Let's talk CHRISTMAS!

MomOf2DisneyKids

<font color=9966ff>Scrapbook mommy<br><font color=
Joined
May 29, 2004
So, anyone started shopping/making stuff for Christmas yet?

I need about 800 (LOL) elementary teacher/specials teachers/support staff/scout leader/dance teacher/religious ed teacher/bus driver/etc gifts. (not complaining...I love Christmas shopping! I just hate the stress of trying to find something that will work for all those people!) The gifts will NOT be homemade :rolleyes1 'cause I just don't have time! :teeth:

Hey, did anyone ever give the teachers a little questionaire at the beginning of the year? Bday, fav food, fav soda, fav store, wish list. ? Does that sound like a good/bad idea? Also, if you give a gift to elementary teachers, do you usually make it for them personally, or for the classroom?

So, tell me Christmas shopping stuff!!! :thumbsup2
 
HEHE we're going to WDW for xmas so no shopping for me. Santa will get the kids stuff from there.

I always say I'll be shopping early and never do. DH goes out on xmas eve with all the other husbands. LOL

Gift for teachers are personal, not for the classroom and they are usually purchased.
 
I've started already, but I just like it so much so I do it year round :)
I've never given gifts to teachers but I know other people who do. I would be curious, too, about ideas and stuff-and if it's expected. One gal I know does like $25-$30 gift cards to Starbucks or something for each of her kids' teachers. Which seems like a lot, but I don't really know
 
I start the week after Christmas! I have to be careful what I buy at the after holiday sales though. I am always looking for little things on sale throughout the year that are kind of generic. I have several events each year that have prizes given out, so I'm always on the look out for a bargain.

pretty in tink and I have started scrapping recipes for presents this year. She is much more ambitious than me at this point, but that's ok because she is making a set for me too. I'm making her a set also. I am hoping to make some special jellies, preserves, and pickles for presents too. I have some of the fruit in the freezer right now, if that counts.

I've seen teachers go both ways on how they would prefer their present, class oriented or personal. I know there are several teachers here, so maybe they will post their preferences.
 


HEHE we're going to WDW for xmas so no shopping for me. Santa will get the kids stuff from there.

Hey, what are your dates?

It's the year we go to my parents...so we'll be at WDW too! (Isn't it just awful how that works out :rotfl2: ) Dec 18-27.

I have bought a couple things, but not much already. I got my SIL a table runner while I was in Gibraltar, and a few stocking stuffers, and a snowman for my Dad (he has a collection.) DH will probably do his shopping for me while we are at WDW. He'll probably get a Wii game and I don't know what else. I'm going to make an exploding box for my grandma, and maybe DH's grandma. Heck, maybe his mom too. And then put a GC in them. Since we have to ship stuff, light is good.
 
I buy throughout the year, as I see something I think would be good for a person on my Christmas list, I buy it then and put it away. The problem with that plan is I tend to be very generous with DH and DD, I just keep buying for them. I am this close { } to booking our January trip to WDW, so tickets will be a major gift for them.

I've already knitting two pairs of felted clogs (one for SIL and one pair for Niece), half way through a pair for my mother. (shhhh, Buffy, don't tell her)

For teachers, bus drivers, paras, etc, a friend of mine makes gorgeous polymer clay figurines. I've asked her to make me these cute little snowman on jingle bell christmas ornaments.
 
Last year, I made altered paint cans and ornaments for the teachers.. they used them in the classroom year round.... I even got a call from last years teacher requesting another one...
So, with that being a hit.. I think I will make those again this year and the ornaments and maybe some bath salts or such. We are a pretty small town and working w/ PTO and having 5 kids.. I get to know the teachers well...since most of them have kids that know my kids or my DH has coached them in a sport....
So, with the next 2-3 months filled w/ FB, CC, or Soccer.. I really need to get started NOW because in the next 6 weeks we have 1 free night! :)

ETA: As for the family.. I shop whenever I find something and hit the sales... I don't usually do Thanksgiving because all the fools come out of the woodwork and end up ruining the fun of that day...
 


So, anyone started shopping/making stuff for Christmas yet?

