Anyone started Christmas shopping yet? What, Where and for who?

[DisneyMandC]

- an electronic bug zapper in the shape of a fly swatter. I will probably also save this for DDs Easter basket, for her to use on our Hawaiian vacation (the bugs drive her nuts). It's one of those funny, yet could be useful if it actually works, sort of things.

I recently bought one of these off Amazon! They're great!

 

[MomToOne]

I recently bought one of these off Amazon! They're great!

Oh good! It was one of those things I just threw in my cart without researching. I'm hoping DD will love it!

 

[100AcreWood]

Joining in the discussion. I haven't started yet but my oldest is 14 and soo difficult to buy for. She doesn't love clothes yet, no longer wants toys. I never know what to buy her. She has plenty of make up. Maybe I will get some ideas .

 

[tarheel618]

Joining in the discussion. I haven't started yet but my oldest is 14 and soo difficult to buy for. She doesn't love clothes yet, no longer wants toys. I never know what to buy her. She has plenty of make up. Maybe I will get some ideas .

Does your daughter have an iPhone? My 14 year old DD is wanting apple tv so can connect her phone to it.

 

[100AcreWood]

Does your daughter have an iPhone? My 14 year old DD is wanting apple tv so can connect her phone to it.

She has an iPhone and got the apple TV last year. I think we will upgrade her iPad mini this year (she has the first generation one).

I could use some ideas for smaller gifts. It was so much easier when she was into American Girl stuff .

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I haven't. I need to get through all the October birthdays first.

I did bump into a woman at Tuesday Morning with a cart full of toys. She said she was Christmas shopping for all of her Grandkids since the toys had just been put out.

 

[TwoMisfits]

She has an iPhone and got the apple TV last year. I think we will upgrade her iPad mini this year (she has the first generation one).

I could use some ideas for smaller gifts. It was so much easier when she was into American Girl stuff .

Maybe a few accessories for the devices - I'd get an armband for the phone if she wants to do athletic fun (when I was at a trampoline park last week and I watched young teen girls put their phones ON the trampoline pathway so they could do flips, I about died - another mom next to me commented on same - it was a miracle those phones didn't get fallen on by toddlers or fall through the cracks of the mats when people were jumping). On same, if she doesn't have them, I'd also get earpods for workout purposes. I'd also get a sweet case or screen protector if she doesn't already have them.

 

[froggibabey]

I have! Not too much, but Fisher Price had a crazy deal around the end of May, and I got a bunch of Little People sets on clearance for my 3 year old (she's obsessed!), and gave her some for her birthday, and then there's some for Christmas.

Plus, because of this thread, I just ordered a couple of the American Girl quiz books (and some of the other American Girl books, they love the how-to ones!), and the School book and set (so thanks!).

I've also picked up some cool frames on clearance, and Shutterfly has been having good deals (and I had a few free shipping coupons), so I picked up a bunch of cheap photo mugs for the grandparents, etc. So a good start!

Anyone have good ideas for 11 year old girls? They don't have phones, but they're starting to out-grow toy toys. So I'm kind of at a loss They've got a ton of clothes, so don't/won't need them.. They already get classes from Grandma, and she pays for all their Girl Scout stuff too, we have a season pass to the Zoo, but since it's 2.5 hours away, it's kind of hard to get there anyway.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I have! Not too much, but Fisher Price had a crazy deal around the end of May, and I got a bunch of Little People sets on clearance for my 3 year old (she's obsessed!), and gave her some for her birthday, and then there's some for Christmas.

Plus, because of this thread, I just ordered a couple of the American Girl quiz books (and some of the other American Girl books, they love the how-to ones!), and the School book and set (so thanks!).

I've also picked up some cool frames on clearance, and Shutterfly has been having good deals (and I had a few free shipping coupons), so I picked up a bunch of cheap photo mugs for the grandparents, etc. So a good start!

Anyone have good ideas for 11 year old girls? They don't have phones, but they're starting to out-grow toy toys. So I'm kind of at a loss They've got a ton of clothes, so don't/won't need them.. They already get classes from Grandma, and she pays for all their Girl Scout stuff too, we have a season pass to the Zoo, but since it's 2.5 hours away, it's kind of hard to get there anyway.

Do they like to game or have any gaming systems or tablets? Board games, video games, collectible card games, etc can all work.
Do they like to pamper themselves? That's a good age to start with "spa" type gifts (both the create your own perfume/makeup kits and the already made bubble baths, lip glosses, and nail polish, etc).
Are they athletic and like to be outside? Getting new sports equipment and outdoor fun can be good.
Do they like "cool" stuff? One year, at that age, my daughter wanted a specific my little pony collectible (Derpy special one) - I found it as a reasonable (not cheap) price and got it b/c it was her one "toy".

I also pick up some books (I usually buy graphic novels here, but kids always have at least one series they are reading) and DVDs of movies we didn't see, but wanted to...I also now put in one "experience" gift - one year was Ringling Brothers, one year was Cirque Du Soleil, one year was movie tickets for the day after Christmas, etc...

