Christmas Shopping '09

[gerberdaisy1234]

Hi I was doing a search and came across this thread. I notice someone mention Disney DDR for the Wii. Today I took advantage of ToysRUs buy 2 get 1 free offer. We got Disney DDR, Sports Resort, and Toy Story Mania. Instead of thinking of one as free, I think of it as $16.66 off each game.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Arent you on the homeschool thread with me too? Glad you found us!!!!

 

[bas71873]

Was at Toys R Us yesterday and the Little Tykes stuff was buy one item for $24.99 or more and get one (equal or less than $24.99) for free!! Sign didn't say how long the special was but I took advantage for my nephew for Cmas and his May bday

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Was at Toys R Us yesterday and the Little Tykes stuff was buy one item for $24.99 or more and get one (equal or less than $24.99) for free!! Sign didn't say how long the special was but I took advantage for my nephew for Cmas and his May bday

Good for you!!! Isn't it wonderful to find sales on stuff you ACTUALLY need/want!! Glad you are getting a 'happy' start!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hi I was doing a search and came across this thread. I notice someone mention Disney DDR for the Wii. Today I took advantage of ToysRUs buy 2 get 1 free offer. We got Disney DDR, Sports Resort, and Toy Story Mania. Instead of thinking of one as free, I think of it as $16.66 off each game.

Oh, that sounds really good! I may have to hit up TRU!!! Those are games we've been looking at too.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Oh, that sounds really good! I may have to hit up TRU!!! Those are games we've been looking at too.

As many games as TRU has, I had to go to Target for one Wii game and 2 DS games....they just run out faster I guess-of the popular ones. But, if they are on sale, I guess it's worth it to wait! the ones I needed were regular price.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Oh, that sounds really good! I may have to hit up TRU!!! Those are games we've been looking at too.

Don't be afraid to ask if you do not see. They had all the Disney DDR in the back for some reason.

 

[nu2dvc]

OK...just stumbled upon this thread and honestly, the thought that some of you are done Christmas shopping has given me some hives.

Anyway, I couldn't read through the entire thread, so I'm sorry if this has already come up, but here goes: My DH has several siblings, two of which have a few kids. We have 3. I feel like the gift exchange has just gotten out of hand. Last year I suggested that we scale back to just gift kids only, because prior to that we were doing all adults too, and I felt like it was ridiculous. So we cut each-other out and are just doing the kids.

But now i'm at the point where I feel like my nieces and nephews are spoiled and unappreciative and I really want to scale back them too... I feel like we should do some sort of system where we would buy the same amount of presents for others as the number of kids we have. So instead of each family having to buy for every kid, that only one family has to buy for each kid. I'm not sure how to go about implementing this system, or if I'm being cheap, but I just feel like I'm sick of shopping for ungrateful kids who have totally lost sight of the meaning of Christmas. Or am I just being a scrooge?

My SIL's 4 kids have every toy under the sun and she routinely does a "sweep" of their playroom and throws out everything to make room for the new. I'm sick of my gifts being thrown out, and would just as soon end the whole thing, but I feel like it's going to make me look like the bad guy for suggesting it.

So, one family has 2 kids, one has 3 (us) and one has 4. How do I even suggest we go about only buying 1 present for each kid, without my SIL having to buy one for one of her own kids? I'm confused and would like to hear from anyone in a similar boat...

TIA!

 

[McKelly]

OK...just stumbled upon this thread and honestly, the thought that some of you are done Christmas shopping has given me some hives.

Anyway, I couldn't read through the entire thread, so I'm sorry if this has already come up, but here goes: My DH has several siblings, two of which have a few kids. We have 3. I feel like the gift exchange has just gotten out of hand. Last year I suggested that we scale back to just gift kids only, because prior to that we were doing all adults too, and I felt like it was ridiculous. So we cut each-other out and are just doing the kids.

But now i'm at the point where I feel like my nieces and nephews are spoiled and unappreciative and I really want to scale back them too... I feel like we should do some sort of system where we would buy the same amount of presents for others as the number of kids we have. So instead of each family having to buy for every kid, that only one family has to buy for each kid. I'm not sure how to go about implementing this system, or if I'm being cheap, but I just feel like I'm sick of shopping for ungrateful kids who have totally lost sight of the meaning of Christmas. Or am I just being a scrooge?

My SIL's 4 kids have every toy under the sun and she routinely does a "sweep" of their playroom and throws out everything to make room for the new. I'm sick of my gifts being thrown out, and would just as soon end the whole thing, but I feel like it's going to make me look like the bad guy for suggesting it.

So, one family has 2 kids, one has 3 (us) and one has 4. How do I even suggest we go about only buying 1 present for each kid, without my SIL having to buy one for one of her own kids? I'm confused and would like to hear from anyone in a similar boat...

TIA!

