8th Annual Christmas Thead

[Mouseketeers4]

I've gotten a few ideas for DD. She'll be 2.5 when Christmas rolls around. She's recently really gotten into baby dolls, so I'm thinking about a Bitty Baby from American Girl. Do you all think that's appropriate for a 2 year old? I've also thought about getting her a doll stroller so she can take "care" of her baby while I care for our new baby.

I'm also thinking about a play kitchen for the basement too.

For DH, I have no clue! We're going on our 5th anniversary trip in October 2016 so that'll be our "gift" this year. Probably some odds and ends.

My DD got a Bitty Baby at the same age and has been great with it. My Mom got an amazing deal on it last September through Jill's Steals and Deals. The set with doll, plush, and book was only $50. If you want something cheaper, we also really like our Manhattan Toy Baby Stella. I think a stroller is a great idea too! A shopping cart could also be good, especially if you get the play kitchen. We like the Little Tikes one. If you need other ideas, this Disney Princess shoe set is one of the best things my Mom has ever bought for DD. She absolutely loves the shoes and uses them every day. My Mom paid quite a bit less for them in store at Target.

 

[Mouseketeers4]

I look forward to this thread every year! (I had to change my user name; due to a snoopy ex) I'm also hoping everything is ok with DisneyMommy3!

My brother and family: Since I have 7 kids and my brother has 5, we exchange one family gift.... need a few ideas here... it usually ends up being a bit of different things in one box because the ages of kids are so spread out (10, 8, 7, 2, and newborn)

What about a family membership to a zoo or museum?

 

[100AcreWood]

I have not been able to buy anything of late due to finances. Right now I am just hoping to be able to get what I need by Christmas. I still need to buy:
- Ornaments for my youngest 2 nephews
- A gift card for my aunt and uncle
- A crossword puzzle calendar for my grandmother
- A Colts shirt or hat for my dad

Same here. We've had a bunch of expenses lately including new tires, brakes and a new washing machine. None of which was fun to buy.

Anyway, hoping to get back on track next month. We will definitely not be done by Thanksgiving this year which is a bit of a bummer because of love being done with the shopping. I do plan to do more online shopping this year so that should take some of the stress out.

 

[Pesky]

Only 2 months until Christmas Eve!

This thread is super slow this year. I need ideas for DD10 and DD8. DD10 likes Minecraft and likes to play Words with Friends app. DD8 likes to watch youtube videos of people pranking each other, and loves all the Disney Channel shows/movies (austin and ally, Jessie, Disney Desendants etc.). They will both be playing basketball. I haven't gotten anything yet

For your older DD, thought about an old-fashioned word game like Scrabble (there is a Disney version) or scattergories, etc.? Not much but it's a start! For your DD8, JC Penney and Kohl's have Descendants clothing which goes on sale at times. I got DD8 Descendants PJs and a Mal sweatshirt. A friend got the soundtrack and her DD loves that. Basketballs, GCs to get new sneakers, etc. would be good. FYI, there are mystery minecraft mini figurines that could make a good stocking stuffer. Other stocking stuffers for that age are fun socks, smencils, jewelry.

My DD got a Bitty Baby at the same age and has been great with it. My Mom got an amazing deal on it last September through Jill's Steals and Deals. The set with doll, plush, and book was only $50. If you want something cheaper, we also really like our Manhattan Toy Baby Stella. I think a stroller is a great idea too! A shopping cart could also be good, especially if you get the play kitchen. We like the Little Tikes one. If you need other ideas, this Disney Princess shoe set is one of the best things my Mom has ever bought for DD. She absolutely loves the shoes and uses them every day. My Mom paid quite a bit less for them in store at Target.

Also I just saw a bitty baby at Costco! And the play kitchen is a great idea. A friend gave us a wooden kid craft one she got off craigslist. There are some great food kits by Learning Resources New Sprouts. I gave a friend's DD2 the wok one and she played with that for 3 hours straight. And totally agree on the shoe set. DD LOVED those for years.

On our side, managed to score a used drum kit for a good deal so got that for DD. Definitely whittling down the list!

 

[PrincessKymm]

I've been on a spending freeze but I splurged and spent $28.62 on party lite today. My sister had a party so I went to catch up with some people. They had a bundle deal (tea lites, votives, and a jar) for $20 so I can break it up and have several gifts/stocking stuffers. I will need to find inexpensive votive holders and I have some pretty ribbon and bags so that is done.

I'm thinking about getting DS a chromebook if I can find a good deal on Black Friday or cyber Monday. I'm not sure what else to buy this kid. We've had a talk about not spending money so he is aware this will be a tight Christmas and he is fine with it.

I'm trying very hard to take DS to Oglebay Resort for the day. They have a huge light display and it's a 3 hour car ride so 6 hours RT. I really just need gas money and a small amount of spending money. I figured we could pack drinks and snacks and maybe splurge on dinner out or a drive through.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Does anyone remember that Christmas present idea which includes "something to wear, something to read?" I'm thinking about implementing it this year, at least in principle. Only 4 gifts a person doesn't seem like a lot for Christmas morning, but we do need to cut back and frankly it's almost impossible to buy for DS17 who only wants gift cards anyway...

