Christmas gifts?

[klitteral2009]

So I had a hard time coming up with a thread title we go to Disney the last week of January every year and so Christmas is always a little tight. I have three DD 12,5, and 3 ( her birthday is always the week were in Disney so she'll be almost 4) I was just curious if anyone else got into this type of situation and what you for Santa gifts. I was thinking of large Disney gift cards for each of them to shop with when we go (because we always come home with souvenirs) but in having a hard time coming up with things for them to open, but not breaking the bank either.

 

[jcano]

My DD and her DH had a trip planned last January. For Christmas we gave them gift cards, trading pins, T-shirts, and some other WDW themed items. Hot Topic has some really cute necklaces, socks, purses, and wallets right now. Disney character themed hair bows too.

 

[vaDisneyGuy]

Disney beach towels and other stuff for the pool at the hotel.

 

[worm761]

So I had a hard time coming up with a thread title we go to Disney the last week of January every year and so Christmas is always a little tight. I have three DD 12,5, and 3 ( her birthday is always the week were in Disney so she'll be almost 4) I was just curious if anyone else got into this type of situation and what you for Santa gifts. I was thinking of large Disney gift cards for each of them to shop with when we go (because we always come home with souvenirs) but in having a hard time coming up with things for them to open, but not breaking the bank either.

Do you not ask your kids for a list? Even my 4 almost 5 year old has a list going. I would not make their Christmas gifts all about vacation as I don't feel that is really fair to them. You do this annually so you should have already realized that the two expenses were close. And good gifts don't have to be expensive. They simply have to be liked.

Christmas is tight here every year. We host a big Thanksgiving and DD's birthday is in December. Because I know this, I save for Christmas all year long. I earn Amazon gift cards on Swagbucks and that generally pays for DD's Christmas and some of DS's too. There is still time to make them for this Christmas.

I also shop all year long. I pick things up that I think they will like and put it away for Christmas/birthday. It makes it easier to spread the cost out over several months.

 

[Dashzap]

How about giving travel stuff:

fun suitcases or carry-ons for the plane

A cool toiletry kit full of fun little samples, tinted chapstick, hair clips, etc.

A kindle for the older one (watch for sales on the cheaper one...should be $49ish.)

My kids liked getting practical stuff, too.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I obviously don't know your 12 year old but I would not have liked a Disney gift card when I was 12 as my big Christmas gift. I would ask them to make lists. That's part of the Christmas excitement anyway, isn't it? Are you a black Friday shopper? That can be a great time to pick up some inexpensive stocking stuffer type gifts.

 

[klitteral2009]

Do you not ask your kids for a list? Even my 4 almost 5 year old has a list going. I would not make their Christmas gifts all about vacation as I don't feel that is really fair to them. You do this annually so you should have already realized that the two expenses were close. And good gifts don't have to be expensive. They simply have to be liked. Christmas is tight here every year. We host a big Thanksgiving and DD's birthday is in December. Because I know this, I save for Christmas all year long. I earn Amazon gift cards on Swagbucks and that generally pays for DD's Christmas and some of DS's too. There is still time to make them for this Christmas. I also shop all year long. I pick things up that I think they will like and put it away for Christmas/birthday. It makes it easier to spread the cost out over several months.

Ok, thanks for your suggestions but you could have been a little less condescending. YES they have lists and have been working on them since summer. I DO realize that expenses are close and never said it was a surprise or unexpected, I was just asking for suggestions on gift ideas. I assumed someone would have been in my situation or a similar one and maybe had some advice to share from their experience.

 

[klitteral2009]

How about giving travel stuff: fun suitcases or carry-ons for the plane A cool toiletry kit full of fun little samples, tinted chapstick, hair clips, etc. A kindle for the older one (watch for sales on the cheaper one...should be $49ish.) My kids liked getting practical stuff, too.

I had forgotten about a Kindle! Dd 12 loves to read and that would be perfect for her 'big' gift thanks!!!

 

[klitteral2009]

I obviously don't know your 12 year old but I would not have liked a Disney gift card when I was 12 as my big Christmas gift. I would ask them to make lists. That's part of the Christmas excitement anyway, isn't it? Are you a black Friday shopper? That can be a great time to pick up some inexpensive stocking stuffer type gifts.

She lives for gift cards lol. She's a professional shopper already she actually asked for them last year when we got back. Someone mentioned the kindle and I think she'd love that too and it doesn't hurt my wallet too much. They've all got lists going but it's mostly anything they see a commercial for so its hard to figure which items have priority as opinions change hourly lol. I have considered BF shopping but just don't have the cajones hahaha

 

[worm761]

Ok, thanks for your suggestions but you could have been a little less condescending. YES they have lists and have been working on them since summer. I DO realize that expenses are close and never said it was a surprise or unexpected, I was just asking for suggestions on gift ideas. I assumed someone would have been in my situation or a similar one and maybe had some advice to share from their experience.

