5th Annual Christmas Shopping Thread

[DisneyWalle]

WOW --- I think I have went a little overboard. In my last post, I stated I was buying my son books (since he loves to read and not much less) well I bought books --- 70 books in all. I love Ebay -- I got some great deals -- most of the books are used but he won't care. I also bought him 3 wooden brainteaser puzzles and 2 video games for his stocking.

Figured I was all done because this is a lot (my DH will have a fit -- he always says I do too much), until last night when my DS says, "Momma, I saw a plasma ball today on tv and I would really like to have one of those. It is so cool!"

Now you have to understand, he is my only child and he never asks for things. He might pick up something and look at it -- show interest in it but sit the item back down -- and if you ask him if he would like to have it -- he will simply say, "It's nice but I don't need it." So, I try very hard to pay attention to the things he likes and looks at -- so I can get those items for his b-day or Christmas.

So now, I'm looking for an 8" plasma ball. Does anyone know of a good brand or company that sells a quality plasma ball?

After this item, I have got to be done shopping. My husband isn't that observant so he hasn't been paying attention to all the boxes coming into the house (especially since they have been arriving one at a time). Just hope I can keep stashing them under the bed and in our closet without him noticing until the day after Thanksgiving (thats when I put up our Christmas tree and decorations). Even when I have all the presents wrapped, he won't notice how many there are until Christmas day -- but by then its too late.

 

[Pesky]

Potential good gift item. Finally have some carol burnett show episodes on DVD for a reasonable price versus the subscription.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Carol-Burnett-Show-Collectors/dp/B0085Z6Z2O

I've already suggested it to my sister and brother for my parents and we're thinking about it for my FIL. Or maybe me!

 

[hineshm]

I just picked up MH Doll Venus Flytrap. My dd12 is starting to get out of the monster high dolls, but got it just in case while it was on the shelf! Better to have it than be searching high and low closer to Christmas.

 

[WyomingMomof6]

I got my daughter the Venus McFly doll as well. I remember trying to find Spectra and Abbey Bomindable last year. I also got her the werecat sisters and Operetta. I think we now own every Monster High doll there is, lol.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Well, I made my final payment on our vacation yesterday...so now I can start looking at Christmas gifts!!!!
We are in the 80s now...as of today Christmas is 89 days away!!!! Y'all are all doing so good with your shopping/planning...I have to catch up with you!!!

 

[la79al]

Okay, I need some gift ideas here. First up is my youngest, a 2 year old girl. The problem is, it seems like we already have at least one of everything and she doesn't show real interest in anything. I got her one of the princess dolls from Target a few weeks ago (though that might go to someone else. We already have sooooo many dolls) and some bath stuff. I want to get her a new high chair for her dolls and a photo album (only because DD4 adores hers and is already getting a new one). I really don't have any additional ideas for her. Looking to spend around $75 maybe ish. Next up is my stepdaughter who will be 11.5. As of right now, we are only getting her every other weekend so she's not here a whole lot. It seems like she has all of the bigger stuff (Ipod, DS, laptop, Kindle) at her moms house and doesn't really use any of it. She tends to bring all of her favorite makeup type stuff and hair stuff from her moms house and I hate to buy her clothes as she is growing sooo fast, she literally would be able to wear them maybe twice before they won't fit anymore (experienced that over the summer and her mom is already complaining that stuff she got for school (1 month ago) is getting small). I also hate to buy gift cards for her because if it's for food, when she decides to use them, I don't generally have money to treat the other kids that come along. I was thinking maybe a few movies and some snacks but it would have to be an older type movie as she gets all of the latest ones as soon as they come out. I was also thinking about getting her a bookshelf and gathering books from random places. She likes to read but the books could be hit or miss. We don't live close enough to any museums or zoos to do a membership and classes either don't work with our schedule or ones over the summer, when we have her more, don't come out with pricing/payment options until the spring. So I'm really stuck here but I really don't want it to look like the little girls got a bunch of fun stuff and DSD was an after thought.

 

[Pesky]

Okay, I need some gift ideas here. First up is my youngest, a 2 year old girl. The problem is, it seems like we already have at least one of everything and she doesn't show real interest in anything. I got her one of the princess dolls from Target a few weeks ago (though that might go to someone else. We already have sooooo many dolls) and some bath stuff. I want to get her a new high chair for her dolls and a photo album (only because DD4 adores hers and is already getting a new one). I really don't have any additional ideas for her. Looking to spend around $75 maybe ish. Next up is my stepdaughter who will be 11.5. As of right now, we are only getting her every other weekend so she's not here a whole lot. It seems like she has all of the bigger stuff (Ipod, DS, laptop, Kindle) at her moms house and doesn't really use any of it. We don't live close enough to any museums or zoos to do a membership and classes either don't work with our schedule or ones over the summer, when we have her more, don't come out with pricing/payment options until the spring. So I'm really stuck here but I really don't want it to look like the little girls got a bunch of fun stuff and DSD was an after thought.

