Christmas Shopping 2010

[gracie1]

DD18 has identified a pricey handbag that she wants for Christmas. DD12 muttered something yesterday about still hoping that she'll finally get the Wii this year! Outside of the game console and a few games, what else would I need to buy for her to get her started? I've shied away from the Wii since its launch because I'd heard all these horror stories about the number of add-ons I need to buy.

I'm still picking up stocking stuffers along the way! Hopefully I won't overdo it as I have in years past!

If you have a gamestop near you (or check online) they sell used wii's (which I just bought one) for $129.95. You don't have to buy all that stuff either! We have two remotes, didn't buy wheels, and all that stuff. On the back of the games it will tell you what controller you need. If you find a game that needs that controller then purchase that controller.
Also at gamestop your able to buy the used controllers for like $10!! That's what we did! You can also buy used games, and trade in your games if you don't like them.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Jaybell~ to our crazy Christmas thread! You are allowed to shop for Christmas on your trip!!! LOL Sounds like you have a good list and will be well prepared!!!! I too do the Christmas tins with cookies/fudge/some type of baked goodies! The kids help me and we make lists every year of people who have blessed us in some way...it gets too expensive and too hard to buy for all the families...so this works well. Glad to know you will be on the thread when we start talking baking and recipes!!!!!

 

[bas71873]

If you have a gamestop near you (or check online) they sell used wii's (which I just bought one) for $129.95. You don't have to buy all that stuff either! We have two remotes, didn't buy wheels, and all that stuff. On the back of the games it will tell you what controller you need. If you find a game that needs that controller then purchase that controller.
Also at gamestop your able to buy the used controllers for like $10!! That's what we did! You can also buy used games, and trade in your games if you don't like them.

Thanks gracie1. I'm going to check out Gamestop next time I head over to the mall!

 

[klacey1]

I am also an early shopper. I usually have things done by November if I can. This year we will be in Disney for Christmas

Now I need to figure out what to get them since I will be carrying it with me. Both of my girls want pillow pets. One daughter really likes jewelry so that is easy to pack. My other daughter likes art supplies which are not as easy to pack.

I am thinking about sending a box down with gifts. Has anyone done this before? I could ship down the pillow pets and they could carry them home on the plane. The jewelry I could bring in my carry on.

Other suggestions for gifts for girls who are 8 that are easy to pack.

Happy Holidays!

We (and many other Dis'ers) have shipped packages to our resort-- we tend to ship food. We always ship Priority and get the tracking number so we always know where it is. If you do it enough ahead of time, the pillow pals (and anything else you would like to send) will be waiting for you when you get there! We've also never gotten to our resort and see our boxes in any kind of damaged condition, either.
Hmm, what about Littlest Pet shop things? Those packages are pretty small (some are, anyway). Are they still into dolls? Doll clothes? Fun hair stuff?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We (and many other Dis'ers) have shipped packages to our resort-- we tend to ship food. We always ship Priority and get the tracking number so we always know where it is. If you do it enough ahead of time, the pillow pals (and anything else you would like to send) will be waiting for you when you get there! We've also never gotten to our resort and see our boxes in any kind of damaged condition, either.
Hmm, what about Littlest Pet shop things? Those packages are pretty small (some are, anyway). Are they still into dolls? Doll clothes? Fun hair stuff?

so, I am assuming you use the postal service? I have always used the UPS service here...but I might just do postal this time...probably won't be any difference to speak of $$ wise...but I do need that tracking #!!! How early do you ship? I was shipping on Mon to ensure it got there by Friday and we have never had problems.....just curious...I think hassle-wise, the PO would be easier for me....

 

[Ar1el]

For all those that shop online for Christmas, what sites do you use. I have a 7 year old, 4 year old, and one due Oct 22, I am thinking I am going to do a lot of online shopping this year.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

My girls are 7 and 9 - and play with LPS or Polly Pockets quite often. They are nice and small! (as long as you're not stepping on them!)

I say ship US Postal!!!! You can track if you use Priority. I need people to keep using the USPS (my DH is a mailman and mail is down a LOT!). Save my DH's job - ship USPS!!!

