Christmas Shopping '09

[Disney Mommy 3]

Shawna your garden sounds beautiful You should share a pic with us! We're heading into fall weather here in the NE so we might get some mums this weekend. I love the fall colors that mums come in- so pretty.

I was talking a little more with my sister for Christmas yesterday and am hoping to get some ideas for her kids soon. 14 weeks is going to fly by and I really would like to get some checked off my list soon.

I buy year round at sales so I have some stuff put away in the attic. I just recently went up and sorted it and pulled out about 7 things for each kid and then I've been selling fall clothes/toys on Ebay to fund the rest of my Christmas purchases. Right now I have $200 in my paypal acct to use. I'm going to stick to that for Christmas since we are going to WDW in December and we need extra cash for that.

As for what else to buy I was waiting to see what the kids asked for and DS (3) wants that new Imaginext space ship set so I'll probably get all that and then I know DD (5) wants the TV Chef Barbie but other than that I guess I'll have to wait until they make their list!!

Kim~ I will try to do that later today!!! I didn't even think about it!! When you get your mums, do you plant them, or just leave them in the pots? I just put the pots on the porch. (that they come in)..then throw the whole thing away when when they die....yours probably stay prettier longer...not as much heat! ha!!! And yes, 14 weeks is not all that long to be buying so much stuff....hopefully she will get her kids on the ball and you get a list QUICK!

Brandy~Hello!!! Sounds like you have a good amount of stuff already...yay for youEvery little bit helps!!!

For ya'll with TS lovin' kids...TRU has a whole aisle at our store with Buzz, Woody, and lots of different pieces. Not sure why....I mean, they always have a section...but this is an entire row!! We may be getting another Buzz...my middle one really likes one in particular..he comes in the original space ship looking box, and says more stuff! Tooooo cute!!

 

[DizzyErin]

For ya'll with TS lovin' kids...TRU has a whole aisle at our store with Buzz, Woody, and lots of different pieces. Not sure why....I mean, they always have a section...but this is an entire row!! We may be getting another Buzz...my middle one really likes one in particular..he comes in the original space ship looking box, and says more stuff! Tooooo cute!![/COLOR][/FONT]

At a guess it could be to do with no 3 coming out .. I know our Disney store here has tons of TS merchandise right now and our local cinemas is showing the original film in 3D starting next week

Haven't done any shopping last few days although i did get everything out and list it .. Good news my Dd is finished except a couple of bits that she will ask for bad news still many people left to buy for .. I have warned everyone they will get less this yr as we're going to WDW in jan/feb however most people i buy for are coming too so we're all in the same boat

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I know #3 isn't coming out til June...didn't know they were re-showing the first one in 3D!!! How exciting!!

 

[DizzyErin]

I know #3 isn't coming out til June...didn't know they were re-showing the first one in 3D!!! How exciting!!

Oh yeh i really fancy seeing it in 3D .. we prob won't get no 3 here till well past June

 

[bdiddy]

I know #3 isn't coming out til June...didn't know they were re-showing the first one in 3D!!! How exciting!!

If you really want to see it keep an eye out for where and when because it is only in select theaters on certain days.

 

[xanphylus]

Welp- I am finally finished with one of my sister in-law's family. Only 1 more to go! No idea what to get the other sister-in-law.... I hate to buy her yet another candle, but she does love them.... As for her teenage sons- I am totally clueless! We only buy little gifts, so I was thinking maybe a christmas ornament of their fav football teams. hmmmm....

As for my family- I still have yet to get the bike... go figure right... been talking about that one for months now! Waiting until they get their x-mas selections in! And I got hubby some new undies! I am so sure he will love them!

Putting a pause on x-mas shopping for DS- because it's his first birthday next Sat!!!! My baby is gonna be a big boy.... I can't believe it.... sniff sniff - but at least we will be in Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TinaLala]

YEAH! I've finished all my shopping for the kids except those darn Zhu Zhu pets - hate those darn things.

