6th Annual Christmas Thread

[Disney Mommy 3]

New York is MAGICAL during the holidays. The Rockettes show after Christmas Day and so do the special Broadway shows that pop up around the holidays. (I'm not sure if there's any this year-- in the past, there's been Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and many more). If your DD still loves AG, you have to take her to the store. I could spend weeks just walking around, looking at the windows (Macy's & Saks & the designer stores on 5th Ave. are a sight to be seen), eating, and shopping. It's definitely not a "budget" vacation, though!
Let me know if you have any more specific questions-- we live right outside the city and I worked there for a few years.

oh yay!! Thanks so much!! I will probably PM you!DH took our older son the year he was 14 and they loved it~ their favorite thing was biking through Central Park! So,...he will be 18 this trip..and it falls right after his 18th bday...the next boy is 14 and NOT looking forward to NY at all~he's the one I am concerned about not liking it~but I was hoping a few museums may help him out...he is the LEGO lover, engineer type kid~loves all things Airplanes too...DD is 10 and kinda of outgrowing AG, but we will still go to the store!!! I want to see Rockefeller center and whatever else is a must do!! My biggest feat will be finding a hotel or something for 5 people!!!

 

[pigletto]

So I got some clothes for dd during a really good Aeropostale sale. She's 16 and not into clothes with logos plastered all over them anymore, but these were just basic tops and leggings with no logo. They are things I know she'll want, and I ended up with 4 shirts and 2 pairs of pants for $70 with shipping so there's Christmas shopping started for dd. She needs shoes, wants perfume, make up, nail polish etc.
Her big gift is the Disney trip so really she won't be getting too much. I'll get her some gift cards (movies, Itunes, fast food etc.) and I think that might be it.

Ds who has been saying for months that he's sick of Skylanders is getting sucked in by the SwapForce commercials and started saying he might want it for Christmas tonight. Yipeee. I already bought the Disney Infinity stuff he's been begging for. I'm sticking with it though A) because I know he'll love it and B) He beat Skylanders Giants in no time at all and then was done with it, so I really don't think Swapforce would hold his interest very long.

 

[bas71873]

I've gotten a little jump on the Christmas shopping. I'm really behind for this time of year, but my mind is a little more focused on our upcoming Disney trip right now. But so far....

DD10 (I've already bought) - cowboy boots and a new outfit to go with; we are redoing her bathroom so I've already gotten the shower curtain & hooks, rug, valance and towels (still need to get the accessories); huge dry erase board and accessories for her "hang out room"; Lego Friends cruise ship (got a great deal with Target had a sale and with my Red card); I bought Despicable Me and I've preordered DM2 and Monsters U; new earbuds; some new sports bras and panties


Her BIG gift from Santa that I'm hunting for is a white jewelry armoire for her room (she shares mine, but that needs to stop. She's taking over). She also mentioned last night that she wants to take guitar and voice lessons so I'm looking into all that. She also wants the AG volleyball outfit. I will put together a gift card tree for her for her spring clothes shopping since she's growing like a weed and she'll get some new dance clothes, volleyball and swim stuff she may need to have replaced by that time.


I've picked up a lego set for each my niece and nephew. Still need to get them each a game and I thank you all for suggestions. Waiting for some sales . My nephew that is 14 will likely get a gift card.


My parents. Not sure yet. Although I'm looking for white seaglass earrings for my mom to go with the necklace she made this summer on our beach vacay.

My inlaws. Not sure yet, but leaning toward a RCCL gift card for their 14 day cruise in March. They can use onboard for drinks, excursions, whatever...

 

[tchrrx]

I've made a little more progress. Aeropostale had a good sale online. Then, Zippdogg.com had a warehouse sale in my town.

