7th Annual Christmas Thread

[Julia M]

Been working on my list....
I give to immediate family (dh, 3 kids). I also give to my brother (unmarried), my sister and her partner and my 4 nephews. We have a family friend who is more like a brother and he counts in my family gifts (he is usually here for all holidays)

On dh's side, there are 8 kids, 6 in laws, 18 grandkids and then 4 spouses and 12 kids from the grandkids families. So we don't exchange with his extended family as a rule. My exception is that I give to 2 of dh's siblings-one was never married and one is divorced (ugly situation). So they don't really have family that gives to them. Then I also give to one of the nieces who has some developmental delays (daughter of the one who is divorced)

I buy small gifts for coworkers and my staff, which is a huge list and typically overwhelms me!

In terms of friends, I give to a few (maybe 6-7)

Just got my first gift-a soda stream that is a shared gift for 2 of my teen aged nephews. I was in the Midwest, where they live, so took the opportunity to buy and leave it with my sister. So I guess I'm officially Christmas shopping now!

 

[DanniDeer]

These posts are making me oh so excited!!

Walmart currently has a scent of the melting wax for burners called, "Coal", so guess what everyone in my mom's house is getting in their stockings!!! It's not my favorite scent, but well worth the joke. I'm sure they'll get used over time..haha

And if this is out of place, let me know and I'll be more than happy to edit my post, but I know a lot of people do their shopping on Amazon, and they have an incredible service called "Amazon Smile" that makes donations to a non-profit organization of your choice with every order. I work for a no-kill-for-space, non-profit animal shelter about 45 minutes outside of Orlando, and we could desperately use the help. My job means the world to me, and it would mean the world to the animals we try to help if you'd select the Central Brevard Humane Society as the organization when you check out. Or any non-profit, really. It'd be a shame not to at least choose something, as it costs buyers nothing and still helps out. Here's a link to the description if anyone is interested:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/ch/about/ref=smi_ge_rl_lm_raas

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

These posts are making me oh so excited!!

Walmart currently has a scent of the melting wax for burners called, "Coal", so guess what everyone in my mom's house is getting in their stockings!!! It's not my favorite scent, but well worth the joke. I'm sure they'll get used over time..haha

And if this is out of place, let me know and I'll be more than happy to edit my post, but I know a lot of people do their shopping on Amazon, and they have an incredible service called "Amazon Smile" that makes donations to a non-profit organization of your choice with every order. I work for a no-kill-for-space, non-profit animal shelter about 45 minutes outside of Orlando, and we could desperately use the help. My job means the world to me, and it would mean the world to the animals we try to help if you'd select the Central Brevard Humane Society as the organization when you check out. Or any non-profit, really. It'd be a shame not to at least choose something, as it costs buyers nothing and still helps out. Here's a link to the description if anyone is interested:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/ch/about/ref=smi_ge_rl_lm_raas

unless a moderator asks you to remove it, that's fine with me!

 

[100AcreWood]

I am racking my brain trying to think of something for dh's mom. She has no hobbies, doesn't collect anything, you can't buy her clothes and she is about to retire. Any ideas?

 

[2littleprincesses]

How about car wash coupons? My mom likes those.

 

[MomToOne]

I am racking my brain trying to think of something for dh's mom. She has no hobbies, doesn't collect anything, you can't buy her clothes and she is about to retire. Any ideas?

My siblings and I usually fall back on either some form of pictures of the grandkids or food-type items for my mother, who basically has anything she needs or wants these days. Depending on budget, it can be as simple as just a box of her favorite types of chocolates (my Mom loves Sees chocolates, which I can get in my area but she can't in hers, so I often give her a hand-packed box of her favorites), or we've also given dessert of the month, fruit of the month or wine of the month clubs (you can get periods as short as 3 months).

Other things I've given in recent years: a slanket (a better quality snuggie), an air popcorn maker and a George Foreman grill (my mother lives alone and is at a stage where we encourage her to stay away from the stove if no one else is at the house - but after I got it for her I thought I'd like one for myself!).

 

[100AcreWood]

Thank you both for your ideas! I'm going to use some of those for my mom who now refuses to give me any ideas. Yesterday I discovered a show called "dancing pros live" will be in our area in February. So we're buying 2 tickets so both of the in laws can go together. Yay, group gift! They are crazy experience but they both love those dancing shows in TV.

I bought more gifts. I found a cute card game called "would you rather" for dd7 and I found a puzzle for my dad on clearance at target! Woohoo.