Need to hit a few gift cards, but then I'm done!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Good for you!!! I need to get crackin!!! I like to be through by Oct 1...if I am gonna do it this year I gotta get busy!! I think this year Oct 15 is gonna be more realistic. Got family coming in this weekend, so I don't think I am gonna be able to do anything shopping-wise. But, on the bright side...I got that list, so when I do get to go, I am ARMED AND READY!!!! Ha!

 

[xanphylus]

So much for shopping here! I was actually gonna go out for lots of shopping today, but the water kinda stopped me.... its flooding here! The roads are kinda crazy right now. I made it to Kohls though- its right by my house. I got DS some shorts for next year for $1 a pair and some osh-kosh overalls for x-mas for only $2.50!! They had some rocking clearance prices on summer attire. I think I was the only soul inside Target when I went. I actually thought they were closed when I pulled up the parking lot was deserted! I didn't find anything too great there for x-mas- although I did get some halloween gel clings for my windows at disney!!! I can put those up right? Anyone know?

 

[flying_babyb]

so shopping is simple this year:
Mom- travel journal and disney pen, cd of years photos (Im a photographer)
Tia- travel journal and disney pen, cd of years photos (Im a photographer)
G-ma- grandkid photo book (with mom)
BFF- A scrapbook
Dsis 9-whatever they ask for, mabey a nice photo album for there new cameras, fancy pen for trip
Dsis 10- whatever they ask for, mabey a nice photo album for there new cameras, fancy pen for trip.

 

[cheap traveler]

Wow, after reading a few pages, I feel lucky that my kid's lists are so inexpensive! No laptops or 16GB Ipods in my house! Poor deprived souls aren't going to get cell phones at 8 either

As far as my christmas shopping, I am nearly done. My DD3 is getting her own leapster, since she is always trying to steal her sister's. Along with that are 2 games (so far), a movie or 2, a jump rope (hers got broken during a fridge move), some barbie clothes, a new blanket for her bed, books, and the princess sheets for her bed she wants.
My DD5 turns 6 3 weeks after christmas, so she is a little harder. She is getting a new leapster game or 2, a Wii game, one or two movies, new blanket for her bed, Hannah Montana sheet set, lots of books, and I have NO idea what her big gift should be. Budget is tight, so the American Girl doll and the Nintendo DS are out for this year. She got a 512mb mp3 player last year - loves it. She's not quite ready for a camera.

ANY IDEAS?? Around $50-60 is best. I was thinking of some (knock-off) Uggs, but she just got cute black boots for back-to-school, so she won't need them. Any ideas are much appreciated!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Cheap Traveler And I love your screen name! Very cute! hmmmm......I will have to think on that! Good job on what you have gotten so far.....very motivating for the rest of us dragging our feet
September is halfway over, we are officially in Autumn today, and we have a little over 90 days left to shop....so, I think we should all get going!!!!

 

[r4blessings]

I have started, but I really need to get going a little more! I have picked up dd some AG movies now that they are having their $5 movie sale. And I ordered her the AG Julie package that was on qvc a week or so ago. And also the barbie glamour camper that was on qvc last week...but I am thinking I will save that for her birthday in January. I have to buy her birthday stuff when I buy her Christmas stuff, b/c usually there is nothing left! But I still have ds11, ds8 and ds4 to shop for...along with DH! My sons want a digital camera....any ideas for a good camera around $100? I am thinking I will find that on black friday.

I also bought Pictureka for ds8. Usually they each get a ds game, wii game, board game and movie for Christmas along with their big gift. So still looking for ideas for that.

Wow! Writing it down, I realize I have a LOT left to do! LOL!

