Last week I got the two layby's off, that I had put on two months ago.
So that is the three little ones mostly done.
Why do I shop now?????
It started years ago, when my older kids were younger. I would go and put a layby on in the June toy sales.
I would do this as their birthdays were in January, February and March. In doing this majority was done and I didn't have to panic.
It also means that when the new year rolls around I am able to start early.
Now with more kids, our birthdays all fall from September - May. So I have four months that are free.
I sit down with a piece of paper and draw up a plan and just write down some ideas.
I put the price next to the item to keep track of how much I have spent on each person.
I also add in the niece and nephews....'
The piece of paper is then kept in my wallet, easy to check what I already have. And I add to the list as I buy the items....
So that is the three little ones mostly done.
Why do I shop now?????
It started years ago, when my older kids were younger. I would go and put a layby on in the June toy sales.
I would do this as their birthdays were in January, February and March. In doing this majority was done and I didn't have to panic.
It also means that when the new year rolls around I am able to start early.
Now with more kids, our birthdays all fall from September - May. So I have four months that are free.
I sit down with a piece of paper and draw up a plan and just write down some ideas.
I put the price next to the item to keep track of how much I have spent on each person.
I also add in the niece and nephews....'
The piece of paper is then kept in my wallet, easy to check what I already have. And I add to the list as I buy the items....
 this is an old plan for the kids |  |
Then when I do the grocery shop, I just have a quick look and see what is available. Also subscribing to Target, Big W, Aldi and Kmart is a good idea, they let you known when specials are on and you get the catalogue sent straight to your inbox.
At the start of the year the shops do have toys cheap or have the last of something (which I like, it's like a one off thing) As they are trying to get rid of stock before the toy sales.
I have found over the last few years that the toy sales don't have the one off toys any more.
If you are past the point of buying toys, you can still write up how much you want to spend on each person and set up a Christmas account or a separate savings account.
Or buy gift cards for the shops you wish to buy from, to use closer to the date
Another way of doing it is to pick one person a month, buy their birthday present at the start of the month and their Christmas present at the end of the month.
With a plan you can also keep an eye out for things and you might get them on sale.
I leave electrical things to close to Christmas or the birthday as possible, just for the warranty (as it is usually one year)
Where do I store all the items?????
Again when the older ones were younger, I set up a present box...at the top of my WIR. I figured if I could just reach it they couldn't.
When I run out of room in the boxes, I then go into suitcases and at the top of my son's or daughters room.
Bigger items are stored in the shed.....
At the start of the year the shops do have toys cheap or have the last of something (which I like, it's like a one off thing) As they are trying to get rid of stock before the toy sales.
I have found over the last few years that the toy sales don't have the one off toys any more.
If you are past the point of buying toys, you can still write up how much you want to spend on each person and set up a Christmas account or a separate savings account.
Or buy gift cards for the shops you wish to buy from, to use closer to the date
Another way of doing it is to pick one person a month, buy their birthday present at the start of the month and their Christmas present at the end of the month.
With a plan you can also keep an eye out for things and you might get them on sale.
I leave electrical things to close to Christmas or the birthday as possible, just for the warranty (as it is usually one year)
Where do I store all the items?????
Again when the older ones were younger, I set up a present box...at the top of my WIR. I figured if I could just reach it they couldn't.
When I run out of room in the boxes, I then go into suitcases and at the top of my son's or daughters room.
Bigger items are stored in the shed.....
the present boxes
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