 

[worm761]

Anyone have any good ideas for family gifts? We don't buy for my side of the family because there are just too many of them. I do buy for DH's nieces and nephew. They are 3, 6, 7, and I *think* 10. Last year I bought a pizza kit and sent a Redbox gift card. Not too sure what to this year. But it needs to be something that all of them can do.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Gift Cards for local movie theaters…an experience in your area like a putt-putt and laser tag place, or some kind of musical or comedy thing for the whole family…a really cool restaurant that is out of the ordinary…. it's hard because some places have more things than others like this to choose from.

 

[sarahk0204]

These posts are making me oh so excited!!

Walmart currently has a scent of the melting wax for burners called, "Coal", so guess what everyone in my mom's house is getting in their stockings!!! It's not my favorite scent, but well worth the joke. I'm sure they'll get used over time..haha

And if this is out of place, let me know and I'll be more than happy to edit my post, but I know a lot of people do their shopping on Amazon, and they have an incredible service called "Amazon Smile" that makes donations to a non-profit organization of your choice with every order. I work for a no-kill-for-space, non-profit animal shelter about 45 minutes outside of Orlando, and we could desperately use the help. My job means the world to me, and it would mean the world to the animals we try to help if you'd select the Central Brevard Humane Society as the organization when you check out. Or any non-profit, really. It'd be a shame not to at least choose something, as it costs buyers nothing and still helps out. Here's a link to the description if anyone is interested:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/ch/about/ref=smi_ge_rl_lm_raas

I think you can also donate to GKTW that way, which is a charity the DIS supports.

 

[LilyWDW]

I think you can also donate to GKTW that way, which is a charity the DIS supports.

You can. That is what my Amazon Smile is connected to. Give Kids the World is an awesome charity and the one that the DIS supports and raises money for.

 

[bas71873]

Well, I think we may cave on the phone. DH and I are at a bit of odds over this, but I'm seeing his point of view more and more. I can get DD the phone for free and by adding her to my current cell plan and switching to a shared data (between she and her, or her and me...I can't ever keep those straight ), it will only increase my bill by about $25/mo. I know that adds up, but buying her a new Ipod touch now and a phone next summer for her bday sorta seems silly. DD is spending more and more time in "drop off" situations at volleyball, dance and swimming, so it makes sense. She's proven to be very responsible with her Ipod touch over the last 3 years, so that might be THE gift. She really isn't asking for anything else which is shocking because usually her list if well underway by this time.

So, my lists so far

DD (from Santa - she still believes as of now)
Phone & phone case
Northface (got this last spring on a great sale in her fav color)
Lego Friends Mall (already picked this up at Target)
Maybe something AG, although I think we have pretty much
outgrown these
There's always a stuffed animal, usually a webkinz

DD (from mom & dad)
Digital scrapbook of pictures of DD and my mom who passed last
year
Photo calendar that I'll make with snapfish or whoever has a good
sale of she and her friends throughout the year
Suitcase (part of our Spring Break DCL cruise reveal)
DCL scrapbook and scrapbook kit (already purchased)
DCL Hidden Mickey book
Gift card for a pedicure to use before our cruise
New dance leos, tights, body wrapper shorts

DH - he needs a microwave for his office. Other than that, he's a pain to shop for.

My dad mentioned needing a new weed whacker, so I've put DH on that gift.

My niece (9 months) - bought her a few of my DDs favorite books from when she was that age. Might get her one of those push things babies use when learning to walk

Nephew (14) - probably an Itunes gift card or some of those crazy expensive socks teen boys like. He also plays basketball. Not really sure

Niece (9) - she's a swimmer and our sports store has some cute sweatshirts, so probably that and an Itunes gift card

Nephew (6) - swim sweatshirt and a Target gift card that he can go pick something out himself

My best friend's girls - Got the 13 year old a Snackeez cup, Elf nail polish and a hot nails set. For the 8 year old I got a bunch of Frozen stuff at Five Below and got her a Snackeez cup too

MIL & FIL - no clue. They can be difficult

DH's grandma - no clue yet


I am planning a party for DD and her friends where they can do a Santa exchange and we'll also do a cookie swap. We have a tight group of girls and moms, so it will be a fun afternoon of food, gifts and wine

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I hear ya on the phone..our boys both got phones when they were 13~dd has while to wait, but she is asking for a new iPod for Christmas..she got hers for bday about 2 years ago and it just isn't really up to snuff. It won't let her download new stuff, has been getting more and more draggy, just sort of acts like it is very old. She has kept up with it very well and taken good care of it, so I think she will be fine with a new one. It's gonna have to last a few years until she gets a phone and the other one I am sure will be dead by then. If she were being dropped off a lot I would consider a phone, but she doesn't need it yet.

