Christmas Shopping '09

[nu2dvc]

Wow....what great ideas from all of you....thanks for weighing in.

I love the "stoned to death" bit b/c I 100% relate after being the one to suggest cutting out the adults. If looks could kill I would surely be dead

Thanks for the thoughtful suggestions and advice. I just need the courage now to suggest the new gifting plan.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Wow....what great ideas from all of you....thanks for weighing in.

I love the "stoned to death" bit b/c I 100% relate after being the one to suggest cutting out the adults. If looks could kill I would surely be dead

Thanks for the thoughtful suggestions and advice. I just need the courage now to suggest the new gifting plan.

Take heart dear!! Just think of how much time and $$ you will save...that oughtta give you courage!! Ha!!!!
Universal Question here: Why do our families stress us out so much at Christmas (or bdays, easter, or holidays?)...do you think they just don't realize how the things they say come across? I know my in-laws always said things that were very hurtful, and when my dh would ask about it the response was ALWAYS the same...she wears her feelings on her sleeve...I didn't mean anything by it. So, that got'em off the hook. For a while. (*this is totally off topic of disney) We have been talking a lot at church lately about our mouth. What comes out.....how what's in our heart will be what we speak....if we continually wound people and use the excuse " I didn't mean anything by that"....maybe we did. If not, would we keep saying those hurtful things?
I have already focused on this because I had to deal with it with in-laws, & my own side of the family...also, I don't want to implant that negative, critical junk in my kids. So....this holiday...let's try to be aware of what we say...I have heard so many people on different threads I am on here on the Dis boards talk about how family has hurt them by their words. I think we can work on this one family at a time, by just being aware of what comes out of OUR own mouths!! Ya'll sound like a group of people who are like-minded with me, and if we were close geographically would be friends. I am trying to get to a point!! Ha!! Got long-winded...just that I want ya'lls holiday season this year to be awesome!!! Be Blessed and be a blessing! I know how very hard it is to not be hurt by comments--especially when it's family time....so I just wanted to give ya'll something to be thinking about way ahead of time. This thread isn't just about helping with a shopping list...I want to encourage all of us to have the right spirit this year!!!! Thanks for listening!!!!! Y'all are great!!!!

 

[AntePrincess]

Universal Question here: Why do our families stress us out so much at Christmas (or bdays, easter, or holidays?)...do you think they just don't realize how the things they say come across?

For the most part, I don't think family members mean to be hurtful (or nosy or over-the-line), I think that things are so different from one household to another, that they probably don't think it's crossing a line. Example, whatever I grew up keeping private or close to the vest, my in-laws grew up making small talk out of. Consequently, pregnancies in this family are tense. They want to know every little detail and they never stop prying, they feel entitled and like they have some role in my pregnancy. I don't feel like talking about it at all. They got deeply offended they weren't invited to a baby shower, I didn't have a baby shower to invite them to. Things like that. Christmas is the same: for us Christmas is about shared family meals and a few traditions, for them it's about family parties and gift exchanges. Both sides feel like the other is disrespecting them. Honestly, I'd prefer a little open dialogue to everyone walking on eggshells.

 

[AntePrincess]

I just placed my order for nearly all my stocking stuffers, holiday activities for Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving (including crafts and decorations), and gifts for the nephews for $50 with free shipping from Dover Publications! (It was pretty tough meeting the $50 minimum for the free shipping, that's why I rolled together all three holidays.)

I highly recommend Dover for stocking stuffers and gifts, especially for children. Some great buys:

1. Paper Doll books averaging $7
2. Little Activity Books (mini coloring books, stencils, sticker books, mini paper dolls, and much more) all under $5, most around $2, and a large selection under $1.
3. Coloring Books of every description, for every age, around $3-4.
4. Discovery or Fun Kits that are boxes of assorted activities, mostly educational, under $20, lots around $12.
5. Classic paperback books $5 and under.
6. Books of art bookmarks, postcards, and giftwraps.

So, now, the last items I need to get before December are travel mugs for my own and my husband's stockings. Then we're done until December when we pull out the crafts, activities, and baking, all the actually fun stuff!

 

[tchrrx]

I am having a difficult time finding things for DD9 this year. She really doesn't play with anything. The plan is to get her all new bedding and bathroom sets. Any ideas on where to find something? I like some at JCPenneys, but their reviews were horrible. I'm hoping to find something at Target or a similar store.

Today at Waldenbooks, I found an American Girl cookbook and a Calvin & Hobbes comic book for $5 each. I needed a science type book for her that was also $5, but it was buy 2, get the 3rd free. Other than that, I picked up an American Girl movie for $5 a few months ago.