Still have not purchased one gift. Haven't made a list. Have two or three gift ideas in my head. That's all. Feeling very unorganized. Too many other things to get done first. Once school starts and we get into that routine, I will pay more attention to Christmas. I think (although I say it every year) that we will scale down the gifts this year. We're saving money for our Europe trip next summer and are buying into DVC and will have to buy my leased car next March, so I will have to watch my budget. Need to start looking for some good deals now. If I only knew what I was going to get!!! AAAARRRGGGH!!!! I hestitate to buy much for the girls this early, because they change their minds and then I end up buying more stuff than I planned. If I can get everyone else done early, that might be a better strategy.
DH and I usually go shop for them on Veteran's Day because we both have it off of work, but they have school. It works well. We go out to lunch too!

 

[Tiana]

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[Tiana]

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[Mndisneygirl]

OH, those are some great ideas Tiana!!
I should go write them down.
For the nieces, how about some special kind of ornament collection that there's a new one every year? I buy my goddaughter the Hallmark godchild one each year. (still haven't sent her last year's though- oops! I guess she'll get two this year!)
My daughters are into dance, and we always find new dance ornaments.
Or a pair of slippers or PJs could be a new tradition. My friend's family all get new pjs every Christmas eve.

 

[lovesdumbo]

so, I am assuming you use the postal service? I have always used the UPS service here...but I might just do postal this time...probably won't be any difference to speak of $$ wise...but I do need that tracking #!!! How early do you ship? I was shipping on Mon to ensure it got there by Friday and we have never had problems.....just curious...I think hassle-wise, the PO would be easier for me....

I've always read that UPS or FedEx is better than USPS to the resorts. Something about how they are delivered.

I would ship before Monday to give a few extra days due to the Christmas rush. The resort will hold a package for 14 days. I don't think I would ship 2 weeks out but I might ship the prior Wed or Friday.

 

[Ar1el]

I keep getting the Amazon Prime membership, had it about 3 or 4 years now. I LOVE it. Practically everything is FREE 2 day shipping. I buy most of our homeschool curriculum, items like Trash Bags, dish soap, etc. I just got Silly Bandz for $1 to $2 a pack and they arrived the next day! Bikes, etc. even come with Free 2 day shipping....

Never heard of that before. I will have to look into it. Thanks.

 

[Jaybell]

For all those that shop online for Christmas, what sites do you use. I have a 7 year old, 4 year old, and one due Oct 22, I am thinking I am going to do a lot of online shopping this year.

amazon.com ebay.com is ok too overstock.com might be worth looking into

i don't shop online too often and it's mostly for books, but just make sure the website you use has valid contact information i bought something from a website once and never received what I ordered. when I emailed the lady my email just bounced back so i lost my money pretty much (it was only 5$ sooo whatever)

that isn't typical but just be careful.

you can sometimes find free shipping and 10% online codes if you google
(store name) discount codes

sorry i don't have a lot of info, but I hope it helps

 

[klacey1]

so, I am assuming you use the postal service? I have always used the UPS service here...but I might just do postal this time...probably won't be any difference to speak of $$ wise...but I do need that tracking #!!! How early do you ship? I was shipping on Mon to ensure it got there by Friday and we have never had problems.....just curious...I think hassle-wise, the PO would be easier for me....

Yup, we just ship priority with the post-office. Priority is 2-3 days, so we usually ship 5 days ahead of time to be safe-- I think Monday shipping for a Friday arrival is PLENTY of time. We've never had a problem picking up a package-- and the closest FedEx/UPS are both about 20 minutes away from us. Much easier to run down the street to the Post Office.

 

[MNTwinsMom]

I can't believe it took me almost a month to find this thread! Woo Hoo - I'm excited to hear about everyone ideas and deals.

I'm always on the lookout for great deals and Christmas gifts to spread out the cost throughout the year and avoid that "we just have to get something" panic that comes just before Christmas. I prefer to pick-up something along the way that is truly right for the recipient.

This year my goal is to make many of the gifts, so I've started buying supplies needed so that when school starts and the weather turns cooler I can begin working on the projects. I will be making my niece and nephew pillowcases using novelty fabrics (hockey for my nephew, Disney princess for my niece). I'll be making oilcloth lunchbags for teacher gifts. (Those gifts sound pretty lame when I type them out, but with the fabrics and patterns I have I think they'll turn out pretty cool and unique) And every year I make my mom a Shutterfly calendar.