DD-
several camis from Aeropostale (under $4 each).
socks from Aero ($3/3 pair)
nail polish & lip glosses from Aero ($1/each)
Cuisenart ice cream freezer ($50- Amazon sale)
zebra and hot pink ruffle jacket ($20 - zippdogg)
p.j.'s ($3/3 pair - zippdogg)
Mickey Bar car freshener ($6) I thought it would be fun to hang in her locker.
I will pick up lots of hair accessories & some more clothes. She wants Teen Beach Movie, but I'll let someone else buy that. I think her big gift may be a t.v. if we can find one cheap enough. The one that's in our library now is at least ten years old. The volume button just broke on it, so it's time to upgrade.


Niece (1 year old in January, so some gifts may wait until then.)
- Minnnie body suit & personalized hat ($20- Disney shopping)
- Disney princess 4-wheeler (I don't remember the price, but it was cheap! The store had forgotten to put them out on Black Friday, and they were trying to get rid of them after Christmas last year.)
- Doug & Melissa puzzle rack (free- Quibids) DH bought this thinking it came with puzzles. So, now I've got to go to Target & get puzzles to go on it, but that's fine.
- Juicy Couture outfit ($75- DH bought this, not me! He spoils her rotten.)

BiL
- salt rock; I need to pick up a cookbook to go with it

Sister
- cutting board; I will add a nice chef's knife once I find one I like.

DH
- Epcot Food & Wine limited time cookbook; need another gift & stocking stuffers still

Still to buy for:
my parents, my brother, DH's parents, DH's sister, BiL, and our nephews

DH is planning on paying our house off by the end of the year, so I'm trying to watch our money more than usual. We'll see how that goes!

 

[100AcreWood]

DH is planning on paying our house off by the end of the year, so I'm trying to watch our money more than usual. We'll see how that goes!

We are hoping to pay off our home early too but we are still at least 7 years away. It would be awesome to get rid of that mortgage payment!

 

[LekiaHall]

Having a bit of a dilemma.

Had planned to buy my 11 year old son the Nintendo 3DS (he hasn't asked for it and I don't even think it's on his radar, but he's had handheld game systems in the past so I thought it would be a fun gift).

BUT

Last night he mentioned wanting a Galaxy 4 (he now has the little Galaxy TXT phone). Would not buy the 4, but am considering the lesser cost of the Galaxy 2.

Should I get one or the other? Can he play games on the Galaxy 2?

 

[LilyWDW]

Having a bit of a dilemma.

Had planned to buy my 11 year old son the Nintendo 3DS (he hasn't asked for it and I don't even think it's on his radar, but he's had handheld game systems in the past so I thought it would be a fun gift).

BUT

Last night he mentioned wanting a Galaxy 4 (he now has the little Galaxy TXT phone). Would not buy the 4, but am considering the lesser cost of the Galaxy 2.

Should I get one or the other? Can he play games on the Galaxy 2?

I personally would not buy a Galaxy 2 when they already have the 4 out. In my opinion it would be a waste of money. That is how I feel about all my electronics.

I have a regular DS (and have had it for YEARS) so I would suggest the 3DS. I really enjoy the system especially for travel.

I need people to tell me if I am crazy or not. The other day I sorted and started boxing gifts since I have the time and freedom. When I sorted I realized that I did not have the same number of toys for nephews 1 and 2. The older one (2.5 yo) had 3 "toy" items while the younger (currently 5 mo) only had 2. Now, I know the 5mo wouldn't care or even notice (even at 7mo at xmas) but I was feeling so guilty. So I had to go get the younger one something else. Am I nuts?

 

[100AcreWood]

Am I nuts?

No you're not nuts but you sound like my mom! She gets all stressed out about making sure the grandkids' gifts are all the same number. If it bothers you, you did the right thing. No need to stress out over something so easily fixed.

 

[LekiaHall]

I personally would not buy a Galaxy 2 when they already have the 4 out. In my opinion it would be a waste of money. That is how I feel about all my electronics.

I have a regular DS (and have had it for YEARS) so I would suggest the 3DS. I really enjoy the system especially for travel.

