Christmas Shopping '09

[ogreenlee]

I asked if she wanted presents or Disney. She said Disney. We're coming back in time for Santa, but I let her know that Santa will know she's been to Disney and probably won't go too crazy with gifts this year, but maybe he'll surprise her with something while we're there.

We spent way too much last year on stuff that hardly got touched... but took up space.

This year, we'll get some games for the Wii and her DS, some clothes, and stocking stuffers.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Way to go ladies!!!!! And Kim!!! Yippee for you!!!!!! Once we got that many nieces and nephews on Mike's side, we just started drawing names!! And we don't buy for any adults except for grandparents. It just keeps adding up otherwise!!!!
I am just waiting for AG to offer free shipping so I can order dd some stuff.I got a Wii too Kim!!!! It is $199 here now too!!!!! I was so glad---thats for all 3 kids *and us* from Santa!!!! So, I got a few family games, and I want one game for each kid so they won't argue over it......only thing is...I can't find a game for dd for the Wii!!!! I did get her a new DSgame and a Leapster Tink game. DS13 is gonna be hard....I think maybe a really nice watch or some clothes...he is starting to get into that. I may be finished with DS10....I gotta go thru my stash....but I think he's finished.....!!!!
Okay, well..keep those lists coming girls!!!! Time is ticking...

 

[PrincessMom4]

The hardest child to buy for is my DD10. I think my kids get too much and some of it ends up in the corner.

 

[skip323]

Well it has been quite a while since I updated! I have pretty much everything major for the kids: new nano's (refurb'd purchased literally right before they unveiled the new prices...figures), wii rock band set with all instruments, AG clothes (I think Santa and I are both done purchasing AG dolls...they will have to use earned $$), AG stage and costumes, Oh!!! Just found the 1st season of Little House on the Praire at Sam's Club so got that for them too (yeah!). DD10 loves Little House!! Aeropostle.com had some nice things on clearance plus an extra 20% or 30% (can't recall) off the other day so I purchased 3 things for dd10. I need to still get: Clothes for dd8, barbies for dd8, a couple of ds games, itunes gift cards and probably some earrings for both girls oh and, of course, books. We are also considering a laptop or netbook for them to share...tired of finding crumbs on my computer or someone being on it when I want to be on it!!

DH literally just purchased an entire new wardrobe when the Bachrach by us went out of business so he is requesting a series that he likes on dvd (fine with me)

I have nieces and nephews squared away with clothes from Old Navy that were on clearance last year. I have lightweight sweaters for brother, brother in law and dad that I got for much of nothing at the Bachrach final sale. I always do something socially/ globally conscious for my sister, sister in law and mom so I have water bottles purchased at starbucks on clearance last year and then may get something for them from bead for life (LOVE that program...always get end of year teacher's gifts there).

For teachers I have a couple of Vera Bradley coin purse things that I got on clearance last year. I usually stick a $10 gc for Panera or Starbucks in and call it a day!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Good for you! You are nearly finished!! One full day of shopping and you can call it quits!!!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!

 

[bas71873]

And I'm going backwards in the shopping dept. Returning stuff. I"m just stuck when it comes to DD6. We were going to go the TV route and I had it bought and then just couldn't do it. She's still too young, so that went back. Then, the little sneak got into my stash and while she didn't see a whole lot, the stuff (Fancy Nancy puzzle, 2 books and a dress up skirt and Sponge Bob Sorry) she did see will now have to be from mommy & daddy. Damn hide & seek game!

But, she just sold her bike in our yard sale, so a new bike is on the list, although, she hasn't asked for that because she's not much a rider (new neighborhood and lots of kids riding, so her interest is peaking a bit). I also picked up a barbie scooter (good deal) just in case, so she may get both, but the scooter may go to her great grandmother to give her. Then I have 2 movies w/soundtracks (she loves movies & music), and a make up set. That's it. She has only asked for those #$#$% zhu zhu pets which I am having NO luck finding and I won't pay insane prices of Ebay and Amazon for them, but I want her to get some sort of "toy" from Santa that she can play with. She loves her Little Pet Shops and plays with them ALL the time, but we have have TONS. I'm just STUCK! She's pretty easy to please, but honestly, the toy people need to come up with some new stuff. Everything out there is the same old same old (IMO). She got $$ for her birthday and we went shopping and it took her FOREVER to find something she didn't already have!!!! Oh, and she's not into baby dolls.

I did see this Crayola Town thing on TV yesterday that looks interesting. Might check that out. I sure wish my mom had hung on to my Barbie camper. Anyone have that big yellow camper? It was hard plastic, made so well, huge, held up nice. The camper out there now for $70 is crap IMO. My niece has it and it's barely big enough to put Barbie in.

