7th Annual Christmas Thread

[tchrrx]

So happy to find this thread! Christmas shopping has been on my mind lately. This year we are trying not to go over board. Last year the elf brought a pre-made wish list from Santa. It asked them to list something they want, need, wear, read and something special. He will be doing the same thing this year, but instead of something you need we are changing it to an experience. With my kids being DD7, DD4 and DS 11 months they don't really need anything. So we thought an experience like movies, ice skating or maybe lessons is a better fit.

We have told our girls that Christmas won't be big this year because we leave for Disney the day after Thanksgiving. They know that Disney and BBB is their gift from us. I also have a surprise and got tickets to Frozen on ice. Of course I have found a couple things to put under the tree from us that I couldn't pass up getting.

I have started shopping.
DD7: furby boom (not sure what I was thinking), ever after high doll set, tomogatchi (stocking), frozen playing cards (stocking dollar bin at target), funky knee high socks (stocking), diary with lock and scented gel pens, and four AG outfits because the today show was having a sale and I picked all four up for $48! I just couldn't pass up that deal. So that will probably be from us. All I have left to get is something to read and wear. I saw at Costco they have a three book AG set that comes with the small doll.

DD4: she is a little harder to shop for. I have a my little pony for her that she has been asking for and I also got her a doll bed for her dolls. I was thinking about getting the twin AG dolls but they are expensive. Maybe a stroller for her doll. Funky socks (stocking). I'm really lost on what to get her because she loves playing with everything big sister plays with.

DS11 months: I have most of the toys from my other kids and I always bought neutral colors. I'm really not sure what we will end up getting him. He'll probably just want to play with the boxes anyways.

 

[bas71873]

Would your 4 year old want one of the American Generation (or whatever they're claaed) dolls from Target? Then she would have a doll like big sis without breaking the bank.

This is what we did the first year DD asked for an AG doll (she was 7). It didn't help that she sprung it on my about 5 days before Christmas. She also had NEVER EVER played with dolls before, EVER. I think they are Our Generation at Target. Anyway, we got her Sydney because she is the dancer doll and DD is involved in dance. She loved her and took great care of her. So for her 8th bday, which is in July, we did get her her first AG doll (Kinani, GOY) and now we have 4 or 5 of the real thing. Sydney is still part of the group even though she's a fake

 

[lyncecelia]

So the other day I went nuts and bought a ton of stuff for Christmas for DH and DBro (who will be here for Christmas!)

DH: I got him Rosetta Stone: Japanese. There is this Japanese game he wants to start playing, but they don't make an English version yet, so I figured that'd help him out. I also got him his Christmas Eve PJs (Star Trek) and a couple other stocking things from Think Geek. I just need to get him underwear (which he asks for every year) and some bottle of some type of Alcohol for his booze cabinet. This I'm completely clueless about, because I don't drink....


For DBro: I got him a Doctor Who throw, a Games of Thrones hoodie (he's coming from FL to MA for Christmas...I'm assuming he's going to be freezing ). as well as Doctor Who Christmas Eve PJs. I also got him a nice dice bag for DnD and a Smudgeguard glove for his stocking. I need a couple more things for him though, and completely blanking...I usually just get him a gift card, but since he'll be here on Christmas Day, I feel that's kind of lame. I might get him an iTunes one for his stocking though.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

So the other day I went nuts and bought a ton of stuff for Christmas for DH and DBro (who will be here for Christmas!)



For DBro: I got him a Doctor Who throw, a Games of Thrones hoodie (he's coming from FL to MA for Christmas...I'm assuming he's going to be freezing ). as well as Doctor Who Christmas Eve PJs. I also got him a nice dice bag for DnD and a Smudgeguard glove for his stocking. I need a couple more things for him though, and completely blanking...I usually just get him a gift card, but since he'll be here on Christmas Day, I feel that's kind of lame. I might get him an iTunes one for his stocking though.

Where did you get the Dr. Who pjs? I get my DS16 Christmas Eve pjs and I hadn't figured out this year's yet. It was so much easier when I just picked up Disney character pjs!

