7th Annual Christmas Thread

[bas71873]

So I have everything decided except for my one niece. She loves to cook so I thought I would get her a easy, basic cookbook and something cute to go with that. But then she won't have a "toy" to play with from me like her siblings. I know she would love the cooking stuff, but is it enough to take the place of the toy part of the gift? She is 10 if that matters and cooking really does seem to be a passion. Otherwise, everything else is picked out and in a wish list on Amazon to buy. Then I have to order my dad's pizzas and all done!

I did this for my best friends daughter one year. She likes to bake. I did a big mixing bowl and filled it with cake mix, icing, sprinkles, cupcake liners, spatula and bought a monogrammed apron. Maybe that will give you some ideas for putting together a cooking gift.

 

[jennthompson111]

Anyone ever done boodlebox.com or candyclub.com? These are monthly subscription boxes of fun little things for girls and then candy. I think my DD would really like getting something from either of these each month, but would love to hear some feedback.

I'm thinking of doing this too. My daughter loves getting mail and the boodle boxes look so fun.

 

[sunrise717]

Great thread: shopping for dd 6 and dd5 any must have for that age? Thanks

 

[sarahk0204]

We celebrated a nephew's bday today, and we drew names for the DN's for Christmas. I got some good ideas from my SIL for the one, but my BIL who is the parent of the other child is deferring to his DW on such info. I will text that SIL tomorrow.

We also figured out that this side of the family (DH's) is all going elsewhere for Christmas. We are already doing my side the weekend before (pretty common for us), and we will likely do DH's side the weekend after New Year's. So we will probably spend Christmas Eve/Day with my dad and my MIL (both widowed), because we don't want anyone to be alone. My MIL is unhappy because she prefers celebrating with ALL of her kids and grandkids on the actual holiday. She solved the "which side shall we spend the holidays with" 45 years ago when DH was born. Having an infant who was the first grandchild on both sides trumped everything, and Christmas has been at her house on Christmas Eve and Day ever since. Now that some of her children want to mess up tradition by spending time with their spouse's families, she's unhappy. Oh, well, as DH pointed out, she has several weeks to come to terms with it.

 

[Graciesmom77]

Sooooo glad we are through October and Halloween. In October we have my birthday, my sisters birthday, my moms birthday and the day my mom passed away, October 31st, and it's all just so hard. We all miss her so much on our birthdays and as we get closer to the anniversary of the day we lost her, it's hard not to replay the whole hospital and losing her. I am so glad that month is over and we are on to Christmas! We always start Christmasy things the day after Halloween. In 2 weeks, I would like to start getting the decorations up and the house decorated. Christmas really is my favorite time of year!

I bought a few more things for my girls. I bought my 13 year old some of the Disney Villians makeup and copper eyeliner and makeup setting spray. She is getting obsessed with makeup! I also got her a Harry Styles bobble head, 1D poster book and autographed picture to frame of them. This week I think I am going to order her the "Tear this book up" or something like that, and get my 11 year old the "pocket Scavenger Guide".

My 5 year old has only asked for 2 things for the longest time. The American Girls Ivy and Isabelle. I have both of them for her. Today she kept going on and on about this Elsa and Anna thing that has a mirror and they are on it and it has 4 legs. I finally figured out she meant the Frozen vanity. I was really hoping to get away with not getting it, but I usually try and get the things that they ask for specifically. Sigh

My 3 year old has said that she wants the entire Toys R Us big book, except the video games, cause they look scary! Lol. I asked her what her favorite things were if she could only pick a couple, and she thought about it and decided that she really needed everything cause they were all her favorite! LOL

I got my nephew a batman Lego DS game and a batman Lego set. I need to get him a tool set and a Hime Depot wood kit. I may get him the big Dino skeleton in the TRU book, because I think he would love it.

Hubby wants a gps, and I am hoping I can find some great deal leading up to, or on, Black Friday. I am also going to get him some survival/prepper things. We always find ways to spend money on things other than that, and he has wanting to start getting things for years.

Two things I am putting together for my kiddos may be of interest to you guys so I thought I would share. My 5 year old just stared kindergarten and loves to play school at home. I going to make her up a school lot with dollar tree workbooks and stickers and post it notes, pens, things that a teacher would use. I think she will live it and for 10-15 bucks, I think it will be a gift she uses a lot.

The other thing I am doing is making a doctor set for my girls with "real" stuff. Like gauze and band aids and stethoscope and medicine syringes that look like shots. I think it's another thing that they will use a lot and love. What kid doesn't like playing with band aids. Again, another cheaper fun gift. I hope you are all getting in the holiday mood. I know I am!!

 

[100AcreWood]

Sounds like great ideas Graciesmom77!

I'm ready to roll. I think I'm 50% done at this point. Need to work on our Operation Christmas Child boxes soon!