 

[Hikergirl]

I have! Not too much, but Fisher Price had a crazy deal around the end of May, and I got a bunch of Little People sets on clearance for my 3 year old (she's obsessed!), and gave her some for her birthday, and then there's some for Christmas.

Plus, because of this thread, I just ordered a couple of the American Girl quiz books (and some of the other American Girl books, they love the how-to ones!), and the School book and set (so thanks!).

I've also picked up some cool frames on clearance, and Shutterfly has been having good deals (and I had a few free shipping coupons), so I picked up a bunch of cheap photo mugs for the grandparents, etc. So a good start!

Anyone have good ideas for 11 year old girls? They don't have phones, but they're starting to out-grow toy toys. So I'm kind of at a loss They've got a ton of clothes, so don't/won't need them.. They already get classes from Grandma, and she pays for all their Girl Scout stuff too, we have a season pass to the Zoo, but since it's 2.5 hours away, it's kind of hard to get there anyway.

What about an inexpensive tablet? You can get a Kindle Fire pretty cheap.
New bedding and room accessories.
Sports equipment (if they are into that stuff)
Musical instruments (if they are into that)

 

[100AcreWood]

Maybe a few accessories for the devices - I'd get an armband for the phone if she wants to do athletic fun (when I was at a trampoline park last week and I watched young teen girls put their phones ON the trampoline pathway so they could do flips, I about died - another mom next to me commented on same - it was a miracle those phones didn't get fallen on by toddlers or fall through the cracks of the mats when people were jumping). On same, if she doesn't have them, I'd also get earpods for workout purposes. I'd also get a sweet case or screen protector if she doesn't already have them.

Great ideas!

 

[tarheel618]

She has an iPhone and got the apple TV last year. I think we will upgrade her iPad mini this year (she has the first generation one).

I could use some ideas for smaller gifts. It was so much easier when she was into American Girl stuff .

How about one of the new Polaroid cameras? My DD 14 got one for her birthday this year. Im going to get my daughter 10 one of these this year

 

[clh2]

I bought my DD a used gift from eBay. A very specific Calphalon double griddle, ironically just like mine. Was originally a little concerned about getting something "used" however, Calphalon just doesn't make them "this" nice anymore. And, this way, I do not need to make sure that DD doesn't swipe mine sometime when she is here. Mine is probably 20 years old.

The presentation will need to be fun, though, in lieu of it being new.

Thanks for starting this thread, we always forget to start looking at Christmas Lego stuff, and now that is up on my radar!

 

[froggibabey]

Those are good ideas! They got kindle fires last year from their grandmother, and new bedding and stuff for their birthdays this year, so that's out. They don't really play too many video games though. Books are always a good go-to though! And I LOVE the idea of the cameras.. even a digital/non polaroid type would be good. THANK YOU, that's definitely a go to.

Today I checked the Walmart toy clearance (thanks ), and got a Sheriff Callie guitar, a Princess cat thing that talks and walks, a cars scooter, a paw patrol scooter, a Frozen wand that makes noise and lights up when you wave it, some Star Wars bubble wands, some princess Nail Polish, glitter hair stuff, and glitter face stuff, and a few other things (and milk and ice cream!) for under $40! Sad I didn't find the M&D cookies (littlest one has been asking for those for a while), but I'm definitely getting a good start/finish on Christmas!

 

[brennicksmom]

Can you tell me which diffuser you ordered? This seems like the perfect gift for several people on my list!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I9ISI12/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 They are due to be released this week. I ordered them on pre-order. I can't wait to see if they look this cool in real life!

 

[bigbabyblues]

DH found a hoodie that DS1 will want, we have that. We may pick up a couple small things here and there early, but I get a "bonus" of sorts for Christmas, but it won't come until the second week of December. We usually spend the Saturday after I get that shopping, and I really enjoy it.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I've discovered a new website in recent days that I've picked up a few more stocking stuffers from: hollar.com. It's basically an online dollar store - now that's dangerous! If you haven't checked it out - venture there at your own risk - I've placed 3 orders in 2 days LOL

Some things are great deals - they have Pee Wee Pillow Pets for only $2!! - others items are about the same as I'd get/pay at a local dollar store, others items are overpriced in that they are charging $2 for things I can get for $1 at DollarTree. As always, know your prices and cross check with other sites to determine what is and isn't a good deal.

Shipping is free on your first order. Thereafter it is free with a $25 minimum, or $5 otherwise.

