Christmas Shopping '09

[Perditamarie]

Outside of stocking stuffers and a cute sort of money holder (maybe a stuffed animal) for each of the girls, I am done. Any ideas on a cute idea for a money holder?

Here are some money holder ideas:

* wallet...even put the wallet in an inexpensive purse, tote or backpack if that would also be a useful gift
* combination safe or pink lock box
* puzzle box, where you have to solve the puzzle to "unlock" the cash

 

[luvmy3]

Just wanted to let you ladies that are looking for a DSi for your dd's that TRU will have a bundle package priced at $184.97 starting this Sunday. It includes a DSi, 1 game (iCarly or Tinkerbell) and 1 accessory (iCarly 3 in one DS kit, or Tinkerbell DS kit).

I am happily plugging along with my shopping. I got ds his slacker personal radio and I even got my presents, a sony ereader and a new pair of UGGS (I'll leave the wrapping to him ). I am still stumped on a few people but I am thinking of asking family to go in on a large pricey gift for at least one of them left on my list. That will only leave 2 others to buy for, and I still have awhile before my Thanksgiving deadline

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Morning Ladies!! I am so proud of all of you!!! Ya'll are doing magnificently!! I will just post the recipe on here for ya'll...how's that?
Well.. I had a sick baby in the night...DD woke me up at 1:30 having to go throw up...we were up til after 3:30..closer to 4...so we are laying around today...she feels better, but she still feels like she has a bit of fever...kinda clammy So.. I will get that recipe in just a bit and post it for you. It takes a bit of stirring...but it's soooooo worth it!! And one 9x13 goes forever...I just cut the pieces in small squares, like maybe 1"x1"...it's just so rich!!!
I am gonna finalize dds American Girl wishlist today, talk to dh about what he wants to get ds#1(for his guitar) and when I can get outta here this week without kids...finish....was thinking later today..but I don't see that happening. Have a great day shopping!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Ok chickadees here you go~Peanut Butter Fudge:
4 1/2 C Sugar
1 Stick butter
1 12oz can Evaporated Milk
1 12pz pkge Semi sweet Chocolate chips
20 Lg. Marshmellows
1 12oz jar creamy peanut butter
1 C chopped pecans
A 9x13 glass pan buttered
In a non stick pot mix (with a wooden spoon) Sugar, Butter, and Evap milk over med heat.Once melted turn up heat & stir until boiling.*Stir continually-this will scorch easily as the the heat is high!!!* Usually about 7 minutes...At 6 minutes check temp with a candy thermometer--240 degrees.
Or to check, you can take one cup of water and put a small dab of fudge in and see if it makes a ball that can hold it's shape...if you dont have a candy thermometer.
Take off heat & add marshmellows stirring till melted.Add Chocolate chips, stirring until fully melted.Stir in Peanut Butter and pecans. Pour into your buttered pan...let sit for AT LEAST 15 minutes. I wet my hands and push fudge all into the pan--it will be hot! Just cut into small square..a little goes a long way!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

That fudge recipe is making my mouth water!


I've done a little more shopping. I bought Wii Sports Resort, I ordered one from Amazon that came with the special motion controllers. I also got a couple more DS games from Familyvideo.com (I think is the name of it), they had some new ones on sale, you might want to check them out.

For those of you considering ipods, my 10yo asked for one, but I was worried if he was responsible enough for him so I got him a Sandisk Sansa Fuze mp3 player, Buy.com had refurbished ones for 39.99. They are similar to a nano, except they also take a memory card, have an fm transmitter and a voice recorder. They had great reviews on amazon.

I still haven't made a decision about DS's tool bench. I'm also having trouble deciding what to get DD13. So far all I have are pajamas and a VB purse. She mentioned wanting an electric scooter, the kind you sit on and ride, but I'm not sure how much use she would get out of it and if we bought it for her it would be the only other gift she got so I don't know.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

did you read a few pages back about the Brighton charm bracelets I saw? if not,,, they are reaaaaalllly cute!! The actual bracelet is around $25-30...the charms/beads that go in between start at $6 and go up...I am starting my dd6 one this Christmas....of course, she has to be into jewelry!! What I like, is that they slide off & on, you don't have to solder them...so if you want to change it up you can...and other family can add to it for different occasions.Other than that and VB I am not sure about older girls...maybe books.

 

[r4blessings]

I think the idea of a charm braclet is awesome for a girl that age too. My SIL has a pandora bracelet (and I get her charms for her birthday and holidays) and she got one for me for my birthday. Both my neices have one (they got it last Christmas....and it was a huge hit for them) and this year she got one for my dd who is going to be 6 in January. Even though she is a little young, I know that people will enjoy picking out charms for her that represent the things she is into.

Also, how about perfume? Bath and body works? Board games or video games? Starbucks, movie and itunes gift cards....