Thanks!
Maria

 

[lyncecelia]

Where did you get the Dr. Who pjs? I get my DS16 Christmas Eve pjs and I hadn't figured out this year's yet. It was so much easier when I just picked up Disney character pjs!

Thanks!
Maria

Thinkgeek.com has a TON of Doctor Who stuff . That's where I got them!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Sounds like my inlaws will be coming to our house for Christmas this year.

I will need ideas for them since that will mean a couple of extra gifts. The big gift I want to get them is from that wine gift basket company that was mentioned on a favorite thing podcast. I need to find that one and relisten to it.

And we've got the calendar that I'm making for both sets of parents.

I'm still looking for one more thing for the inlaws.

And for my Mom I cross stitched her a bookmark and I'll be scouring the mystery section of the book store for some books for her. She loves to read.

Other than that, I'm out of ideas this year so I'll be reading this thread for sure.

 

[Graciesmom77]

I got few more things and came up with some ideas! Yay!

I put somethings in layaway online at Toys R us, which was so awesome. I got the sales price and it will be delivered to my home when I'm don't paying it off. Woot!

In layaway I put, the Doc Mcstuffins Mobile clinic for my 3 year old and the Infinity 2.0 plus the Captain American figurine. Toys R Us had a coupon code for the clinic, so I got it for 39.99, regularly 50. Also, the Captain America figurine was 40% off.

I finally thought of some things for my 11 year old. She loves Minecraft, so it think we are going to get her and Xbox 360 for her room. They are at Gamestop for 99.99 and it comes with a Lego LOTR game. So we will get her that and the Minecraft game. Also a Minecraft paper craft set and some Minecraft books that help you play the game. I may get her a diamond sword and weird pig thing as well. Minecraft is still a bit of a mystery to me! Lol

We are starting the big dollhouse this weekend. I have to get started on decorating it.

 

[rapunzelmom]

Ok, you have all inspired me to get my act in gear! I start shopping early especially for all those little gifts, secretaries, teachers, babysitters etc but today I got it all out to see what I have. I have a lot! yeah! I buy for my DD8, DM, DM's "friend", 4 teen DNeph, DSis, DBro and DSIL 2 dogs and 4 cats. And the afore mentioned work people, teachers as well as church giving tree, gifts drive at the hospital etc. Also we do Hanukah box for close friends (food and teen gifts). We do Santa gifts, so Santa brings me presents too. Since DD is an only child, only granddaughter and it is just the 2 of us, she gets enough "diva". This year for St Nick day instead of gifts, DD and I are shopping for hospital drive and Toys for Tots.
DD likes to make something for everyone too, ugh right now she is thinking tie-dye. I am pushing potholders!
the list is
Santa is bringing the family a Wii U. (if anyone has any advice on this PLEASE, don't hesitate) so the rest is of gifts are small or needs
DD8
Wii games, dance one or singing, ?? suggestions?
Christmas PJ's
new sheets/ comforter
boots
snow pants
couple of new Barbies (she played circus and made several of them clowns with permanent marker)
we need towels so I am getting some for her
Books (got on sale)
Possible board games too, if I find anything on sale!

Stocking stuff,
DD-chapstick, brush with her name on it, movie, toothbrush (Santa is very concerned about our dental needs!), earrings, new markers, craft stuff (whatever is on sale at Michaels on Black Thursday)
MEmore crap I need, like deodorant, pens etc..
Santa brings stockings for DMom as she comes over to open Santa gifts.. so notebooks, pretty pen, stuff from Michaels dollar bin sort of stuff and usually, CD or book

ME
shampoo
socks
Pj's
book
Mom- William and Sonoma stuff she wanted and probably an Indian cookbook and Indian spices and DD got her Shutterfly pillow of a great pic from Epcot during the Flower and Garden show
Mom's" friend" I make him food and big roll of trash bags from DD school fundraiser
DSis, cookie jar and DD got her Disney store stuff and trash bags
DBro and DSIL , breakfast box, pancake mix, syrup and the trash bags
All teens getting money and umbrella's I found for 2$, The teens are 17-20 so they don't know they need an umbrella but they do!
work folk: got Yankee candles, the littlest jar for 5$ each in July, so I got 10 Vanilla. guess what work folks, are getting as well as school office people etc. Thought DD's teacher too, but she is so awesome and DD is doing so well mostly because of her, I have decided on something like, a mani-pedi gift card. She is a mom of 4 so I thought that would show our appreciation! Thoughts teachers??

