Christmas Shopping '09

[chanti]

Yay christmas shopping!!

We are doing our shopping for Elora, our 2 1/2 year old this year in Disney. Right now on our list is a mr Potatohead (don't have those here in the land of the dutch) and cinderella and tinkerbell toys (the cuddly ones with the blankets) the rest we are going to see when we are there. Definately want to look for somethings that we can't really find in the Netherlands.

BTW, you think christmas shopping is hectic? Here december is an insane month when it comes to prezzies. We have Sinterklaas on the 5th of December and kids get presents for that too. After that comes christmas and in januari I am usually ready to sell a kidney or get an extra job

Can't wait to do some christmas shopping in the USA though, seriously looking forward to it!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hi Christmas shoppers! I haven't checked in for a while but looks like I'm behind compared to the rest of you! I made my list and checked it twice this weekend. My big thing to find is the Leapfrog Tag for DS and the Tag Jr. for DD. Hoping to get them on sale sometime between now and the big day!

Yay christmas shopping!!

We are doing our shopping for Elora, our 2 1/2 year old this year in Disney. Right now on our list is a mr Potatohead (don't have those here in the land of the dutch) and cinderella and tinkerbell toys (the cuddly ones with the blankets) the rest we are going to see when we are there. Definately want to look for somethings that we can't really find in the Netherlands.

BTW, you think christmas shopping is hectic? Here december is an insane month when it comes to prezzies. We have Sinterklaas on the 5th of December and kids get presents for that too. After that comes christmas and in januari I am usually ready to sell a kidney or get an extra job

Can't wait to do some christmas shopping in the USA though, seriously looking forward to it!

Monny~ Glad to see you over here girl!!! I love the Leapster stuff...dd still plays with hers. She has already on her second one...she wore the screen out on the first one she had!!

Chanti~ Love your babies name!!!!! Do you know when you get the Potato head, that you put as many pieces as you can in the back of him and whatever you can fit in the box you get for $19.00 or so.....we have CRAMMED some pieces in that little guy!!!!!! The little dolls with the blankets have been pretty easy to find on our last couple of trips. In January we got Marie (Aristocats) & Dumbo...they are soooo cute!!!
I would love to visit the Netherlands! Got any pictures you could post? My kids (& me!!) are fascinated with that area!!!!

 

[aharbin88]

Hi there! I am new to this thread, but I am in for the rest of the Christmas shopping season! I don't have much purchased already, but I almost have my list complete. I don't think I have anything on there that should be too hard to find, so I'm hoping I can knock out the list in one shopping trip.

Hey Shawna! I'm here! My parents got Madison the Loving Family Doll House last Christmas. It is awesome! She got a few rooms from my sisters for Christmas too. Then, for Easter, my parents got her the rest of the rooms! My mom actually bought her the deluxe doll house, so it came with 4 rooms I think. Madison used her own money to buy the family their van!

That is SO going on DD2's list! I love it!

I second the FP Digital Camera!!! We got one for my son before our trip to Disney last year and he LOVES it! Santa may have to bring one for DD- although she's only 2 (just shy of 3 by Christmas) it may be worth it to avoid the arguments we have when he gets it out.

This is also on DD2's list. She loves to play with my "cheese" (AKA camera), and I'd rather her not destroy my Canon!

Did anyone see the 3 Princess Pillows Storybooks? They were really cute so I got them since we are redoing her "big girl room" in princesses.

LOVE these! I am so glad you posted about them.

Okay, i don't remember anything from when I was little but I do actually have a favorite Christmas memory. when I was about 5 my dad woke me up because he heard Santa downstairs putting our presents under the tree. Me and my older sister snuck down the stairs to see him!!! I am now 31 scared1 and still have this great memory from when I was little! So maybe something like that could make it extra special...it did for me!

That is such a cute story! I am totally going to steal that for when my girls are older. I have a friend who has a friend whose tooth fairy leaves a glitter trail in the bedroom whenever she visits. I am going to tell our tooth fairy to do the same.

1st, and the biggest is our Jan trip to WDW!!! We're going to suprise the kiddos with it on Christmas! Their going to be so excited!

2nd, I just got a beautiful, handmade minnie mouse bracelet that I ordered on esty.com!!

That's a great gift! I wish would bring me a trip to WDW!

Don't you just love Etsy? I buy SO much on there. Love it!

