I keep a chart with three columns, one column people to buy for and ideas, Next column gifts bought and amount spent, next column items in my gift box (big plastic container in my closet for presents) that are unmatched. It keeps track of wants, and purchased items. I have everything bought, except for my kids classes, $5-7 gifts for another child. Kids do not mess with computer and husband does not look. I buy a lot of stuff off the internet and I leave stuff in packages until time to wrap to help keep the secrets. Happy Holidays. Danielle

I keep a list in the back of my HouseHold Notebook...DD can read so I don't go through it in front of her, and it's between other forms and pages just incase she does go into the notebook to rip out paper.
I plan ahead in Oct with who, what and amount, and then colums to check if I purchased it. For my 2, I keep their lists in my purse while shopping, so if I see something I can get it and check it off.
Hiding the gifts? They are up in the house attic right now and sometime in the next few weeks, will be brought down to wrap and then go into the garage attic til christmas Eve.

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"When it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I'm already better than them."~ Marilyn Monroe

Well, I "bit the bullet" and cleaned out the closet Saturday afternoon! LOL It took me a while, but it is done. I organized and tallied up...and just hid the paper, hoping they won't find it. I did it on limegreen scrapbooking paper so that I can find it! I didn't write down WHAT they got, other than their Santa gift, but I did do tally marks by their names and wrote down all other family names we buy for. It made it easier, I do admit. Now, I know exactly where I am at in my shopping needs. Thank goodness I did this now, since I am DONE with all three little ones without realizing it. I am almost done with my three bigger ones, and that just leaves a few gifts for family to figure out. Anyone got any ideas on a MOTHER IN LAW?!?!?!?!

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List are great to keep track of the kids...I keep one in my purse and when I buy something for them - I write it down and cross it off their lists...I then transfer it onto a list I keep on the computer (my work computer) which is password protected. If I don't follow this every year (which I've manage to do) I end up with more gifts for one and then having to go out the week before Christmas trying to catch up with gifts...I don't worry about equal amounts of gifts now (at least for the older two) -

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"Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake!" - ANONYMOUS

I have a spread sheet and I keep it in my purse. The gifts are in the trunk of my mustang that nobody touches because I would brake their fingers. The key to the trunk is in the safe. The key to the safe is in my purse. Nobody is getting a peak at their presents!:D