You could suggest the nieces and nephews and your kids just do a name swap, have everyone pick a name out of a hat, and then each child will only get one gift, but everyone will get one. The people that have more kids have to buy more presents, but oh well!!! You would only be purchasing gifts for the amount of children that you have, cutting down to three gifts instead of six gifts you would have to give.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

This year we are trying to "create" as many gifts as possible. This will include creating calendars through Costco's online photo. You upload photos for the top part of the calendar for each month (many layouts) as well as for as many for special days on the calendar page (i.e. photo of person on their actual birthday). The pictures are an amazing quality (2 size calendars 7.99 or 17.99)
These help my parents remember everyone's birthday. I have my sister-in-law send me a disc of photos from her side of the family and their birthdates to make sure I include all on her calendar. Everyone loves these.

My children are making a lot of gifts out of duct tape. Purses, wallets, backpacks, cellphone cases, ds cases, etc. Maybe I could post some pics. They are totally cool and you can custom make them for the persons taste. LOL My son even made himself a pair of slippers. Duct tape is amazing!

For some of those children you mention were things get cleaned out...you could think about the cards that you can buy at target for a month subscription to Toontown or Penguin Club.. or Neopoints...or song downloads...a magazine subscription...or a family membership to a museum or zoo.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Arent you on the homeschool thread with me too? Glad you found us!!!!

That's me. Have not read all post... but talking about Christmas shopping and saving is always fun. We have been listening to Christmas music for a couple of weeks already since my children have to practice for Christmas performance so I am ready!

 

[luvmy3]

So, one family has 2 kids, one has 3 (us) and one has 4. How do I even suggest we go about only buying 1 present for each kid, without my SIL having to buy one for one of her own kids? I'm confused and would like to hear from anyone in a similar boat...

TIA!

In my family on dh's side we decided to pick names and just give gifts to the kids. It got to be way too much to buy for 14 nieces and nephews. It works out evenly that each adult picks a child's name. To make it fair we do actually pick names out of a hat so if we pull our own child's name it goes back in.
If it was an uneven number we would probably just have the kids pick names for eachother.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

You could suggest the nieces and nephews and your kids just do a name swap, have everyone pick a name out of a hat, and then each child will only get one gift, but everyone will get one. The people that have more kids have to buy more presents, but oh well!!! You would only be purchasing gifts for the amount of children that you have, cutting down to three gifts instead of six gifts you would have to give.

First off...welcome to our thread!!! And this is exactly how we were doing it...as far as gifts for ungrateful kids........WOW! That is always a doozy. First off...when you do the kids name swap, set a $ limit...it can be any amount ya'll think is good...for kids I would not go over twenty or twenty-five. TOPS!!!! Depending on the ages or what the families like...what if you gave them a gc to a local movie theatre....enough for a ticket, drink and candy/popcorn. I like this idea, because it's something most of us do as a family, its enjoyed, and not wasted...like a toy or something. Or...if you have any bookworms... get a book in a series they like or just a GC to a local bookstore chain. I try to buy books for every occasion...but sometimes that is just not pheasible...but, at our book stores ,they can get movies, books on cds, games, puzzles...so they should be able to find SOMETHING there with a GC. So..hope this answers your question and gives you some ideas so you don't stress. And I agree... cut out the adults.
I think this is a good time to post a word of wisdom!! I have tried to teach my kids to be grateful for ANY gift they receive...even if its a duplicate or they don't like it. No one owes us anything..especially now with soooo many people having a hard time, kids(and adults) should be grateful that we are being thought of. I think we get into the mindset lots of times that we 'should' get a nice gift, or we just deserve what is given to us. Let's all try to remember to be truly grateful for whatever we get this year!!! Even if it's something we think is insignificant or junky. If someone thought of us and bought out of love...receive it that way & be kind. We don't have to keep these things we don't like forever...but be NICE!! I have just been around people lately who are my age (35) and older, who seem to have lost all sense of respect and manners for others. Lets do something about that and try to instill this in our families and people we are around. We can keep this situation from getting worse. It makes the Holidays stressful worrying about how we will be treated--with love and kindness, or rudely and disrespectfully. Okay,,,off my soap box with one of my pet peeves now!!! Just had to vent that...I just want all of us to enjoy this season!!

 

[susykt4]

Over the years my dad's family has downsized from gifts for everyone to gifts for only the kids to drawing names for the kids to my new favorite- white elephant gifts. You wrap a toy you already own (can be marked for girl or boy if necessary) and draw numbers. The kids pick their own surprise from the packages, get to open a gift and you don't spend a dime, don't care if their mom "sweeps" it- it's something you didn't want anyway.

I agree. My kids have way too much stuff. My siblings and cousins' kids have way too much stuff. I don't want to shop for them!

 

[jacksmomma]

You could suggest the nieces and nephews and your kids just do a name swap, have everyone pick a name out of a hat, and then each child will only get one gift, but everyone will get one. The people that have more kids have to buy more presents, but oh well!!! You would only be purchasing gifts for the amount of children that you have, cutting down to three gifts instead of six gifts you would have to give.

This was going to be my suggestion. If one of the kids has to buy for a sibling, so be it. It should still be fun as long as the kids are buying for each other and the parents are not just doing it for them because it is easier.