For anyone interested in an iPod touch, it is ebay's deal of the day. Its $159.99 and if you shop through bing.com (need a cahback account) you can get a $19 rebate. Its an 8GB and refurbished but $140 is a great price even for a refurb.
There is also an HP mini netbook for $199. You can get a 12% rebate through bing too.
Here is a link for ebay, but if you plan on purchasing you need to go through bing.com in order to get the rebates.

http://deals.ebay.com/

Tell me more about this rebate through bing.com. I haven't heard anything about it.

See what happens when I do my shopping early I forget what I have

That's exactly what happens to me when I shop early. I've decided that I should just make my list early, and knock it out in one day. That way I don't duplicate gifts.

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.

I had a few girls on my list that I couldn't find gifts for, and I think this will be perfect! Thanks for the idea!

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.

An AG cookbook would be perfect for my 9yo niece! I will have to keep an eye out for it.

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

You can freeze butter? I had no idea!

So far for DD we have these:

-Tag Jr.
-Handy Manny Felipe and Squeeze tools (Felipe talks)
-Mickey's Counting Car
-Mickey with a Guitar (goes with Surprise Clubhouse)
-Fireman Mickey (goes with Surprise Clubhouse)
-Goofy, Pluto, Mickey, and Donald mini race cars
-Handy Manny Plush Doll
-Handy Manny Toolbelt Set
-12 inch Minnie Mouse Doll you can dress
-3 Minnie Mouse outfits to go with above doll
-Tini Puppini Carry Case
-2 Tini Puppini outfits
-Set of 3 Leapfrog puzzles
-Pucci Puppies Set
-Potty Elmo
-Elmo Farm
-Little Mommy Mommy Knows Doll
-Little Einsteins Bath Tub Rocket
-Little Einsteins Leo's Baton with DVD
-Nemo Waterglob Straw Cup
-Wind up Mickey and Tigger for stocking
-Tiny Mater pull back truck for stocking
-VSmile Backyardigans Game
-Fur Berries Critter
-Pull Apart "Bee" from Word World
-National Geographic Koala Bear
-Basket of wooden play food
-Toddler Cinderella Doll

Almost all of this from from the Kmart and Target Toy Sales. If we can afford it, DH and I would like to still get:

-Snow White DVD
-Wall-E Sound Book
-Giant Wall-E Coloring Book with Stickers
-Handy Manny Let's Get To Work Doll
-Handy Manny Transforming Tool Truck
-Kota the Triceratops
-Couple ColorWonder books with markers
-2 to 4 Tag Jr. Books
-Tag Jr. Carry Case
-A few Thomas the Train pieces
-Thomas the Train extra track set
-Melissa & Doug Train Table
-Tini Puppini Dog
-Bracelets for stocking
-Schleich animals for stocking

I think you and I are kindred spirits. My DD2's list is as long as yours.

BTW, you think christmas shopping is hectic? Here december is an insane month when it comes to prezzies. We have Sinterklaas on the 5th of December and kids get presents for that too. After that comes christmas and in januari I am usually ready to sell a kidney or get an extra job

What is Sinterklaas? I remember that word from a scene in "Miracle on 34th Street," but I don't know what it is. I thought it was the Dutch word for Santa Claus.

 

[jacksmomma]

Hi Christmas shoppers! I haven't checked in for a while but looks like I'm behind compared to the rest of you! I made my list and checked it twice this weekend. My big thing to find is the Leapfrog Tag for DS and the Tag Jr. for DD. Hoping to get them on sale sometime between now and the big day!

Watch Target. Last year they had a Tag combo pack that had the pen, the case, and a couple books. It was a good deal.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Maybe someone on this thread can help me make a decision. My 5yo is a big Handy Manny fan, but I think he's starting to outgrow it a little since he's started school, he hasn't been asking to watch it as much. He has all of the tools. For Christmas I was going to get him a tool bench, something like the Home Depot one that he would probably get a couple years of play out of before he outgrows it, but now he's seen the commercial for the Handy Manny one and really wants it. I don't want him to be disappointed if he doesn't get it, but honestly I looked at that one in the store and I'm not impressed. The storage on it is a nightmare and it doesn't do that much except talk. Does anyone have an opinion? WWYD?

 

[Monny2AE]

Watch Target. Last year they had a Tag combo pack that had the pen, the case, and a couple books. It was a good deal.

Thanks for the heads up- my sister works at Target so I will definitely be asking her to keep an eye out for me. Plus I might be able to get her to buy it with her 10% discount!!!!