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, felt good to vent though!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I agree with you about the toys! If your girl isn't into baby dolls or lots of electronics...forget it!!! I am happy that dd is getting into AG,...I get sick of gettiing the little stuff like LPS for gifts---that's great for when they have their own $$$ to spend---teaches responsibility andthe value of money, but for a good nice gift? Not much stuff out there!!! Is your dd into getting cute new clothes or a little pedicure yet? Mine is starting to like it....I don't know at this age if they would want that as a 'gift' or not...but just something different to do for sure.You can vent anytime...that's why I like to start early! I know I have lots of time to decide...and i too think they are too little for their own tv! Unless it's one that just plays dvds...that can be fun! But...you can always do that later!

 

[Deffenm]

I feel your pain. My dd(5) going to be 6 is so hard to buy for. The boys are so easy. She does not "play" with toys. The hard part for me is not only do I have to come up with ideas for Christmas but her birthday is Dec. 24th.

I have gotten her a Leapster 2 this year as she has really started playing with her brothers. I also got her a couple of games to go with. She loves movies and music so I have gotten her a few movies she requested, still need to get her some CD's. She likes stuffed animals (but not dolls ) so I got her a pucci dog and a Little pet shop puzzle.

I have no clue what else to get her. I hope once the toy catalogs come out she will give me some more ideas.

All I have left to get for the boys are their stocking stuffers, christmas eve PJ's, and a gift from santa and then they are done.

 

[bas71873]

Glad to hear I'm not alone. DD is also not into electronics, so games are out (and I don't encourage those), but she does play with those LPS and her princesses from all the disney sets. We are also stuffed animal obsessed as well, but DH just might divorce us if I loaded up on those

I think we may go to Toys R Us this weekend and and check out the bikes and just let her look around and then we'll come home and maybe write a little list. See if that gets me anywhere.

Not sure she'd go for the spa thing yet. Now, if I could find a concert or play.....taylor swift, of course hannah montana, jonas, she'd be THRILLED, but I've yet to find tour dates for 2010.

 

[HLDisney]

I'm fortunate in that my DD7 likes science and just learning about the world around her so past presents that have been a hit for her have been a microscope, one of those learning globes, an EyeClops, a butterfly garden and an Elenco Snap Circuits set. She also loved the Flip camcorder (refurbished from Woot.com) that I got her for her birthday earlier this year.

Something that has also been a big hit for my DD and as a gift for other little girls is getting a bunch of supplies for playing teacher (from an actual teacher store) For the gift, we got a wall calendar set, a pointer, some name cards, an attendance and rules poster (that can be used with Dry-Erase markers and eraser), and some other stuff. For herself, my DD has also bought other things like reward charts, schedule holder, etc.

My big search for Christmas is for a reasonably-priced triple doll bunk bed for my DD (for her Bitty Twin and teddy bears) So far, the only ones I've seen are about $50-$70 each with over $20 in shipping. I was hoping for more in the range of $50 in total (but I realize that might be a bit unrealistic)

My parents and I are trying to save our money for two trips next year, an out-of-town relative wedding in Canada and possibly a cruise (and I'm hoping to squeeze in a Disney trip for Thanksgiving) so I'll probably just have my DD make something for them and I'll see if I can come up with something small and simple (my parents aren't really into gifts anyway)

For friends, I'm tentatively planning to make reusable fabric grocery bags. With the push toward bringing your own bags for shopping, I figure everyone could use a few of these and I have a lot of leftover fabrics to use.

Helen

 

[cheap traveler]

When I read the first few pages, I thought EVERY kid out there wanted a new Ipod, or computer, or TV, etc.. My DD(nearly 6) isn't into all of that. She is into baby dolls and stuffed animals, but if we get any more of those things we will need an addition just for them. Oh yeah, we already put on an addition for the toys!!

I am done shopping. Of course I have said that a few times now.
DD5: new blanket for her bed, leapster games, 2 movies, 6 books, princess shirt, HSM game, LPS puzzles (2), and stocking stuffers

DD3: Leapster 2, couple of games, 1 movie, 5 books, blanket for her bed, princes shirt, HSM barbie, LPS animals, Snow white baking set (free at TRU right now), and stocking stuffers.

The santa gift is the Zhu Zhu pet stuff. They each are getting one hamster, and they will share the house and wheel.