For your DD2:
* doll stroller (if you don't have one); a basic umbrella deal. That was hand's down DD's favorite toy when she was 2 as she would put anything in there and zip around
* M&D cookie set or other food set -- they have some fantastic ones and both of mine still play with those, especially the cookie one and cutting foods set. Amazon last year had some of those on sale 50% off in December.
* basic wooden blocks
* puzzle
* books
* grocery cart -- M&D again has a great one that is just like a real one but it is expensive and warning, full metal so can ding up furniture according to reviews
* game like Haba's Little Orchard which is designed for this age

for your DSD (11):
* air hunterz archery set. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003O85K2S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
* hexbug -- regular or crab like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q4FGXK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
* what about craft stuff? A make-your-own birdhouse or weave potholders or make your own lip gloss?
* a fun cookbook for the younger set with a cool apron so she can try out some stuff at home
* there are some great older movies that she might like -- think Goonies, Matilda, E.T., Close Encounters..., Mr. Mom. Even go older with things like Meet Me in St. Louis, Gigi, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and so on.
* That age was when I read my first Agatha Christie novel and loved it. I know you say books are a crap shoot but you can always make sure there is a gift receipt
* GC to get her nails done at a local place. You could go together and it be a bonding thing.
* I like the idea of a bookcase
* any sporting/outdoors stuff she likes? soccer ball, volley ball, sleeping bag, skates, etc.
* I'd probably still get a pretty basic sweater or funky cardigan or something
* game -- Simpsons Uno or Uno Slam! or Apples to Apples, etc.
ETA: thought of something else for SDS. There is a Sonia Kashuk brush set from Target that is $14. Her stuff is usually pretty good and might at least make a nice small gift. One thing else to consider is make-up brush cleaner! Sephora or the like would definitely have that.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

WOW Pesky!! Those are great ideas!!!!!

 

[100AcreWood]

I could use some help too. My mother is turning 69 next month. She told me she doesn't want anything, just to save my money. I'm sure I'll get more of the same when I ask about Christmas.

Here's the problem. She doesn't cook, read, have any hobbys and doesn't collect anything. I wouldn't dare buy her clothes and I hate giving her gift cards.

Any ideas?

 

[Pesky]

I could use some help too. My mother is turning 69 next month. She told me she doesn't want anything, just to save my money. I'm sure I'll get more of the same when I ask about Christmas.

Here's the problem. She doesn't cook, read, have any hobbys and doesn't collect anything. I wouldn't dare buy her clothes and I hate giving her gift cards.

Any ideas?

DVDs? Any series she likes? Carol Burnett DVD (I posted the link a few posts above). Murder She Wrote. Matlock. Old movies or ones you think you will like.

Food -- prepared food! cookie basket, muffin basket, prepared frozen dinners, etc.

Services -- housecleaning service, lawn service, organizing service

Charity -- donate to a cause she cares about

Experience -- something she might like to do like a class of some sort, hike, walk, behind the scenes tour of the local zoo, tickets to a show, etc.

 

[Pesky]

WOW Pesky!! Those are great ideas!!!!!

Awww, thanks.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

and oh my gosh Pesky! you just did it again!! LOL!!! More good ideas,.. I was stumped for her mom's gift ideas!!

 

[Pesky]

DD has decided she wants AG Bitty Twins. For the only other time besides Hyland's Teething Tablets, my hippy granola, atheist, liberal SIL and biochem, religious, uber conservative sister agree on a product -- AG. Both say (though it pains my SIL) that the product is well made and lasts forever and continues to intrigue. Of course though, DD has seen the wagon (she wants that). And the purple taffeta party dress (she wants that for herself too). I'm starting to see dollars add up. Tough decisions ahead!

If you were only going to buy one or two other outfits, thoughts? The purple one (lord help me at $26 or so a pop)? From the cheaper place, nightgown? There's a cute hello kitty skating outfit too that is $13. Christmasy outfit wiht jeans and a santa hat? pink dress and skirt? Ahhhhhhh! I feel suddenly like I did when I walked into BRU to register for the first time -- totally overwhelmed!

 

[100AcreWood]

DVDs? Any series she likes? Carol Burnett DVD (I posted the link a few posts above). Murder She Wrote. Matlock. Old movies or ones you think you will like.

Food -- prepared food! cookie basket, muffin basket, prepared frozen dinners, etc.

Services -- housecleaning service, lawn service, organizing service

Charity -- donate to a cause she cares about

Experience -- something she might like to do like a class of some sort, hike, walk, behind the scenes tour of the local zoo, tickets to a show, etc.

Thanks! You do have great ideas! My mom is so hard to shop for.