I need about 800 (LOL) elementary teacher/specials teachers/support staff/scout leader/dance teacher/religious ed teacher/bus driver/etc gifts. (not complaining...I love Christmas shopping! I just hate the stress of trying to find something that will work for all those people!) The gifts will NOT be homemade :rolleyes1 'cause I just don't have time! :teeth:

Hey, did anyone ever give the teachers a little questionaire at the beginning of the year? Bday, fav food, fav soda, fav store, wish list. ? Does that sound like a good/bad idea? Also, if you give a gift to elementary teachers, do you usually make it for them personally, or for the classroom?

So, tell me Christmas shopping stuff!!! :thumbsup2

I'll annswer both your questions. I am making some thinga and buying things for others. I generally begin buying right after Christmas and I have a spot in the closet that we store things for the relatives. I have my husband's family almost done and about half the things for my family.

I am a teacher and I have never gotten a survey of things but would fill it out if a parent sent it in during the 3rd week of school or so. The first few weeks have so much paperwork that I would probably lose it before getting to it. I have recieved classroom gifts as well as personal gifts. Some of my favorite gifts are ornaments with my students name and the year on them. It allows me to have something that I can use to remember them but I don't have to find a space for it all the time (I haven't taught that long but it doesn't take long to run out of room for nicknacks.)

We had a thread about doing an altered roladex for teachers that sounded very cute. I always appreciate a homemade gift or one that is personal to me.

One of the most precious gifts I recieved was from one of my students who had very little money. She gave me a little Minnie Mouse that I am sure had been given to her but I knew that it came from her heart and that made it all the more precious. My students know I enjoy Disney because we use the mileage that I walk in weekends there and other distances in math. I use a pedometer whenever i am at Disney. I keep a record of certain things and we will use the steps I have taken to complete addition and subtraction problems.

I would say that things I can actually use would be better but I am always happy with playground balls for the class to enjoy also. A letter from a student telling about something I did that made a difference to them would also be a precious gift.

Well i have rambled on enough.

Rebecca
 
Hey, what are your dates?

It's the year we go to my parents...so we'll be at WDW too! (Isn't it just awful how that works out :rotfl2: ) Dec 18-27.

I have bought a couple things, but not much already. I got my SIL a table runner while I was in Gibraltar, and a few stocking stuffers, and a snowman for my Dad (he has a collection.) DH will probably do his shopping for me while we are at WDW. He'll probably get a Wii game and I don't know what else. I'm going to make an exploding box for my grandma, and maybe DH's grandma. Heck, maybe his mom too. And then put a GC in them. Since we have to ship stuff, light is good.

we'll be there from the 16th to the 27th. We need to get together!!!
 
I buy throughout the year, as I see something I think would be good for a person on my Christmas list, I buy it then and put it away. The problem with that plan is I tend to be very generous with DH and DD, I just keep buying for them. I am this close { } to booking our January trip to WDW, so tickets will be a major gift for them.

I've already knitting two pairs of felted clogs (one for SIL and one pair for Niece), half way through a pair for my mother. (shhhh, Buffy, don't tell her)

For teachers, bus drivers, paras, etc, a friend of mine makes gorgeous polymer clay figurines. I've asked her to make me these cute little snowman on jingle bell christmas ornaments.

don't worry I won't tell.
Trying to decide if we are coming up tomorrow. I need to get my swap stuff done and it's not happening here. But DH is going out town Sunday so we'll see.
 
Holidays? Are there holidays this year? I thought I just got a week off from teaching to hang out at home with DH and Owen. Hmm, guess I'd better at least think. The only thing I know for sure is that we are NOT doing the major holiday run around to all the family gatherings that we have in the past. With Owen, they can all come here if they want to see him. Selfish? You bet!

As for teacher gifts, as a teacher, I love giftcards that are open to classroom or personal use. Michaels, book stores, office supply stores. Homemade gifts with a use are great, by box of decorative handmade goodies is overflowing. On a related note,I'm thinking of redoing my guest room with an apple theme. Any opinions? :)
 
I still need to get started! I have 2 kids and one on the way in October, so i reallllly don't think i will have the energy to get out there with the masses! Maybe in the next few weeks i can get started and finish :)
 
I too start right after Christmas, but I often forget what I buy! Yikes! So I have to go through the gift closet every few months. I am getting better though!