 

[AntePrincess]

I am having a difficult time finding things for DD9 this year. She really doesn't play with anything. The plan is to get her all new bedding and bathroom sets. Any ideas on where to find something? I like some at JCPenneys, but their reviews were horrible. I'm hoping to find something at Target or a similar store.

Does she do any kind of crafts, maybe she's a big reader? Or perhaps she'd be more interested in some sort of activity instead of an item?

 

[jacksmom]

Any ideas for ds 12?? He wants a laptop which we have gotten! But, I would love some ideas for inexpensive things so he has some stuff to unwrap! We dont really do family exchanges, so he really only gets stuff from us, so we would like him to have stuff to unwrap (but, he only says he wants a laptop)! Any ideas????

 

[luvmy3]

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.

Oh, I remember the Barbie Townhouse. I wanted that so bad but I got some generic house that didn't even fit my barbies. I was so jealous of my friend and her barbie house

The other one looks so much more sturdier than the barbie house, but for some reason it doesn't look like it fits barbies inside.
My dd had the Barbie grand hotel and it was so cheaply made, it looks like the townhouse is the same.
My friend has the older style wood imaginarium barbie house for her dd's and its very sturdy. Here is the newer version I wish dd was still into dolls
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2384872

 

[Mndisneygirl]

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!!

Take heart dear!! Just think of how much time and $$ you will save...that oughtta give you courage!! Ha!!!!
Universal Question here: Why do our families stress us out so much at Christmas (or bdays, easter, or holidays?)...do you think they just don't realize how the things they say come across? I know my in-laws always said things that were very hurtful, and when my dh would ask about it the response was ALWAYS the same...she wears her feelings on her sleeve...I didn't mean anything by it. So, that got'em off the hook. For a while. (*this is totally off topic of disney) We have been talking a lot at church lately about our mouth. What comes out.....how what's in our heart will be what we speak....if we continually wound people and use the excuse " I didn't mean anything by that"....maybe we did. If not, would we keep saying those hurtful things?
I have already focused on this because I had to deal with it with in-laws, & my own side of the family...also, I don't want to implant that negative, critical junk in my kids. So....this holiday...let's try to be aware of what we say...I have heard so many people on different threads I am on here on the Dis boards talk about how family has hurt them by their words. I think we can work on this one family at a time, by just being aware of what comes out of OUR own mouths!! Ya'll sound like a group of people who are like-minded with me, and if we were close geographically would be friends. I am trying to get to a point!! Ha!! Got long-winded...just that I want ya'lls holiday season this year to be awesome!!! Be Blessed and be a blessing! I know how very hard it is to not be hurt by comments--especially when it's family time....so I just wanted to give ya'll something to be thinking about way ahead of time. This thread isn't just about helping with a shopping list...I want to encourage all of us to have the right spirit this year!!!! Thanks for listening!!!!! Y'all are great!!!!

Well said. It really is a nice reminder for those of us who get lost in the chaos and commercialism of the holidays and stress of family gatherings. Granted, most of us here are like-minded, but not all. We all can use reminders and I for one, am thankful for good friends like you that share this with us. I tend to lose my temper, especially with kids and family and I need to step back and take time to remember my blessings. Thanks, Shawna.

and Jacksmom - how about some accessories for the laptop - like a case/bag, or a cooling stand/desk thingy or an iTunes giftcard???

 

[tchrrx]

My DD9 has the newer wooden dollhouse that was linked a couple posts up. She loves it! Barbies fit in it great and it seems to be very sturdy. She's had it almost two years now and it is in good condition still. One piece of furniture was broke when we bought it. She decided the elves threw it into the sleigh a bit too hard! A little wood glue and the problem was solved. It comes with enough furniture to play with, but there's also room to add new furniture if you choose to.

 

[Terry36]

I am having a difficult time finding things for DD9 this year. She really doesn't play with anything. The plan is to get her all new bedding and bathroom sets. Any ideas on where to find something? I like some at JCPenneys, but their reviews were horrible. I'm hoping to find something at Target or a similar store.

Today at Waldenbooks, I found an American Girl cookbook and a Calvin & Hobbes comic book for $5 each. I needed a science type book for her that was also $5, but it was buy 2, get the 3rd free. Other than that, I picked up an American Girl movie for $5 a few months ago.

