6th Annual Christmas Thread

[mrsbornkuntry]

I think I'm getting a late start for me this year, but can I join in anyway?

I have 5 kids of my own to buy for and one 8 year old niece. I think I'm going to get my niece something to build with, right now I'm wavering between snap circuits and Lego friends. Anyone with a little girl that can give me their opinion?

My kids are expensive, but fairly easy this year:
My 17yo DD is going to college next year and she needs a new laptop.
My 12 yo DS wants a laptop
My 9yo DS also wants a laptop, although I may just give my 9yo the oldest's old laptop after I get her a new one and if he does well with it then I'll consider a new one. I'm also going to get him some Legos and I'm going to look into a basketball camp for the summer that he really wants to go to.
My 16 yo DS wants a tenor saxophone, a cheap used one so he can try it out and see if he likes it before we invest any real money in one (he already has an alto sax he plays in band).

The thing with the laptops is that the kids know if they get one that is ALL they will get except a couple of cheap things like a mouse and maybe one inexpensive video game so it's pricey, but it does make shopping easier.

My MIL is getting a water pitcher that has a thing you put fruit in to make your own flavored water if she hasn't bought one for herself. I'm not sure what to get her husband yet, they buy everything they want, so I think I'm leaning toward a new wallet unless I find a better idea.

Now I'm going to go back and read through this thread to see if I can get some new ideas

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I officially am ready to start -- I downloaded my Holiday Control Journal from Flylady.net. It has pages to keep track of what you are buying whom, how much you plan to spend, what you've ordered, if it's wrapped yet, etc., plus planning holiday meals, parties, travel, etc. I have been downloading them and filling it out for the past few years, and it really makes it more organized and more fun. That is my best tip for a more enjoyable Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Maria

What an awesome idea!

I think I'm getting a late start for me this year, but can I join in anyway?

I have 5 kids of my own to buy for and one 8 year old niece. I think I'm going to get my niece something to build with, right now I'm wavering between snap circuits and Lego friends. Anyone with a little girl that can give me their opinion?

My kids are expensive, but fairly easy this year:
My 17yo DD is going to college next year and she needs a new laptop.
My 12 yo DS wants a laptop
My 9yo DS also wants a laptop, although I may just give my 9yo the oldest's old laptop after I get her a new one and if he does well with it then I'll consider a new one. I'm also going to get him some Legos and I'm going to look into a basketball camp for the summer that he really wants to go to.
My 16 yo DS wants a tenor saxophone, a cheap used one so he can try it out and see if he likes it before we invest any real money in one (he already has an alto sax he plays in band).

The thing with the laptops is that the kids know if they get one that is ALL they will get except a couple of cheap things like a mouse and maybe one inexpensive video game so it's pricey, but it does make shopping easier.

My MIL is getting a water pitcher that has a thing you put fruit in to make your own flavored water if she hasn't bought one for herself. I'm not sure what to get her husband yet, they buy everything they want, so I think I'm leaning toward a new wallet unless I find a better idea.

Now I'm going to go back and read through this thread to see if I can get some new ideas

Better late than never!! Of course you can join in! And you are NOT too late!

 

[LekiaHall]

What a fun thread. I'd like to join in the fun.

I absolutely LOVE Christmas and usually end up going overboard on the presents. So much so that I think I've spoiled my children and they come to expect a lot.

BUT, this Christmas marks a new era. My oldest is in college and tuition is kicking our butts! So, we're scaling back quite a bit.

My plans:

DD18 (by Christmas)-
Cash/gift card to total $200
Sakroots Artist Circle Smartphone Wristlet- 2 of them- $56
Grace Digital GDI-GSD8200 gdock Charging Speaker Dock for Samsung Galaxy S4 (She's getting the S4 for her birthday next month so this will give her a way to listen to music in her dorm room)-$95
Pajama set
Carol's Daughter-Almond Cookie Body Gift Set
Carol's Daughter-Tui Natural and Free Hair Set
Bible
Stocking stuffers (to include lottery scratch-offs for fun)
Total right now: $536. I need to scale this back somehow. Suggestions?