 

[Perditamarie]

Wow, after reading a few pages, I feel lucky that my kid's lists are so inexpensive! No laptops or 16GB Ipods in my house! Poor deprived souls aren't going to get cell phones at 8 either

As far as my christmas shopping, I am nearly done. My DD3 is getting her own leapster, since she is always trying to steal her sister's. Along with that are 2 games (so far), a movie or 2, a jump rope (hers got broken during a fridge move), some barbie clothes, a new blanket for her bed, books, and the princess sheets for her bed she wants.
My DD5 turns 6 3 weeks after christmas, so she is a little harder. She is getting a new leapster game or 2, a Wii game, one or two movies, new blanket for her bed, Hannah Montana sheet set, lots of books, and I have NO idea what her big gift should be. Budget is tight, so the American Girl doll and the Nintendo DS are out for this year. She got a 512mb mp3 player last year - loves it. She's not quite ready for a camera.

ANY IDEAS?? Around $50-60 is best. I was thinking of some (knock-off) Uggs, but she just got cute black boots for back-to-school, so she won't need them. Any ideas are much appreciated!

I have been following this thread for a while, and finally had to chime in!! A few ideas for your dd almost 6: perhaps a dollhouse bundle from TRU (usually come out around Nov/Dec) or a Karaoke machine if she loves to sing with Hannah Montana.

I am stuck on a gift for DS7 -- all boy who loves things that move..but I want to find something that will inspire his imagination as well.

I also love this for boys or girls - maybe for cheap traveler's dd almost 6?:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Thanks for the ideas and inspiration OP and everyone!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I buy from the Target dollar bins when they are 75% off. They always have Disney items and I get tons of notepads, pens, temp tattoos, stickers, and other things for both kids and adults. I usually put the adult items in stockings and the kids items can be for stockings or I put together a bag of stuff for a gift. At 75% off, I can get 12 items for a $3 gift. The kids love it and don't care that it isn't fancy or expensive. In fact, sometimes they are so excited for the stickers or temp tattoos that I wonder why I bought anything else?

 

[xanphylus]

I buy from the Target dollar bins when they are 75% off. They always have Disney items and I get tons of notepads, pens, temp tattoos, stickers, and other things for both kids and adults. I usually put the adult items in stockings and the kids items can be for stockings or I put together a bag of stuff for a gift. At 75% off, I can get 12 items for a $3 gift. The kids love it and don't care that it isn't fancy or expensive. In fact, sometimes they are so excited for the stickers or temp tattoos that I wonder why I bought anything else?

I heard that!!!!!!!! I just did the same thing!! Target just had all sorts of goodies for 75% off in the dollar bins! I got Hannah Montana notepads, socks and pencils for a quarter a piece. High School Musical stuff too! I even got my bro a Beatles key chain and some Star Wars stuff from the kids to him. It was great. The kids got to pick their own presents to give their uncle and they actually got to buy them on their own! They thought they were so cool- well at least my DD8 did, ds1 had no clue what was going on, but it was cute nonetheless!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

to any new shoppers I might have missed!! Does any of you daughters like the Littlest Pet Shop stuff? Just thought I would throw that out there...dd is just now really starting to like them. She wants one of the LPS centers from her Nana for Christmas...also, she loooooves those little teeny tiny animals that are on that same aisle. They are _____in my Pocket. Yesterday she got ($3 or so at Target) Jungle in my Pocket...it was a tiny elephant, giraffe, and zebra...they were kinda fuzzy feeling. They usually have cats, or dogs too. She loves that little stuff....so if anybody needed some small cheap girl gifts these would be neat.

My neighbor is the manager at our local Macy's and she said their Christmas trees and wreathes are on order...coming in really soon and the store will be decorated for Christmas. October and it's full on!!! So, that will be motivation also!!

I always say this and you have probably read it a couple of times!! Get those lists ready!!!!!!! I am telling you that's half the battle!!Even if you can't get the shopping done, write it down.....keeps your stress down and helps you get an idea of what you need/can afford.
Something else to think about....start stocking up on those baking items....it'll be price increase before we know it! Around this time of year, I start getting chopped nuts, p.b., choc chips....stuff i will need for cookies and fudge!!! A little at a time isn't such a chunk outta the wallet either!!!