Yes I would try Target. They have nice beddings in bright colors.
As for gifts does she like the peace sign on clothes? I just got dd(10) a pajama set and a throw from Justice and i also got her a duffle bag with the peace signs all over it. DD has asked for clothes, Allstar tennis shoes and earrings.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

For the most part, I don't think family members mean to be hurtful (or nosy or over-the-line), I think that things are so different from one household to another, that they probably don't think it's crossing a line. Example, whatever I grew up keeping private or close to the vest, my in-laws grew up making small talk out of. Consequently, pregnancies in this family are tense. They want to know every little detail and they never stop prying, they feel entitled and like they have some role in my pregnancy. I don't feel like talking about it at all. They got deeply offended they weren't invited to a baby shower, I didn't have a baby shower to invite them to. Things like that. Christmas is the same: for us Christmas is about shared family meals and a few traditions, for them it's about family parties and gift exchanges. Both sides feel like the other is disrespecting them. Honestly, I'd prefer a little open dialogue to everyone walking on eggshells.

I agree with you!!! And you are right..we all do things differently when we get our 'own' families..something I hope I remember when my kids get married And congrats on getting all that stuff ordered! I will check out that website!!!

I am having a difficult time finding things for DD9 this year. She really doesn't play with anything. The plan is to get her all new bedding and bathroom sets. Any ideas on where to find something? I like some at JCPenneys, but their reviews were horrible. I'm hoping to find something at Target or a similar store.

Today at Waldenbooks, I found an American Girl cookbook and a Calvin & Hobbes comic book for $5 each. I needed a science type book for her that was also $5, but it was buy 2, get the 3rd free. Other than that, I picked up an American Girl movie for $5 a few months ago.

I got my dd sheets and a new comforter from Target that is soooo cute...it's the Shabby Chic...if she likes that style, I am sure you'll find something. If not..Pottery Barn Kids has some CUTE stuff!! Don't know your price range...some can get waaaaay up there.. but they do have a lot on sale right now.

Any ideas for ds 12?? He wants a laptop which we have gotten! But, I would love some ideas for inexpensive things so he has some stuff to unwrap! We dont really do family exchanges, so he really only gets stuff from us, so we would like him to have stuff to unwrap (but, he only says he wants a laptop)! Any ideas????

Does he like crossword puzzles or anything like that? Those are sooo cheap..you could get several of those. Of course,... I am gonna say books too!!

Well said. It really is a nice reminder for those of us who get lost in the chaos and commercialism of the holidays and stress of family gatherings. Granted, most of us here are like-minded, but not all. We all can use reminders and I for one, am thankful for good friends like you that share this with us. I tend to lose my temper, especially with kids and family and I need to step back and take time to remember my blessings. Thanks, Shawna.

and Jacksmom - how about some accessories for the laptop - like a case/bag, or a cooling stand/desk thingy or an iTunes giftcard???

AWWwwww, Thanks Sheree!! I know I get stressed too...that's one reason I like to get things done so far in advance....keeps my stress level down!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Good Morning Shoppers!!!
Well, we woke up to some really pleasant weather this morning!! It's 9:30 and I don't know if we have quite hit 70degrees yet...but, the key is...no humidity!!! It's soooo wonderful...bright and sunny, wind, no humidity!! I am sure this is what it must be like to live in California or somewhere!! Ha!!! So...I am excited...it'll stay like this for a few days for sure!!! Hopefully it won't get back to the 90s anymore this year.
Well, today is the 16th--which indicates the half-way mark for October. Can you believe this month is half over? It's just crazy!!! I just started this thread in July...it's already been 3 & a 1/2 mths...doesn't seem like it!!! So..hopefully at this point most of you have a majority of your shopping finished. If not and you wait till BF...make sure you have your lists down pat. Now is the perfect weekend to start making your plans with family to decide who's bringing what/where for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. You know butter, chocolate chips,...all that baking stuff is about to start increasing in price.
I know I personally, am going to start working on those plans this weekend. Thanksgiving is 6 weeks away (from yesterday)..perfect time for those of you who are the meal planners/family coordinators for your families to start organizing!!! Stock your pantry now.
I don't remember if I put this earlier in the thread, but it's a fun little something my kids help me with every Christmas season. We make fudge, cookies, or whatever...and put it in tins(we just do the Wal Mart ones for around a dollar or two per can)..and deliver it to friends and family. Also, we take one to our local library, our dentist, vet, pet groomer. Anyone who has impacted us this year...it's small, inexpensive, but a gift of love and teaches our kids to show appreciation to those who have blessed us, or been kind.
So... I know the tins won't be out for while yet... but nows the time to make this list and start getting groceries for this too!!!
Keep posting those items you have gotten...very inspiring for the rest of us!!! So..here's our Friday Countdown!!!