 

[pigletgirl]

Updated list as of 10/1!
- DD
* Minnie Bedding (Hoping for red and not pink. If anyone sees anything, let me know!)
* Bubble Mower
* Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set
* Clothing
* Discovery Toys (friend hosts parties fairly often, and lots of fun things!)
* Baby Doll and stroller
* Disney Jr DVDs

DH
* REI giftcard
* Camera
* Socks/Underwear
* K-Cups

And for both of us, we would love new suitcases! I want a lightweight spinner. I have had the same suitcase since high school. That is sad!

For my parents:
They just purchased a new home and will be starting extensive remodeling here soon, so I was going to get them different gift cards to various restaurants that they like and also one to the movies too. The other thing I was thinking was another gift card for Pottery Barn/Crate and Barrel so they can get whatever fits their fancy.

***They are travelling for the holiday, so it's easy to give GC!***

DH's parents:
GC's for his mom. She recently lost quite a bit of weight and needs new clothes.
For his father, not sure.... Maybe he'll also get a REI GC too? I will also get them a gift subscription for Harry and David to their monthly fruit club.

As for everyone else? iTunes gift cards!!

We will do a cookie box for our friends and neighbors.

With that being said... let the 2014 holiday shopping commence!

 

[100AcreWood]

You guys are doing great with your lists!

re: the iphone. In your situation I would definitely get an iphone. It will be nice to stay in contact with your child since she is involved in many activities.

My big success for the day was getting tickets for a show for my in laws. I went to the box office and saved $40. It was awesome! And I got 3rd row back middle seat tickets. I think my mil will be happy with those! Since they were so expensive that means I only need to add a couple small items and I'm done.

We're on a roll now!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I want to play!!!! I usually start shopping mid-October, but this year since we are due to have our son early January, I have already started and I just want to be all done shopping!!!

So far, I have purchased
-HP Chromebooks for both of my girls
-Nerf Rebelle Crossbow sets for both girls
-Yankee Candle 3 peice gift set for my mom and MIL
-Yankee Candle decorative tea light sets for my grandmother and DH's Aunt and Uncle
(Can you tell my girls had a Yankee Candle Fundraiser for their school?? )

I will probably get my girls some Lego Friends sets and board games as well. There is also a WiiU game that they want that I forget, so I'll have to get it out of them. Then also iTunes gift cards, socks, underwear, etc...for stockings.

For my hubby, I will get him a nice gift card to his favorite sports collectible store.

Still need something for my dad, and FIL, and all of our neices and nephews and godchildren (5 of them).

My goal is to be done shopping by Thanksgiving!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I want to play!!!! I usually start shopping mid-October, but this year since we are due to have our son early January, I have already started and I just want to be all done shopping!!!

So far, I have purchased
-HP Chromebooks for both of my girls
-Nerf Rebelle Crossbow sets for both girls
-Yankee Candle 3 peice gift set for my mom and MIL
-Yankee Candle decorative tea light sets for my grandmother and DH's Aunt and Uncle
(Can you tell my girls had a Yankee Candle Fundraiser for their school?? )

I will probably get my girls some Lego Friends sets and board games as well. There is also a WiiU game that they want that I forget, so I'll have to get it out of them. Then also iTunes gift cards, socks, underwear, etc...for stockings.

For my hubby, I will get him a nice gift card to his favorite sports collectible store.

Still need something for my dad, and FIL, and all of our neices and nephews and godchildren (5 of them).

My goal is to be done shopping by Thanksgiving!!!

Your in!! Glad to have you along!! And congrats on the new baby!! So…not Christmas related,but Trip news, for my family. We have changed our dates! not by much,..just backed it up 4 days. Now that my DS15 is in a school that is tougher curriculum wise (he's just got a heavy load this year) and they only allow so many absences per year, I just didn't feel good about him missing 5 days the week before Thanksgiving. Also, this school is out the entire week for the holiday~our last high school went on Mon and Tues so he had plenty of time to do makeup work. Anyhoo…we backed it up to the next Wed morning to Wed before Thanksgiving. So far, we only have one meal and one FP I cannot replace. And Tuesday the 25th is by FAR the most difficult to find a TS for..I figured it would be Wed, but nope. So…anyway I am busy reworking plans this morning..but I have much more peace about it this way so I am glad I did it. I need to remake my ticker because we changed resorts also…which I am glad about…have always wanted to stay at PO Riverside and now we are!!!!



