Tip #2 – Don’t make any purchase for the kids without making the Master List
My Christmas prep completely changed a few years ago when I realized I had 2 kids and needed to try and make things at least look equal and now with 3 kids it is even trickier. We still sorta lump most of the boys gifts together since they mainly ask for big tickets sports gifts (ex. basketball goals, soccer goals, etc) but there are definitely individual gifts as well. I had been trying FlyLady’s house cleaning system for a while and when her lists came out at Christmas it was perfect for me.
Instead of random purchases all fall and then ending up with 8 gifts for one kid and 1 for another and just scrambling the week before buying random things, I first transfer all my ideas I have stored on my phone to the lists. Then I can see where I need to edit and save some ideas for birthdays or need to start brainstorming to come up with some additional gifts.
Here is a picture of my list for the boys from last year. I did not purchase everything on the list, this is a place to put everything you think may be a good idea so you can then edit and add items. I only purchased the items with checkmarks.
And from 2013.
I have lists for Britton too and I also have a page for all other people on our list.
All my lists are saved each year so I can go back and look at what they received. It is almost like a memory for a baby book. 🙂 I have the lists back to 2011 and the toys were so cute and much less expensive back then. I am planning to go back through these lists and give a recap for Hits and Misses of toys so you can benefit from our experience with the toys.
Next week with 8 Tips for Easier Christmas Prep, I’ll talk about my big mistake of waiting until Cyber Monday last year to make my purchases. I’d love to hear if you use Master Lists?
Hey Thanks for sharing such a wonderful tips.
Hi Carolyn,
I used to use a list too but I never kept them. I should have done that because I remember breaking my head trying to remember what we got the kids for Christmas the year before.
I just might start keeping a list for my grandsons. Thanks for the idea! Can’t wait to read your next tip. Hope you had a great Monday!
Cori
I haven’t used lists yet, but I think I might have to this year. I have 3-year-old twins and a 6-year-old. Last year, the twins didn’t really care about how many gifts, but this year I’m sure they all will be checking out each others’. Thanks for the tip!
This is a great tip (and a great series!). I don’t do this usually (and always regret it). My daughter is so much easier to buy for than my son so we always end up holding gifts back from her and giving them on her birthday instead (January) to make it even, lol. I definitely should try it this way this year!