I need people to tell me if I am crazy or not. The other day I sorted and started boxing gifts since I have the time and freedom. When I sorted I realized that I did not have the same number of toys for nephews 1 and 2. The older one (2.5 yo) had 3 "toy" items while the younger (currently 5 mo) only had 2. Now, I know the 5mo wouldn't care or even notice (even at 7mo at xmas) but I was feeling so guilty. So I had to go get the younger one something else. Am I nuts?

The only problem is that my son is 11, so I don't want to hand over a $600 phone.

He mainly wants it because his older sisters have them, so willing to indulge him with the Galaxy 2 and will think about rewarding him with the latest at his birthday (July) if he takes care of it.

Just wondering if going the phone route should cancel out the Nintendo 3DS. While he'll like the phone for the newness of it all, I know he'd get more enjoyment out of the game system (I think).

Oh, and I definitely don't think you're nuts on the gift buying. I'm guilty of that myself!

 

[luvmy3]

Having a bit of a dilemma.

Had planned to buy my 11 year old son the Nintendo 3DS (he hasn't asked for it and I don't even think it's on his radar, but he's had handheld game systems in the past so I thought it would be a fun gift).

BUT

Last night he mentioned wanting a Galaxy 4 (he now has the little Galaxy TXT phone). Would not buy the 4, but am considering the lesser cost of the Galaxy 2.

Should I get one or the other? Can he play games on the Galaxy 2?

If it were me I'd go with something that was on his radar. If he hasn't asked for the 3DS he may not really want it. I don't know what handheld he already has but I got my dses the 3DS 2 Christmases ago to upgrade their DS Lites and when they first got it the never even used the 3D feature. The only reason they wanted it was because there were a couple new games out specifically for it. Last Christmas they got ipod touches and haven't touched their 3DSes since.


I went out today to do a little shopping but came home empty handed, although the Jack Skellington I got for my ds's Infinity was delivered today. He's so cute, I feel bad leaving him hidden away for a couple months
I know I'm going to end up getting dd the iphone, I just have to talk to dh to make sure he is okay with it. Of course seeing how there are 2 dirtbikes sitting in my garage now that cost double what he said they would, I don't think he is going to argue over how much we spend on dd

I still have to come up with ideas for all the adults on my list. I have never had such a hard time with thinking of things. I hate that it might come to it, but everyone may just get a giftcard.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I ordered two pair of pajamas today, one for DS9 and one for DS12, from Kohls. I ended up paying $12 total after kohls cash and coupons.

If anyone needs a Rainbow Loom kit there's a deal to get one for $12 plus $2 shipping, here's some info: http://www.havingfunsaving.com/2013/10/rainbow-loom-kit.html

Or if you just want a small stocking stuffer Dollar Tree has these little kits that come with enough bands for like 4 bracelets and some clasp hook thingies. I got my son was for a treat and he loved it.

 

[Cobern]

If it were me I'd go with something that was on his radar. If he hasn't asked for the 3DS he may not really want it. I don't know what handheld he already has but I got my dses the 3DS 2 Christmases ago to upgrade their DS Lites and when they first got it the never even used the 3D feature. The only reason they wanted it was because there were a couple new games out specifically for it. Last Christmas they got ipod touches and haven't touched their 3DSes since.

I went out today to do a little shopping but came home empty handed, although the Jack Skellington I got for my ds's Infinity was delivered today. He's so cute, I feel bad leaving him hidden away for a couple months
I know I'm going to end up getting dd the iphone, I just have to talk to dh to make sure he is okay with it. Of course seeing how there are 2 dirtbikes sitting in my garage now that cost double what he said they would, I don't think he is going to argue over how much we spend on dd

I still have to come up with ideas for all the adults on my list. I have never had such a hard time with thinking of things. I hate that it might come to it, but everyone may just get a giftcard.

Oh my I think you are a picture of my future. Our son is a year and a half and our daughter is just a smidge over 3 and my husband is already pricing out 4 wheelers for them :/

 

[luvmy3]

Oh my I think you are a picture of my future. Our son is a year and a half and our daughter is just a smidge over 3 and my husband is already pricing out 4 wheelers for them :/

I knew from the start that this day would come. Dh is a country boy and has been waiting for our dses to be old enough for bikes. I'm trying to stay calm and brave!