Maria

 

[bas71873]

Does anyone remember that Christmas present idea which includes "something to wear, something to read?" I'm thinking about implementing it this year, at least in principle. Only 4 gifts a person doesn't seem like a lot for Christmas morning, but we do need to cut back and frankly it's almost impossible to buy for DS17 who only wants gift cards anyway...

Maria

It's something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. I personally have ZERO self control so I can't stick to that

 

[Worfiedoodles]

It's something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. I personally have ZERO self control so I can't stick to that

Thanks! I don't think I will manage, either, but it might help me reign it in!

My dh wants a college sweatshirt and a magazine subscription, so I was thinking this would be a good place to begin. I am way behind -- normally I start prepping July 25th (Christmas in July). This year we have been visiting potential colleges and all the other senior stuff and between work and other family stuff I am just getting started. It's kind of nice that I can really focus and the holidays are not so far away

Maria

 

[100AcreWood]

I love the concept of the 4 gifts but to reign it in, I make a spreadsheet with the number of gifts I plan to buy. Once I fill in all the spots I stop shopping. That includes Santa's gifts. If I don't, I'll keep buying everything I find on sale.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I love the concept of the 4 gifts but to reign it in, I make a spreadsheet with the number of gifts I plan to buy. Once I fill in all the spots I stop shopping. That includes Santa's gifts. If I don't, I'll keep buying everything I find on sale.

What a great idea! I know I will have impulses, but if I'm checking off items that will certainly help

 

[gracie1]

I ordered a back massager yesterday for my mom on hsn. I think it was their special as well. It comes with one that you can also wrap around your leg or arm or neck too. Not something she asked for but looked pretty neat!

 

[100AcreWood]

I bought a subscription to zoobooks for my ds7. His teacher suggested it on Monday during the teacher conference. I found a groupon that made it only $10 for a year.

 

[100AcreWood]

Are there really only 8 weeks until Christmas? Can that be right? Wow.

 

[~~Darci~~]

Yes! Only 8 more weeks!

I am moving right along with the gift giving. I bought a new printer as a family gift this week.

BF Ads is going to have a Black Friday Major company reveal this afternoon!

 

[LilyWDW]

Once I pay my bills and get groceries, I may be able to afford another gift!

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

I knew this thread was on the boards somewhere , just had to remember where! I always find good ideas on it each year. Then I watch the budget boards for the black Friday stuff!

I already have a few items and am still looking for more. This is just what I already am thinking of or have.

DH - My Pillows, record player and LP's, few clothes, scanpan square grill pan,
DS19- life size stand up cut out of a clone trooper from SW, cross with chain, video games, name a star, dash cam,
DS17- Tripod for astronomy binoc,gloves with sensors, moon rook, also a piece of mteor. new lens for tele, name a star,video game, cross, MIlenium falcon RC
Mom-Pandora castle charm, fold-up grocery cart,
Dad-TCM magazine subscription, laser pens, digital pic frame w/ wifi,
DSIS- gift cards, cookies,
DSIS-emjoi pedi, cookies,
2 of my friends- Emjoi pedi and candy
DMIL-Pandora charm,
DFIL- candy,
DSIL+DBIL- candy,
2 nephews- star wars toys
DBIL and future DSIL- digital frame w/ wifi,

Then I have people for our business but that's an entirely different type of gifts- business not so personal. I try to get them things like high end stationary and pens, crystal vase, tec gifts(sonos, ipad..).

I have about 1/3 so far. I feel like I need to get moving!

 

[Pesky]

DS17- Tripod for astronomy binoc,gloves with sensors, moon rook, also a piece of mteor. new lens for tele, name a star,video game, cross, MIlenium falcon RC

FYI, the best price on the Millenium Falcon RC that I've seen is Walmart. Right now it is $88 and doubt it'll go lower given the movie's release in December.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

Thanks, just ordered it!

 

[gracie1]

I knew this thread was on the boards somewhere , just had to remember where! I always find good ideas on it each year. Then I watch the budget boards for the black Friday stuff!

I already have a few items and am still looking for more. This is just what I already am thinking of or have.

DH - My Pillows, record player and LP's, few clothes, scanpan square grill pan,
DS19- life size stand up cut out of a clone trooper from SW, cross with chain, video games, name a star, dash cam,
DS17- Tripod for astronomy binoc,gloves with sensors, moon rook, also a piece of mteor. new lens for tele, name a star,video game, cross, MIlenium falcon RC
Mom-Pandora castle charm, fold-up grocery cart,
Dad-TCM magazine subscription, laser pens, digital pic frame w/ wifi,
DSIS- gift cards, cookies,
DSIS-emjoi pedi, cookies,
2 of my friends- Emjoi pedi and candy
DMIL-Pandora charm,
DFIL- candy,
DSIL+DBIL- candy,
2 nephews- star wars toys
DBIL and future DSIL- digital frame w/ wifi,

Then I have people for our business but that's an entirely different type of gifts- business not so personal. I try to get them things like high end stationary and pens, crystal vase, tec gifts(sonos, ipad..).

I have about 1/3 so far. I feel like I need to get moving!

The emoji pedi machines are nice! Got my dad one last year for Christmas - this year will be the refills for it! Most of the items on their lists aren't things I would typically buy anyone - like my mom wants a floor lamp and a back rest pillow - but she wants it so I guess I will get them.

 

[sullivnq]

The fan can't wait for this years party in just two weeks