This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.
You know that frantic feeling when it’s a week before Christmas, you’re still picking up random things for teachers and neighbors, and you’re sure you’ve forgotten someone… but you can’t quite put your finger on who? Yep, been there. And the worst part is, all that last-minute buying usually blows the budget too.
A couple of days ago we made family wish lists to help capture ideas (and avoid those panic buys). Today we’re taking it one step further — pulling all those ideas together into an organized gift list so you can see the big picture of your holiday shopping.
Why Start Gift Lists Early
Getting your gift list started now isn’t just about being organized — it’s about peace of mind. A list helps you:
- Keep track of everyone you want to remember (family, friends, neighbors, teachers, the bus driver, even your hairdresser).
- Stay on budget by assigning a spending limit to each person.
- Shop with intention instead of grabbing random things when the pressure is on.
And here’s the bonus: Amazon just announced Prime Big Deal Days for October 7–8. That means you can score some great early deals — but only if you know what you’re looking for. Having your list ready before the sales hit means you’ll shop smarter, not just cheaper.
👉 Pair this with the holiday budget you created yesterday, and you’ll have a clear roadmap for what you want to spend and where.
How to Set Up Your Gift List
- Write down everyone on your list. Start broad — family, friends, teachers, neighbors, coaches, and anyone else who deserves a little holiday cheer.
- Assign a budget. Even if it’s just a ballpark number, it’ll keep you from overspending later.
- Add gift ideas as they come to you. This is the real magic. Being able to write an idea down when it strikes is so much better than holding onto it in your head. Because let’s be honest — you’ll forget. And then you’ll find yourself buying extras “just in case” and spending way more than planned.
- Track the final gift and cost. As you buy, check it off. Note what you spent so you can see where you’re at with your budget.
Grab Your Free Printable Gift Lists
To make this step easier, I’ve created two printable gift lists for you:
- One with prompts already filled in (friends, family, neighbors, teachers, bus driver, etc.).
- One blank version you can customize however you like.
👉 Subscribe to my email list to get this and all the printables I have created (its’ over 20!)
A Few Extra Tips
- Keep your list somewhere you’ll actually use it — slip it in your planner, tape it inside a cabinet, or save a copy to your Google Drive.
- Create a little “gift stash” spot at home and check things off your list as you add them.
- Don’t forget that gifts don’t always have to be store-bought. Experiences, homemade treats, or thoughtful notes can go a long way (and stretch your budget).
- If you’ve set up your holiday planner, tuck your gift list right in there so it’s always within reach.
Wrap-Up
Starting your gift list today is one of those small steps that makes a big difference. Even if you don’t fill it all in yet, just having the structure in place will keep you calmer, more intentional, and way more budget-friendly this season.
Your December self will thank you.