 

[100AcreWood]

I bought two things today for Christmas. A bracelet dd12 picked out on sale for $12 and I had a coupon for the bath and body works so I picked up two bottles of shower gel.

 

[AZMermaid]

I just picked this up for DS4. The box is huge so that will be a fun one to speculate about under the tree. http://www.target.com/p/marvel-univ.../-/A-14528457#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=marvel I used the 25% coupon in the toy book which brought it down to $34! I also got him a Paw Patrol plush for his stocking. I just need to get a set of Magnatiles and he is done, I think. Is anyone ever really done?

 

[gracie1]

I've gotten a couple stocking stuffers so far. I am going to order calendars for my mom and dad of pictures with their grandpuppies next week. I'm still at a loss on some gift ideas though! I know of a couple gift cards but that's about it. Any ideas what your getting your mom and dad?

 

[Taylor'sMom]

I've gotten a couple stocking stuffers so far. I am going to order calendars for my mom and dad of pictures with their grandpuppies next week. I'm still at a loss on some gift ideas though! I know of a couple gift cards but that's about it. Any ideas what your getting your mom and dad?

I got my parents a Keurig. They are a little late to join the K-cup party and my mom finally asked for one. I bought a storage drawer and a "My K-Cup" to go with it.

 

[100AcreWood]

I've gotten a couple stocking stuffers so far. I am going to order calendars for my mom and dad of pictures with their grandpuppies next week. I'm still at a loss on some gift ideas though! I know of a couple gift cards but that's about it. Any ideas what your getting your mom and dad?

I'm getting my Dad a basket full of snacks. I'm going to Costco and trader joes and collecting things that he would never buy for himself like nice chocolates, nuts, cookies, snack mixes. I also bought puzzles for my parents. They love putting together puzzles because they are both retired.

For my in laws, we bought really great tickets to a show in February. They like experiences so I'm hoping to also get them a gift card to the imax in town. Also, we bought them one of the fire sticks that amazon had on sale for $20 recently.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

7 weeks!!!!!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Just started online shopping yesterday!

I picked up Dr. Who Weeping Angels pajama pants (cheaper from Amazon than ThinkGeek), a Dr. Who Tardis pillow (cheaper from LTD Commodities than Amazon or ThinkGeek), pre-ordered Guardians of the Galaxy, and got my dh a Celtics throw pillow for the man cave, also from LTD Commodities.

I follow FlyLady, and yesterday was my catch-up for all the "Cruising Through the Holidays" missions I had missed -- I wrote down everyone's sizes, made a note of errands I need to run (framing the lithograph I got for DH, Hallmark event this weekend, new outdoor decorations), wrote out a budget for every person I need to buy for along with suggested item and where to get it, threw away 27 items that were cluttering the house, wrote out menu suggestions for the entire time we will have company (22 days! -- but I only have 17 so I guess there will be repeats ), and started ordering items.

I also brought all the empty boxes down from the attic earlier this week. These were the boxes that things came in last year and I never threw them away I created a wrapping station in the attic last year, so I took the gifts out and wrapped them, and then created a virtual mountain of empty boxes. Had to get rid of them to make room for this year's batch

The wrapping station in the attic was a big hit I'm going to continue this year. I put up a card table and set all the paper, boxes, ribbons, bows, tags, tape, scissors and sharpies next to it. Then whenever someone wanted to wrap they just went to the attic and did it. Everything they needed was right there, and nothing got lost in any other room. The table was a good surface for wrapping, better than the bed or the floor. My attic is a finished space so that helps -- it's comfortable and out of the way

Today I need to order a personalized ornament for my ds. He has the lead in his high school fall play which will be performed in December, and I want to get a theater marquee with the name of the show (Harvey!), his name and 2014. I love it when there is an event I can commemorate with an ornament!

Maria

 

[LilyWDW]

Just did a big order on Amazon. So close to being finished now! All the toys for the kids are bought and I also grabbed my uncle a copy of "How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman. Love that cookbook and think he will as well.

Now all I have to buy is a gift card for my cousin to Khol's, a package from Tastes of Chicago for my dad (getting a couple deep dish pizzas and some cookies), and then something small for my other aunt and uncle to have delivered. Something food gift basket related like Harry and David. Nothing TOO expensive because I just paid for her room, ticket, and food at Disney but I don't want my uncle to feel left out lol.

 

[gracie1]

Just did a big order on Amazon. So close to being finished now! All the toys for the kids are bought and I also grabbed my uncle a copy of "How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman. Love that cookbook and think he will as well.

Now all I have to buy is a gift card for my cousin to Khol's, a package from Tastes of Chicago for my dad (getting a couple deep dish pizzas and some cookies), and then something small for my other aunt and uncle to have delivered. Something food gift basket related like Harry and David. Nothing TOO expensive because I just paid for her room, ticket, and food at Disney but I don't want my uncle to feel left out lol.