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I think the idea of a charm braclet is awesome for a girl that age too. My SIL has a pandora bracelet (and I get her charms for her birthday and holidays) and she got one for me for my birthday. Both my neices have one (they got it last Christmas....and it was a huge hit for them) and this year she got one for my dd who is going to be 6 in January. Even though she is a little young, I know that people will enjoy picking out charms for her that represent the things she is into.

Also, how about perfume? Bath and body works? Board games or video games? Starbucks, movie and itunes gift cards....

The Brighton one I am looking at are a lot like Pandora but much less$$$$!!! My dd is 6 but she looooved it!! So..that'll be from Daddy!!! She has always kept up with her stuff well...so I think this will be great!!!

 

[Terry36]

did you read a few pages back about the Brighton charm bracelets I saw? if not,,, they are reaaaaalllly cute!! The actual bracelet is around $25-30...the charms/beads that go in between start at $6 and go up...I am starting my dd6 one this Christmas....of course, she has to be into jewelry!! What I like, is that they slide off & on, you don't have to solder them...so if you want to change it up you can...and other family can add to it for different occasions.Other than that and VB I am not sure about older girls...maybe books.

The Brighton one I am looking at are a lot like Pandora but much less$$$$!!! My dd is 6 but she looooved it!! So..that'll be from Daddy!!! She has always kept up with her stuff well...so I think this will be great!!!

I like the bracelet ideas as well...I just checked both sites and neither has a charm for gymnastics or cheerleading. Am I missing them?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I like the bracelet ideas as well...I just checked both sites and neither has a charm for gymnastics or cheerleading. Am I missing them?

I just looked on the Brighton site...under the jewlery if you find the charms..they have a megaphone that has CHEER etched into it in a script print. it's really cute!!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Those are cute, I'll have to think about that.

 

[floridascgirl]

Thanks for the link to the Pioneer Woman Website. I love all of her recipes. I scrolled down through all of the comments and saw a post for a Curried Chex Mix with Wasabi Peas. My dad loves anything spicy, especially with the Wasabi Peas. My folks are going to join us for 1 night at AKL in December, so I think I might make some to have as a surprise snack in their room! Thanks again for the link and the inspiration.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Outside of stocking stuffers and a cute sort of money holder (maybe a stuffed animal) for each of the girls, I am done. Any ideas on a cute idea for a money holder?

One year my DH got a wallet for Christmas from his father. It was a year or so later before he needed to change out his wallet. Guess what was inside? CASH! So make sure the person knows there is money in the "money holder"

Got my reward check from Costco today. While I shop before I get it, it always marks my real start to Christmas shopping.

I also placed an online order with Target after going to the store and not finding the transformer I was looking for. I also found some great books at Target.com. Several that my kids have not seen so they will be a total surprise. I searched for coupons first, so I got $5 off which was only 67cents shy of covering shipping for the whole order.

I got a few Disney trading pins from ebay last night (for their stockings) since we are going to DW in January.

I am excited about our extended family Christmas this year. We are not buying gifts. We are either hand making or handing on something. Note the "hand" theme. Putting the personal "touch" back in Christmas. Instead of finding the perfect gift for one person and then feeling the need to spend the same on everyone else, we are going to "find" the perfect gift right from the abundance of our own homes or talents. It is so much fun! The kids are really getting into the fun too!

 

[Terry36]

I just looked on the Brighton site...under the jewlery if you find the charms..they have a megaphone that has CHEER etched into it in a script print. it's really cute!!

AWESOME thanks. What types of charms are you guys getting for your daughters?

 

[Graciesmom77]

Hi guys.
This might not be the place to post this, but I felt I had to get it off my chest and I didn't want to bum anyone in my family out and make them worry about us.
Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year. I say Christmas season begins the day after Halloween and I want my tree up that day and Christmas music playing! But this year I can't seem to get in the mood. My husband Kevin has been in Florida (we are in Ohio) working since June and I miss him so much. He won't be home until Dec.21st and I just can't seem to get it altogether this year. He often works out of state, but only for 6-8 weeks at a time. This time is forever! We had our 3rd baby girl in April and he was here for 3 weeks when she was born and then had to leave.

He is such a great husband and daddy and I am greatful he works so hard so we can provide for our family and I can stay at home with our kids, but its so hard around holidays to be happy when I want him here. I know I sound terrible when some families have a loved one in the military and I have no room to complain, but I guess I am just bummed. I try and not complain to my family or bother them to help us, because I don't want them to worry. I try and show that I can carry the whole load while Kevin is away, but some nights are just a little sad. My Mom took my 2 older girls to spend the night with her, so maybe I am just missing my girls tonight.

What can I do to get back in the spirit and make sure my girls don't pick up on this. They miss daddy so much too, and I don't want them picking up on my sadness.