12 WEEKS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

[ashleyasiegel]

I think that I have my youngest daughter done who is 3. That is until Black Friday rolls around and I find something else on a really good deal LOL! I have been shopping all summer and go overboard at Christmas.

I just bought the Doc McStuffins Mobile clinic cart that she is says she is asking Santa for this year and TRU has listed on their Hot Toy list. I also bought the new Disney Princess Glider Castle and all the princesses as she loves the Magiclip princesses that we currently own.

Other things that I have bought her are:
Doc McStuffins Costume
Minnie Costume in Red and Pink
Elsa Costume with shoes/tiara/wand
Sofia dolls that I got at the 70% off target clearance this summer
Frozen Magiclip sets
Frozen Petite Princess dolls with trolls set from TRU
4 Bitty Baby outfits that I got on clearance
Small Nerf Gun since big sister is getting the bow
Doc Game
Minnie Game

I really wanted to buy her all of the new Disney Little People items that they came out with this year (Rapunzel tower, garden set, and day at Disney) but I really should be done with her as that would be another $200 LOL. Hopefully grandmas and aunts and uncles will get her those.

My oldest is still a work in progress. I have gotten her a ton of Frozen items. I am still waiting on the Disney Store Ice Skating dolls set. I already have the ones that are sold in target etc as back up. I am just waiting for the next free shipping promo from American Girl so I can order her Isabelle stuff that she wants. I saw yesterday that they are coming out with a Frozen Lego set in January 2015. I am hoping that it will appear on some store shelves before then like last year when I was able to get Cinderella's Castle before Christmas.

 

[JoeyEmmaMomma]

Aside from stocking stuff, I'm done shopping for kid 1 and 2. Woot! I'm about half done shopping for the baby. Just need to pick up a few small items so the big kids don't think Santa hates the baby, lol.

I'm working on coordinating a group gift for my parents from all of my siblings and I.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Love this thread!

I am looking for new ideas for how to present gift cards for my DS16. Pretty much the only thing he wants -- but he's already had cash and cards in the maze boxes, the roll of bills you tape together, etc. He needs packages to open, so probably not a gift card tree...

I'm starting my list, it's just coming together:

DS16 -- gift cards, Dr. Who throw pillow, other assorted Dr. Who goodies, Schleich animals (he collects), class ring, and I need a big gift. Maybe a concert he wants to see. He has an iphone 5S, laptop, and ipad, so really doesn't need more electronics.

DH -- Kevin-john Boardwalk Empire print (waiting for this to arrive, need to get it framed!), ties, I need to think of more things for him but he is a bear to buy for.

Nieces -- My three nieces will each get $50. The oldest is married with a baby. I might get the baby a gift, but last year I sent some cute holiday bibs (the baby was almost 2 months old) and they told me they don't believe in using bibs so...

SILs & DSFIL -- I have two SILs who will both get Harry and David for their families. They are in FL and we are in Boston, so it's just easier. DSFIL is in AZ, same thing. Yes, that is my DH's stepfather. He really raised my DH, and was always more of a family member than my actual FIL who passed.

DSBIL -- My dh shared a bedroom with his stepbrother, who is more like a sibling than his sisters. We are taking him and his wife with us on a live theater experience on the Salem Trolley (which is normally a trolley tour of Salem, MA). It's the Christmas Carol story and you travel from venue to venue. It's a lot of fun and we will include my parents and have dinner after.

Dad & SMOM -- They will be with us for the holidays so I will have a variety of gifts for them to open, plus stockings. I will include gift cards, ornaments, dill pickle peanuts, giant Reese's bar, things they will enjoy but won't be a lot of clutter to take back in their suitcases.

Spock and Chewie (Kitties)-- Scored some primo catnip at WDW earlier this year. I will also end up buying them stockings of toys. They will be 4 but still play like kittens. I think they are sofa cushions during the day, but come alive when we are home.

Co-workers -- I work in a really small dept., there are only three of us. I get them both Hallmark ornaments and gift cards. Picking up the ornaments this weekend at the big Debut event!

And then there's my list -- I haven't really thought about what I would like, but I will need to give DH a list or I will wind up with whatever the pushy clerk at the perfume counter tries to sell him. I finally told him if I don't specifically say I like a scent, don't buy it!

Wow, this really helped typing up what I think I need to buy. I can't wait to see all the fabulous ideas!

Maria