wrapped boxes will be in a wrapped box. ---
**Author:** ![chique](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@chique](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chique)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/5 "2002-11-10T01:02:50Z")
My method of Christmas shopping is going to the Mall of America two weekends after Thanksgiving. Mostly cos I never have any idea what I’m going to get anyone til I walk past something in a store…and the megamaul has a **lot** of stores. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/6 "2002-11-10T01:06:22Z")
I’ve got mom’s present, but no one else’s. Which could become problematic with that whole no-income thing going on. I could call my presence at the family gathering present enough for everyone (I am, after all, me). 😃 No, I’ll shop eventually, but it’ll be little things - perhaps a DVD each for two of the brothers, something for oldest bro, something for his wife and something for dad. See, all planned out. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/7 "2002-11-10T01:06:28Z")
I’ve been accumulating stuff for a while to avoid holiday shopping. For my bro: a set of games. For niece 1: jewelry. Niece 2: makeup or perfume. SIL: crystal clock. SIL’s mom: candles. Cousin and family: candles Cousin’s kids: toys for the little boy, bracelets for his older sister. Friend: insulated cooler bag friend: purse friend: Trader Joe’s gift certificate Mom and dad: automatic garage door opener or maybe a DVD player; and a movie or two friend: ornaments friend: fruit candy I have additional stuff in case there’s anyone I forget or if someone gives me something and I wasn’t expecting it. ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/8 "2002-11-10T01:08:16Z")
I have to send things overseas. Gotta get started; all the stuff I’ve collected so far is for people in the US. The easy one, my kid, is almost all done for. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/9 "2002-11-10T01:13:41Z")
i usually get ornaments for people. they usually fit and no one has returned one yet. if you go to the gift stores of museums you can find unusual ornaments and the gift stores are rarely crowded. ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/10 "2002-11-10T03:23:55Z")
rockingchair, I use that suggestion at work when we have a gift exchange. The ornaments usually cost less than $10.00 and everyone likes them. ( I suppose observant Jews and Muslims wouldn’t particularly care for them, but I can only be so thoughtful.) For my immediate family, I go to the [www.harryanddavid.com](http://www.harryanddavid.com) website where I send each member their own basket of candies, fruits, and other goodies. In about fifteen minutes, every gift is purchased, gift cards are attached, and I’m grateful I don’t have to go to a mall during the holidays. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/11 "2002-11-10T03:45:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by medstar \* > \*\*For my immediate family, I go to the [www.harryanddavid.com](http://www.harryanddavid.com) website where I send each member their own basket of candies, fruits, and other goodies. In about fifteen minutes, every gift is purchased, gift cards are attached, and I’m grateful I don’t have to go to a mall during the holidays. \*\* Hmmm…if it weren’t for the location you’ve got there, I’d wonder if you were my aunt. We get Harry and David stuff every year from them - I especially enjoy the yearly pamphlet on “caring and storage of your nuts”. Call me juvenile, but every year it amuses me to no end. ---
**Author:** ![Flamsterette\_X](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/41988e/32.png) [@Flamsterette\_X](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flamsterette_X)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/12 "2002-11-10T08:49:01Z")
Well, I don’t really know what I’ll be getting most people on my list. I don’t generally buy a lot of gifts for people I know, but they do get cards. 🙂 Thank goodness I have my brother’s gift already: the _This is Spinal Tap_ movie, which is one of his favorites. As for other people who I do get gifts for, it’ll probably be along the lines of candy / candles / inexpensive presents. Since I also believe in treating myself, I’ll probably get something for me. 😃 (no, I’m not being narcissistic or anything like that… but why not treat yourself once in a while?) F\_X ---
**Author:** ![Kayeby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de0a6/32.png) [@Kayeby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kayeby)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/13 "2002-11-10T14:11:17Z")
I’ll be in Taiwan for Christmas so I’ll probably be buying all my presents overseas - clothes and funky electronic gizmos for everyone! The only thing is I can’t return it if they don’t like it. I would buy myself a Christmas present, but my credit card and I have been buying myself presents all year. :o ---
**Author:** ![Moxmaiden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@Moxmaiden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moxmaiden)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/14 "2002-11-10T15:26:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*Oh, yeah. I’ve also bought [Christmas crackers](http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/home.html) for everyone as well, plus some extras to spread around at work. 🙂 \*\* I want some of those, but they don’t sell the cool ones here in the USA. ☹ Anyone want to volunteer to send me some for Christmas? In response to the OP, I only have one more gift to buy and just have to finish addressing the cards. Then I have to wrap, but I will have everything done by Dec. 1. The holidays are going to be FUN this year. Happy Holidays!!! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/15 "2002-11-10T18:30:18Z")
**Moxmaiden** : You can order from the site I linked. Or, your local British shop should carry them. [Ye Olde King’s Head Gift Shoppe](http://www.yeoldekingshead.com/shoppe.html) told me a couple of months ago that they should start getting their crackers in during early November. (Note: The “crackers” on their web page are the kind that you eat – not the kind that pop. You’ll want to ring them or send them an e-mail.) ---
**Author:** ![Intaglio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/71e660/32.png) [@Intaglio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intaglio)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/16 "2002-11-10T19:23:08Z")
I have also started my Christmas shopping, I usually have no idea for people, My husband Tranquilis (is hard to shop for because he says) “Oh whatever or I don’t need anything”. But, this year I know what to get, for Tranquilis and our daughter (She is usually easy). Other people I usually get Ornaments. Maybe this year I won’t go broke, shopping early. ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/17 "2002-11-10T19:52:16Z")
I haven’t even thought about who is on my list, let alone thought about gifts!!! Except for my sister and mother, which I’ve had something planned for for a while…but that was because it was intended as a birthday gift, and I never got around to it! I won’t be doing any shopping until after finals anyways—I finish the 12th of December, so I have plenty of time. ---
**Author:** ![lauramarlane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a5b964/32.png) [@lauramarlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lauramarlane)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/18 "2002-11-10T20:19:17Z")
I always do my Christmas shopping early–something my mom ingrained in me. I don’t start right after Christmas like she did, but I just hate being at the mall at Christmas time. Nothing sucks the holiday spirit right out of you like being jammed like vienna sausages into Filenes with a bunch of other hostile, sweaty holiday shoppers. The past few years, I’ve gotten a lot of it done online. Thank god for amazon, [bn.com](http://bn.com), vermontcountrystore.com–what a time saver! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2002, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/19 "2002-11-22T18:38:15Z")
Okay, so I’ve been slacking. I’ve only bought one gift since I posted this thread (aside from a birthday present for my Hoquiam friend). I got my mom and her husband a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label. I got them a bottle last year, but they haven’t opened it yet. They’re saving it for a “special occasion”, but no occasion has been special enough. Blue Label costs about five times what the Red Label costs, and they don’t want to waste it. But what good is a gift if they don’t make use of it and enjoy it? So by getting them another bottle, they can enjoy the one I got them last year. ---
**Author:** ![Gravity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gravity/32/14322_2.png) [@Gravity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gravity)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2002, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061/20 "2002-11-22T18:53:02Z")
Actually, I hit the eBay buy-it-nows pretty hard this morning for christmas gifts. Before today - nothing, now - about 1/2 done. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shopping/136061.md?page=2)