Thursday, November 18, 2010

15 IHeart: Gift Giving

Who else is incredibly giddy about the holidays?  My favorite moments are the annual traditions we partake in with the kids, their giggles, their bright eyes and their endless excitement as they count down the days to the big Christmas day celebration.

Although I try to be as organized as possible, the holidays always have a way of sneaking up on me.  I mean, BAM!  Thanksgiving is already next week people!!  Jeepers.

I totally adore all of the things that Thanksgiving represents, especially the time I get to spend with all of our family, eating delicious large quantities of food and watching hours of football and playing games.  It is always such a splendid and blessed day.

The other amazing perk of the Thanksgiving holiday, is the newspaper.  Yep, I sit anxiously waiting for our paperboy to toss that flyer stuffed paper onto the driveway, and rush out after it as if it contains stacks of lottery tickets inside.  And that is when the madness really begins.

There is no doubt about it that holiday sales really kick off the day after Thanksgiving.  I am a complete sucker for scoring all sorts of deals to make gift giving a little bit easier on the Jones family.  Which is why I sit down with my handy flyers, and this....

{click here to download your FREE copy of the Gift Giving Printable}

Oh, how this has been a true lifesaver for us.  We can sit down together, toss all the names of the fine folks we plan on giving to this year, brainstorm our gift ideas, our budget and plan out all the places we need to hit up when we head out shopping.  

This worked like a charm last year.  No last minute Christmas Eve runs to Target for this gal.... We were actually able to wrap up all of our holiday shopping early and focus all of the other amazing happenings that come with the sparkling season!  Win win!

So this year, I am giving this to you!  I hope you heart it as much as I!

Any other fun ways to prepare for all the bliss that is the holidays?  What tricks and tips do you have to stay organized {and keep your sanity in check} during the most wonderful time of the year?

Happy Holidays my blog friends! 



15 comments:

  1. What a great idea! Seriously, that's a lifesaver. You never cease to amaze me. Thanks so much!

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  2. Thanks Jen! This template is awesome. I love how colorful it is! I was just writing my gift giving guide down in a spiral notebook this year, but your template is so much more FUN!

    Jen
    www.1creativemomma.blogspot.com

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  3. Love the spreadsheet! I shared it with a couple friends. I saw a great quote today that I'd like to share regarding Thanksgiving "Thanksgiving, Not a good day to be my pants." haha...happy holidays!

    Colleen

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  4. Love the spreadsheet! I'm a total excel-aholic too, and never even thought of making a list like this! Hopefully this will keep me on track this year! Happy Holidays!!!!

    Jamie @ www.happyhousehappyhome.blogspot.com

    ps- i'm hoping to be able to submit some of my organizing projects to you soon!

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  5. Hi Jen! I just posted some gift organization ideas of my own, then I saw your post! Great minds think alike. I've just started blogging this week so the site is pretty bare, but would love for you to take a peek at some of my ideas.

    http://alittleorderinohio.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-gift-organization-ideas.html

    Love your site! Keep up the good work.

    - Lindsay

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  6. Jen, love the template! I think I'll print it and put it in my new Christmas planner that I'm making--thanks to the sisters at eighteen25 for inspiring me! They have the cutest idea (and templates, too) for a Christmas plan book, made from a composition book decorated with Christmas scrap paper. It includes envelopes for receipts and coupons, and areas for recipes, addresses for those Christmas cards, gift ideas (where I'll stick your list!) and more! I just love it, you must check it out! http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-planners.html

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  7. This is wonderful for a young family. Our children are grown so we have very few gifts to buy now, so try to make each one very special! I love your blog!!!! Please stop over to my NEW BLOG, that I just started a few nights ago! I am so excited to join the blog world;):) XO, Pinky

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  8. Thank you!! I was just about to make an organized list on paper. Thank you so much!! I love it!
    xo,
    kelly

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  9. I had something similar made up myself, but I like yours better. Thanks!
    I have an unrelated question. What are your favorite places to get organizational helpers (containers, shelves, jars, etc.)?
    Thanks!

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  10. Hi Jennifer!

    I love IKEA like crazy for inexpensive storage. They are typically my first stop for anything I am adding around the house. I also look at places like Target and Walmart for things that are pretty that can double as storage... like random bowls or glasses or canisters and baskets. Of course I adore the Container Store, but usually only splurge when they have a good sale going on. Thrift stores and craigslist are great for furniture that can be repurposed into storage units {like entertainment centers and bookshelves...}

    Hope that helps a little!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  11. This is the best blog I have found EVER!!! I am reaping tons of praise from your ideas and I have to thank you so much. I do have a few questions though. What program do you use for your spreadsheets? How are you liking your laminator?

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  12. Hi!

    I use Microsoft Excel to make my spreadsheets/checklists.

    And I adore my laminator. Best $25 spent! I found it at Target, and use it frequently!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  13. I love this! It takes a lot of effort organize the gift process now that I'm married and buying gifts for both our families. This will help me out this year.

    Chelsi @ chelsileigh.blogspot.com

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