Christmas Shopping 2008

[Disney Mommy 3]

Bella~ glad to see you!! You are too busy shopping for that 2nd honeymoon to do mere Christmas shopping I got my dd her first AG too! We picked Elizabeth-but she wants the bitty baby for her bday in April-so we'll see!! Except for stuff, I am finished with my kids. Dh was wanting to do a Wii, but I really don't want to do that. Instead, I am thinking about getting all 3 one of those Disney tv/dvd players for the bedrooms!! That is a good santa thing!!!

Is G feeling any better this afternoon?Lots of Tylenol and pain meds girl.... That Belle is just a doll!!!! Thanks for coming over!!!

 

[BellaSoleil]

G is having his moments. This morning he woke me up all bright and cheery. I just called and checked in and he isn't feeling too hot. He tried to help my mom grade paper today. Bless his heart! He is on so much medicine that he couldn't see straight to grade. I hope he's better soon!

 

[musclemouse]

Well so far for...
DS(7): Smithsonian crystal growing set (brand new from Craigslist $5)
Spy gear camera, paper making kit (he loves things like this). My husband built son a huge castle in his room and Target has a bunch of medival castle stuff for $2.50. So now he can decorate his castle. I also got him a bunch of stocking stuffers from Targets clearance.

DS(4): Curious George glowing night time doll, card board bricks, inflateable trampoline, and bunch of stuffers.

TO GET Tristan: Acoustic guitar, Lego DS Indiana Jones and Star Wars & Frankendoodle, Slime, Yu-Gi-Oh cards, ...

TO GET Aidan: A few DS games one of them being Frankendoodle as well, Transformers toys, simple small Legos, Wild West Gun Slinger target game, A.I. Tech racing. I think that about covers it from us.

Disney is the huge gift from us to the boys for Christmas and we gave Tristan the choice of what to do at Disney for his birthday. That will be his big gift as well.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

amy-love the castle idea--those little knights and the tiny animals at Target are so neat. my daughter loves the little animals!!

 

[CandCMommy]

Subbing...

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Subbing...

Welcome ! Glad to have you join our merry little party!!

Only about 10 full weekends left to shop!!!

 

[mousescrapper]

For my DS age 1.33 at Christmas:
* no idea - He has all of his big brother's toys. I don't want to buy more just to buy it. How does that work with second kids of the same gender?! Some clothes? I'm sure I'll get sweetpea something, but what?

I have 3 girls, and coming up w/ suggestions especially for the youngest is hard I agree.... A larger toy, or even a nice pair of shoes or a jacket...I know that doesn't sound fun, but it is practical and $ well spent. just a thought

My 11YO is very excited about this new book series called 'The 39 Clues'. It incorporates books (there will be 13), trading cards & a web-site. Each book will be written by a different YA author.

Just wanted to say my 9 1/2 yr old DS just read one of those books too....he LOVES to read and read in like a day and a half. Recomend

Ok I seriously should be in bed right now....

but well here's my partial list:

DS (9 1/2):
BOUGHT: Dragonology & Piratetology Code Writing Kit books (on sale in August)
Books-The Calder Game (on sale thru school book order)
A Coffee Table style Chronicles of Narnia Book (on sale in Aug)
4 Bible Gospel Comic style books (on sale again)
2 Playmobile Animal/Zoo sets to go w/ big Zoo he got for his b-day earlier this year (on sale yet again in Aug)
*I may have a few other things hidden too, need to look thru bin!
Stocking-some things from the Target $1 bins: Star Wars markers & Yo-Yo
LIST:Big Bucket of Army Men (think Toy Story need to locate via ebay)
more figures for his Heroscape game
probably some more books (he loves to read)
maybe a Wii game or that goes to a Grandma
few more Stocking things
??

DD (9 1/2):
BOUGHT: Drawing Horses book/kit (on sale in Aug)
A couple Girls in History style Christian books (on sale in Aug)
Another book -Callie for President
AG Kit book and trading cards set (been holding onto since March bought at huge resale)
a Tink wipe/erase message board (from $1 bin at Target will put in her book bag)
and I think I have a few other things stashed for her too
LIST: things for stocking (maybe some headbands, ??)
Cello Hero shirt (need to order DH found online)
AG things for Felicity & Josefina...ie new dresses in catalog, books/DVD's she picked out at store in Aug
Abby Hayes Books
A New Christmas Dress, she's eyeing one in AG catalog
??

