I realized our new church was going to be a good fit after learning my Sunday school class was holding their summer picnic in November and their Christmas party in January.

As someone who has yet to begin her Spring cleaning, I felt right at home.  

That being said, it probably seems unlikely for someone with my extensive procrastination credentials (I put off going through puberty until age to be writing about her personal experiences with shopping early for Christmas, but I did. So I am.

In other news–hell has frozen over.  

Actually, the early Christmas shopping began completely by accident. While online at HGTV’s website looking for information about kitchen counters, I ran across a promo for a show called, “I Want That!”  Although I’ve never seen the show, the site was intriguing, featuring all the latest gizmos and gadgets straight from the product trade shows. That got me to thinking how I might be able to find gifts for those on my Christmas list by reading articles about some of the newly invented products featured in a variety of national trade shows (tools, pets, electronics, toys and games, etc.).

The idea was a good one, as I found some of the coolest new-fangled products like an alarm clock that rolls around the room until you catch it and turn it off (nandahome.com), or personalized comic book style artwork (allpopart.com).

Sadly, however, my budget stubbornly held its ground, refusing to cooperate. To come up with clever Christmas gifts, I would once again be forced to rely on my wits. (And with hell frozen over, it seemed there might be a chance.)

Even though I don’t have many antique lovers to shop for, the first places I hit were the antique and gift shops in South Charleston and Nitro. Just walking through the door of Elizabeth’s Attic in Nitro got me in the mood for early shopping.

(For those who grip their money in white-knuckled fashion, getting in the mood to spend is essential.)

I love old stuff, but I especially love old, weird stuff, and the nooks and crannies of most antique stores can provide some really fun gift ideas.  Since I’m a generous sort (but mostly since I’m wanting to brag about being mostly done with my shopping), I decided to share some of my favorite online findings.

Almost everyone knows someone who would appreciate getting a “Saving To Quit My Job” bank. (spoonsisters.com), or who could use a “Saving for Therapy” bank (perpetualkid.com)

Do you have a certain surly someone on your list? Surprise them with a Smile-On-A-Stick. (As one who has occasionally had the annoying experience of having a complete stranger order me to “Smile!”–I might buy one for myself. The idea of being able to reach in my purse and whip out a prefabricated grin is appealing.)

If you want to be absolutely certain the gift you’ve chosen for that special someone isn’t duplicated by another, mcphee.com offers remote control hopping/yodeling Lederhosen. (They also sell gummy haggis, Sigmund Freud action figures, and stuffed latex moose.)

For that coworker who loves to read (on company time), how about “Extreme Office Crafts: Creative Ways To Waste Office Supplies And Company Time. (spoonsisters.com) 

Since I still have a few hard-to-shop-for people left on my list, I’m not finished yet. I’d welcome any gift ideas you might want to share. Email me at karinfuller@cnpapers.com.

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