DD14:
Cash/gift card to total $200
Flat screen TV
Pajama set
Carol's Daughter-Almond Cookie Body Gift Set
Bible
Stocking stuffers (to include lottery scratch-offs for fun)
Total right now: $477. Also a bit high. Plus, I don't think these will be exciting to open. Could swap the TV and get a few other gifts, but can't think of anything exciting. She already has a Galaxy S4 and an iPod. Don't want to get her a laptop just yet because she doesn't really have a need for it, but maybe I should go that route instead of the TV? Any suggestions for a teen girl?

DS11:
Video games-Madden, etc
Action figures
Sports posters
Sports shirts
Bike
Adventure bible
Total: $285. I like where I'm at with son. BUT, he loves animals and I would love to get him something animal-related, but can't think of anything.

DD5 (by Christmas):
Stompeez (she's been driving me crazy for these!)
Sofia the First doll
LeapPad 2
Headphones
Bike
Bible
Total: $220. For some reason, I'm drawing a blank on what else to get her. She already has a ton of "big" toys (dollhouse, princess tent, kitchen set, makeup vanity set, chalkboard, etc). She's obsessed with Alvin and the Chipmunks (and the Chipettes) and she already has all of the bean babies that she plays with constantly. It's been hard finding comparable toys. Will watch this thread for other ideas.

In addition to my four, also need to buy for:

Mom (my stepDad passed away this year so really want to get her something nice.) I love the idea of the bracelet mentioned in this thread and I plan to get her one with the birthstones of all the children and grandchildren.
Godson-6 months
Goddaughters-8 & 9
Nephews-8, 9 & 17 (for oldest nephew, thinking of going with a North Face fleece, some cologne and $100).

Yikes! Looking at this, this seems like a ton. And I haven't bought one thing yet.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

What a fun thread. I'd like to join in the fun.

I absolutely LOVE Christmas and usually end up going overboard on the presents. So much so that I think I've spoiled my children and they come to expect a lot.

BUT, this Christmas marks a new era. My oldest is in college and tuition is kicking our butts! So, we're scaling back quite a bit.

My plans:

DD18 (by Christmas)-
Cash/gift card to total $200
Sakroots Artist Circle Smartphone Wristlet- 2 of them- $56
Grace Digital GDI-GSD8200 gdock Charging Speaker Dock for Samsung Galaxy S4 (She's getting the S4 for her birthday next month so this will give her a way to listen to music in her dorm room)-$95
Pajama set
Carol's Daughter-Almond Cookie Body Gift Set
Carol's Daughter-Tui Natural and Free Hair Set
Bible
Stocking stuffers (to include lottery scratch-offs for fun)
Total right now: $536. I need to scale this back somehow. Suggestions?

DD14:
Cash/gift card to total $200
Flat screen TV
Pajama set
Carol's Daughter-Almond Cookie Body Gift Set
Bible
Stocking stuffers (to include lottery scratch-offs for fun)
Total right now: $477. Also a bit high. Plus, I don't think these will be exciting to open. Could swap the TV and get a few other gifts, but can't think of anything exciting. She already has a Galaxy S4 and an iPod. Don't want to get her a laptop just yet because she doesn't really have a need for it, but maybe I should go that route instead of the TV? Any suggestions for a teen girl?

DS11:
Video games-Madden, etc
Action figures
Sports posters
Sports shirts
Bike
Adventure bible
Total: $285. I like where I'm at with son. BUT, he loves animals and I would love to get him something animal-related, but can't think of anything.

DD5 (by Christmas):
Stompeez (she's been driving me crazy for these!)
Sofia the First doll
LeapPad 2
Headphones
Bike
Bible
Total: $220. For some reason, I'm drawing a blank on what else to get her. She already has a ton of "big" toys (dollhouse, princess tent, kitchen set, makeup vanity set, chalkboard, etc). She's obsessed with Alvin and the Chipmunks (and the Chipettes) and she already has all of the bean babies that she plays with constantly. It's been hard finding comparable toys. Will watch this thread for other ideas.

