Listen, I can’t tell you exactly what I bought because my family reads this blog and I don’t want to spoil any surprises…but I did start shopping. I know, I know…crazy, right? Listen, I’m always so thrilled in December when I’m totally done shopping that (even though it’s super early), I always start in July. I’ve been doing this for about 10 years and it works out beautifully for me. I avoid this…
…eeks. That’s a lot of people shopping at one time.
If you’re a Nordstrom cardholder, you were able to start shopping the Anniversary Sale as of yesterday and everyone else can shop starting next Friday, July 18th.
And remember back in May when the boys went to New York and the girls went to Boston? Well today, we split up again (but this time, I’m with Smith and Andrew is with Kensington) and we’re having a little mini weekend together.
You shop, I’m on a road trip…probably still doing a little shopping on my phone :).
And if you’re looking for a breakfast idea this weekend…
…my Lemon Monkey Bread is all you need.
And the winner of our Scarlet & Gold giveaway is…
Laura Herron!
Congratulations Laura! I emailed you this morning, please just email me back to claim your prize.
Happy weekend!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
UM. LEMON MONKEY BREAD? Yes, please! I know you, and I find myself wondering how in the world you just thought of lemon monkey bread! You should probably have just called it Shay Shull monkey bread. I bought 3 gifts yesterday while shopping the sale, but I'm buying more today! I am not one of those that often shops early, but you're right, I will be SO EXCITED come December!!!!! Have fun today!
Melissa Kelly says
Shopping in July is the only way to go! I still pick up things along the way but it makes December so much more enjoyable.
graceandloveblog says
You are so smart–I am totally buying all of my Christmas presents EARLY ithis year!! Great idea!
Slightly Askew Designs says
YAY for early Christmas shopping – the hardest part for me is keeping the gifts a secret until Christmas 🙂 Stay strong, sister! Hope you have a super fun weekend with Smith!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
I even start shopping in January, I buy alot of my kids stocking suffers after Christmas, like little nail polish sets, lip glosses etc.. I also look for games/toys I think they might like the following year.. if the time goes by and I dint think they are interested in them, then you can give them away for birthday parties etc!!!….shay, I would love to know how you do Christmas gifts for families, do you all buy for each other, does andrew have a big family, etc.. also, how do u choose gifts for your children, do they make lists, do u just know what they want, do yougo over the top, do u limit gifts and $$$..i always love hearing how others do Christmas, and keeping Christ in Christmas..every year I tell myself i'm scaling back, but them I lose my self lol…my friend.does 3 gifts per child, that represents the gifts from the wise men, something they want, something to read ( set of books)..something to wear. they do stockings and pjs too… I loved that, it cut down on all the spending hoopla.. I think I can't change it now haha
Rebecca Thomas says
My husband and I function like this year round for gift shopping. The only problem with Christmas shopping early for us is that a lot of our family has fall birthdays that we are still figuring out. But our best tip, is to buy all of our spring birthday presents in the after Christmas sales!
Darcy says
I started shopping too – for the guys & girls in my family. It's the best feeling. Have a great vacation! 🙂
Aubrey says
If I buy presents this early, I forget about them by the time Christmas rolls around. (I've done this more times than I can count!) I always do my Christmas shopping in late October/early November and I LOVE it!
Lana says
Great idea – one of my goals this year is to have my Christmas shopping done by October. We'll see if I stick to it or not. Have a fun little vacay with your son!
Anonymous says
I would love to hear how you do Christmas – presents, who you buy for, how much, etc.
also, I know nordstrom is amazing with returns but what if you buy the present another time? How do they take it back?
The Corney's says
Thinking of buying a few Christmas gifts during the Nordstrom sale too, but what if the gifts don't work out come December? Does Nordstrom let you return merchandise after several months?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! They absolutely do!!
Angie says
I just could not make myself Christmas shop in July. Just the thought of Christmas and cold weather coming in less than 6 months makes me want to cry!! I want summer and warm temps all year long!
The Lovely One says
I have kind of the same questions as everyone else regarding Christmas shopping… I would love to start shopping this early, but I want to get something people will actually want and can use. What if they already bought the item between now and then? Or it doesn't fit? Or they just don't love it as much as I thought they would? Most places only offer 90 day return policies. I could see myself getting "generic" gifts (gifts for teachers, the babysitter, etc), but it would be hard for me to pull the trigger on a major gift this early, like for my mom or my brother. Do you wait on gifts like that, or do you just roll the dice?
Kristen says
Could you please tell us where you got your personalized Shull family notepad? It is unique and I love the stripes!
Mix and Match Mama says
The notepad is from Erin Condren's website! I love their stuff!
As for Christmas Shopping, Nordstrom offers full refunds and exchanges as long as the tags are still on the merchandise…no matter how long it's been since you've purchased it. This is one of the main reasons I do most of my Christmas shopping there (they make it easy on the gift recipient to return or exchange).
That being said, I always do personal gifts for everyone but I give the gift with the intention that they'll keep it. I don't think we should give gifts with the expectation that it will be returned. It's the thought that counts, right? Christmas shopping can get really expensive, so beginning in July, really helps cut the costs.
Megan Wichmann says
Christmas shopping in July, what a smart idea! I always think I enjoy shopping during the holidays, but then I realize how ridiculously crazy it is! Maybe I need to follow your lead