I admit I have not actually received any of my orders yet - looks like my first order will get here tomorrow or Monday. But so far I've ordered:
- some accessory hangers, for DD16 to use with her LARGE scarf collection. Will go in her stocking.
- a rear-rack bike basket (by Bell, a decent enough name in bike accessories), a bike bell and a bike rear-view mirror. I'll package these together for an under-the-tree gift for DD. She got a cruiser bike last year
- one of the aforementioned Pee Wee Pillow Pets that looks like our cat. Again, will go in DDs stocking (she still likes pillow pets for travelling)
- some Essie and OPI nailpolish. Yet more items for DDs stocking.
- flip flops. I may save these for DDs next Easter basket. Cheapy plastic ones, but cuter than the typical $1 styles.
- an electronic bug zapper in the shape of a fly swatter. I will probably also save this for DDs Easter basket, for her to use on our Hawaiian vacation (the bugs drive her nuts). It's one of those funny, yet could be useful if it actually works, sort of things.
- acne medicine (full size tube of 10% benz for only $1!). This is a "just cause DD always needs it", I won't put this in her stocking LOL
- a fleece "house" and a couple of stainless steel bowls for our cat. The cat needs some Christmas presents too!
- some slippers that include an insert you can heat/cool. These will be a gift to my mother for Christmas. She has Alzheimer's, getting a bigger gift makes no sense. Her caregiver will be able to help her use these. I also have a picture frame for her already, I'll add a picture of her with DD I took recently. (I had to return the robe I previously got her because I realized it would be way too big on her - she's lost a lot of weight in the last 6 months because of the normal course of things.)
- a backpack. Probably another under-the-tree gift for DD, I'm not sure. It's the Everest brand - supposedly good quality, not great, but DD likes to have a bag to match each outfit, so it doesn't really have to be great quality since none of them see every day use.
- a watering bulb. This was just because I tend to forget to water my plant (Yes, "plant" - singular. I kill them all, but have one stubborn houseplant that refuses to die no matter what I do LOL)

All of these were $5 and under, many just $1-$3.

The best stuff sells out quickly after it is added to the site - I find myself checking first thing in the morning to see if there are any great new deals on things I didn't know I needed!

(And for those of you wondering, I made the mistake of getting DD a stocking that is about 1-1/2 or 2 times the size of a normal stocking a couple of years ago. So filling it takes some work - hence bigger things like the Pillow Pet!)

Funny you mention Hollar I just discovered it the other day too! I did not get any of the pillow pets because the ones that were left were too girly. They did have a lot of good stuff and the OPI polish was great for stocking stuffers. You could not beat the price.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Joining in the discussion. I haven't started yet but my oldest is 14 and soo difficult to buy for. She doesn't love clothes yet, no longer wants toys. I never know what to buy her. She has plenty of make up. Maybe I will get some ideas .

You may think she has plenty of make up but does she? One never has too much! LOL You could get make up case and put in some polish and nail accessories.

You say she is not into clothes but how about jewelry? A Pandora or Chamilia bracelet would be a good thing because you can get a few charms and then add to it each year. Pandora has Disney charms they are expensive(35 to 70+each) and while Chamilia charms are the same price you can get good deals on their website. The other day they had a flash sale for 70% off and if you live anywhere near a Paper Store they had them 75%. I got a bracelet with a snowflake charm which sells for over a 100 for 23 for my niece. I like this because it solves the gift giving problem for a few years to come and provides memories for each charm. How about Alex and Ani charms? Check out what her friends are wearing and then go from there.

I have another suggestion, as the kids get older the gifts they want get smaller and more expensive. I would invest in a set of stacking boxes which would be hers alone kind of like a stocking. It's easier, you just put the gifts in the boxes and tie with a ribbon. Save boxes from year to year. First you have enough graduated boxes so that you can put for example, a charm that costs 70.00 in a large box make it look worthy of the price and it is so easy to fill them with gifts it cuts down on wrapping. This is the best idea and it disguises those little expensive gifts.
http://www.lang.com/home-decor-1/home-accessories/home-decor-accents/decorative-box-sets.html

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I have! Not too much, but Fisher Price had a crazy deal around the end of May, and I got a bunch of Little People sets on clearance for my 3 year old (she's obsessed!), and gave her some for her birthday, and then there's some for Christmas.

Plus, because of this thread, I just ordered a couple of the American Girl quiz books (and some of the other American Girl books, they love the how-to ones!), and the School book and set (so thanks!).

I've also picked up some cool frames on clearance, and Shutterfly has been having good deals (and I had a few free shipping coupons), so I picked up a bunch of cheap photo mugs for the grandparents, etc. So a good start!

Anyone have good ideas for 11 year old girls? They don't have phones, but they're starting to out-grow toy toys. So I'm kind of at a loss They've got a ton of clothes, so don't/won't need them.. They already get classes from Grandma, and she pays for all their Girl Scout stuff too, we have a season pass to the Zoo, but since it's 2.5 hours away, it's kind of hard to get there anyway.

How about starting a charm bracelet....it's the gift that keeps on giving for years to come.

 

[QueenIsabella]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I9ISI12/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 They are due to be released this week. I ordered them on pre-order. I can't wait to see if they look this cool in real life!

This would be perfect for DS10! That probably sounds weird, but he loves cool, light-up things, and he gets obsessed about scents (any type--candles, air freshener, car clips...). He's a nut, but he's my nut!