In addition to my four, also need to buy for:

Mom (my stepDad passed away this year so really want to get her something nice.) I love the idea of the bracelet mentioned in this thread and I plan to get her one with the birthstones of all the children and grandchildren.
Godson-6 months
Goddaughters-8 & 9
Nephews-8, 9 & 17 (for oldest nephew, thinking of going with a North Face fleece, some cologne and $100).

Yikes! Looking at this, this seems like a ton. And I haven't bought one thing yet.

What a great list..and what a good idea for your mom! She has had a rough year

 

[LekiaHall]

What a great list..and what a good idea for your mom! She has had a rough year

Yes, for us all. He valiantly battled Stage IV colon cancer for 1.5 years before succumbing this past July so this Christmas will be an especially hard one. I'm even thinking of going away to not be at home for Christmas to stave off some of the blues.

 

[Deffenm]

I just cashed in for panera and subway gift cards on a reward site for DH's stocking so I finally have something for him. I love cashing in on reward sites for "free" gift cards.

I think I have DD almost figured out for Christmas/Birthday(x-mas eve).

I have these items listed for her so far:

Read - new kindle case and Amazon gift card

Want - New Bike

Wear - Chlothes from Justice

Need - Riding helmet, riding boots, chaps, riding pants

Stocking - Teen beach movie dvd, black beauty book (still have more to get here)

Birthday - Softest Stuffed Animal , Guess Who electronic version game, (need a few more items)

X-Mas Eve Gift - PJ's and book/puzzle

Now the boys I have no clue beside their wear item which is clothes.

 

[pigletto]

My parents want Adirondack Chairs for the cottage for Christmas. However they don't want plastic, but the composite wood/plastic. You may have seen them, they come in all kinds of colors.
Here's my dilemma. I know ONE store that sells them and they are a little boutique type place that buys their things other places and then marks them up. So they are $275 a chair.
I can't seem to find them anywhere else but I am hoping not to spend that much. I'd prefer to get them in Canada, but I can also order them from the States and have them shipped to a package service and go over and pick them up. I think shipping and duty fees might make that pointless though.
So if anyone has any ideas I am all ears

 

[Priorityonecb]

Can you order the chairs from Amazon? I just saw some reasonably priced ones with free shipping, but not sure that applies to Canada.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

My parents want Adirondack Chairs for the cottage for Christmas. However they don't want plastic, but the composite wood/plastic. You may have seen them, they come in all kinds of colors.
Here's my dilemma. I know ONE store that sells them and they are a little boutique type place that buys their things other places and then marks them up. So they are $275 a chair.
I can't seem to find them anywhere else but I am hoping not to spend that much. I'd prefer to get them in Canada, but I can also order them from the States and have them shipped to a package service and go over and pick them up. I think shipping and duty fees might make that pointless though.
So if anyone has any ideas I am all ears

Maybe EBay. When I was searching for a porch swing I saw several sellers of composite swing benches you might be able to find chairs.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[pigletto]

Thank you both! I will check both Amazon and Ebay today.

 

[LilyWDW]

Spoke to my cousin and now I know what I will be getting for my aunt and uncle for Christmas! A Hamilton Beach 6qt programmable slow cooker and a copy of Fix it and Forget it Lightly. Going to see if I can get one at the outlets next week. If not, I already found it on Amazon. Super excited.

Going to also get shirts for the 5 nephews at the Disney outlet and something small for my 2 nieces. Maybe something like some cute socks. I already bought the nieces a journal and a necklace so that is why they won't get shirts. Trying to keep it close to even.

Then hopefully I can find a sweater jacket type of thing for my stepmom at the outlets as well.

At some point I need to run to Lowes and get a gift card for my cousin's husband. Then I want to find one of those wire photo holders to display the gift cards in their basket.

Now all I need is something for my dad! I have NO ideas! Might look at some tools and/or a sports team hat or tshirt.