For DD (turning 6 on 11-23):
BOUGHT: Mermaid super sticker book (b-day) (on sale in Aug)
A car DVD game (b-day) (I think last after Christmas sale)
may have something else stashed (for b-day)

A couple Christian little girl books (cmas) (on sale in Aug)
Tink message board like other DD (cmas)
Princess Aurora & Prince Philip fancy dressed plush dolls (bought on sale from Disneystore.com earlier in yr)
??anything else??
Stocking-Tink blacelet & necklace from $1 bins at Target
LIST:
nothing on it if you can believe that My Mom did buy her the new Ariel DVD that she asked for, need to start putting a list togehter I think she wants new shiny shoes
Was thinking her own Razor scooter, but DD (9 1/2) says it's fine for her to use hers and waiting on her own AG doll for her 7th b-day next yr (that's when older DD got hers)


DD (turning 2 on 11-20):
BOUGHT: I don't think anything yet for either b-day or Christmas! I have given the few suggestions I could think of to my Mom so far...pretend make-up set, FP snap & play doll w/ clothes, stacking boxes from Lillian Vernon catalog, and slippers from Lands End

LIST:stuff thinking of: Snow White things WHERE CAN I FIND??, that is her favorite plush Princess doll she carries around, small little dolls (we have 1 that belonged to DD (almost 6) that she likes...beyond that I don't know????

DH: not sure what are exchanging plan is at this point....

My parents, his and his Sis and DH: I'm going to make special "family" scrapbook framed page I took a picture of DSIL family back in Aug, just need to put it together. Need to get pic's for the parents still. PLus the kids always make presents for their grandparnets, aunts, uncles...just need to decide on something and get started, usually start after Halloween.

My Siblings: Doing the Grab-bag thing between us 3 and our spouses this year. DH and I have my Brother and his wife.
LIST- buy Chicago Cub & Sox tailgate chairs plan to buy next week after DH payday and ????
may still pick up something small for my Sis if I don't have something stashed already.

Nephew age 6:
BOUGHT: a few Star Wars trinkets from the $1 bins at Target
LIST: need to get some suggestions....

Nephew age 25 & girlfriend:
Niece age 22 & boyfriend:
step-Niece age 20? & boyfriend:

Putting together cozy Winter/Christmas Kits. I already bought last yr from Target after Christmas sale: fleece blankets, slipper socks for girls, and ornaments is there more?? need to check. Plan to get a Puzzle for nephew/girlfriend and movie rental cards for nieces/boyfriends plus give them cocoa and homemade cookies

step-Niece age 16:
Have some funky Christmas slipper socks like others and need to find something else, maybe just a gift card...

Godson age 13: a book, need to get suggestion from my Aunt

BFF's son age 1 1/2: some cute Holiday shirt and a toy (need a suggestion of what he's into)

Kids teachers (school/church) & school Principal: we'll make and I already bought some ornaments and mugs on sale last yr. Plan for school teachers to do up Mugs w/ candy, ornaments, etc. Need to do a count and think and prep....

Our Small group adult couples: Not sure what to do yet, there are 4 couples, have to think on that still

Cards: I normally make cards or do a detialed newsletter...this year I bought cards already on sale (in Aug) and we'll include a family photo either from our June trip to WDW or we'll do up one of just the 4 kids, plus I'll add a small update note. I send to about 50 family/friends.

Yikes that is alot.....good to get it down on paper so to say...I think I'll print this too.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Mousescrapper--wow!! You have lots of people to buy for!! But you sound like you got it all together!!! For the Snow White thing-Have you seen the Snow White stuff at Wal-Mart, Target, & Toys R Us? They have a new Horse that goes with each princess--they are really cute. And I think they still have the Snow White that's a baby. Not sure--DD just saw the horse a few weeks back.

 

[teedisney]

I bought my son the Hulk Operation game with a $2 coupon from the Sunday paper.

He'll love that. On the box in Ironman and Spidey so I hope they are apart of the game.

I'm about done with him. (i ordered the $28 coat yesterday from Gapkids yesterday)

 

[mom2disprincesses]

ok did some of my christms shopping yesterday for my girls.