Elf on a shelf- OK, last year we tried it, very stressful for me thinking of something new every day! So this year I have been collecting dollar-ish stuff so I now have 13 things for the elf to bring.... all clearance stickers, tattoos, Frozen jelly beans etc.

 

[sarahk0204]

St Nicholas comes to our house, but he tends toward the practical. In the past, he's brought slippers, bathrobes, and new laundry hampers. This year, he might bring the new flannel sheets.

We participate in a Giving Tree at church for a local preschool program. The past couple of years I've taken the kids with me to help pick out the clothes and toys.

We have a Wii U, and DD 10 loves the Just Dance series of games.

 

[LilyWDW]

Getting close to my Disney trip which means getting close to having the vast majority of Christmas shopping done! After this trip all I should have to buy is the gift card for my cousin and something from Taste of Chicago for my dad. Go me!

 

[Graciesmom77]

I wanted to let you guys know of 2 cool things I ordered from Amazon that I thought were pretty neat. One is a Mr. Root Beer kit where you can make your own root beer. It was like 22 bucks. The other things was a make your own bubble gum kit. Both are a little different and sound like fun! Thought you guys who are looking for ideas for gifts might be interested. I love Christmas! Lol

 

[100AcreWood]

Getting close to my Disney trip which means getting close to having the vast majority of Christmas shopping done! After this trip all I should have to buy is the gift card for my cousin and something from Taste of Chicago for my dad. Go me!

NICE! That has to feel great!

 

[AZMermaid]

Joining in! Last year, I started buying Christmas presents in like August and I forgot how much I had. I still have unopened toys in the closet! Those will go to Toys for Tots this year. So I swore I wasn't going to buy anything until November this year. Well.... I made it to the Zulily bitty baby sale! Ha ha! Here are my lists:

Santa family gift
I'm thinking a play kitchen. I want a swing set, but DH isn't on board!

DD2.5

From Santa
Clothes rack for dress up clothes- have my eye on one but hoping it pops up on Zuliliy
Deluxe Rapunzel dress- have it
Rapunzel shoes and tiara- have it
Ariel dress and shoes- have it
Belle dress (hand me down, but will put on rack)- have it
Knock off Elsa dress- have it

From us
Bitty baby- have it
Bitty baby swaddle- have it
Baby doll diapers from etsy- have it
Matching doll and girl PJs- have it
4-5 books, including a personalized one- have it
Some clothes- have it
Christmas PJs- need it
My Little Pony- have it, Target Toy clearance

So she is basically done I think. My son is another story. I'm pretty stuck on him. He has a lot of toys already. He is 4 and transitioning from Duplos to Legos, so probably a Lego Junior set of some sort. So-

DS4

4-5 books including a personalized one- have it
Some clothes- have it
Christmas PJ- need it
Bathtub water baby mermaid- (he really wants this)- have it
A couple board games or puzzles when they. go on sale- need it

Uhhhhhhh.... Help! He likes trucks, his Imaginext castle, soccer, Spider-Man and Ninja Turtles, although he can't actually watch the shows. The bad guys scare him!

DH
New shaver- have it, just got one at Costco
Leather work bag- have it
MLB bat bottle opener from Red Envelope??

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Joining in! Last year, I started buying Christmas presents in like August and I forgot how much I had. I still have unopened toys in the closet! Those will go to Toys for Tots this year. So I swore I wasn't going to buy anything until November this year. Well.... I made it to the Zulily bitty baby sale! Ha ha! Here are my lists:

Santa family gift
I'm thinking a play kitchen. I want a swing set, but DH isn't on board!