Sorry this was so long and annoying, I just needed someone to complain to for a minute. Thanks for putting up with me!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

AWESOME thanks. What types of charms are you guys getting for your daughters?

I am getting her the turtle, the ballet slipper, the little flower pot (I think it opens?), and the colored butterfly! And a couple of sliders to go in between..just the small, cheaper ones.

Hi guys.
This might not be the place to post this, but I felt I had to get it off my chest and I didn't want to bum anyone in my family out and make them worry about us.
Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year. I say Christmas season begins the day after Halloween and I want my tree up that day and Christmas music playing! But this year I can't seem to get in the mood. My husband Kevin has been in Florida (we are in Ohio) working since June and I miss him so much. He won't be home until Dec.21st and I just can't seem to get it altogether this year. He often works out of state, but only for 6-8 weeks at a time. This time is forever! We had our 3rd baby girl in April and he was here for 3 weeks when she was born and then had to leave.

He is such a great husband and daddy and I am greatful he works so hard so we can provide for our family and I can stay at home with our kids, but its so hard around holidays to be happy when I want him here. I know I sound terrible when some families have a loved one in the military and I have no room to complain, but I guess I am just bummed. I try and not complain to my family or bother them to help us, because I don't want them to worry. I try and show that I can carry the whole load while Kevin is away, but some nights are just a little sad. My Mom took my 2 older girls to spend the night with her, so maybe I am just missing my girls tonight.

What can I do to get back in the spirit and make sure my girls don't pick up on this. They miss daddy so much too, and I don't want them picking up on my sadness.

Sorry this was so long and annoying, I just needed someone to complain to for a minute. Thanks for putting up with me!

Hey!!! Welcome!! Of course this is a good place to post that!!!! First of all, let me say KUDOS to you for taking such good care of your family on your own!! Also, I had my 2nd baby in May, and my 3rd was born in April...you are still riding a hormone roller coaster..it really takes a while for you to get all lined out again...add in the stress of being without your hubby...well... I don't doubt you are sad and worn out!
I don't know what your religious affiliation/beliefs are, but as a Christian, I want to say that you need to just keep praying and asking for the strength and mercy of God to make it through each day!!! You need help from Someone so much bigger than you!!! I know you must be soooo tired and missing him so much!!! It sounds like you are not allowing yourself enough of a break...allow family/friends that you trust with your kids to help you more. I learned the hard way...a tired & exhausted Mommy is not fun...nor can she really be all that she needs to be!! Even if they get your kids long enough for you to take a 2 hour bubble bath!!! You need some YOU time...it's not wrong..it's necessary!!!
My hubby has started taking all 3 kids on Sat for breakfast...they don't usually come home for a few hours...he takes them to a park, or the bookstore or whatever. Just that little bit of time for me to get my thoughts organized and some quiet time...& I am ready for them to be back home. (We homeschool...so this is my only time alone!)
I too like Christmas to start right after Halloween!!! I have T-day decor out right now...but it won't be long until Christmas stuff is out!!! I think if you start resting/making time for you, you will find you are getting into the Christmas spirit!And, once you start putting up a few holiday items...maybe do your gift shopping...I bet you feel more festive!!! Hope this helped you a little!! Keep checkin in with us, and maybe we can keep you perked up til your hubby is home!!!!!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Welcome to the gang! It sounds like you do need some special time.
Another idea would be to start talking to the kids (who ever is old enough) about surprises for Daddy for Christmas? Maybe get them excited to help plan decorations, what gift to get him, stuff in anticipation of his homecoming. Then you can be excited for then, rather than be bummed now. Look to the future. Time does go by fast if you keep busy too. I'm sure you are, doing everything on your own!
Feel free to visit with us anytime! There are so many people here with many different experiences - it's like having hundreds of personal guidance counselors! And we give free hugs!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I could not imagine. It has got to be hard on all of you. Don't feel guilty about complaining. It helps just talking about it. Let it out.

 

[jstbcuz]

So far I've got the following done:

DS3
Cars GeoTrax set from TRU (Buy 2 get 1 free sale)
Mater Remote for Cars GeoTrax (Buy 2 get 1 free)
Bus Floor Puzzle
Fire Engine Floor Puzzle

DD13
Heated Mattress Pad (On sale at JCP with xtra 20% F&F discount)
Game for Wii (Buy 2 get 1 free)

DD16
Instyler Curling Iron
Game for Wii (Buy 2 get 1 free)

I still need to purchase the Wii. Then I thought I would get each of the girls a magazine subscription. Im not completely done, but atleast I got a start.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Yay!! Way to go!! It is such a good feeling knowing you are making progress!!! Keep at it ladies!!! I think by Black Friday we will all be finished and not stressed over gifts this year!! At least, I hope so!!! Be blessed!