Sorry you took it that way. It really wasn't intended like that.

What are you kids into? For the 3 year old, there is some new Peppa Pig stuff just out. Including some new Peppa books. DD loves Peppa and loved Bubble Guppies are her age too. DD is 4 will be 5 in December and has been looking at Disney Store online and has been asking for the Disney Princess Barbie type dolls. And a dress up trunk. I went to a consignment sale and got some costumes and dressy dresses for her trunk. And I will go buy some costume jewelery that will hold up better than the toy stuff.

Do they have tablets? You can generally get them pretty cheap around this time of year. We bought DD a LeapPad a year or two ago as her big gift for Christmas. I find the apps to be expensive and that she outgrows them quickly. So, we have given her DH's Galaxy tablet that has an Otterbox on it. The apps are MUCH cheaper (like 99¢ to maybe $5 versus the $25/app for Leappad) and there is a better variety on the tablet.

Also, Toys R Us already has their hot toy list out. Not that I saw anything my DD would like.

Oh and for the 5 year old, does she like Legos? I have found some Legos that are the same size/shape as normal Legos but they come apart easier for little hands. DD has outgrown the baby/toddler Legos. So we got her these and it is easier for her to play with them.

 

[worm761]

She lives for gift cards lol. She's a professional shopper already she actually asked for them last year when we got back. Someone mentioned the kindle and I think she'd love that too and it doesn't hurt my wallet too much. They've all got lists going but it's mostly anything they see a commercial for so its hard to figure which items have priority as opinions change hourly lol. I have considered BF shopping but just don't have the cajones hahaha

I don't know which Kindle you are looking at but I have a Paperwhite I am in love with!

If she loves shopping, what about a nice new purse and wallet filled with gift cards?

 

[klitteral2009]

I don't know which Kindle you are looking at but I have a Paperwhite I am in love with! If she loves shopping, what about a nice new purse and wallet filled with gift cards?

That is a FABULOUS idea! Thank you for that sorry I took you the wrong way, I feel like I stay on the defensive when on the boards anymore because there is always someone who's looking to be snarky or ugly about everything.

 

[klitteral2009]

Sorry you took it that way. It really wasn't intended like that. What are you kids into? For the 3 year old, there is some new Peppa Pig stuff just out. Including some new Peppa books. DD loves Peppa and loved Bubble Guppies are her age too. DD is 4 will be 5 in December and has been looking at Disney Store online and has been asking for the Disney Princess Barbie type dolls. And a dress up trunk. I went to a consignment sale and got some costumes and dressy dresses for her trunk. And I will go buy some costume jewelery that will hold up better than the toy stuff. Do they have tablets? You can generally get them pretty cheap around this time of year. We bought DD a LeapPad a year or two ago as her big gift for Christmas. I find the apps to be expensive and that she outgrows them quickly. So, we have given her DH's Galaxy tablet that has an Otterbox on it. The apps are MUCH cheaper (like 99¢ to maybe $5 versus the $25/app for Leappad) and there is a better variety on the tablet. Also, Toys R Us already has their hot toy list out. Not that I saw anything my DD would like. Oh and for the 5 year old, does she like Legos? I have found some Legos that are the same size/shape as normal Legos but they come apart easier for little hands. DD has outgrown the baby/toddler Legos. So we got her these and it is easier for her to play with them.

Where did you find the Legos? My 5 year old loves blocks and would love those Legos in sure. I'm actually on the hunt for some of those wooden tessalation blocks that you can use to make patterns or pictures. I found some at a yard sale this summer and she LOVED THEM

 

[Darcy03231]

OP, we're a family 6 and did big vacations for years while our children were growing up. Disney, cruises, all inclusive resorts, a dude ranch, etc. As a result we did a smaller Christmas (only just so much $ in the budget). Our reasoning was that they would remember the family time much longer than what they got for Christmas.

I stuck to smaller items like books (pre-readers), small toys (action figures, Barbie, small lego sets, etc.), cd's, movies, movie tickets, etc. As they got older I added in gift cards to their favorite places. Other things I did that didn't cost anything and were lost cost were to give them coupons for certain things. A day alone with Mom, a day alone with Dad, a week of no chores (either DH or I took over that duty), etc. You could print up whatever fits your family.

Our children are all older and out of the house now. When we get together they all still talk about the trips that we've taken and some of the crazy things that have happened. None of them have ever mentioned feeling slighted because they didn't get all sorts of expensive things for Christmas.