Monny~ Glad to see you over here girl!!! I love the Leapster stuff...dd still plays with hers. She has already on her second one...she wore the screen out on the first one she had!!

DS has the Leapster and loves it. I was thinking of getting one for DD for her 3rd birthday in Feb. Leapfrog is the best! They are having so much fun palying that they don't realize they are learning at the same time.

Maybe someone on this thread can help me make a decision. My 5yo is a big Handy Manny fan, but I think he's starting to outgrow it a little since he's started school, he hasn't been asking to watch it as much. He has all of the tools. For Christmas I was going to get him a tool bench, something like the Home Depot one that he would probably get a couple years of play out of before he outgrows it, but now he's seen the commercial for the Handy Manny one and really wants it. I don't want him to be disappointed if he doesn't get it, but honestly I looked at that one in the store and I'm not impressed. The storage on it is a nightmare and it doesn't do that much except talk. Does anyone have an opinion? WWYD?

Hmmmm. Tough one. My DS has a Black and Decker one ( http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2310403&CAWELAID=107504525 ) that has lasted about two years now. He stores the tools in a plastic tool box- bought it from Home Depot so it's a real one just not fancy. That solved our storage problem. Some of the tools that came with the bench haven't lasted as long but they are easy to replace. Perhaps get a tool bench that will last and he can use the Handy Manny tools with it.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I wanted to suggest to those thinking about a digital camera for younger ones...get a older model 2-3meg cameras from ebay. You save money and get a much better quality.

 

[Monny2AE]

I decided against the digital camera for my DD. She's kind of young yet and they can share this trip. Maybe next time. It's an added expense that isn't worth it right now

 

[sl_underwood]

I saw several people mentioned Tag reading systems. Leapfrog.com has coupons $5 off tag jr and $10 off Tag. We bought the tag system at TRU for $29 and used the $10 coupon.
http://www.leapfrog.com/etc/mediali...3631.File.tmp/10 off Print Coupon For Tag.pdf

 

[mommyof2princesses]

I can finally join in! Last week, dh and I wrote up our budget for Christmas. And this weekend we started! WOOHOO! DD6 wants the fisher price loving family dollhouse, and this week TRU has all the furniture and accessories for B1G1 so we were able to get all the rooms and the car! Now we just need the house!

Other than that we haven't shopped much more. DD6 also wants an American Girl doll so Nana is getting her that and I will make the doll some clothes. She also wants the new tink movie and some playdoh. Not too bad.

DD14 is another story. We know nana is getting her a camera. We will probably get her a sims game since she has her own laptop now (that she saved up for!) some itunes cards, some painting supplies and maybe a gift card to one of her favorite clothing stores. I know she wants an Edward jacket...who wouldn't!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

to all our new friends!!! Good job ladies!! And I just have to ask...what is an Edward jacket? I am clueless!!!!!

 

[aharbin88]

To all those needing toddler gifts, Target has the Sit 'n Spin for $20, and here's a $10 off coupon. A great $10 gift!
http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/...d=yf73&nid=10&bid=alk10210510109b140776c24018

 

[jacksmomma]

Maybe someone on this thread can help me make a decision. My 5yo is a big Handy Manny fan, but I think he's starting to outgrow it a little since he's started school, he hasn't been asking to watch it as much. He has all of the tools. For Christmas I was going to get him a tool bench, something like the Home Depot one that he would probably get a couple years of play out of before he outgrows it, but now he's seen the commercial for the Handy Manny one and really wants it. I don't want him to be disappointed if he doesn't get it, but honestly I looked at that one in the store and I'm not impressed. The storage on it is a nightmare and it doesn't do that much except talk. Does anyone have an opinion? WWYD?

What about taking him to a Home Depot or Lowe's and letting him look at the real tools and work benches. Do they have a kid version that is a real working version and not just plastic? Explain to him that he could actually do real projects on one like that instead of just playing on the Handy Manny one. Talk about being a big boy and really creating things. That might change his mind.

 

[jacksmomma]

To all those needing toddler gifts, Target has the Sit 'n Spin for $20, and here's a $10 off coupon. A great $10 gift!
http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/...d=yf73&nid=10&bid=alk10210510109b140776c24018

Cool! I have that coupon, thanks!

 

[AngelBabyJana]

Mind if I join in? I read this entire thread last night, and got some really great ideas from it.

Also "Hi Shawna" I've talked to you in the homeschool thread before.