DD3(soon to be 4): sleeping beauty DVD, Dora and the Snow Princess DVD, DSNEY PRINCESS camera (BUT now thinking about returning), fisher price grand dollhouse, new disney princess helmet for her scooter and bicycle, barbie veterinarian set, my little pony remote control scootaloo

DD21months: Flying Abby Cadabby, sesame street helmet (she gets her sisters and gets in her lil car.lol), my first scooter (her daddy pushes her. she is the princess! )books, doll
DH: nothing yet but probably new clothes, gift card for his ipod...
mom and dad: i like the digital frame idea
brother: hmmm he's a techie geek so something along those lines
MIL: no idea...shutterfly calender
FIL: maybe the same.
yikes!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Mom2--I love all your Snow White stuff in your sig and your avatar.I can just see your little girl with a helmet in one of those little cars! Ha!!

 

[bonita_babe232]

Great thread lots of good ideas!!! i'm not buying my children very much as they dont need much and we are planning a HUGH trip to disneyland next year so i'll put the money in there accounts for them. But i want to get them one or 2 little things....

DS4 (will be 5)- i was thinking a ds from .... Do you think he is to young??? hes never really played video games, but we got him a handheld batman game and he loved it... i'm wondering cause i would buy him a few games from us and his DL gift card.... hes super hard cause his b-day is on the 11th of dec... but i think i'm just gonna give him the movie nad shoes and maybe pick up a few more movies... he loves to watch movies!!! Has anyone heard anything about the new cool school from fisher price???

DS2.5- I have NO idea for him???? but he always plays with his brothers things.... Hes also gonna get a DL gift card too....

and DD- 4 months.... i think i'm just gonna buy her a plush princess dolly.... she doesn't really need anything as i am buying her a gym this weekend so she can get use out of it.... maybe one if those walker toys or a jumeroos from too keep up show 4 the boys???


So what do you all think??? any ideas on DS 2.5?????

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Okay, for the one turning 5--have you looked into the Leapsters? My younger 2 have one and they really like them---they are very educaional. Moreso than a DS. But, it you think he would like the other maybe so---my dd is 5 1/2 and she plays my older sons ds all the time. But--she does adore that Leapster!!!She got it 2 Christmas's ago(3 1/2) and this is actually her 2nd one--she played the other one to death. The Leapster and games are a lot cheaper too- even with the batteries.

For the 2.5 year old.....my middle boy liked Thomas stuff at that age--Does he like Buzz & Woody, or Cars--my nephew is 3 and he is in love with both of those.What about those Mega Legos. My kid loooooves Legos!!! I think Leap Frog stuff for little bittys are great choices too-or that line of stuff (Target has it) I think by Parent magazine. Cute stuff--both are great for little guys. my kids liked the Leap Frog stuff better than the Parents toys.Hope this helps you!!!

 

[mousescrapper]

Some updates: I cleaned up in our storage room and made my way over to the stash bin and to my happy suprise found some things I had forgotten about!

DS (9 1/2):
BOUGHT:
*I may have a few other things hidden too, need to look thru bin! Only had 2 other stucking stuffers

DD (9 1/2):
BOUGHT:
G Kit book and trading cards set (been holding onto since March bought at huge resale) this is actually Kirsten, but have a Meet Kit book too!
and I think I have a few other things stashed for her too I found a big Ironing Beads set I bought at the Target after Christmas sale, another AG book (Pencil Play) and AG Felicity's Holiday doll.

For DD (turning 6 on 11-23):
BOUGHT:
may have something else stashed (for b-day) found a Princess Suncatchers craft Kit, and a Mickey Mouse Learning Globe book
Stocking-Tink blacelet & necklace from $1 bins at Target also found 3 character socks and some Hello Kitty Christmas socks.LIST:
nothing on it if you can believe that My Mom did buy her the new Ariel DVD that she asked for, need to start putting a list togehter I think she wants new shiny shoes oh asked her what she wanted for B-day and Christmas and she didn't know, but found in a catalog some castle wooden blocks, and she liked those (always plays w/ her Disney pvc Princess figurines should go well), now just need to order!


DD (turning 2 on 11-20):
BOUGHT: I don't think anything yet for either b-day or Christmas! I have given the few suggestions I could think of to my Mom so far...pretend make-up set, FP snap & play doll w/ clothes, stacking boxes from Lillian Vernon catalog, and slippers from Lands End

Ok found 1 thing in the bin, but it was a great suprise! It was a little Cinderella doll w/ nursery set, like the other doll she plays with. GREAT since she is too, I don't need much, but glad I had at least one think stashed

Mousescrapper--wow!! You have lots of people to buy for!! But you sound like you got it all together!!! For the Snow White thing-Have you seen the Snow White stuff at Wal-Mart, Target, & Toys R Us? They have a new Horse that goes with each princess--they are really cute. And I think they still have the Snow White that's a baby. Not sure--DD just saw the horse a few weeks back.

