Christmas Lists - Let's Strategize

There are just over 50 days left until Christmas. (to find out exactly how many - click here)

I'll let that sink in a bit.

I'm as irritated as anyone when it comes to stores selling Christmas items before Halloween, but a part of me understands the importance of planning ahead. We don't go huge on the gift giving, but each year there are more nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors to buy for. Some family members mentioned having an online list where they have thoughtfully suggested some items they would like, and here I am asking you what you think. Tacky or helpful? Which list or site is best? What about for those of us who are in love with books? Do you ever find yourself looking on someone's Amazon wish list or TRB pile on Goodreads? How do you as an author (if you are) get your books onto those Christmas lists?

There is so much to think about. While you're putting together your thoughts on how to respond, I'll show you what I found when I went searching for online Christmas with list registries:

Giftster
Get Gifts Right. Every Time.TM
Your gift ideas go into Giftster and out comes a simpler way to give and get gifts that matter most – without the anxiety.
A free, private, web and mobile gift registry connecting family and close friends.
Set it up once, use it for a lifetime.

Checked Twice
Create a wish list containing items you love from around the web. Share with your friends and family and see their wish lists too. No more stress in finding the perfect gift so you can enjoy the occasions that matter most. It's great for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and all the moments in between.

My Christmas Wish List
Welcome to the original and best online Christmas wish list on the Internet. My Christmas Wish List lets you share your list with a designated group or groups of family members and friends. And unlike other similar sites, this site gives you the ability to view what has already been bought for someone so you won't double-buy! It works just like a wedding or baby gift registry, but with more control.

List4XMas
Write your Christmas list online for free the smart way in just a few minutes!
Join the 1000s of people every year who use our free Christmas List Maker to write their Christmas list online. It's quick and easy to create your ultimate gift list and make sure you get what you want this year!

Smart Gift List
Online Gifts Lists, Smarter
Get and give the perfect gift every time with Smart Gift List.
A free and easy to use online gift list for Christmas wish lists, birthdays, and any other occasion you can think of. Share your list, reserve gifts, and buy them directly on Amazon.

And the list goes on

and on

and on

Part of me says "let's just grab a gift card through church" because I can't keep track of who wants what and who is using which platform to store their lists. Part of me says "I'm going to buy something that makes me think of you instead of something off your list of demands" and part of me just wants to run away to Jamaica for the holidays and forget the entire thing.

Please leave some comments, thoughts, or advice. I definitely want to remember all the wonderful friends during the holidays, but sometimes it feels overwhelming. In the meantime, I'll grab a cup of coffee and some delicious holiday creamer and read your comments!

Hugs,
~Crystal

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, Press Corp teammate for the DairyGirl Network, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 8, Breccan 3, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, taking the ordinary and giving it a little extra (making it extraordinary), blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at:http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/