You should take a look at the Harry and David website. They had some really nice gift buckets on there for between $20-$40. I saw quite a few that were $30 and really nice

I will be placing my order on Sunday - just the typical stocking stuffers like body wash, deodorants, toothbrushes, etc. I did order a foot pedicure sander type thing from QVC for my dad for Christmas (and myself - this thing is awesome!) and I am going to order my parents each a calendar from the dogs. I know that I will get them each some gift cards as well as some scratch off tickets - so keep posting your Christmas ideas and lists on here so I can get some ideas!!
Heck, I can't even think of anything to put on my list

 

[rapunzelmom]

First thanks to all for the advice about Wii v Wii U. Have decide to go for craigslist used Wii with all the fixins, (2 remotes, driving stuff and exercise stuff, even a microphone) and even some of the games we wanted for $150. I am meeting the girl Sunday.
DD8
Spirograph
Book of Life art book (she said it was better than Frozen, gasp)
AG oufit she wanted from the Isabel
AG sick pet accessories (made a special trip to AG store in NY during a girls weekend just to save shipping and then bought extra stuff!)
Art kit
Books
Still need Santa stuff,
Barbie head to brush head
couple of Equestria girl dolls
And the Wii which is a family gift.
I am sticking socks and underwear under the tree this year as I always got those.

Mom
Some utensils she wanted from William Sonoma
A pillow of her and DD at Epcot Flower show
And just realized she is using my microwave from my grad school days....20 years ago, so she is getting a new one. She says it is fine she "just heats stuff up" I said that is all anyone does with a microwave! It is a wonder she isn't glowing.
The rest of the list is the same.
I love hearing everyone's ideas!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Just started online shopping yesterday!

I picked up Dr. Who Weeping Angels pajama pants (cheaper from Amazon than ThinkGeek), a Dr. Who Tardis pillow (cheaper from LTD Commodities than Amazon or ThinkGeek), pre-ordered Guardians of the Galaxy, and got my dh a Celtics throw pillow for the man cave, also from LTD Commodities.

I follow FlyLady, and yesterday was my catch-up for all the "Cruising Through the Holidays" missions I had missed -- I wrote down everyone's sizes, made a note of errands I need to run (framing the lithograph I got for DH, Hallmark event this weekend, new outdoor decorations), wrote out a budget for every person I need to buy for along with suggested item and where to get it, threw away 27 items that were cluttering the house, wrote out menu suggestions for the entire time we will have company (22 days! -- but I only have 17 so I guess there will be repeats ), and started ordering items.

I also brought all the empty boxes down from the attic earlier this week. These were the boxes that things came in last year and I never threw them away I created a wrapping station in the attic last year, so I took the gifts out and wrapped them, and then created a virtual mountain of empty boxes. Had to get rid of them to make room for this year's batch

The wrapping station in the attic was a big hit I'm going to continue this year. I put up a card table and set all the paper, boxes, ribbons, bows, tags, tape, scissors and sharpies next to it. Then whenever someone wanted to wrap they just went to the attic and did it. Everything they needed was right there, and nothing got lost in any other room. The table was a good surface for wrapping, better than the bed or the floor. My attic is a finished space so that helps -- it's comfortable and out of the way

Today I need to order a personalized ornament for my ds. He has the lead in his high school fall play which will be performed in December, and I want to get a theater marquee with the name of the show (Harvey!), his name and 2014. I love it when there is an event I can commemorate with an ornament!

Maria

That's so funny, my son is in Harvey this year, too (performing in Nov.). Where did you find the ornament?

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I've gotten quite a bit of shopping done. I've ordered most of it on Amazon and used a lot of gift cards I earned from Swagbucks. Here's what I've gotten:

DD18:
Sims 4
otterbox for her phone
mug with pictures of our dogs on it
The Fault in our Stars dvd
3ds pokemon game

DS17:
Hood ornament for his mercedes
Money for Jan. disney trip with his best friend
Need to pick up a few gift cards

DS15:
Two xbox games
pen tablet for his laptop

DS13:
laptop
2 Wii u games
3ds pokemon game
books

DS10:
books
spirograph
tablet
watch
Phineas and Ferb Disney Infinity figures

 

[starearedkid]

We celebrate both holidays.

Reese is set for Hanukkah. She is getting: Elsa dress, Frozen slides game, Elsa figure, Kristoff figure, puzzle, frozen stickers and temporary tattoos. And a "sparkly magnifying glass" from Doc McStuffins. Because in her 3 year old mind, how else can she the thorns on her bicycle?

For Christmas, she has made up wish lists for different childhood cancer organizations--the only things she wants are ice-skating Elsa and Anna and the Doc Mcstuffins Mobile Cart.

So we will see.

 

[rapunzelmom]

Broke down and ordered Isabelle for DD8. Told her 2 was plenty so she will be shocked? Any way checked retailmenot on a whim and yep , free shiring code
bestgift