Thanks for the suggestion, I haven't been out looking much yet, and wasn't even sure if you could find Snow White things. I will keep my eyes on the look out and let you know what I find!

and yes it is a lot, but I feel way more on top of things this year, despite not a ton bought yet. Trying to keep it simiple and buy as much as I can on sale!

Thanks!

 

[MusiqChic99]

Yikes!! I love Christmas but it comes and goes so quickly!

My list so far is..

DH..More sleeping pants. He needs them and actually said yesterday that he wanted another pair! I will probably get him a wallet too because his other one is probably 8 years old. He never buys anything for himself so I will have to buy it for it.

DS..He is 2 and his favorite movie is Cars. So I will probably stick to that theme for his Christmas.

My mother is getting a patchwork purse off the Life is Good website. It's pink and brown and I know she will love it.

My dad is getting dvds...Iron Man for sure and the Dark Knight if it is out by Christmas time.

Not too sure about anyone else right now but I need to get started soon! It creeps up before you know it!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

It does creep up on you!!! Especially once Halloween has come & gone---the planning for school parties for Thanksgiving and family and suddenly there is no time!! that's why I try to have at least my kids finished by Oct.

 

[CandCMommy]

Okay, I made my list last night so I could get a "jump" on things. Usually I'm scrambling around between BF and Xmas Eve trying to get that one last gift. So far all I have is my list of who to buy for and that's it! Argh this is gonna be a hard one because we've decided to scale back on Xmas this year in order to save some extra $$ for our trip next fall. Wish me luck on that one!

DH-likes golf and Disney and I have NO ideas so far. Need to think hard about that one.

DS 4-Already bought a ski coat and ski pants for him. We live in the mountains and this will be his first year skiing. We were thinking about getting him a Nintendo DS as his big gift but DH is a little hesitant on this. He already has a leapfrog LMax and does play it but it seems to run out of batteries quickly. Maybe we should buy him the charing station for it. Love movies and he has a LOT of them.

DS 1-Absolutely NO ideas for him. All he wants to do is what his brother is doing. He's the biggest copycat I've ever seen. We have been over run with toys that neither of they boys play with so I want to keep the toys to a minimum this year.

DH's parents-Disney obsessed, we live 9 hours from DL and they make a trip down there at least once a month. They are the hardest people to buy for, they are fairly well off and whatever they want they buy. Was thinking about making them a calendar from snapfish with pics of my kids but I still need more than that. They're heading to WDW right before Xmas so I wish I could come up with something for them to use there. They also LOVE going to movies.

Dad and his wife-they are simple people and will love whatever we get them. Made them a calendar last year and will probably do the same again. Depending on the deals this year I may get them a digital photo frame.

DNephew 5-Gonna have to find out from my bro what he's into. I know he does have a Nintendo DS so maybe a game for that. The limit is set at 25.00 this year.

DNephew one month-probably will just get him clothes, I mean what does a one month old need other than that?

DH's brother 25-?

DH's brother 23-Probably get him a shirt or a gc to the QS store.

D sister in law 22-?

Best friends kids, DD10, DD8, DS almost one-Need ideas for the girls. They love Justice and Ltd but they are so expensive it seems.

DS's teacher-?

DS's daycare teacher-?

DH's best friend and his wife-They are hard to buy for too. They don't have any kids and don't really have any hobbies. She loves Disney and Paris. Her walls are covered with Paris prints. Him, a computer geek. HARD HARD HARD!

Then there's the two people who work in the office with DH, last year they bought something for him and he didn't buy anything for them. Need to make sure we do that this year.

So I guess that's it for us this year. Sure is going to be hard to cut back when we have so many to buy for. Any ideas to help make my list complete?

 

[Monny2AE]

Okay, I made my list last night so I could get a "jump" on things. Usually I'm scrambling around between BF and Xmas Eve trying to get that one last gift. So far all I have is my list of who to buy for and that's it! Argh this is gonna be a hard one because we've decided to scale back on Xmas this year in order to save some extra $$ for our trip next fall. Wish me luck on that one!