Haven't thought about the teachers and stuff yet. I usually make something for them. Notecards have been a success. They then use them for thank you notes for the presents they get. I make as many as kids in the class.

I've never given a survey, but I have been thinking about it for this year. Would certainly help. :)
 
I can't shop too far ahead - I definitely would not remember what I got and I'd hide it so well I'd forget about it completely. I can't tell you how many times I've found things that were supposed to be Christmas gifts the following Spring.

I need to start working on my Christmas cards way early though. That was part of my whole justification for buying my Cricut and certain cartridges, so I must get my money's worth out of it!
 
I always tried to give useful gifties...I made bag bags, holiday hand towels, candy wreaths. As they got older, the room moms collected for the gift cards, so that made it easier.

I was told by a teacher once "I appreciate the thoughts, but if I get another #1 Teacher mug, I'm going to scream" :rotfl2: So, that kind of thing is not appreciated. My girlfriend always gave a gift card, and flowers. She felt that the flowers would be a nice rememberance, and the gift card was useful...but nothing to hang around and clutter.
 
I have started my christmas shopping. I also crochet dishcloths for the teachers for christmas. I try to by as much christmas on sale as I can.
 
I am a teacher and I have never gotten a survey of things but would fill it out if a parent sent it in during the 3rd week of school or so. The first few weeks have so much paperwork that I would probably lose it before getting to it. I have recieved classroom gifts as well as personal gifts. Some of my favorite gifts are ornaments with my students name and the year on them. It allows me to have something that I can use to remember them but I don't have to find a space for it all the time (I haven't taught that long but it doesn't take long to run out of room for nicknacks.)

I always appreciate a homemade gift or one that is personal to me.

A letter from a student telling about something I did that made a difference to them would also be a precious gift.

Well i have rambled on enough.

Rebecca
::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: It's good you rambled, you covered most everything I would have said. I definetly don't expect presents, but I really :love: being remembered like that - it was a reminder that all my hard work was being appreciated! I tend to get a lot of gift cards, which are nice because then I can spend them however I want - bookstores and restaurants (and Starbucks!) were very popular. I also got some delicious treats and other small things. Even if it's something a little strange :confused3, I really appreciate being remembered like that, and I always write thank you notes to everyone so that they know I appreciated it.

On the main idea, I have started a gingerbread house stichery kit for myself, and little Santas for my Mom. Yay Christmas!
 
I have some scrapping projects that I want to get done well in advance of the holidays this year. I have little chipboard tag books that I'm going to make into albums full of Owen pictures for the grandparents. Just for fun, and to give them bragging rights. I think those will be the big piece I try to get done in advance.
 
I buy throughout the year, as I see something I think would be good for a person on my Christmas list, I buy it then and put it away. The problem with that plan is I tend to be very generous with DH and DD, I just keep buying for them. I am this close { } to booking our January trip to WDW, so tickets will be a major gift for them.

I've already knitting two pairs of felted clogs (one for SIL and one pair for Niece), half way through a pair for my mother. (shhhh, Buffy, don't tell her)

For teachers, bus drivers, paras, etc, a friend of mine makes gorgeous polymer clay figurines. I've asked her to make me these cute little snowman on jingle bell christmas ornaments.

Hey Lisa (love the name :lmao: ) when in Jan are you going to WDW, we will be there 1/26 - 2/2 at PC :cloud9: :banana: :woohoo: hope to someday go for x-mas though.

But back on topic, I usually start shopping in Sept and have it done by Nov. We exchange names for the grown ups in my family (5 of us) DH, DD, 3 nephews and 1 niece, gift to FIL from DD and a couple of friends kids, so I don't have a bunch to get. Since we are going to WDW in Jan will get DD some Disney stuff for the trip.

For teachers in the past I usually give GC to fav restraurant, Starbucks, etc. and have DD make a card and give a photo of the two of them together.

Lisa
 

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