I know, school just started back and it’s only September.  I mean, it’s still in the 90s here in Dallas.  But the holidays will be here before we know it.  I’ve already started stockpiling the gifts I will need for my loved ones.  In an ideal world, I like to buy them throughout the year whenever something strikes my fancy for someone.  But life doesn’t always work like that.  So advanced planning for the holidays can really save time and headaches (and possibly even money!).

Our first topic is Holiday Gifts.  We’ll get to meals and travel later.

Planning the gifts you give

Truthfully, this is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season – giving gifts to my family and friends and coworkers.  Sometimes I track ingredients if I’ve planning handmade gifts, but mostly I track what I am giving to whom.  I love this gift tracker.  I usually have at least two in my planner, one for birthday gifts throughout the year and of course one for the holidays.

Organizing the gifts you receive

This part is a little harder for me.  Sometimes I don’t know what to do with the gifts that I receive.  I love that someone thought of me and wanted to give me something, and I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings.  But what to do with it now?  It needs a place to call its own, not to mention any maintenance that might come with said gift.

I’ve tried to shift some folks to donations in my name or “experience” gifts but not everyone accepts these shifts.

I’m a big fan of experience gifts — a day trip somewhere, a special meal out, or tickets to an event.  Some of these gifts are not available right now in light of the ongoing pandemic, but it can be done.  My mom and I like packing car picnics and taking drives in the area where she lives around Austin.

However you want to plan your gift-giving and organize your gift-receiving, make sure you have the right tools at your fingertips!