DH-likes golf and Disney and I have NO ideas so far. Need to think hard about that one.

DS 4-Already bought a ski coat and ski pants for him. We live in the mountains and this will be his first year skiing. We were thinking about getting him a Nintendo DS as his big gift but DH is a little hesitant on this. He already has a leapfrog LMax and does play it but it seems to run out of batteries quickly. Maybe we should buy him the charing station for it. Love movies and he has a LOT of them.

DS 1-Absolutely NO ideas for him. All he wants to do is what his brother is doing. He's the biggest copycat I've ever seen. We have been over run with toys that neither of they boys play with so I want to keep the toys to a minimum this year.

DH's parents-Disney obsessed, we live 9 hours from DL and they make a trip down there at least once a month. They are the hardest people to buy for, they are fairly well off and whatever they want they buy. Was thinking about making them a calendar from snapfish with pics of my kids but I still need more than that. They're heading to WDW right before Xmas so I wish I could come up with something for them to use there. They also LOVE going to movies.

Dad and his wife-they are simple people and will love whatever we get them. Made them a calendar last year and will probably do the same again. Depending on the deals this year I may get them a digital photo frame.

DNephew 5-Gonna have to find out from my bro what he's into. I know he does have a Nintendo DS so maybe a game for that. The limit is set at 25.00 this year.

DNephew one month-probably will just get him clothes, I mean what does a one month old need other than that?

DH's brother 25-?

DH's brother 23-Probably get him a shirt or a gc to the QS store.

D sister in law 22-?

Best friends kids, DD10, DD8, DS almost one-Need ideas for the girls. They love Justice and Ltd but they are so expensive it seems.

DS's teacher-?

DS's daycare teacher-?

DH's best friend and his wife-They are hard to buy for too. They don't have any kids and don't really have any hobbies. She loves Disney and Paris. Her walls are covered with Paris prints. Him, a computer geek. HARD HARD HARD!

Then there's the two people who work in the office with DH, last year they bought something for him and he didn't buy anything for them. Need to make sure we do that this year.

So I guess that's it for us this year. Sure is going to be hard to cut back when we have so many to buy for. Any ideas to help make my list complete?

Wow What a difficult list!!!
Just a teacher gift thought (from a former teacher that's now a family child care provider )
Some of my favorite gifts were the handmade/personalized Christmas ornaments. They still hang on my tree every year and I remember the child as I put it on. If you aren't crafty- try a little gift card to Target or another fun store or restaurant that they can use.

I think I may "borrow" your calendar idea if you don't mind! My in laws and parents are tough to buy for and a calendar with the kids pictures would be cute!

 

[CandCMommy]

Wow What a difficult list!!!
Just a teacher gift thought (from a former teacher that's now a family child care provider )
Some of my favorite gifts were the handmade/personalized Christmas ornaments. They still hang on my tree every year and I remember the child as I put it on. If you aren't crafty- try a little gift card to Target or another fun store or restaurant that they can use.

I think I may "borrow" your calendar idea if you don't mind! My in laws and parents are tough to buy for and a calendar with the kids pictures would be cute!

Steal away! That's what we're here for, to make lives easier for others, right! Check out Snapfish, they have all kinds of things you can make like picture books and such.

 

[mjantz]

Monny2AE: for your best friends kids, I was at Club Libby Lu a few weeks ago & they had $5 Hannah Montana & HSM t-shirts as well as $5 Pink Twinkle sets. I had to really work to talk myself out of getting them for DD. (she has plenty of stuff)
Also, awhile back I was at Catos (women & teen clothing store) & they had these 3 packs of shower gel with matching shower scrubbies for $2 each. You could divide them up & get 3 gifts for $2. If you know their sizes Catos also usually has some really cute shirts deeply clearanced for $3 or so each.

For your DNephew, instead of clothes, I'd recommend a few board books. I recommend 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear', ' & anything by Sandra Boynton. Everyone is going to want to be buying the little guy new clothes & you could add to his library.

For your 20-something BIL & SIL I'd suggest a movie basket or, if you know your DSILs favorite clothing store, a giftcard to that store.

For the Parisian-loving BFs wife, I haven't bought from them but I have this website bookmarked because I love the ribbon bracelets they have. Hopefully you can find something here. For the spouse, thinkgeek dot com is a great idea.

For the teachers, as a teacher all I have to say is please no mugs. A parent gave me a beach towel a few years ago & that was an awesome gift IMO.