5th Annual Christmas Shopping Thread

[Aliceacc]

A gal on a local board had a great idea (IMHO) for a gift. She's giving a globe and a 3 month subscription to this:
http://www.littlepassports.com/little-passports-world-edition


Thought that seemed really cute!

What a fabulous idea!

 

[bas71873]

Being a prime member doesn't matter other than you can take advantage of the free 2 day shipping on top of what can sometimes (not always) be a great deal. The best lightning deals will happen on black friday and extending into the rest of the week following BF. You can find them by clicking on Today's Deals which is located at the top of the page near the left side of the screen pretty close to the amazon prime logo.

That being said, right now, if you click the little banner looking ad on the extreme right top side that says "Holiday Toy List" with a picture of a toy next to it, there are the special toy only lightning deals that are being presented this week as a special thing. It's only been a few toys a day whereas the week following BF usually offers a whole lot more.

I usually check the normal amazon price on the item I am interested in a little while before the lightning deal is set to start just to verify how good a deal it actually is. Also, if an item sells out you can join the waitlist. When you join the waitlist they tell you how likely it is that you will actually be able to purchase the item. Once on the waitlist watch your email like a hawk - if you get the opportunity to buy you will receive an email but you only have something like 10m to add it to your cart otherwise you will have to re-join the waitlist.

I hope this helps!

Thanks!

A gal on a local board had a great idea (IMHO) for a gift. She's giving a globe and a 3 month subscription to this:
http://www.littlepassports.com/little-passports-world-edition


Thought that seemed really cute!

I'm going to have to check this one out! Has anyone ever actually seen one. I''d love a review....the good & the bad?

 

[moonpie85]

Oh Lordy I did some major damage at ToysRUs last night....I will be back with details once I revive my husband

 

[la79al]

Alright, help me out here please. I have an 11 year old DSD that LOVES history but has not had much exposure beyond social studies class. What can I get her for Christmas that she would love?
On another front, what's everyone getting their fathers? He's the one I always stress over until December 24th and then end up running out and getting a gift card. Would love to be more stress free this year.

 

[100AcreWood]

Oh Lordy I did some major damage at ToysRUs last night....I will be back with details once I revive my husband

Looking forward to reading what you found!

I'm also intrigued with the passport adventure gift. I'm going to talk to dh about it tonight. I might try the month by month first since you can cancel it at any time.

 

[100AcreWood]

Alright, help me out here please. I have an 11 year old DSD that LOVES history but has not had much exposure beyond social studies class. What can I get her for Christmas that she would love?
On another front, what's everyone getting their fathers? He's the one I always stress over until December 24th and then end up running out and getting a gift card. Would love to be more stress free this year.

My Dad is also impossible to shop for. I bought him a sweatshirt and a flannel shirt at Costco. I'm giving my parents a joint gift - a new cordless phone that announces the caller id. And I'm planning to buy him some snacks. Good luck! I can definitely relate!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Alright, help me out here please. I have an 11 year old DSD that LOVES history but has not had much exposure beyond social studies class. What can I get her for Christmas that she would love?
On another front, what's everyone getting their fathers? He's the one I always stress over until December 24th and then end up running out and getting a gift card. Would love to be more stress free this year.

My DD has always loved the Dear America book series.

 

[moonpie85]

Alright, help me out here please. I have an 11 year old DSD that LOVES history but has not had much exposure beyond social studies class. What can I get her for Christmas that she would love?
On another front, what's everyone getting their fathers? He's the one I always stress over until December 24th and then end up running out and getting a gift card. Would love to be more stress free this year.

I too am a history lover. What I've noticed about most fellow history lovers is we usually like a particular time period, subject etc. Like I only like American and political history. So if you aren't sure what interests her exactly, find out. That being said I have received History Channel DVDs that I have loved and also books like Presidential autobiographies and such.

Also if you haven't seen that globe idea above go check it out! It looks totally cool

 

[moonpie85]

My Dad is also impossible to shop for. I bought him a sweatshirt and a flannel shirt at Costco. I'm giving my parents a joint gift - a new cordless phone that announces the caller id. And I'm planning to buy him some snacks. Good luck! I can definitely relate!

Dads are so difficult! I never know what to get mine and he always says "Oh don't get me anything" when I ask. This year he's getting a steakhouse gift card and a marshmallow shooter LOL

 

[Pesky]

Alright, help me out here please. I have an 11 year old DSD that LOVES history but has not had much exposure beyond social studies class. What can I get her for Christmas that she would love?
On another front, what's everyone getting their fathers? He's the one I always stress over until December 24th and then end up running out and getting a gift card. Would love to be more stress free this year.

