I've already begun!

My family does some organized gifts (adult children buying for parents) and the trick is having these decided upon early. End of September, latest. I am always in charge of at least one of them, and I've already bought it.

I keep close attention to off-handed remarks by my wife throughout the year about things she might want. When she says something that registers as a good potential gift, I'll go buy it right then and stash it. Even if I can't get it on sale then, what I save in worry and stress later is worth it. So, I'm usually already done with her gift(s) by early November.

There's always the mad scramble for some gifts. Every year I promise myself that I will avoid that next year...but I always wind up in the same place.

A pet-peeve of mine is that some people just refuse to use Amazon gift lists. Although, while these are helpful, they've also backfired. My mother-in-law checks people's Amazon lists but then goes off to buy it elsewhere. She forgets to report back to anyone that she's purchased something on the list, so often a duplicate gift is bought.

I admit it is hard to stay in budget. Many times, I find myself want something for me when shopping for others. Instant gratification kicks in and that's when I find myself over-budget.

I know someone who has a debit card specifically for gift purchases. She loads it up with her budget limit and vows not to add more funding. Not sure if it has worked for her (or if she'd admit it if it hasn't).

What tips can you share about shopping strategies, as well as how to stay in budget?

I subscribe to several online/catalog company e-mail specials. Periodically, I'll get an e-mail that informs me of sales or specials on certain items that may be of interest for the holiday season.

Also, in the Fall we have a family gathering to draw names for gift-giving. Each person's name is written on a piece of paper and thrown into a hat. We all draw out of the hat, and each family member then buys a gift for that family member to keep costs (and expectations) within reason. There is an unspoken dollar limit, which individuals may go over, but it is at their discretion.

I'd be interested in hearing how others handle the budget during the shopping season.