Why I do Christmas Shopping in September
If you want to actually be able to enjoy the holiday season, give this gifting strategy a try. It might become next new favorite tradition.
I’ve been using a one-day Christmas shopping and wrapping strategy for about six years now, and it has made the holiday season much more enjoyable. Instead of being overwhelmed by last-minute tasks, I dedicate the last weekend of September to buying gifts for the kids, wrapping everything—including Santa presents—and getting ahead of the holiday rush. This is made slightly easier by the fact that the kids go to their dad’s place every other weekend so I schedule this time when they are totally out of the house.
Why do Christmas Shopping Early?
The beauty of doing this in September is that stores are already stocked with Christmas decorations and gift wrap, but it’s not yet the height of the holiday season. This means:
No crowds or parking issues—you can shop in peace.
Sales are available—you’ll find good deals without the frenzy of December.
It’s a stress-reliever—you get to enjoy the holiday season, not spend it panicking at the last minute.
Plus, if you buy things and wrap them for yourself, it will be a nice surprise for you in December! At least it is for me because I always forget.
The Importance of a Plan
Before shopping day, I keep an ongoing list of gift ideas for the kids in my phone throughout the year. When the day comes:
Make a Budget and List: Stick to what’s practical. I detail my gift strategy in another blog, but having a plan is key.
Gift Logistics: Consider where you'll store and hide the gifts after you buy them—this is critical if you’re wrapping early!
Schedule the Day: I block out the entire weekend since the kids are with their dad, giving me time to shop and wrap without interruptions.
My Christmas Shopping Routine
On the morning of shopping day, I start with a hearty breakfast to keep me energized. Here’s my step-by-step approach:
Limit Store Visits: I stick to two or three key stores, usually TK Maxx for bargains and the department stores where I’ve already identified what I want. Visiting too many stores can become exhausting and overwhelming.
Stick to the Plan: While it’s tempting to browse, staying focused helps conserve energy.
Stocking Stuffers: I fill the stockings with fun snacks and candies, perfect for enjoying during our holiday movie tradition.
Buying Ornaments: Each year, I purchase two special ornaments for the kids, which they can keep when they’re older.
Wrapping the Gifts
Once home, I take a break, eat lunch, and relax before diving into the wrapping. My wrapping process includes:
Choosing Gift Wrap: I use specific wrap for the Santa presents and different paper for the gifts from me.
Consideration for Santa Gifts: There’s a growing trend of making Santa gifts simpler so kids don’t feel left out if someone else receives something extravagant.
Marking Gifts: I use a Sharpie for the presents from me and a different pen (with different handwriting) for Santa’s gifts. This helps me avoid mix-ups.
I always clean up as I go to prevent a huge mess. Also, I make notes on where I’ve hidden the gifts to avoid forgetting anything later.
Wrapping Tradition: TV and Scandal Season 6
When it’s time to wrap, I have a personal tradition of watching Scandal Season 6. It’s nostalgic for me, as I’ve done it every year since I started this strategy, and it makes the whole process enjoyable.
Post-Wrapping Routine
After everything is wrapped and hidden, I tidy up—store any remaining wrapping paper, dispose of trash, and make sure the Santa wrap is completely hidden. Now, I can officially start celebrating the holiday season!
Ordering for Family and Friends
While I focus on my kids’ gifts in September, I handle gifts for family and friends starting mid-November. I live in Australia and my family is in California. To avoid high postage costs, I prefer ordering consumable gifts from local companies in their area. This way, the money goes toward a meaningful gift rather than shipping. Lately I’ve been buying them food from cities that I’ve just visited. For example, one year it was Portillo’s and deep dish pizza from Chicago, another year it was baked goods from New York.
Final Thoughts: Stress-Free Holidays
By following this one-day strategy, I’m able to relax and fully enjoy the holiday season. No more last-minute gift wrapping at 1 AM (where’s the tape! what do you mean it needs batteries!) or crowded shopping trips in December. If you’re tired of holiday stress, give this approach a try and reclaim your Christmas spirit!
Top Tips for Completing Your Holiday Shopping Early:
Plan and budget ahead.
Limit your shopping locations.
Use Santa wrap and your wrap strategically.
Make notes of where you hide gifts.
Don’t forget to treat yourself to a good meal after!