For your DD, I saw this review on the Pioneer Woman blog and thought the book looked really cool. http://thepioneerwoman.com/homescho...-letters-for-freedom-the-american-revolution/

For your dad, I got mine a shirt from Land's End, some gag gifts (calendar, racing grannies) and a GC to Cracker Barrel. He also likes Bass Pro Shops GCs and such. I know there is Carol Burnett Show out on DVD now as well as All in the Family (Archie Bunker).

 

[Pesky]

Family gift-giving drama vent: for DH's family gift exchange, I was going to ask that in lieu of a gift, to donate the money otherwise spent to SIL and BIL's fund for a donor egg IVF round (SIL is DH's sister so not like I'm asking to donate outside of that family). DH's brother objected to that because he said that they want to get actual gifts for people and if they want to donate, they'd do so on the side.

So he asks what I want, DH tells him and then he tells me I need to pick stuff instead of donation. Apparently my "want" was wrong. I get that the gift giver can choose what he or she wants but then why even ask?

::: sigh ::::

 

[bas71873]

Family gift-giving drama vent: for DH's family gift exchange, I was going to ask that in lieu of a gift, to donate the money otherwise spent to SIL and BIL's fund for a donor egg IVF round (SIL is DH's sister so not like I'm asking to donate outside of that family). DH's brother objected to that because he said that they want to get actual gifts for people and if they want to donate, they'd do so on the side.

So he asks what I want, DH tells him and then he tells me I need to pick stuff instead of donation. Apparently my "want" was wrong. I get that the gift giver can choose what he or she wants but then why even ask?

::: sigh ::::

Wow . I think that's a great idea that you want to do that.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Family gift-giving drama vent: for DH's family gift exchange, I was going to ask that in lieu of a gift, to donate the money otherwise spent to SIL and BIL's fund for a donor egg IVF round (SIL is DH's sister so not like I'm asking to donate outside of that family). DH's brother objected to that because he said that they want to get actual gifts for people and if they want to donate, they'd do so on the side.

So he asks what I want, DH tells him and then he tells me I need to pick stuff instead of donation. Apparently my "want" was wrong. I get that the gift giver can choose what he or she wants but then why even ask?

::: sigh ::::

Suggest something you can easily return, then donate the money.

 

[Pesky]

Suggest something you can easily return, then donate the money.

LOL! I like it. In fact, I think BB&B will give you cash in exchange for returns.

 

[Swirly girls]

I haven't really officially started shopping for the holidays yet.
I have 3 daughters to buy for, my husband, and my parents. My in laws usually draw names just between the kids, us adults no longer exchange gifts. My siblings and I do not exchange gifts any longer either. We just increased the amount for the kids by a little bit instead.

My mom and I go shopping every year right before thanksgiving. We drive to a bigger city about 2 hours from where we live. Shop all day, have a nice dinner, and then stay overnight at a hotel.
The next morning, we get up, have a breakfast out, and continue shopping!
It's so much fun. I have found crowd levels to be awesome at this time, and got some super deals too!

I know my girls have partial lists started. Nothing extravagant on them so far.... Last year we ended up spending quite a bit, iPad, Kindle, and a Nook were all lists.
We just got back from our vacation to Disney, discovery cove, universal studios, and sea world. While there, I picked up a few things I knew they would like for Christmas.
We let the girls buy what they wanted while on vacation, no limitiations, so I think they feel they have everything they want for right now
May I add that they were so good about that... They did not act like spoiled bratty kids who wanted everything. We were impressed.
So, I'm actually going to go online a little this evening and get some ideas, and maybe start a little.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Family gift-giving drama vent: for DH's family gift exchange, I was going to ask that in lieu of a gift, to donate the money otherwise spent to SIL and BIL's fund for a donor egg IVF round (SIL is DH's sister so not like I'm asking to donate outside of that family). DH's brother objected to that because he said that they want to get actual gifts for people and if they want to donate, they'd do so on the side.

So he asks what I want, DH tells him and then he tells me I need to pick stuff instead of donation. Apparently my "want" was wrong. I get that the gift giver can choose what he or she wants but then why even ask?

::: sigh ::::

Wow...some people just don't get it. That is just really strange! I wouldn't even know what to say after that...I mean, that apparently is what's in your heart, so why tell you to think up something else? geeeeeeeez...

