Sidetracked Shopping

[jennipurrr]

I wasn't sure if I should put this in Holidays or here...but, I have had the hardest time this Christmas season with getting distracted shopping and finding things for myself or DH instead. Fortunately, I have not gone through on the urge, but has been a big time waster. Well, I did actually buy DH a pair of loafers but he was in dire need. Today I have a coupon for an online store and didn't see anything on my list so spent waaaay too much time browsing for myself, ugh!

Anyone else deal with this? Its really unusual for me. Are the marketers just getting to me? I am usually a regular browser/small $ shopper at my local salvage store but have been too busy to go for several months. Maybe I just need to get a little browsing in here and there?

[iris lily]

Recently I half-heard an NPR report on Christmas shopping and how much of it is buying presents for ourselves. A significant amount. The marketers know that.

[ApatheticNoMore]

My thoughts: well then at least we get things we actually want and stand a chance of using! Which is a great deal more than I believe about getting gifts for others (except perhaps young children we know well or giving to charities). The waste factor has to be lower than buying for others. Grumble, grumble, grinchy.

If it's just "pent up demand" as the economists say because you actually need stuff, haven't bought clothes for ages and clothes are starting to fall apart and stuff like that I wouldn't worry too much. Otherwise yea maybe the marketers (and sales?) are getting to you! :) Personally I take a month or so off most shopping this time of year because I want no part in the madness, but that's just me.

[JaneV2.0]

I'm fairly giddy to be so mainstream. I've always gone by the "one for you, one for me" principle, and have no plans on changing that holiday tradition.

[Gardenarian]

The same thing happens to me! I haven't been shopping yet, but I think it's because I rarely go that when I get out there I see so many things I need! or "need."

[puglogic]

I have a friend whose family has decided as a group to buy needed gifts for themselves, then bring them all to a huge potluck to make merry and do Show And Tell with them. Sounds like a wonderful time!

[JaneV2.0]

I have a friend whose family has decided as a group to buy needed gifts for themselves, then bring them all to a huge potluck to make merry and do Show And Tell with them. Sounds like a wonderful time!

I did that one Christmas when my family gave me a gift of money. Show and Tell is a highlight of Christmas for me.

[maribeth]

I'm the same way. But I tend to eye things for months and then pounce when I see a good deal.

[ToomuchStuff]

I'm the same way. But I tend to eye things for months and then pounce when I see a good deal.


Ditto. That can be a problem, when others want to know what to get you, as some items I have found (and have been wants for a while) are on time limited purchases (deal of the day type of sites). As I work the opposite schedule of a lot of my family, if I sent it to them, it would be missed. (picked up one dvd and a Roku for Netflix purposes).
Where as money should NOT be considered an inconsiderate gift, as some try to make it. Years ago, it would have been handy for bills, this year, I just replace the money I spent on the above. JMHO

[jennipurrr]

Ok, I really like the show and tell idea. I know my mom feels the same way, so its something to definitely think about incorporating if the family would ever go for it.

Must resist the advertisers!!! Just buy what I need and get out of the store/off the website.

I did make it to the salvage store this weekend and got plenty of browsing out of my system! I bought a couple of sweaters I definitely needed for $10 each, and got my sister 3 pairs of maternity pants for $4.00 total, woo.