Christmas Ideas 2022

[QueenIsabella]

Any suggestions for a wallet for a soon-to-be 16 year old? I am thinking he is going to need one for his permit and credit card.

My teens don't use wallets so much as stick their license/permit in the back of their phone case. DS16 does have a wallet, but he doesn't typically carry it with him. DD19 has a small crossbody where she carries her cards, phone, cash, etc.

Maybe see if you can find some kind of "phone wallet", where it holds the phone and a few small items? I've seen pocket thingies that attach to a phone. I wish I could remember where, but that might work, especially for a guy--most aren't keen on crossbody or other types of bags.

 

[RUDisney]

Just search Amazon for phone card stick on and you’ll find then. This is what I’ve used as my wallet since the beginning of Covid. I like it much better than carrying a purse.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Just search Amazon for phone card stick on and you’ll find then. This is what I’ve used as my wallet since the beginning of Covid. I like it much better than carrying a purse.

Thank you! I knew I'd seen them somewhere!

 

[Alexle2007]

Just search Amazon for phone card stick on and you’ll find then. This is what I’ve used as my wallet since the beginning of Covid. I like it much better than carrying a purse.

Thank you!

 

[Alexle2007]

My teens don't use wallets so much as stick their license/permit in the back of their phone case. DS16 does have a wallet, but he doesn't typically carry it with him. DD19 has a small crossbody where she carries her cards, phone, cash, etc.

Maybe see if you can find some kind of "phone wallet", where it holds the phone and a few small items? I've seen pocket thingies that attach to a phone. I wish I could remember where, but that might work, especially for a guy--most aren't keen on crossbody or other types of bags.

Thank you! That might work. I could see him forgetting the wallet but not his phone.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Thank you! That might work. I could see him forgetting the wallet but not his phone.

What! My kids would never do that...more than three times a week!

 

[newski_mom]

Just wondered if anyone uses an app to track their gifts they've purchased / need to purchase? I usually just use an excel spreadsheet lol - I'm sure there's a better way!

 

[kathy884]

Looking for suggestions for my 79 year old mother. I'm planning to give her some money but I want to add something to it. Money seems so impersonal. Any suggestions? Buying her clothes is out. I've bought her speciality foods in the past and was politely asked to stop doing that. She doesn't collect anything. No hobbies other than dating - LOL. Thoughts?

I'm in a similar situation with my 86 year old dad. In that past I've gotten him a nice shirt, crocks, specialty food, but he has specifically said he's all stocked up on all that stuff and doesn't want/need anything like that. What I am doing this year -- We are having the Christmas gathering at his house with about 10 people -- is bringing / buying a eight pound 1/2 Honey Baked Ham for the gathering (something I had to let him know in advance). He would go with a good, less expensive ham from a favorite supermarket, but DH and I really like to get this for Christmas, so it's really as much for us as him. I'm also bringing a $12 box of some yummy chocolate covered almonds that a school that my son used to go to sells as a fund raiser that I know dad thinks are wonderful too, but that's it. We live six hours away and will pick up the ham (place within a mile of our house, put it in the cooler with ice to keep refrigerated, bring to his house vs, mailing (less for him to deal with), and have it for the gathering the next day on the 24th). // Everyone is in a different situation, but thought I'd mention what we are doing in case it gives you any ideas. Dad like me doesn't really want gifts, but especially with mom gone etc. and him on his own, I really like to do something for him.

A fun way to do money that is more fun than a check is to give $2 bills. My dad often gets those at his bank -- brand new ones in sequence, packs of $100. I like doing this better than a check or a gift card if it's someone I will see in person. I couldn't do that for dad though as he does that for others and doesn't need / want money.

Dad also has been downsizing items to have a more pristine Better Homes and Gardens look in the house that he really likes. The house always looked good, but mom had so many hobbies that took up a lot of space and room. He doesn't want extra photos, nick knacks, etc. for sure -- getting rid of a lot -- passing on tons of stuff to kids and grandkids in the last three years since my mom passed away. I did though have one really cute photo of him and my son who is 27 made into a 4 by 6 magnet at Walgreens for $3. I thought it would be a nice addition to his refrigerator photos since it's so cute of both of him.

 

[barkley]

I'm in a similar situation with my 86 year old dad. In that past I've gotten him a nice shirt, crocks, specialty food, but he has specifically said he's all stocked up on all that stuff and doesn't want/need anything like that. What I am doing this year -- We are having the Christmas gathering at his house with about 10 people -- is bringing / buying a eight pound 1/2 Honey Baked Ham for the gathering (something I had to let him know in advance). He would go with a good, less expensive ham from a favorite supermarket, but DH and I really like to get this for Christmas, so it's really as much for us as him. I'm also bringing a $12 box of some yummy chocolate covered almonds that a school that my son used to go to sells as a fund raiser that I know dad thinks are wonderful too, but that's it. We live six hours away and will pick up the ham (place within a mile of our house, put it in the cooler with ice to keep refrigerated, bring to his house vs, mailing (less for him to deal with), and have it for the gathering the next day on the 24th). // Everyone is in a different situation, but thought I'd mention what we are doing in case it gives you any ideas. Dad like me doesn't really want gifts, but especially with mom gone etc. and him on his own, I really like to do something for him.

just yesterday i made up a batch of split pea soup using the ham bone and odd little scraps from the honey baked ham we had at easter-needed to make room in the freezer for the one we will have after christmas. yeah they are not cheap but the quality cannot be beat.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Just wondered if anyone uses an app to track their gifts they've purchased / need to purchase? I usually just use an excel spreadsheet lol - I'm sure there's a better way!

