6th Annual Christmas Thread

[Disney Mommy 3]

I love this thread!!! I've always followed, but never joined. I have gotten many great ideas over the past years. On my list to buy for this year are DH, DS6, DS3, mom and aunt. The only gifts that I'm certain of are our Christmas eve pajamas. Everyone gets a new pair of Christmas themed pajamas that they open and wear on Christmas eve. The boys also get a book. I love doing "theme" type gifts and gift baskets. My mom and aunt were always difficult to buy for as far as finding things that they would actually use. And of course I always hear "Please don't buy us anything this year." Last year I made up gift baskets of toiletry type things( shampoos, soaps, moisturizers etc... Also threw in bath slippers and those turbie twists for their hair) They seemed to like them so I'm going to do the same this year. As for everybody else....I have no clue!!! We are doing the Disney cruise and a couple of days in Disney at the beginning of December so I'm hoping to "be inspired!" lol

Thank you!! Glad you joined this time!! Yes, there are always great ideas here and I hope Disney inspires you too!!

 

[ah1126]

My mom and aunt were always difficult to buy for as far as finding things that they would actually use. And of course I always hear "Please don't buy us anything this year."

I am working on a set of placemats and pot holders for a wedding gift, and plan on doing it for a few Christmas gifts too. Maybe they could use something like that? You could make of buy them. Maybe a matching apron too.

 

[Priorityonecb]

My girls (16/22) wanted those LuLu Lemon jackets with thumb holes. $95 plus each, and the only thing that really interested them was the holes! I found nice Fila brand one with the thumb holes on Amazon this week for $20! Score! I need to purchase a few gift cards, then I am finished with DD22.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

My girls (16/22) wanted those LuLu Lemon jackets with thumb holes. $95 plus each, and the only thing that really interested them was the holes! I found nice Fila brand one with the thumb holes on Amazon this week for $20! Score! I need to purchase a few gift cards, then I am finished with DD22.

Okay...what is a LuLu Lemon!??

 

[FUNMAMADIS]

Lululemon is a store that sells upscale fitness clothing. I use to think they were ridiculously overpriced until I tried on their yoga pants. They are magical and make you appear 10-20 lbs smaller.

 

[poohfriend77]

Lululemon is a store that sells upscale fitness clothing. I use to think they were ridiculously overpriced until I tried on their yoga pants. They are magical and make you appear 10-20 lbs smaller.

Really? In that case, Lululemon magical yoga pants are going on my Christmas list!

DH started our shopping because he scored a good deal on Lego Friends sets for our DDs. I haven't given the rest of my list much thought yet, but I like reading the ideas here!

 

[JustinsMommy07]

I am working on a set of placemats and pot holders for a wedding gift, and plan on doing it for a few Christmas gifts too. Maybe they could use something like that? You could make of buy them. Maybe a matching apron too.

That is a great idea!!! Maybe a cooking themed basket??? The wheels are turning now!!

 

[FUNMAMADIS]

I love lululemons pants, but the absolute best are Lucy's Perfect Core Pants. (Especially if you have had kids, they disguise a mommy belly better than anything.)

 

[ehough]

I always love this thread- it's great for ideas!

I have a ton of difficult adults to buy for, and I can't do that until closer to xmas. I refuse to buy anything they don't ask for, why waste my time and money? But the kids are fair game, so Santa has been busy! I've bought a lot, but EVERYTHING on clearance/sale.

2 year old nephew: Imaginext Batcave (good deal at Kohl's)
4 year old nephew: Playskool Heroes fire station (clearance at Toys R Us)
2 year old niece: Bounce Bounce Tigger doll (clearance at Target)
Still need something for my nephew who will be 7 months, but thinking Playskool Busy Gears.

As far as my kids:
DD5.5: Winx fairies set (Target clearance), Disney Princess ballerina Barbies (Kohl's deal), a book about birds in our area (she loves birds), a magic set, and a microscope (Walgreens clearance). I'm considering some Calico Critters as her last gift, but waiting for some deals as we get closer to xmas.
DS4: Little Tikes basketball hoop (Mamapedia had a deal, $15 for a $30 Little Tikes voucher!), a moving Dinosaur Train character, Imaginext dragon (Target clearance) Angry Birds slingshot, and the Melissa and Doug mailbox set (Kohl's). He is pretty much done although he is loving the Octonauts toys that came out recently so I might get him a couple of the smaller ones.

I really think Kohl's is a toy resource a lot of people don't know about! If you have a Kohl's card you can usually get 30% off and free shipping, which can work out to some great deals.