DD2.5

From Santa
Clothes rack for dress up clothes- have my eye on one but hoping it pops up on Zuliliy
Deluxe Rapunzel dress- have it
Rapunzel shoes and tiara- have it
Ariel dress and shoes- have it
Belle dress (hand me down, but will put on rack)- have it
Knock off Elsa dress- have it

From us
Bitty baby- have it
Bitty baby swaddle- have it
Baby doll diapers from etsy- have it
Matching doll and girl PJs- have it
4-5 books, including a personalized one- have it
Some clothes- have it
Christmas PJs- need it
My Little Pony- have it, Target Toy clearance

So she is basically done I think. My son is another story. I'm pretty stuck on him. He has a lot of toys already. He is 4 and transitioning from Duplos to Legos, so probably a Lego Junior set of some sort. So-

DS4

4-5 books including a personalized one- have it
Some clothes- have it
Christmas PJ- need it
Bathtub water baby mermaid- (he really wants this)- have it
A couple board games or puzzles when they. go on sale- need it

Uhhhhhhh.... Help! He likes trucks, his Imaginext castle, soccer, Spider-Man and Ninja Turtles, although he can't actually watch the shows. The bad guys scare him!

DH
New shaver- have it, just got one at Costco
Leather work bag- have it
MLB bat bottle opener from Red Envelope??

Glad you are joining in!! It has been quiet here this week..apparently you have all had as busy of a week as I have had! LOL!! I missed our Thursday marker, so let's just pretend for one second that it IS Thursday..ok?

11 WEEKS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!

 

[100AcreWood]

Glad you are joining in!! It has been quiet here this week..apparently you have all had as busy of a week as I have had! LOL!! I missed our Thursday marker, so let's just pretend for one second that it IS Thursday..ok? 11 WEEKS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!

Thanks for the update. That is not long at all!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

No, it really isn't! And my eldest son's bday is in 8 weeks…he's at college, so I am getting his list from him now… gotta get on this!!

 

[Aliceacc]

Lots of Columbus Day sales out there.

I just got my son 2 Nike/ Jordan hoodies-- free shipping (on some, including the ones I chose) and 20% off $100. (Code EMFL4C57) . I got him 2 men's hoodies for $87, when they're typically ballpark $60 each.

Vera Bradley has lots on sale-- I got my daughter a Vera bag.

 

[rapunzelmom]

I need some advice
I really want to get the family a Wii for Christmas. I am not a gamer and DD8 is not all that electronic, but last winter was so cold and I really want something to do besides movies and Crazy 8's for those cold winter days!
So since this is our first gaming experience do I fork over big bucks for a Wii U ($300) or get a Wii ($125 or $80 for a refurbished one at Gamestop)?
What accessories are necessary? Can I just buy a truck load of Wii games since I understand WiiU games won't work on Wii? $300 bucks plus games seems a lot to spend before we know if it will get used. On the other hand if Wii is being phased out, should I just buy the Wii U?
any guidance appreciated. Way too much thought going into this!!!

 

[erin22]

I need some advice
I really want to get the family a Wii for Christmas. I am not a gamer and DD8 is not all that electronic, but last winter was so cold and I really want something to do besides movies and Crazy 8's for those cold winter days!
So since this is our first gaming experience do I fork over big bucks for a Wii U ($300) or get a Wii ($125 or $80 for a refurbished one at Gamestop)?
What accessories are necessary? Can I just buy a truck load of Wii games since I understand WiiU games won't work on Wii? $300 bucks plus games seems a lot to spend before we know if it will get used. On the other hand if Wii is being phased out, should I just buy the Wii U?
any guidance appreciated. Way too much thought going into this!!!

Unless you really can't afford the WiiU don't by a regular Wii. The system is 10 years old, isn't very well supported anymore and virtually no new games are made for it. Wait for Black Friday and I bet you can get a decent deal on a WiiU.

 

[gracie1]

Bumping