I use old-school paper. On the good side, it keep my hackers out of my system--they'd never give my ratty notebook a second glance! I actually have a couple notebooks--a general holidays one, where I keep calendars, recipes, wish lists, packing lists, etc., then I have my ratty notebook elsewhere. It's upstairs by my wrapping station (in the master closet). There are 6 of us, plus a Silly Santa, a long-term boyfriend, and various pets. If I don't keep an inventory, it all goes to pot.

 

[growhappiness]

Just wondered if anyone uses an app to track their gifts they've purchased / need to purchase? I usually just use an excel spreadsheet lol - I'm sure there's a better way!

My husband and I have a shared Google spreadsheet that we update. I made color coded squares for each kid, then one for other family. We have the item name, cost, if it was purchased, if it shipped, if it was delivered, and if it was wrapped. Cost column is added at the bottom to keep track of spending. So probably similar to your Excel sheet, but we can share it and access it on our phones.

 

[pigletto]

Just wondered if anyone uses an app to track their gifts they've purchased / need to purchase? I usually just use an excel spreadsheet lol - I'm sure there's a better way!

Yes . I use the free version of Santa’s Bag and I LOVE it. I learned about it here a few years ago. I believe if you pay you get a few more features but I’ve never needed them.

 

[alohamom]

He doesn't want extra photos, nick knacks, etc. for sure -- getting rid of a lot -- passing on tons of stuff to kids and grandkids in the last three years since my mom passed away. I did though have one really cute photo of him and my son who is 27 made into a 4 by 6 magnet at Walgreens for $3. I thought it would be a nice addition to his refrigerator photos since it's so cute of both of him.

Oh my goodness @kathy884 the photo fridge magnet of them is SUCH a fantastic idea!
I am going to do this for my 81 year old mother, thanks so much for posting this

 

[RUDisney]

Just wondered if anyone uses an app to track their gifts they've purchased / need to purchase? I usually just use an excel spreadsheet lol - I'm sure there's a better way!

I use a new excel spreadsheet for each year. I can tell you back to 2014 what I've bought, for whom, and what it cost.

I buy throughout the year and this method keeps me sane.

 

[MomToOne]

I use a new excel spreadsheet for each year. I can tell you back to 2014 what I've bought, for whom, and what it cost.

I buy throughout the year and this method keeps me sane.

Same only I have back to 2012 saved LOL - I have a Christmas worksheet in my general budget workbook each year. I start buying stuff for the next year at Christmas clearances sales, so it's helpful to have it ready to go even before the year starts!

 

[RUDisney]

Same only I have back to 2012 saved LOL - I have a Christmas worksheet in my general budget workbook each year. I start buying stuff for the next year at Christmas clearances sales, so it's helpful to have it ready to go even before the year starts!

We are kindred spirits!

 

[tikilyn]

I'm in need of some help. I'm having a difficult time finding (what I call a WOW gift) for my DD22. Every Christmas I always give both of my kids that one gift that wows them and it's something that they didn't ask for (last year were Hamilton tickets). So far I've gotten her 2 shefit bras, a battery charger, Ipad case with keyboard, a wall hanging jewelry organizer, a Beachwaver curling iron and a couple of food gift cards. She's not into makeup or designer anything. She's a homebody and goes to college fulltime and a Music Education Major.

I know this is a ME problem and not a her problem. I think I'm just annoy because I can usually come up with ideas pretty easily but this year I'm drawing a blank.

 

[Needsanap]

I got my 21DD a very nice hairdryer. At least I hope it is. Can’t afford the dyson (well I wouldn’t buy it anyway $$$) but I did get a shark copycat on sale.

 

[barkley]

I'm in need of some help. I'm having a difficult time finding (what I call a WOW gift) for my DD22. Every Christmas I always give both of my kids that one gift that wows them and it's something that they didn't ask for (last year were Hamilton tickets). So far I've gotten her 2 shefit bras, a battery charger, Ipad case with keyboard, a wall hanging jewelry organizer, a Beachwaver curling iron and a couple of food gift cards. She's not into makeup or designer anything. She's a homebody and goes to college fulltime and a Music Education Major.

I know this is a ME problem and not a her problem. I think I'm just annoy because I can usually come up with ideas pretty easily but this year I'm drawing a blank.

have you considered a subscription to the broadway streaming service? these are the professionally filmed performances so the quality is very good. my oldest just mentioned the other day that there's a sale going for a 1 year subscription for $99.

 

[tikilyn]

I got my 21DD a very nice hairdryer. At least I hope it is. Can’t afford the dyson (well I wouldn’t buy it anyway $$$) but I did get a shark copycat on sale.

Thank you for the idea. I'd only buy a dyson if it was on major clearance!