10 WEEKS 70 Days

 

[Mndisneygirl]

We do baking gifts too! You can probably find the tins or containers at the dollar stores now too. I often buy some after Christmas and save them for the next year. My boss and co-worker and I exchange food and food-related gifts each year. We're a team of three and we all love food and wine, so it's a lot of fun. I make a bunch of goodies and throw in a little cute kitchen gadget or something. It's nice and inexpensive. My boss always does wine with something extra.

My grocery store has butter on special for .98 a lb (quarters). Limit two, so I have two in my freezer now for baking.

 

[tchrrx]

I don't usually pay that close attention to grocery prices. I just buy what I know I need. I didn't even realize that a lot of prices rise as it gets closer to the holidays. What things should I be buying now b/c they will increase in price?

Has there been any mention yet of Black Friday deals for this year? I didn't know if it was too early or not.

 

[MelAnderson]

As the previous poster mentioned, I would stock up on butter. I stocked up on some Amish butter from the local farmer's market a couple of weeks ago. Weeks prior, I saw tons of people hauling off A LOT of butter and I decided that I should too! Chex Cereal also "mysteriously" goes up closer to the holidays as does eggs and chocolate chips, etc.

I'm not even 50% done with shopping, but I'm making progress. I just got the B2G1 free Wii games from TRU last night and I picked up a Lego Advent Calendar yesterday too. I'm glad that I did as the cashier told me that the calendars usually sell out by early November. Lego had cute little baggie Christmas legos (Santa, Tree) for $4.95. I was thinking that they should have been more like $2-$3 and that could have been a stocking stuffer.

I got Hallmark ornaments for Christmas Eve last month along with the Wii when the price dropped. I also got some Zhu Zhu pets and I'm happy to be done with that quest! QVC had the coolest storybook pillow (Disney's Cars and Spiderman) that I think DS will love.

Today, I plan to order gift cards for DS' teachers. I use my bank points for that. I waited to late last year and they took forever to arrive.

BF is a tradition for my sister and me, but I am hoping to be done before then, we'll see.

 

[HLDisney]

Well, I'm finally making some progress on figuring out my Christmas gift. My DD has decided that she wants bunk beds for her dolls and bears....and after doing some research, I've decided to get her a small bookcase to use for bunk beds (I got the idea from a Family Fun magazine) I'll make mattresses, pillow and blankets to fit the shelves. The great thing is that when she outgrows the dolls and bears, she can use the shelves for holding other stuff.

I finally asked my best friend what her baby son needs/wants for Christmas and his 1st birthday in January and she chose clothes so I ordered some sale/clearance stuff from Gymboree yesterday and I'm looking at the Lands End overstock section today. Her older girls (10 and 8) want Build A Bear animals so I'll take them to do that one of these days (anyone know where I can get coupons?)

I still have some smaller gifts to figure out (teachers, friends, etc) but I'm slowly getting the bigger gifts out of the way.

Helen

 

[fluffycow333]

. Her older girls (10 and 8) want Build A Bear animals so I'll take them to do that one of these days (anyone know where I can get coupons?)


Helen

I think you can get a $5 off any animal coupon if you sign up for their Stuff Fur Stuff club.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Way to go ladies!! I love the idea of book shelves for baby doll beds!!!!!! COOL!!!
Yes...baking stuff goes up closer to the holidays!! Also..if you need stuff like chopped pecans, walnuts..get 'em now!!Most anything on the baking aisle. And butter! The first few years I was married I never noticed..but then an older lady commented to me about it ....the little light bulb came on!! I was so grateful for that lady!
well, you all sound like you are well on your way with those lists..and lots of things taken care of. Way to go!!!!! Keep up the good work!!
Dh is suppose to take the kiddos to breakfast tomorrow...I am gonna go over my list of what I have gotten and try to order DDs AG stuff.

 

[martinolichfamily]

Love this thread although I just found it tonight!

Christmas is my fav time of year & Holiday!!

I have actually started shopping this year back in September!!

My Son, Hunter is 8 yrs old....loves ANY Video Game system...Legos ( his fav are Bionicles)..just boy stuff is what he is into. My DH had to buy him another 4wheeler this year....I said no but what does Mom know...right?!? We got him a PS3 already and a new Bionicle....so.....I've got to start working on my list and get busy.

My Daughter, Ashlynn is 3 yrs old and is soooo easy to buy for! Anything girly...dolls, barbies, DISNEY stuff..mainly Princesses...she loves it all!!! Poor thing...all I have for her is a Snow White barbie doll like...she loves clothes too so that's easy too!

And the great weather that we finally got down here in Texas is making it feel like the holiday spirit....love it!!