I haven't really officially started shopping for the holidays yet.
I have 3 daughters to buy for, my husband, and my parents. My in laws usually draw names just between the kids, us adults no longer exchange gifts. My siblings and I do not exchange gifts any longer either. We just increased the amount for the kids by a little bit instead.

My mom and I go shopping every year right before thanksgiving. We drive to a bigger city about 2 hours from where we live. Shop all day, have a nice dinner, and then stay overnight at a hotel.
The next morning, we get up, have a breakfast out, and continue shopping!
It's so much fun. I have found crowd levels to be awesome at this time, and got some super deals too!

I know my girls have partial lists started. Nothing extravagant on them so far.... Last year we ended up spending quite a bit, iPad, Kindle, and a Nook were all lists.
We just got back from our vacation to Disney, discovery cove, universal studios, and sea world. While there, I picked up a few things I knew they would like for Christmas.
We let the girls buy what they wanted while on vacation, no limitiations, so I think they feel they have everything they want for right now
May I add that they were so good about that... They did not act like spoiled bratty kids who wanted everything. We were impressed.
So, I'm actually going to go online a little this evening and get some ideas, and maybe start a little.

The trip with your mom sounds like fun~and what a great memory-maker!!! I think that is wonderful that your girls were mature about the things they bought and that should make you feel good as a mom!!!!

 

[Swirly girls]

Wow...some people just don't get it. That is just really strange! I wouldn't even know what to say after that...I mean, that apparently is what's in your heart, so why tell you to think up something else? geeeeeeeez...



The trip with your mom sounds like fun~and what a great memory-maker!!! I think that is wonderful that your girls were mature about the things they bought and that should make you feel good as a mom!!!!

Yes, we were very proud of our girls.
We didn't decide to let them buy anything they wanted because they are that spoiled, but rather because we think they are great kids!
My kids are far from " deprived" but, it was really fun to let them buy whatever they liked at Disney World!
Needless to say, it was rather interesting flying home with all the new stuff in our carry on bags most if it fit in those, some we had to put in checked bag.
( snow globes, and ice cubes)
But, yes, our daughters were awesome, and showed us some maturity!
They don't know this yet, but because they were so darn good this vacation, I'm planning to take them back to Disney in a year .... This time, The Grand Floridian, with my mom as a " girls Disney vacation"!

 

[100AcreWood]

If anyone is interested in Little Passports, do a coupon search. There is a 15% coupon out there for subscriptions.

I read a lot of reviews, mostly positive but a few people said it was very overpriced.

Reading all this family drama is suddenly making me feel very normal !

 

[Graciesmom77]

Hey guys! I hope everyones shopping is going well. I am soooo glad October is over. It was my birthday, my sis's birthday, my Moms birthday and the 1 year mark since she passed away. I had been dreading the month for a long time now and I am just glad its over and we can keep moving forward.

I think we are going to start decorating tomorrow. I am going to take some ribbon I got at the Dollar Tree and run a strip down the front of each kitchen cabinet, and then glue an ornament and bow on each ribbon in the middle. I never add much to the kitchen and this year I want to jazz it up a bit!

I am trying to find a decent looking fake tree to put up now. Now that we have moved to Florida I want to do a tree in all Disney stuff, but I hate to go spend a couple hundred bucks on a tree. I really love getting our real tree, but we want to wait until dh gets home from work in Minnesota to do that. Now his work is saying he might not get to come home until a few days before Christmas!

I ordered the girls Just Dance Disney from Best Buy which is only 19.99 right now, free shipping. I got my 18 month old a tunnel and a water baby. She is so hard to buy for. Wer already have a ton of toys for her age group because we have a 3 year old who just got all those toys. Loralei will be getting some new jammies and maybe some outfits and she is headed toward being done.

I hope everyone is doing well and is getting excited for Christmas and all the fun!!!

 

[Princess_Meghan <3]

Alright, help me out here please. I have an 11 year old DSD that LOVES history but has not had much exposure beyond social studies class. What can I get her for Christmas that she would love?
On another front, what's everyone getting their fathers? He's the one I always stress over until December 24th and then end up running out and getting a gift card. Would love to be more stress free this year.

There are a lot of great historical fiction books that she might enjoy. A PP said Dear America, and I second those. Does she have a specific historical period that she enjoys the most?


I just got a coupon for the Disney store for 25% for a week this month, and I think I'm going to pick up a sweatshirt jacket for my mom, then I'll be able to cross one more person off my list