I try not to go overboard, since they have both sets of grandparents going CRAZY, taking complete focus off of what I think the focus of the holiday should be - the joy of giving, and being together with your family. No amount of pleading will stop the grandparents though

 

[disneymomjcs]

I can't post the website but it was over on the budget board under---- Wii for $200? Candy

I saw them at the store with the red rings like a bullet for 199.99. They were on an endcap with a security strap instead of in the case. I couldn't believe there were four.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Happy Friday Ladies!!!
Well, I am sure some of ya'll are really getting some nice weather at this point to really help get you into the holiday shopping mood!!! We, unfortunately are not! We had some good days a while back, but the humidity has been mounting AGAIN!!!!! By 7:45 this morning, it was already over 80degrees!!!!! We are in for storms and coolfront today----suppose to be 60s at night and mid70s over the weekend...we'll see I will believe it when I see it!!Ha!!!
Okay, onto Christmas...it is kinda hard to shop for the holidays when you are so hot and sweaty you are dehydrated just walking in a parking lot! So...I hope you are all keeping those lists at the ready & finding some really great deals for your family. I know the news has reported this week that most store sales were still way down for Sept....their indicator for what Christmas shopping will be for the year. So--lots of sales may be in our future. Just remember not to get too carried away!!!!! Well, we are ready for our weekly reminder!!!

11 WEEKS!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I was going to add that if you want that in days instead:


77 days

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I saw them at the store with the red rings like a bullet for 199.99. They were on an endcap with a security strap instead of in the case. I couldn't believe there were four.

Nintendo has permanently marked the price down to $199---it's not just certain stores...all stores should have them marked down to their new price. Also, the Wii Fit is being put at about $10 higher, but you get wayyyyyy more perks with it. A diet plan, and workout schedule ...it's gonna be like having your own personal trainer....or so the guy at TRU told me.So, if that's somrthing you are interested in, you may want to ask.

 

[lucas43068]

although i havnt started shopping, im pretty sure were gonna go with:
a barbie house, a few barbies and accessories.
some books
a few movies
and mayeb the toy story mania wii game... if i can find some reviews based on a 4 year old experience.
of course some cothes.
maybe the leapster 2 and some games..
hopefully we ca find some killer deals on black friday. lol.

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

I haven't started shopping yet but right now the lists are:

Daughter---Disney netpal, comforter, some ds games, need a few more things for her
Son----Disney netpal, comforter, some ds games, monster truck dvd's and some monster trucks to add to his collection.

My DH already got his presents early....were bear hunters so he needed it before the chase season started.

As for my mom and dad and siblings...we have went to drawing names for the kids and for the adults we are doing a chinese christmas. We haven't done the chinese christmas before so it should be a hoot.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

although i havnt started shopping, im pretty sure were gonna go with:
a barbie house, a few barbies and accessories.
some books
a few movies
and mayeb the toy story mania wii game... if i can find some reviews based on a 4 year old experience.
of course some cothes.
maybe the leapster 2 and some games..
hopefully we ca find some killer deals on black friday. lol.

I haven't started shopping yet but right now the lists are:

Daughter---Disney netpal, comforter, some ds games, need a few more things for her
Son----Disney netpal, comforter, some ds games, monster truck dvd's and some monster trucks to add to his collection.

My DH already got his presents early....were bear hunters so he needed it before the chase season started.

As for my mom and dad and siblings...we have went to drawing names for the kids and for the adults we are doing a chinese christmas. We haven't done the chinese christmas before so it should be a hoot.

Lucas~ I hope you find some great deals on BF also!!! Maybe even a few before then!!!!
My2babies~ We did the name drawing for kids and the chinese christmas for adults with my hubbys family for about 5 years or so in a row. It was really fun---I usually did a good candle....there were lots of GCs for our local mall also!! Easier on the pocket book and stress level to do it this way...and it is so much more fun!!!!!

 

[SuperRhino]

I am done!! I can't believe I'm done this early! I actually set my goal of being done by Nov 1st and finished 2 weeks early!

DD5- getting 9 books (gotta love school book fairs buy 1 get 1), a disney princess dance and sing along dvd with wand, and 2 wii games

the family- DH DD AND I are getting the WII! plus a ton of accesories, like the charger staton, extra controllers, mario kart with wheel, I'm getting the wii fit new version!

MIL- I made her a quilt and she'll get pics of DD

FIL- omaha steaks! and pics of dd!

Mother- quilt fabric, and pics of dd

father- omaha steaks! and pics of dd

and for our volunteer fire dept and my hubby's work gift I'm making 2 movie night baskets with micro popcorn, a movie, candy, and soda!

All I need to do is get stuff to do holiday baking, and make dog biscuits for all my dog's little friends!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

SuperRhino~
Way to go!!!!! WOW!!!Good for you!! What a relief,right? You have got to add the Toy Story game for your Wii!! That's what made me want one!! How funny about the dog biscuits...great idea!!
And I love your location!!! Gonna get up that way someday!!!!!