I have 4 grandbabies who get a homemade ornament each year til they are 21. This is year 14 for the oldest. I choose from various craft types incl. quilting.
I give them each $50 and a small gift. My two girls and their husbands each get a small gift and $50. Then I have to do something for my husband. Beyond that, I have 3 friends who get small gifts (ornament or whatever I come up with sometimes homemade) and then I am done.
Have not started yet this year. I refuse to start before Halloween. I do have some ideas to choose from for the ornaments though.
Anything I buy is usually online. I agree that it takes away from the Christmas spirit to fight crowds and grumpy people. I am usually done by Thanksgiving and then concentrate on decorating the house and baking etc.