 

[100AcreWood]

Spoke to my cousin and now I know what I will be getting for my aunt and uncle for Christmas! A Hamilton Beach 6qt programmable slow cooker and a copy of Fix it and Forget it Lightly. Going to see if I can get one at the outlets next week. If not, I already found it on Amazon. Super excited.

Going to also get shirts for the 5 nephews at the Disney outlet and something small for my 2 nieces. Maybe something like some cute socks. I already bought the nieces a journal and a necklace so that is why they won't get shirts. Trying to keep it close to even.

Then hopefully I can find a sweater jacket type of thing for my stepmom at the outlets as well.

At some point I need to run to Lowes and get a gift card for my cousin's husband. Then I want to find one of those wire photo holders to display the gift cards in their basket.

Now all I need is something for my dad! I have NO ideas! Might look at some tools and/or a sports team hat or tshirt.

My Dad is the tough one too. He likes puzzles, but mostly sits around and watches TV. He has COPD and chronic bronchitis so not a lot of energy. I have to be careful not to give him any "old people" presents like slippers or blankets. He gets really keyed up about things he associates with old folks.

 

[LilyWDW]

My Dad is the tough one too. He likes puzzles, but mostly sits around and watches TV. He has COPD and chronic bronchitis so not a lot of energy. I have to be careful not to give him any "old people" presents like slippers or blankets. He gets really keyed up about things he associates with old folks.

I swear he is the most impossible person ever to buy for! I asked him the other day what he might want. His answer? "I have everything I could ever want" and then he started to cry. I mean, glad he feels that way, but it doesn't help me! LMAO

I might have to text him and BEG for SOMETHING.

 

[pigletgirl]

My Dad is the tough one too. He likes puzzles, but mostly sits around and watches TV. He has COPD and chronic bronchitis so not a lot of energy. I have to be careful not to give him any "old people" presents like slippers or blankets. He gets really keyed up about things he associates with old folks.

What about a Kindle or Nook?

 

[100AcreWood]

What about a Kindle or Nook?

Well, how do I put this? I love my parents but two years ago I gave my mom a subscription to the Oprah magazine. She complained it was "too much reading."

 

[LilyWDW]

So, I called my dad and told him I NEEDED some ideas... and he actually gave me a few! He wants a Chicago Bears hat, some jeans, and some solid colored shirts. Not too exciting, but at least it will be something!

 

[pigletto]

Oh Ladies.. I hear you. There are 6 siblings in our family. So not only do we have to do the impossible and get ideas from our parents, but then you have to make sure nobody else got it! It's become a competition. If we hear our mom mention something in April that she kind of likes one of us will yell "Called it!!!!" as fast as we can so nobody else can get it.

Then this year they went and bought a cottage. One of the very first things we said was "THINK OF ALL THE GIFT OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS PLACE!!!"

It's not easy I tell ya!
I think I might have found the chairs at the Canadian Costco. And they are much more reasonable at around $170 per chair. I'll get one, my sister will get one, and our younger brothers will get the foot stools. I'm ecstatic to have my parents gifts done this early!
My mom loves to do puzzles so I'll get her a few of those, and get my dad some fishing lures and we're all done for them!

 

[Happiest mommy]

Hi guys!! so far have bought my older DD8 a Micro Scooter half price off and free shipping and i'm on the look out for 2 tablets for both DD's. Thinking of just getting Brother and sister in law gift cards and something for their fur babies.
No clue for my sister and brother in law and 14 yr old nephew, I also have 4 teachers, DH and mom uhg! thats another issue

 

[pigletgirl]

Well, how do I put this? I love my parents but two years ago I gave my mom a subscription to the Oprah magazine. She complained it was "too much reading."

Yep, that definitely isn't the right thing. What about like a hickory farms gift basket?

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Any ideas for a teenage boy? I'm stuck on my cousin, who's sixteen (so a junior in HS). I'm going to make a pillowcase out of this cool fabric that has tapes printed on it. But I need something a little more...exciting