 

[mom2t]

I wrapped 14 presents tonight.

 

[Cobern]

I knew from the start that this day would come. Dh is a country boy and has been waiting for our dses to be old enough for bikes. I'm trying to stay calm and brave!

We live on a vegetable farm, my husband was raised country and now we are raising our kids the same . I just thought I had a few more years before we get them big things that move.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I wrapped 14 presents tonight.

Way to go!!!

 

[Graciesmom77]

I found a pretty good deal at Hollister and got 6 shirts and a pair of skinny sweatpants for 89.00 bucks, shipped. I ordered those things and 2 pairs of jeans from Justice for dd12. I also got her and dd10 a neon zebra hairbrush with their initials on them and 1d duct tape.

I got dd10 and dd4 each a Monster High doll regularly 23 bucks on sale for 10! Woot!
I ordered some stretch pants (the only kind of pants she will wear) and a few cute tees from Justice for dd10.

AC Moore had Melissa and Doug wooden stuff on sale Buy one get one free, so I got dd2 and dd4 each a nice set of their wooden food.

Everyone here has been sick with the flu. I cant seem to get everyone better. I am sick of sick people! Lol. We are supposed to travel back to our home town in Ohio next weekend, but at this rate, who knows.

 

[mom2t]

Àllowing my son to have to get his first game that hunts animals. Found the PS3 accessory he needs. Regularly $40 not including shipping. Found it for $17 including shipping and tax and game for $22.

 

[Egdisney]

If it were me I'd go with something that was on his radar. If he hasn't asked for the 3DS he may not really want it. I don't know what handheld he already has but I got my dses the 3DS 2 Christmases ago to upgrade their DS Lites and when they first got it the never even used the 3D feature. The only reason they wanted it was because there were a couple new games out specifically for it. Last Christmas they got ipod touches and haven't touched their 3DSes since. I went out today to do a little shopping but came home empty handed, although the Jack Skellington I got for my ds's Infinity was delivered today. He's so cute, I feel bad leaving him hidden away for a couple months I know I'm going to end up getting dd the iphone, I just have to talk to dh to make sure he is okay with it. Of course seeing how there are 2 dirtbikes sitting in my garage now that cost double what he said they would, I don't think he is going to argue over how much we spend on dd I still have to come up with ideas for all the adults on my list. I have never had such a hard time with thinking of things. I hate that it might come to it, but everyone may just get a giftcard.

If you get him the galaxy, he will be able to play games on it. Our kids are younger, so no phones yet, but we decided to go with tablets instead of the DS. There are tons of free apps they love and paid apps are much less expensive than DS games.

 

[Pesky]

I just have to vent for a moment. I have a son who LOVES the Octonauts. Last Christmas, I ended up ordering from the UK (via Amazon) 2 items so he would have something because they launched the show and FP didn't bring any merchandise over to the US until spring of this year. So now we have some merchandise but the US is still way behind the UK in terms of merchandise. I want to get a certain puzzle (65 pieces -- he's great at puzzles so needs a challenge) -- yeah, UK again. Card game? UK. Gup X? UK. ARGH! I am AMAZED that the merchandising in the US is just not keeping up. The stuff seems to disappear from the store shelves fast enough.

Anyway, on other non-venting fronts, debating something and I'd like your opinion. DD just got into dance and loves it. She also is keen to play music but we are waiting so she's not (and we're not) overwhelmed with activities (she is also in swimming -- safety thing). She is particularly interested in the flute. I thought a nice compromise might be getting her a recorder (a whopping $5!!!) and a little book to self-teach if she is interested. MIL thinks that might be too much for DD and says to just let the main gift be a tablet and that's it, to save the recorder for Easter or her summer bday. I'm not so sure as she is interested in music and I'd like to foster that. Plus the price is right to be an easy sub-gift but look big. Her main gift will be a DS or tablet and right now we just have a couple books, PJs, ball popper and small box of kinetic sand. Thoughts?