I haven't even started on my Christmas shopping yet, so I really need to get busy. We just came back last week from our first trip to Disney. Planning that trip kept me to busy to even think about Christmas. Now that we are back, it's time to get some ideas going. We are on a tighter budget than normal, from spending a small fortune at Disney, but it was soooo worth it! We had the most awesome vacation ever!

Jonathan is 5yrs - he is really easy to buy for, he loves everything! He is REALLY into legos right now - loves anything Star Wars - action figures - costumes/dressing up (especially anything Star Wars related) - he has a DS and we have a family Wii (so games for these are an option).

Mikayla is 10yrs - she is pretty difficult to buy for - she has a lot of stuff and really doesn't play with any of it. She likes reading (but has plenty of books that she hasn't read yet) - arts/crafts - computer games (especially Sims) - has a DS and the family Wii (so games are an option for her as well). Her birthday is 2 weeks before Christmas (Dec 11th) so that makes it even more difficult. We've thought about a DSi for her birthday - her DSLite is starting to mess up and that is one thing that she loves (and has had it for years)

Amanda is 16yrs - she is very difficult to buy for - she has everything that she needs/wants and really never asks for anything. She likes clothes - has a classic IPod (so we always get her ITunes gift cards) - has a DS and the family Wii (so again games are an option) - besides this, I am clueless for her. Next week she will be turning 17 - she just wants cash for that, so we are going to give her $200 - still feel like I should buy a few small items so she will have a few gifts to open???

Adam is 23yrs (he is my nephew but more like a son to me, he also lives with us) - he is easy to buy for. He wants a replica of a Link sword that he found on ebay (around $80 with shipping) - will also probably get him an Itunes gift card, a few fast food gift cards, and a few small items to open (he also likes Star Wars & legos, haha).

My hubby Mike is very easy - have tons of ideas for him. He needs a new coffee pot (want to get the kind that does only a few cups since he is the only coffee drinker around here) plus a personalized mug - he also needs clothes - probably an ITunes gift card, etc.... again, I have lots of ideas for him ..... he is a big kid. Probably a Wii game as well.

My sister is the only other relative that we buy for - she is really difficult. Her birthday is Christmas Eve so we always get together with her that day to exchange gifts and have her birthday dinner. I usually get her a gift card to a restaurant for her birthday & a gift card to the mall for Christmas - I also want to get her a few gifts to open as well. She always buys our family/kids alot, plus we are really close friends & it is her birthday as well, so I usually try to get her several nice things.

Anyway, sorry this got so long. It does help to "think out loud" haha.

Does anyone know where I can get a good quality lego table for my son? Since he is 5 yrs, I know a cheap table wouldn't last with him (he can be rough on toys/furniture).

Also thinking about getting all 3 kids an IPod Nano for Christmas. My 10yr old really wants a red one. My 16 yr old has the Classic IPod but the video feature is starting to mess up at times .... she saw me looking at the Nano for her sister and said that she would probably save up her money & get herself a Nano as well since she likes the smaller size, plus she loves the new features of the Nano (FM radio, video recorder). If I get both of my girls one, I feel like I should get my son one as well. It would be nice to have for car trips/plane rides. I was going to surprise them all with a Nano right before our Disney trip, but I decided to wait until Christmas instead.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hello Jana!!! Yes, you can join!!!!! And I think I remember talking to you on the other thread....glad you found your way over here!!! I forgot to look and see if you are doing a Trip Report or anything...gotta go back and check!!
I like all your ideas..especially the nano for all three kids!! If you order straight from the Apple store, they will etch their name on the back for free!! I did this last year for my son..it was so neat!!!
For your hard to buy for daughters...or even your sister...do you have any stores close by that sells Brighton? I am actually starting my dd6 a charm bracelet from Brighton for Christmas...she has one of those cheapy ones from Gymboree that I bought the Christmas she was about 3....she has kept up with it... but it turned yucky looking!!! Anyway..you can buy a bracelet and just a couple of cute charms...they slide so you can change them out and add to it over time. I am starting one for me too!! Ha!! I am gonna wrap it and open it on Christmas day with her..it'll be from my hubby for both of us!!!

 

[Perditamarie]

Mind if I join in? I read this entire thread last night, and got some really great ideas from it.

Also "Hi Shawna" I've talked to you in the homeschool thread before.

