“The economy has not really affected my holiday shopping budget. I always feel like this is the one time of year to take the time to acknowledge everyone because I am so busy during the year. I see a lot more creativity out there this year, so my budget has not really been affected.”

— Shelly Rago, Princeton

“About the same. I think they will be more practical gifts as opposed to impractical.”

— David Coghlan, Princeton

“The good news is we can shop because my husband has a new job. He had been laid off for two years. We are going to spend and have a nice Christmas this year.”

— Mary Diggan, Montgomery

“I had a 50 percent off coupon for Barnes and Noble and for the first time ever, I did some black Friday shopping, which I would never do normally.”

— Karen Mayer with daughter Shane, Princeton

“Planning to spend more.”

— Tarique Gemeda with son Otis, Princeton

“About the same. We’re in a situation this year that we don’t have to buy a large number of gifts; if we did we’d be cutting back the amount we spend.”

— Richard Nosker, Princeton

Sarah: “About the same. I don’t think it has affected us personally.”

Amy: “Spend a little more this year because we slacked off in the last couple of years.”

— Sarah Clift (left) Princeton Junction and Amy Stevens, Plainsboro