How Early Is Too Early for Christmas Shopping?

It used to be Black Friday was for the earliest of early shoppers. Not anymore. Look around. The stores are ready now.

How Early is Too Early for Christmas Shopping?

It used to be Black Friday was for the earliest of early shoppers. Not anymore. Look around. The stores are ready now.

Look around the Chicago area and you'll see all the signs: The early birds no longer wait until Black Friday to do their Christmas shopping. This year, Black Friday is on Nov. 23, but big retailers and mail-order companies are starting well in advance. Amazon, for example, is beginning its Black Friday on Nov. 14. Crazy or crazy smart? Just how early is too early to shop for Christmas 2012 gifts? Take our poll.

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Christmas 2012 Gifts: What Are You Hoping to Get?

Yes, already — even before Black Friday. We know the Christmas shopping tends to get done earlier every year in Oak Forest and everywhere else. So, here's your chance to tell your friends and family what Christmas gift you want in 2012.

Head to any nearby stores and you'll see that it's already beginning to look a lot like Christmas 2012 in and around Oak Forest. All kinds of gift ideas are out there. Looking to shop as local as possible, and thinking of some jewelry for someone special? Try out David Anthony Jewelers in Tinley Park. Or something creative for the crafty one in your crew? Hobby Lobby Creative Center is the perfect place. Maybe the big box stores are your thing? Walmart has already announced it is offering layaway again this year, with the iPad and HP Ultrabook-based laptops on the list of eligible purchases. The store has changed the policy on its open fee, which is kept if you ultimately can't pay for the item or refunded as a Walmart gift card when the …

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