I haven't even started on my Christmas shopping yet, so I really need to get busy. We just came back last week from our first trip to Disney. Planning that trip kept me to busy to even think about Christmas. Now that we are back, it's time to get some ideas going. We are on a tighter budget than normal, from spending a small fortune at Disney, but it was soooo worth it! We had the most awesome vacation ever!

Jonathan is 5yrs - he is really easy to buy for, he loves everything! He is REALLY into legos right now - loves anything Star Wars - action figures - costumes/dressing up (especially anything Star Wars related) - he has a DS and we have a family Wii (so games for these are an option).

Mikayla is 10yrs - she is pretty difficult to buy for - she has a lot of stuff and really doesn't play with any of it. She likes reading (but has plenty of books that she hasn't read yet) - arts/crafts - computer games (especially Sims) - has a DS and the family Wii (so games are an option for her as well). Her birthday is 2 weeks before Christmas (Dec 11th) so that makes it even more difficult. We've thought about a DSi for her birthday - her DSLite is starting to mess up and that is one thing that she loves (and has had it for years)

Amanda is 16yrs - she is very difficult to buy for - she has everything that she needs/wants and really never asks for anything. She likes clothes - has a classic IPod (so we always get her ITunes gift cards) - has a DS and the family Wii (so again games are an option) - besides this, I am clueless for her. Next week she will be turning 17 - she just wants cash for that, so we are going to give her $200 - still feel like I should buy a few small items so she will have a few gifts to open???

Adam is 23yrs (he is my nephew but more like a son to me, he also lives with us) - he is easy to buy for. He wants a replica of a Link sword that he found on ebay (around $80 with shipping) - will also probably get him an Itunes gift card, a few fast food gift cards, and a few small items to open (he also likes Star Wars & legos, haha).

My hubby Mike is very easy - have tons of ideas for him. He needs a new coffee pot (want to get the kind that does only a few cups since he is the only coffee drinker around here) plus a personalized mug - he also needs clothes - probably an ITunes gift card, etc.... again, I have lots of ideas for him ..... he is a big kid. Probably a Wii game as well.

My sister is the only other relative that we buy for - she is really difficult. Her birthday is Christmas Eve so we always get together with her that day to exchange gifts and have her birthday dinner. I usually get her a gift card to a restaurant for her birthday & a gift card to the mall for Christmas - I also want to get her a few gifts to open as well. She always buys our family/kids alot, plus we are really close friends & it is her birthday as well, so I usually try to get her several nice things.

Anyway, sorry this got so long. It does help to "think out loud" haha.

Does anyone know where I can get a good quality lego table for my son? Since he is 5 yrs, I know a cheap table wouldn't last with him (he can be rough on toys/furniture).

Also thinking about getting all 3 kids an IPod Nano for Christmas. My 10yr old really wants a red one. My 16 yr old has the Classic IPod but the video feature is starting to mess up at times .... she saw me looking at the Nano for her sister and said that she would probably save up her money & get herself a Nano as well since she likes the smaller size, plus she loves the new features of the Nano (FM radio, video recorder). If I get both of my girls one, I feel like I should get my son one as well. It would be nice to have for car trips/plane rides. I was going to surprise them all with a Nano right before our Disney trip, but I decided to wait until Christmas instead.

I love this thread and reading about others plans for Christmas.

I have seen a 3 station Lego table at BJs for around $129...like this:


http://www.activitytableshop.com/activity-tables/lego-tables/kidkraftactivitycenterwith3stools.cfm

I wouldn't buy the 5 yo an Ipod...you can easily spend that $$ on Legos and save the Ipod for when he outgrows Legos!!!! I like the idea of getting your 16 yo a nice piece of jewelry -- she may like a mani/pedi giftcard too. There are also a lot of new games out/coming out for the DS and Wii -- I am eagerly awaiting Harry Potter Lego for the DS.

Oh, I just wanted to add that maybe for your sister you can scan a bunch of old photos from when you were growing up and make a photo DVD or photo book.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

to all our new friends!!! Good job ladies!! And I just have to ask...what is an Edward jacket? I am clueless!!!!!

Edward Cullen from Twilight books. My dd is in love with him...although I think most women are.

 

[Terry36]

There are also a lot of new games out/coming out for the DS and Wii -- I am eagerly awaiting Harry Potter Lego for the DS.

Details, details...this is the 1st I've heard of this one.

 

[Perditamarie]

this is all I know....no release date even, but I am thinking late Nov. early Dec...hoping! We LOVE all of the Lego ds games!

http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Harry-Po..._2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1256178975&sr=1-2