 

[bas71873]

to any new shoppers I might have missed!! Does any of you daughters like the Littlest Pet Shop stuff? Just thought I would throw that out there...dd is just now really starting to like them. She wants one of the LPS centers from her Nana for Christmas...also, she loooooves those little teeny tiny animals that are on that same aisle. They are _____in my Pocket. Yesterday she got ($3 or so at Target) Jungle in my Pocket...it was a tiny elephant, giraffe, and zebra...they were kinda fuzzy feeling. They usually have cats, or dogs too. She loves that little stuff....so if anybody needed some small cheap girl gifts these would be neat.

My neighbor is the manager at our local Macy's and she said their Christmas trees and wreathes are on order...coming in really soon and the store will be decorated for Christmas. October and it's full on!!! So, that will be motivation also!!

I always say this and you have probably read it a couple of times!! Get those lists ready!!!!!!! I am telling you that's half the battle!!Even if you can't get the shopping done, write it down.....keeps your stress down and helps you get an idea of what you need/can afford.
Something else to think about....start stocking up on those baking items....it'll be price increase before we know it! Around this time of year, I start getting chopped nuts, p.b., choc chips....stuff i will need for cookies and fudge!!! A little at a time isn't such a chunk outta the wallet either!!!

My DD loves here Little Pet Shops and those in my pocket things. We have TONS of them. She likes My Little Pony too .......they annoy me to no end, all the little things all around, but she is constantly entertained by them

 

[HLDisney]

If anyone has any scientifically-inclined kids, this is a great kit:

http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-SC-300...e=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1253711897&sr=8-4

I got it for my DD7 last year and we've done a lot of the projects together. It's not necessarily for really serious learning (because the descriptions of each project isn't as good) but my DD enjoyed doing the projects themselves (setting off an alarm, turning on a fan, etc) They come in bigger and smaller sets, too.

Does anyone have any recommendations for karaoke machines? What should I look for? My DD loves to sing so I was thinking of getting her one for Christmas. However, I'm not quite sure how things work in terms of getting the music. Do you need to buy special music for the machine or can you just use whatever you have on your iPod or CDs? My DD's taste in music is a bit eclectic (Christian kids songs, a few Hannah Montana songs, some gospel songs, some kids' shows theme songs, a few current pop songs, etc) so while I do have the songs she likes on my iPod, I kind of doubt I'd be able to find them easily if I have to buy specific CDs for karaoke.

And I'm a bit out of the loop on iPod stuff. What would be one step above the Shuffle? And what would be the "lowest" model that would show videos? If I don't get a karaoke machine, I might consider getting an iPod for my DD.

I'm lucky that my gift list isn't too large. Just my DD (either a karaoke machine, iPod, AG Bitty Baby changing table or Build A Bear...and then some small stocking stuffers), my parents (never quite sure what to do for them as they usually don't want or need much and don't want me to "waste" my money on them), my teenage godson and his family (probably books and games for the kids and maybe a Christmas ornament for the parents-I usually get the personalized family ones for them), my 10yo goddaughter and her family (Build A Bear for the two girls and either clothes or toys for the baby and not quite sure what for the parents) and then a few other friends (small gifts, maybe food items) and my DD's teachers (Vera Bradley wallets and accessories I've gotten on sale from their website)

I do need to get my act together, though. Usually, I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping by now and I haven't really started at all this year!

Helen

 

[TinaLala]

I wish I could send you guys all of the MLPony stuff we have. We bought boxes full of Disney stuff one time we went and now all I find is princess outfits and Mickey ears all over the playroom. My fil bought so many ponies I had to keep a spreadsheet to keep track of who they were.

I'm pretty much done with my girls - WHERE ARE THE ZHU ZHUs? Is the only hunt I'm on now. Trying to get myself to Wal-Mart and Target for stocking stuffers but with open houses all week long that will have to wait until Friday. Girl Scouts just started their candy/nut fundraiser so that's what I'm going to get for the grandmothers - chocolate covered pretzels and some fat free candy. Plus it will save us about $20. Now what to get my mother??? I'm sure she's sitting on something she's ripped out of a magazine and is dreaming over.