 

[tinkerbell615]

I've had fun reading all of the posts on this thread. Although my babies are grown now, I have two grandsons to buy for and that should be fun. I actually am at a bit of a loss what to get this year. My DD is 21 and now that she is working, she has been buying all of the clothes and shoes that she likes, which I normally tried to do at Christmas. I am thinking about a new lens for her camera, but goodness, they are a little expensive. I just know she would love it. For DS and DDIL I am thinking about trying to find a way to incorporate our upcoming Summer 2014 WDW trip. I am not really a fan of gift cards, but I may end up getting them a couple as well as my DD. Then there are the 2 little guys, my grandsons. One is 6 and the other will be a year old on 12/12. The 6 year old loves to build things. I really think one day he is going to be an architect. lol He likes legos, but I would love ideas of any other creative items if anyone has suggestions. I think we are going to get our smallest 1 year old little guy something that he might be able to ride, a small bike etc... DH always gets new gym shoes and jeans. A little boring, I know, but he doesn't get them often and he loves getting them for Christmas. Then there is my mom who is super hard to buy for. I love the idea of Broadway show tickets, so I am going to look into that.

Sorry for the long post. Looking forward to seeing more great ideas!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Lululemon is a store that sells upscale fitness clothing. I use to think they were ridiculously overpriced until I tried on their yoga pants. They are magical and make you appear 10-20 lbs smaller.

I love lululemons pants, but the absolute best are Lucy's Perfect Core Pants. (Especially if you have had kids, they disguise a mommy belly better than anything.)

OMGosh!! If they are magic and cover a C-section area I want them!!!!!

 

[bas71873]

I always love this thread- it's great for ideas!

I have a ton of difficult adults to buy for, and I can't do that until closer to xmas. I refuse to buy anything they don't ask for, why waste my time and money?

Same here. I hate it. It's my in-laws and DH's side of the family that is this way. I am again this year, for the 3rd time, suggesting we stop the gift exchange. If I get shot down again this time, then next year I will just ANNOUNCE that I'm not purchasing gifts and will be either making a donation in their name or selecting an Angel Tree kid in their honor. I'm just over it!

I am not really a fan of gift cards, but I may end up getting them a couple as well as my DD.

Then there is my mom who is super hard to buy for. I love the idea of Broadway show tickets, so I am going to look into that.

I'm not a huge fan of gift card either, but last year, I started a "gift card tree" for my DD (she's 10). I bought a little silver tree at Target and a bunch of gift cards to her favorite stores.....iTunes, Justice, Aeropostale, Sweet Frog, the movies, Chick fil A....and hung them on the tree and Santa left that. That's going to be a new tradition for years to come

I like to do experiences for my parents as well. I've done concert tickets in the past and it's been a big hit. It's something they won't buy for themselves, but they love country music and have enjoyed the shows we've sent them too.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I always love this thread- it's great for ideas!

I have a ton of difficult adults to buy for, and I can't do that until closer to xmas. I refuse to buy anything they don't ask for, why waste my time and money? But the kids are fair game, so Santa has been busy! I've bought a lot, but EVERYTHING on clearance/sale.

2 year old nephew: Imaginext Batcave (good deal at Kohl's)
4 year old nephew: Playskool Heroes fire station (clearance at Toys R Us)
2 year old niece: Bounce Bounce Tigger doll (clearance at Target)
Still need something for my nephew who will be 7 months, but thinking Playskool Busy Gears.

As far as my kids:
DD5.5: Winx fairies set (Target clearance), Disney Princess ballerina Barbies (Kohl's deal), a book about birds in our area (she loves birds), a magic set, and a microscope (Walgreens clearance). I'm considering some Calico Critters as her last gift, but waiting for some deals as we get closer to xmas.
DS4: Little Tikes basketball hoop (Mamapedia had a deal, $15 for a $30 Little Tikes voucher!), a moving Dinosaur Train character, Imaginext dragon (Target clearance) Angry Birds slingshot, and the Melissa and Doug mailbox set (Kohl's). He is pretty much done although he is loving the Octonauts toys that came out recently so I might get him a couple of the smaller ones.

I really think Kohl's is a toy resource a lot of people don't know about! If you have a Kohl's card you can usually get 30% off and free shipping, which can work out to some great deals.

glad you are back!! This IS a good place for ideas...lots of creative people making suggestions! Good deal on what you have purchased and the list of things to buy...that is ALWAYS the hardest part!

I've had fun reading all of the posts on this thread. Although my babies are grown now, I have two grandsons to buy for and that should be fun. I actually am at a bit of a loss what to get this year. My DD is 21 and now that she is working, she has been buying all of the clothes and shoes that she likes, which I normally tried to do at Christmas. I am thinking about a new lens for her camera, but goodness, they are a little expensive. I just know she would love it. For DS and DDIL I am thinking about trying to find a way to incorporate our upcoming Summer 2014 WDW trip. I am not really a fan of gift cards, but I may end up getting them a couple as well as my DD. Then there are the 2 little guys, my grandsons. One is 6 and the other will be a year old on 12/12. The 6 year old loves to build things. I really think one day he is going to be an architect. lol He likes legos, but I would love ideas of any other creative items if anyone has suggestions. I think we are going to get our smallest 1 year old little guy something that he might be able to ride, a small bike etc... DH always gets new gym shoes and jeans. A little boring, I know, but he doesn't get them often and he loves getting them for Christmas. Then there is my mom who is super hard to buy for. I love the idea of Broadway show tickets, so I am going to look into that.