I feel your pain on the buying thing. I was the brave one who suggested not buying of the adults in our family a couple of years ago and I almost got stoned to death! Sometime adults too lose sight of the meaning of Christmas!

 

[jacksmomma]

First off...welcome to our thread!!! And this is exactly how we were doing it...as far as gifts for ungrateful kids........WOW! That is always a doozy. First off...when you do the kids name swap, set a $ limit...it can be any amount ya'll think is good...for kids I would not go over twenty or twenty-five. TOPS!!!! Depending on the ages or what the families like...what if you gave them a gc to a local movie theatre....enough for a ticket, drink and candy/popcorn. I like this idea, because it's something most of us do as a family, its enjoyed, and not wasted...like a toy or something. Or...if you have any bookworms... get a book in a series they like or just a GC to a local bookstore chain. I try to buy books for every occasion...but sometimes that is just not pheasible...but, at our book stores ,they can get movies, books on cds, games, puzzles...so they should be able to find SOMETHING there with a GC. So..hope this answers your question and gives you some ideas so you don't stress. And I agree... cut out the adults.
I think this is a good time to post a word of wisdom!! I have tried to teach my kids to be grateful for ANY gift they receive...even if its a duplicate or they don't like it. No one owes us anything..especially now with soooo many people having a hard time, kids(and adults) should be grateful that we are being thought of. I think we get into the mindset lots of times that we 'should' get a nice gift, or we just deserve what is given to us. Let's all try to remember to be truly grateful for whatever we get this year!!! Even if it's something we think is insignificant or junky. If someone thought of us and bought out of love...receive it that way & be kind. We don't have to keep these things we don't like forever...but be NICE!! I have just been around people lately who are my age (35) and older, who seem to have lost all sense of respect and manners for others. Lets do something about that and try to instill this in our families and people we are around. We can keep this situation from getting worse. It makes the Holidays stressful worrying about how we will be treated--with love and kindness, or rudely and disrespectfully. Okay,,,off my soap box with one of my pet peeves now!!! Just had to vent that...I just want all of us to enjoy this season!!

This is so well put! DS is 3, but we are already enforcing the grateful for all policy.

My nieces and nephews are kids who either already have it all or have the conventional, everyday toys (aka anything with lights or sounds made by FP or playskool). With them I really try to get the out of the ordinary stuff (earth friendly toys, wooden toys, games, etc.) or supplies of some sort (an art bin, dress up stuff, etc.). At first, they look at my gifts with confusion but the end up really liking them and mine are never duplicates.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

This is so well put! DS is 3, but we are already enforcing the grateful for all policy.

My nieces and nephews are kids who either already have it all or have the conventional, everyday toys (aka anything with lights or sounds made by FP or playskool). With them I really try to get the out of the ordinary stuff (earth friendly toys, wooden toys, games, etc.) or supplies of some sort (an art bin, dress up stuff, etc.). At first, they look at my gifts with confusion but the end up really liking them and mine are never duplicates.

Thank you I was hoping I didn't sound toooo preachy!! I like the idea of the toys you give.. I too like doing something out of the box. One year, dhs Secretary bought my kids a towel in their favorite color with their name monogrammed on it from JCPenney....that was 4 Christmases ago...those towels are still in great condition and they absolutely LOVED it!! Not beach towels either....regular bath towels..... I keep that idea in mind since I loved it so much!! I have some friends i might do that for this year..it's just a brother and sister that are my kids ages that will get tons from their extended families... but i want to give them something useful..and I will probably give the parents movie tickets and offer to keep the kids.

 

[jacksmomma]

Thank you I was hoping I didn't sound toooo preachy!! I like the idea of the toys you give.. I too like doing something out of the box. One year, dhs Secretary bought my kids a towel in their favorite color with their name monogrammed on it from JCPenney....that was 4 Christmases ago...those towels are still in great condition and they absolutely LOVED it!! Not beach towels either....regular bath towels..... I keep that idea in mind since I loved it so much!! I have some friends i might do that for this year..it's just a brother and sister that are my kids ages that will get tons from their extended families... but i want to give them something useful..and I will probably give the parents movie tickets and offer to keep the kids.

The towel idea is great! I will be filing that away for later use. I love monogrammed stuff. I really need to learn how to sew...and then get a sewing machine that does monogramming.

 

[Tink561]

What do you all think of this dollhouse? Do you think it would fit Barbies?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Or do you think it would be better to get the new Barbie dream townhouse?
http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Pink-3...e=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1255634935&sr=1-1

I'm not sure if the Barbie thing is too cheapy? I do have a soft spot for the Barbie one though. Brings back memories.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

When it comes to adding a personal touch...for my new grandniece...I bought clothes for Children's Place clearance, created Disney designs with her name using some of the wonderful templates from a designer her on the disboards, printed on paper she recommends, added little designs to a sleeper, a onesie type shirt that had a matching skirt, and to a little dress. They were a huge hit. They could not figure it out. My nieces was like "but I was just at Children's Place...they don't have these" They finally realized I had ironed on the designs but the iron on sheets are that great. They looked professional. It is a nice way to make something extra special...and they can not return it the day after Christmas.