Boston Bar Association

Stacey C. Friends - Ruberto, Israel & Weiner

"My feeling is, time is precious.  My children are four and six, and even with my part-time schedule with RIW I still feel like there is not enough time with them.  So the last thing I want to do is take time away from them to shop!   I will take each of them separately to shop for something for the other,  but otherwise, I had them make lists weeks ago and then I ordered things online.  I may also buy a few things from the local shops in my little town during 'Christmas by the Sea,' which we will do together and will be nice as it is in conjunction with the Jingle Bell Walk (Santa arrives by lobster boat - of course - and then everyone parades to the beach and back to the Community Center for hot chocolate).  As for family and my au pair, everyone is getting tickets to something this year - the Nutcracker, Jersey Boys, the Celtics.   People love this and it is easy to do.  My in-laws are getting books I already bought last time I was in B&N.  All the grandparents are getting photos of the kids I had done by a real photographer (as opposed to me!) way back in early October.  Teachers, mailman, etc. all get gift cards. So I guess my 'best practice' is: Plan way ahead and shop online when possible!" 

Andrew D. Rothstein – Goulston & Storrs
"Avoid crowds and save time by shopping online.   Many online retailers will even wrap the gift too!"

Kristen McLaughlin - McLaughlin Legal
"Holiday shopping in the McLaughlin household is a yearlong event (over my husband’s objection, of course).  I found that the best practice to holiday shopping is to do it before the holiday season begins.  January after-Christmas sales is where it all starts by stocking up on wrapping paper and decorations at 75% off – who can resist a deal like that?!  Throughout the year, if I see a little gift that is perfect for a friend or family member, I buy it because spending the money now is better than having regret for not buying 'the perfect gift.'  If anyone mentions a certain something they've 'been wanting to buy,' I get it and store it in a secret closet in the house (sometimes the overflow goes into the attic as Christmas nears).  Finally, Black Friday is where it's at!  After assessing all of the gifts purchased throughout the year, if I need any additional gifts (like that 60” television my husband wants), I hit up the Black Friday deals.  By the Saturday after Thanksgiving, all of the Christmas gifts are wrapped and under the tree leaving time to celebrate the holiday season with parties and carols!  Happy shopping!"

Vikas Dhar – Dhar Law
"Splurge! It's your friends and family. Enjoy the gift of giving! Not to mention that being selfless pays, because what you give is what you get! Ho-ho-ho!"

Kara Lisavich – Cetrulo & Capone
"Answering this question, only two words come to mind…LAST MINUTE.  Although I try my best to avoid Christmas Eve madness at the mall, I somehow always end up there.  Focusing on completing my work before the holidays leaves little time for shopping in advance.  I guess if I’m going to be last minute in either aspect, shopping is a better option than work; I'm sure my boss would agree.  Maybe this year I will try online shopping instead!"

Jessica Palumbo - Massachusetts Superior Court
"Though I don't mind mall crowds, lately I've started to put more emphasis on smaller, one-of-a-kind gifts from local crafts shows and websites like etsy.com. Vintage gifts on eBay are another great alternative, as long as you're careful about quality. Gifts that take thought always impress, and show your genuine appreciation for the recipient."

Jeana Kim Reinbold -Ablitt|Scofield, P.C.
"Our family has done a 'Secret Santa' exchange each year for the past several years.  We each draw names and shop for one person with a designated dollar limit.  Elfster.com has been great with helping to set up the name draw, ensuring that no one gets each other’s spouse and circulating gift ideas.  This has been a fun way to make shopping easier while keeping us on a budget.  It has also helped to make sure that everyone gets something they want and no one is left out!"

Sora Kim - The Journal of High Technology Law
"My approach to holiday gift giving is online shopping and buying presents in advance! You can find the best deals online!  If I need to do last minute shopping in stores then having a list helps."

David Jellinek – Law Office of David Jellinek
"Early and online!"