Sorry for the long post. Looking forward to seeing more great ideas!

Your post wasnt too long!! Grandkids must be super fun to buy for!!!! I have a LEGO man also!

 

[kandazak]

Ohhhh....... Love the gift card tree idea!!! Thanks for sharing.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

I am really needing ideas for my girls, ages 6 and 8. And then my dd6 turns 7 right after Christmas so she needs even more. I don't want to overdue it, I want Christmas to be about the season, about Jesus. But it is cool to come down Christmas morning to a pile a presents...it is once a year and we don't buy toys during the year. But what to get them that will not end up just taking up space? Dd8 still has a Lego Friends set she didn't even open from last Christmas. Some board games rarely played with. Dolls rarely played w etc. I always want to get a couple things they can play with right away. Dd8 got a Furby and she played w it nonstop for 5 hours until she opened gifts grandma sent....then she was hooked on her dsi Mario game and only played a bit with the Furby for a couple weeks...and now it sits on her bookshelf

 

[LilyWDW]

Gah! It just dawned on me that I need to get something for my "step-sister" and her daughter! Our parents are not yet married, only engaged but I still feel like I should do something. Maybe a spa basket for her. Then I can ask my "step-mom" what the child likes? I don't know! Oh dear oh dear oh dear...

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I am really needing ideas for my girls, ages 6 and 8. And then my dd6 turns 7 right after Christmas so she needs even more. I don't want to overdue it, I want Christmas to be about the season, about Jesus. But it is cool to come down Christmas morning to a pile a presents...it is once a year and we don't buy toys during the year. But what to get them that will not end up just taking up space? Dd8 still has a Lego Friends set she didn't even open from last Christmas. Some board games rarely played with. Dolls rarely played w etc. I always want to get a couple things they can play with right away. Dd8 got a Furby and she played w it nonstop for 5 hours until she opened gifts grandma sent....then she was hooked on her dsi Mario game and only played a bit with the Furby for a couple weeks...and now it sits on her bookshelf

I agree! We get so busy and into 'things' we sometimes forget to focus on Him during this time and why we even celebrate... Does either of your girls play with dolls, or doll houses yet, or at all? that would be one gift with several small things to go with it that won't be overboard...books that are at their age level or in their interest and you can read together at night or on weekends for family time...one year I got the kids the Pooh Bear set on CD and we loooooved it!!! We played it in the car on long trips to my mother's house...they still quote it and we crack up...so any classic stories on CD are really good~Focus on the Family has a few that are really good...are either of them artsy? Maybe an art basket? Or a started set for Embroidery, or lessons with someone to Crochet or knit...hmmm...do you live in an area where the Broadway shows come to perform or tickets to sporting events if you are into that...I am sure you will get more ideas from our crafty friends!

Gah! It just dawned on me that I need to get something for my "step-sister" and her daughter! Our parents are not yet married, only engaged but I still feel like I should do something. Maybe a spa basket for her. Then I can ask my "step-mom" what the child likes? I don't know! Oh dear oh dear oh dear...

Oh,... I hate that feeling that you have almost forgotten someone/something!

 

[sarahk0204]

We took my DNephew and his sister (my DNiece), along with my DSIL to a nearby RFC to celebrate his birthday. My DSIL let me know that the kids have started souvenir collections (shot glasses for him - just turned 12) and spoons for her (8 1/2). My DSIL suggested this on a recent vacation when she decided she was DONE buying cheap plastic junk from the gift shop. Since we'll be at WDW right before Christmas, I've got a little shopping to do there for them!

And these are items that we should be able to carry on the plane. I am glad that DNiece is not starting a snowglobe collection!

 

[merlinspride]

So I am really late this year, but we are also on a super tight budget this year. My daughter is 7.5 and is not too into toys anymore. Therefore I am determined not to get her a bunch of toys that will just sit there waiting to be broken.

So far I have gotten her a Knock Knock joke book from Nat Geo kids and an Adventure Bible. I am not sure what her big present will be yet.

I also have to buy for my niece 7.5, niece 5 and nephew 5..as my sister agrees with the few toy rule this year, Im just not sure what I am doing there.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Howdy to all the newbies if I missed anyone!!! We are actually talking about a Christmas trip this year instead of traditional "stuff"...my oldest will be 18 the beginning of December, so that will be something different for him too...we had talked about going to New York City...but DAAAAAANNNGGG!! Airfare that week is absolutely disturbing!!1 For the middle of Nov its about $330 RT,...the week before Christmas is $780!! So, any of you have a great Christmas destination?! I don't know if we are wanting to ski, so much as just go somewhere cold, possibly snowy and definitely different....fire away!!