 

[klitteral2009]

OP, we're a family 6 and did big vacations for years while our children were growing up. Disney, cruises, all inclusive resorts, a dude ranch, etc. As a result we did a smaller Christmas (only just so much $ in the budget). Our reasoning was that they would remember the family time much longer than what they got for Christmas. I stuck to smaller items like books (pre-readers), small toys (action figures, Barbie, small lego sets, etc.), cd's, movies, movie tickets, etc. As they got older I added in gift cards to their favorite places. Other things I did that didn't cost anything and were lost cost were to give them coupons for certain things. A day alone with Mom, a day alone with Dad, a week of no chores (either DH or I took over that duty), etc. You could print up whatever fits your family. Our children are all older and out of the house now. When we get together they all still talk about the trips that we've taken and some of the crazy things that have happened. None of them have ever mentioned feeling slighted because they didn't get all sorts of expensive things for Christmas.

This is so what I needed to hear. We spend our money on trips to disney and the beach each year to make memories as a fsmily. I know I want them to have things to open, it's Christmas and what's Christmas without presents to open, but I don't want to go overboard as in prone to do and be in debt before we go. (Good lord, sorry for the run on sentence) the coupons are another fantastic idea!

 

[wallawallakids]

Have you thought about Craigslist? I know it sounds lame, but you can find really great deals on there for toys. I have gotten Legos, playmobil, and AMG stuff. Often hardly used and with the original box. Not sure if your kids would be ok with that, but mine don't even notice half the time.

Also, can you just do one "big" gift and then stockings? We have done that the last few Christmases not just to save money, but also because they don't need more stuff.

Lastly, I have tried to get the kids involved in a service "in place" of gifts. I try to have them go shop for someone in need, volunteer time etc. (This year they picked to help out with Ronald McDonald House). I find they love to give and it is a great way to teach them the real reason for the holiday and that it is about giving more then getting. They are always willing to get less toys for themselves in exchange for us using money to go towards others who are more in need. They deliver the gifts themselves and help wrap them. Often times when we have done a shelter this has just included buying things like shampoo, soap and socks. Things that will not break the bank! Then we say we are doing this as a family in exchange for us all getting gifts and the kids agree to get one nice gift instead of multitudes under the tree. It helps save money, it goes to a great cause, and it teaches them something important. They have been rewarded by receiving letters from those they helped which has been a better gift then I could ever get them. Just a thought. Good luck OP

 

[worm761]

That is a FABULOUS idea! Thank you for that sorry I took you the wrong way, I feel like I stay on the defensive when on the boards anymore because there is always someone who's looking to be snarky or ugly about everything.

I get it. The boards didn't used to be so snarky.

Where did you find the Legos? My 5 year old loves blocks and would love those Legos in sure. I'm actually on the hunt for some of those wooden tessalation blocks that you can use to make patterns or pictures. I found some at a yard sale this summer and she LOVED THEM

I found them at Walmart of all places. They are called Lego Juniors. I haven't looked at Target or Toys R Us though. They most likely have them too. I know I saw them at the Lego Store in DTD over the summer.

Lastly, I have tried to get the kids involved in a service "in place" of gifts. I try to have them go shop for someone in need, volunteer time etc. (This year they picked to help out with Ronald McDonald House).

Make sure you contact your Ronald McDonald House and see what they may need. I know that our local House posts a wish list around once a month of items they are running low on like paper towels, cereal, muffin mixes, and whatnot.

 

[SalandJeff]

Do you have a Once Upon a Child near you. Over the years I have found some great deals at our store (including an AG doll, AG bathtub, Legos, Step 2 toy box and picnic table, games, etc.). It is hit or miss, so you have to check in often, but it is definitely worth it.

 

[SalandJeff]

Double post - sorry

 

[pigletto]

Our trip is a few weeks before Christmas, but we too are looking to have a scaled back Christmas. We did this as well last year. I would honestly say I spent half as much on each child as I did previously and there were ZERO complaints. This year we planned a Disney trip and the kids both said they'd really like to go to Universal. As that wasn't in the original trip budget, I proposed that we could go for a few days, but it would be their big gift. They were more than happy with that. We'll be getting power passes for the family, and will get two trips out of them. That will bring us a lot more joy than more stuff that we honestly don't need.

There will still be things to open, for example dd wants to shop at the Outlets and get a few things while we're down there and they will be added to her gifts. Ds wants some lego, a video game, a new book. They will have things to open and presents from family, but the trip itself, and the power passes are the big gift. They don't see themselves as being cheated at all.

I think the Disney gift cards are a great idea! I know my kids would love them. I know we're on a board where going to Disney every year, maybe multiple times a year, is the norm for some people, but I still think the opportunity to go at all is a gift, and an awesome one at that.