 

[la79al]

For your DD2:
* doll stroller (if you don't have one); a basic umbrella deal. That was hand's down DD's favorite toy when she was 2 as she would put anything in there and zip around
* M&D cookie set or other food set -- they have some fantastic ones and both of mine still play with those, especially the cookie one and cutting foods set. Amazon last year had some of those on sale 50% off in December.
* basic wooden blocks
* puzzle
* books
* grocery cart -- M&D again has a great one that is just like a real one but it is expensive and warning, full metal so can ding up furniture according to reviews
* game like Haba's Little Orchard which is designed for this age

for your DSD (11):
* air hunterz archery set. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003O85K2S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
* hexbug -- regular or crab like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q4FGXK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
* what about craft stuff? A make-your-own birdhouse or weave potholders or make your own lip gloss?
* a fun cookbook for the younger set with a cool apron so she can try out some stuff at home
* there are some great older movies that she might like -- think Goonies, Matilda, E.T., Close Encounters..., Mr. Mom. Even go older with things like Meet Me in St. Louis, Gigi, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and so on.
* That age was when I read my first Agatha Christie novel and loved it. I know you say books are a crap shoot but you can always make sure there is a gift receipt
* GC to get her nails done at a local place. You could go together and it be a bonding thing.
* I like the idea of a bookcase
* any sporting/outdoors stuff she likes? soccer ball, volley ball, sleeping bag, skates, etc.
* I'd probably still get a pretty basic sweater or funky cardigan or something
* game -- Simpsons Uno or Uno Slam! or Apples to Apples, etc.
ETA: thought of something else for SDS. There is a Sonia Kashuk brush set from Target that is $14. Her stuff is usually pretty good and might at least make a nice small gift. One thing else to consider is make-up brush cleaner! Sephora or the like would definitely have that.

We really do have at least one of everything you suggested on the list for DD2. They are great suggestions though. And your suggestions for DSD are really helpful. I will definitely be using a couple of those. Thanks so much!

 

[AZMermaid]

My son just turned 2 and is OBSESSED with trains. So, I am pretty sure we are going to get him a wooden train set. We already have a table that we got off Craigslist for Duplos, trains and cars. What is the difference (besides $$$) between the Thomas stuff and the Imaginarium stuff?

 

[brendasol]

Ordered 2 nikon S3300 digital point and shoot cameras yesterday that were on sale, plus with use of my target card I got free shipping and extra percentage off. Saved almost $80!!!!!

My 2 oldest are getting these Christmas gifts at the beginning of our surprise WDW Christmas trip to use on the vacation! I can't wait!

Need advice: I'm getting a DSi for my 7 year old, but can't decide for my 5 year old. I love the leappad 2 disney princess pack, but I'm not sure if she'd rather have that or a DSi like her older siblings! Any suggestions??????

 

[CopperWife]

DD has decided she wants AG Bitty Twins. For the only other time besides Hyland's Teething Tablets, my hippy granola, atheist, liberal SIL and biochem, religious, uber conservative sister agree on a product -- AG. Both say (though it pains my SIL) that the product is well made and lasts forever and continues to intrigue. Of course though, DD has seen the wagon (she wants that). And the purple taffeta party dress (she wants that for herself too). I'm starting to see dollars add up. Tough decisions ahead!

If you were only going to buy one or two other outfits, thoughts? The purple one (lord help me at $26 or so a pop)? From the cheaper place, nightgown? There's a cute hello kitty skating outfit too that is $13. Christmasy outfit wiht jeans and a santa hat? pink dress and skirt? Ahhhhhhh! I feel suddenly like I did when I walked into BRU to register for the first time -- totally overwhelmed!

We did the AG Bitty Twins for our youngest DD two years ago. And the wagon, as well. It was $$$ but she loves them still. I let other family members know that we were getting our DD that, so AG gift cards or Bitty Twin clothes would be appropriate. As for extra clothes, I had no qualms with getting "off-brand" clothes for the dolls. DD didn't care what the brand was - she just cared that the clothes were cute

 

[CopperWife]

Ordered 2 nikon S3300 digital point and shoot cameras yesterday that were on sale, plus with use of my target card I got free shipping and extra percentage off. Saved almost $80!!!!!

My 2 oldest are getting these Christmas gifts at the beginning of our surprise WDW Christmas trip to use on the vacation! I can't wait!

Need advice: I'm getting a DSi for my 7 year old, but can't decide for my 5 year old. I love the leappad 2 disney princess pack, but I'm not sure if she'd rather have that or a DSi like her older siblings! Any suggestions??????

We were in the same boat a while back. Our youngest DD was 4.5 and her older sister had a Nintendo ds. We were taking a road trip to Disney (18-20 hours in the car) and were contemplating entertainment for her. We chose the ds over the Leapster because she was getting to the age where she would be outgrowing it pretty soon. She was familiar with the ds because her older sister had one. She also knew the "ground rules" for the ds, too (you can't play it all the time; when you're done with it, it (and all games, pens, etc) needs to go back where it belongs when you're done). She was happy to get it and hasn't had any issues playing it. I would get it.

 

[prayx]

My son just turned 2 and is OBSESSED with trains. So, I am pretty sure we are going to get him a wooden train set. We already have a table that we got off Craigslist for Duplos, trains and cars. What is the difference (besides $$$) between the Thomas stuff and the Imaginarium stuff?

The Thomas stuff is cute but the imaginarium table is great. I was told the Thomas trains work on it. My parents bought it for our dd2 for this Christmas. The imaginarium also has storage underneath. Can't wait for her to see it and start playing. She loves Thomas too!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards