Christmas Shopping '09

[Disney Mommy 3]

Morning ladies!!! Well, just wanted to jump on here this morning and remind you all that today IS the last day of September. Can ya'll believe that? WOW?!! Time does fly!!! So, for those of you (us!) who like to have the first of Oct as your goal to finish Christmas shopping....it is upon us!!! This weekend would be your shopping deadline!!!! Today is midweek, so get those Christmas lists fine tuned and be ready to get a sitter for the kids and get busy this weekend!!!!! Happy shopping!!!!!!

 

[PrincessParty]

I just have to get a Santa gift for DD 10. She is asking for a hot pink DSi. I got my DD 13 an iHome from the big guy. Then, I am done! Including the 1 zhu zhu hamster and ball!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Morning ladies!! I hope you are all getting to enjoy some nice fall weather!!! We are...not sure how long it'll last.. It's beautiful and cool this morning, but the highs will be back at 88 Sat or Sun Why can it not just stay cool? I do despite the climate here!!!! Oh well, can't do anything about that now can I ? Shopping wise- I had to return the Transformers yesterday I bought my eldest for Christmas!!!!! That kid!!! Has been thinking over his Christmas list and changed it up...supposedly this is the final list!! I didn't tell him I thought I was finished..he just said he changed his mind and so I had to sneak it back to Wal-mart!
We are, as of today how far from Christmas?

12 WEEKS!!!

 

[PrincessParty]

I was D-O-N-E done, zhu zhu hamster and ball included and then American Girl announced that they were retiring Kirsten. My DD(13) was so sad . That was the first American Girl book she ever read and has a couple of other dolls, but never got Kirsten. She came and asked me if she could add it to her list and I said "Sorry I'm done shopping including from the big guy! ." She then called DMIL . I called DMIL today and discussed it with her and I am ordering the doll and she and I will split the cost of the doll/shipping. I have rearranged some of the other things so she is still only receiving the something she wants, needs, wears, reads, and something from my heart. I am now officially done.

I did get the hot pink DSi for DD(10) today. Done!

 

[jacksmomma]

I just found a toy that DS loves! It is the Monty Rex from Hasbro. I must admit he looks pretty cool, but I wonder if DS will tire of him quickly. I am hoping to find him on sale on BF. (Please Kohl's carry Monty Tex and have your toys 50% off! )

 

[DizzyErin]

12 WEEKS!!!

Ooh how exciting .. 17 weeks till my trip too!!!!

Ok so got my best friends kids pressies .. Dd13 Twilight Dvd and the 3 books her DD9 Hannah Montana Duvet set, Minnie mouse flip flops and HSM3 top trumps .. now just her Ds7 to get, he wants Indiana Jones lego set
Woohoo another 2 down!!

 

[Deffenm]

I am actually almost done with the kids. I have to get the boys stuff for their stockings and x-mas eve PJ's. I still have to get the kids their gift from Santa. They will make out santa's list once the toy catalogs start coming. I use that list to give to the grandparents (after I remove what we will get them). I still have the rest of the family (DH, parents, In-laws, siblings & their kids, etc...).

It is a good feeling though knowing that I have made progress. I love shopping on BF so I will finish up then.

Then I need to worry about birthday's. DS 9 is Dec. 30th and DD is Dec. 24th.

 

[Tink561]

I haven't bought anything yet. I pretty much know what I'm getting the kids and two of the teens just want money. So, I will try to buy a couple things this month and then finish in November. Dh & I aren't buying for each other this year. We really don't need anything and we're stretching the budget.

I'm waiting for AG to have free shipping and hope it includes the treehouse!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I was D-O-N-E done, zhu zhu hamster and ball included and then American Girl announced that they were retiring Kirsten. My DD(13) was so sad . That was the first American Girl book she ever read and has a couple of other dolls, but never got Kirsten. She came and asked me if she could add it to her list and I said "Sorry I'm done shopping including from the big guy! ." She then called DMIL . I called DMIL today and discussed it with her and I am ordering the doll and she and I will split the cost of the doll/shipping. I have rearranged some of the other things so she is still only receiving the something she wants, needs, wears, reads, and something from my heart. I am now officially done.

I did get the hot pink DSi for DD(10) today. Done!

I haven't bought anything yet. I pretty much know what I'm getting the kids and two of the teens just want money. So, I will try to buy a couple things this month and then finish in November. Dh & I aren't buying for each other this year. We really don't need anything and we're stretching the budget.

I'm waiting for AG to have free shipping and hope it includes the treehouse!

I didn't know Kirsten was retiring!! I love that doll....dd does not... i am not sure why!! I am glad your dd is gonna get her!!!
When will they announce free shipping? I might wait on my order then!! I was going to do it this week!!!!!

 

[Cinderella Mom]

I just wanted to jump in and say I love this thread! I am a big planner and love to get a jump start on Christmas shopping early. I am officially finished with my 2 boys, ages 3 and 6. I was eager to get finished early this year because we have a trip to Disney planned for December 4-9. We are celebrating my DS's 7th birthday this year in Disney. We are so excited! Here's what I've bought:

DS (7)- Nintendo Wii, Mario Kart Wii game, Mario Galaxy game, Toy Story Mania Wii game, Sports Resorts Wii game, and a Spongebob version of the Operation game.

DS (3)- Musical Keyboard, guitar and microphone set, Fisher Price video camera, Buzz Lightyear wings, Remote control Toy Story vehicle, anda Kidi Art studio by V-tech.

I also have 3 neices and 1 nephew to buy for. I have purchased clothes for one neice who loves cute clothes, money for Space camp for my oldest neice at her request, and a Lite Brite for the youngest neice.

I haven't bought anything for my nephew, sister, or my parents or in-laws yet. I guess I'll be shopping for them soon. Right now we have 8 weeks until our Disney trip so I'm trying to think about what I need to be purchasing a little at a time in prepartation for it. Sorry to ramble. But this is a great place to organize your thoughts!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I just wanted to jump in and say I love this thread! I am a big planner and love to get a jump start on Christmas shopping early. I am officially finished with my 2 boys, ages 3 and 6. I was eager to get finished early this year because we have a trip to Disney planned for December 4-9. We are celebrating my DS's 7th birthday this year in Disney. We are so excited! Here's what I've bought:

DS (7)- Nintendo Wii, Mario Kart Wii game, Mario Galaxy game, Toy Story Mania Wii game, Sports Resorts Wii game, and a Spongebob version of the Operation game.

DS (3)- Musical Keyboard, guitar and microphone set, Fisher Price video camera, Buzz Lightyear wings, Remote control Toy Story vehicle, anda Kidi Art studio by V-tech.

I also have 3 neices and 1 nephew to buy for. I have purchased clothes for one neice who loves cute clothes, money for Space camp for my oldest neice at her request, and a Lite Brite for the youngest neice.

I haven't bought anything for my nephew, sister, or my parents or in-laws yet. I guess I'll be shopping for them soon. Right now we have 8 weeks until our Disney trip so I'm trying to think about what I need to be purchasing a little at a time in prepartation for it. Sorry to ramble. But this is a great place to organize your thoughts!

yes, this is a great organization thread!!! We are glad to have you and hear all your plans!!!! You know what i am gonna say for the in-laws: Harry & Davids!!! Of course, if they are easy or fun to buy for, shop... but if they have everything this is the way to go!!! Congrats on the trip to Disney!!! My son's bday is Dec 4!! We have been at DW on his bday and it is pretty phenomenal!! Just knowing it's your day and you are at the best family place ever is wonderful!!!! Keep us posted!!!!!!

 

[r4blessings]

I am also anxiously waiting for an AG code! I bought dd the Julie set from QVC but there are some other accessories that I am trying to wait to order until some kind of code comes out.

Also, ds4 has fallen in love with dinosaurs and is flipping out over Spike the dinosaur that he sees in Target. But I know the reviews are mixed, and most seem to tire of him pretty quickly. Not sure what I'm going to do with him on that......any ideas or thoughts on Spike?

 

[dormouse72]

After years of seeing my children ignore the toys for the packaging on Christmas morning, I came up with the idea of "Rich Santa" and "Poor Santa". "Rich Santa" brings toys, books, clothes, etc and "Poor Santa" brings things like:

Bubble-wrap (hours of fun - it really is addictive)
Empty boxes (which became boats, a playhouse, a doll house, a fort...)
Tissue Paper (used for art projects, quick game of "keep it up" using your breath, glued to an old dress-up crown to make a veil)
Styrofoam box inserts - (art projects, Barbie furniture, a Jenga-like tower, snow for a Barbie ski trip...that one was fun to clean up)

My kids LOVE "Poor Santa"...their wish lists for him are hysterical. They've asked for string, cotton balls, rocks, an old sock, etc.

Now that it's fall, my little one has been "collecting" acorn tops and using them as tops, dishes for her Littlest Pet Shop animals, hats for her Poly Pockets etc so I may go outside and grab some to wrap up from "Poor Santa".

As for "Rich Santa"...I've done so much thinking about our trip next week that I've only started thinking about that, especially since I have to give the grandparents and other extended family ideas for what my kids want and organize the lists so there are no duplicates.

I can only organize so much at one time - I'm just getting over the start of the school year, now a Disney trip, then Thanksgiving dinner...it just never ends.

I had no idea they were retiring Kristen, but that gives me an idea. I may have to arrange a lunch at American Girl for DD # 3 and my niece (age 6). That and an American Girl gift certificate will take care of my niece. She has so many toys I've started giving her experiences - for her birthday I'm giving her and DD # 3 a styling at BBB - but I know little ones still like to get packages.

Bright and early Monday morning I'll be on the phone...

 

[flying_babyb]

I love the poor santa idea!! I might have to borrow. Ok my list

Mom- photo book and travel journal
Tia- Photo book and travel journal
Dsis 9- travel journal and ???????? (AHHH I HATE shopping for her)
dsis 10- Travel journal and polly pockets
Grandma- Photo book and candy (shes diabetic but asks for candy every year)

So I got lots of shopping to finish

 

[rainydayplay]

I've been awful about keeping up with the forum at all since school started in August. I've got a ton to go back and read...

I have Christmas bought for my secret pal at work. A Precious Moments figure that says "Every time a child is born, so is a grandmother," complete with birth month crystals to customize for what months the grandkids were born. I need to come up with a cute fall gift for her -- nothing fancy or expensive, though.

I have a t-shirt I snuck out of WDW in June for my Mom. Last year was funny, because I'd asked her if she wanted me to grab her a shirt when I bought my 2008 t-shirt and she'd said no. After we got home, she complained that she didn't get one and had meant to...so I found a place online to order one. When she opened that gift, she gave me a LOOK... "when did you have time to go back down there to get this?" She also wants a laptop (don't know if I can swing that this year) and a programmable crock pot. Beyond that, I have absolutely no clue what to get her or what to suggest to others to get her (which, besides wrapping everything except what is gifted to me, seems to be my job...)

Dad and my grandparents...I have no clue for.

My brother and his wife need kitchen and bedroom stuff. (You know..sheets, comforter, etc.)

My DD is now officially into LPS. She got a seahorse last month for good behavior at school. (To be honest...she said she wanted a seahorse, and I knew they would have one...) This weekend, she got a bird and an armadillo (although she hasn't actually been given the armadillo yet.) I'm looking forward to the days during Fall Break that she will have to be in school so I can sneak off and buy a random smattering of LPS. I've not bought her anything else since the Little People stuff I bought from the website a couple of months ago and the Disney stuff I got about the same time.

I'm considering LPS Wii and maybe Toy Story Mania. I want Disney DDR for Wii for myself (and, depending on what I spend next week on vacation then on Christmas stuff, I may go ahead and get it. The good deal is on amazon, not in a store, apparently.)

I need to start picking up things for shoeboxes, and I've been working on crocheting afghans to give to the nursing home (I'm not that far on it...I'm close to finishing one. But, I've got my sister-in-law helping, and, even if we only get two done...that's two people who will get something that probably wouldn't have otherwise.)

I always feel like I'm forgetting something...

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Congrats to all who are getting little bits here and there!!! Lots of good ideas circulating on here now!!! We are entering the first full week of October...get busy ladies!! Ha!!!! Still waiting to order dd that AG stuff!! When do they typically start offering free shipping? One of the little outfits she wants is on the sales page, and I don't want to wait too long and miss out on it.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

All Right Shawna! You talked me into it!

Hi! I'm Kim! I LOVE to shop for my family! I am an avid sale shopper! ESPECIALLY when it comes to Christmas shopping!

This year, since we are doing so many home renos AND taking a trip to Disney in January, we decided to go real easy on the gifts! We set a budget of $450 for EVERYBODY AND EVERYTHING!

We have 2 daughters, 7 neices and nephews, 3 sisters and 3 BILs, 4 grandparents and ourselves to buy gifts for! Can we do it?

Here is what I have done so far -

THIS ONE IS TOP SECRET

For the girls and DH ( and me too , really) I bought a Wii! One of our local Department stores had them on for $199 if you bought a game too! So, the whole kit and caboodle cost $260 including tax!

I am sure I will find a few little odds and ends along the way as well so they will have more than just 1 gift to open!

For the extended family we usually just buy for the kids but this year World Vision has some Great gift ideas in their catalogue! So along with a small gifty for each neice and nephew, we are going to give each family a "gift" in their name of a donation to World Vision! Things like goats, chickens, school supplies, stoves, etc!

We will also do this for our parents (grandparents) Both sets of our parents are retired and not in too much need of "stuff" My InLaws are actually really involved in their Rotary group and quite often go travelling around the world to do volunteer work in different countries! My parents are in the midst of downsizing so are trying to get rid of a lot of their stuff! World Vision gifts are perfect for both of them!

For the neices and Nephews this is what I have so far -

Niece8 - The newest "Mysterious Benedict Society" book in Hardcover (her mom usually makes her wait until it comes out in paperback before she is allowed to buy it!($12.00) AND a 100 piece Pixie hollow puzzle ($.50c) found in a bargain bin at our local Zellers!

Neice 6 - Rainbow fairies books(12.00) and a Pixie Hollow puzzle!

Nephew 5 - Mini Guess Who game ($5), Spider man puzzle ($.50) and a Castle book ($3.00)

Nephew 4.75 - Pizza making set (9.00) Spiderman puzzle ($.50)

Nephew 3.5 - Remote control racecar ($9.00)

Niece 2.5 - Puppy in my pocket set (6.50) Little mermaid mini porcelain tea set (.50)

Nephew 1.75 - Train set - ($10.00)

~ $69.00

So, if my math is correct that means I still have about $120 to buy my girls and DH couple of little doodads and get all the gifts from World Vsion! YAY!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

All Right Shawna! You talked me into it!

Hi! I'm Kim! I LOVE to shop for my family! I am an avid sale shopper! ESPECIALLY when it comes to Christmas shopping!

This year, since we are doing so many home renos AND taking a trip to Disney in January, we decided to go real easy on the gifts! We set a budget of $450 for EVERYBODY AND EVERYTHING!

We have 2 daughters, 7 neices and nephews, 3 sisters and 3 BILs, 4 grandparents and ourselves to buy gifts for! Can we do it?

Here is what I have done so far -

THIS ONE IS TOP SECRET

For the girls and DH ( and me too , really) I bought a Wii! One of our local Department stores had them on for $199 if you bought a game too! So, the whole kit and caboodle cost $260 including tax!

I am sure I will find a few little odds and ends along the way as well so they will have more than just 1 gift to open!

For the extended family we usually just buy for the kids but this year World Vision has some Great gift ideas in their catalogue! So along with a small gifty for each neice and nephew, we are going to give each family a "gift" in their name of a donation to World Vision! Things like goats, chickens, school supplies, stoves, etc!

We will also do this for our parents (grandparents) Both sets of our parents are retired and not in too much need of "stuff" My InLaws are actually really involved in their Rotary group and quite often go travelling around the world to do volunteer work in different countries! My parents are in the midst of downsizing so are trying to get rid of a lot of their stuff! World Vision gifts are perfect for both of them!

For the neices and Nephews this is what I have so far -

Niece8 - The newest "Mysterious Benedict Society" book in Hardcover (her mom usually makes her wait until it comes out in paperback before she is allowed to buy it!($12.00) AND a 100 piece Pixie hollow puzzle ($.50c) found in a bargain bin at our local Zellers!

Neice 6 - Rainbow fairies books(12.00) and a Pixie Hollow puzzle!

Nephew 5 - Mini Guess Who game ($5), Spider man puzzle ($.50) and a Castle book ($3.00)

Nephew 4.75 - Pizza making set (9.00) Spiderman puzzle ($.50)

Nephew 3.5 - Remote control racecar ($9.00)

Niece 2.5 - Puppy in my pocket set (6.50) Little mermaid mini porcelain tea set (.50)

Nephew 1.75 - Train set - ($10.00)

~ $69.00

So, if my math is correct that means I still have about $120 to buy my girls and DH couple of little doodads and get all the gifts from World Vsion! YAY!!!

whew! You scored some good deals for the kids' stuff! I don't have a budget, but have a pretty short list of people to buy for. I just went to one of those home parties for candles and bought a few for gifts: Teachers, my mom, my SIL. (and a gift or two for me!)
I'm pretty sure I'm getting DS6 a Nintendo DS and DS8 a CD player. Already got some books from Scholastic Book Order and stashed them too. I guess I'm farther along than I thought!
For my Bro and parents - WDW gifts!! Since I'll be there a couple weeks before Christmas, they can have souvenier gifts!

 

[jacksmomma]

Also, ds4 has fallen in love with dinosaurs and is flipping out over Spike the dinosaur that he sees in Target. But I know the reviews are mixed, and most seem to tire of him pretty quickly. Not sure what I'm going to do with him on that......any ideas or thoughts on Spike?

My aunt bought Spike for her grandson last year. He got played with for a while, but now he hangs out in the corner. It is pretty neat, but I would not spend the money for him. My 3 year old loves dinos too. He is eyeing the Monty T-rex. I volunteer at our local museum, so I get a staff discount at the museum store! Lots of dino deals there!

 

[mercydisney]

I'm almost done!!!!!

I got AG, Kaya for DD9 when they had the $20.off. I have bought her a set of Barbies when TRU had b2go. I even found some ZHU ZHU pets!! Her last request is DSLite. Hers just broke today. She plays it often and has had it for 2 yrs. So I might give in.

DD14 wants clothes and a new computer w/more memory (OUCH ) I know that will be expensive so I am holdoing out to buy it until it gets closer to Christmas, Hopefully their will be some deals. I have gotten her a bunch of clothes from AE when they had their sale w/addtl 25%.

Kohls helped me alot when it came to buy presents for nieces and nephew! I'm glad I'm done since free shipping is no longer available.

Teachers, I'm thinking giftcards.

We don't give to Aunt and Uncles, except for a pr who do not hav children.
I found a game(forgot name) that is perfect for them.
My storage closet is over flowing. I think I'll have to put Christmas Tree early so I can make room for my DIL's when they come in Christmas.