For my MIL this year we're going to purchase a digital frame and load it with pics of the grandkids for her. We have a digital frame at our house and she spends lots of time watching it, so I think she'll love having her own.

FIL and my Dad are always difficult. So I'll appreciate any man ideas I can get.

Every year I find myself buying more online. By following sites like hip2save and couponintodisney I'm able to find % off and free shipping deals consistently. Also, I've signed up for ebates and try to always go through that site - even the 2% cashbacks add up over the year.

I have 8-year-old twin boys who love legoes, games, Star Wars and DS and Wii games. I'll be on the lookout for deals for them as well. So far I've only picked-up a lego set for each on sale at Target.

DH and I are planning a trip to WDW mid-December, so my goal is to be completely (shopping complete, gifts wrapped, baking done, etc.) ready for Christmas before that trip. I'm hoping Disney offers the 20% off merchandise coupon like we received last year. I'd like to pick-up some Disney Star Wars action figures for my boys and ornaments for my mom and MIL. Disney World is the only place I'm willing to pay full price for anything, so I'm absolutely giddy if I can receive a discount.

That's all I can think of right now. I'm looking forward to reading about all your ideas.

 

[bas71873]

SANTA is DONE . I bit the bullet yesterday and went to TRU and picked up the Wii (which came with a free remote charger). Picked up an extra remote too. They also had games buy 1 get 1 half off, so I picked up a few for DD and got DH Madden '11 and a paintball game (bought him the gun accessory too). I know I could/should have waited for a price reduction, but I hate fighting crowds and don't want to risk NOT getting one. Everytime I check Target & Best Buy, no matter what time of year, they are always out of stock. I'm convinced when they get some in, they only get 3 or 4. Ridiculous. So anyway, Santa is complete for DD7. I do still need to get her some Christmas PJ's and a few books (waiting for school book fair in October), but those are her Christmas Eve gifts from mom & dad

Now I just need to NOT shop at all to keep myself from buying her more stuff that she doesn't need!


So now it's on the adults in the family (my parents & in-laws), which I always struggle with!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

MNTwinsMom Glad you finally found the thread! It was super busy the first few days here, then it slowed down--everyone has to get ready for back to school at this point. All our schools are now back in...I know a few people up north won't go back until Labor Day week, but that's where all the $$$ is directed right now! It'll get full steam here again before too long!
bas~ Woo Hoo for !!!! We finally got the kids the Wii last year..they had just dropped the price, so I went and got it..TRU was the only place that had ordered more than 4 or 5 ....so I snuck off and bought it. We haven't bought any accessories yet..just an extra remote. it came with 2 and we have 3 kids....I might get some stuff for it from Santa this year...I know they love the Mario stuff, so maybe the driver's wheel or whatever.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

DH bought BIL gift on Friday, an r/c helicopter. Their whole family is done!

 

[Monny2AE]

I haven't bought anything yet but my kids made a list the last time we walked though the toy section of Target. Good thing they understand that Santa doesn't bring everything they ask for!

So far... DS wants the TS3 game for Wii, TS3 Lego train set that was $80, and just about everything in the Lego and Star Wars aisle. DD picked out everything Disney princess related and lots of dress ups. Mama has to get a few paychecks first then I'll start making a dent.

We at least decided where we'll be stashing stuff this year. Our house does not have much storage and last year was a close call putting it in our bedroom closet. So DH came up with the bright idea of putting it in our camper outside until Christmas Eve! Once camping season is done I have a hiding place!

I like to have something that I get a person every year, something they can collect; it makes things SO much easier!!

I get DS6 and all my nephews Hess trucks for Christmas; and this year I'll add in a gift bag full of books that I get from a used book store. They are all practically new and sell for $1 to $3 a piece!!

I need to find something similar to get my two nieces every year; ANY IDEAS??? They are 2 and 7.... plus the books.

I get my aunt a Jim Shore Disney figurine every year; she loves them; as do I

Grandparents/Great-Grandparents/Great Aunt & Uncles all get Calendars from Snapfish that are loaded with pics of all the kids and has everyone's Birthday/Anniversary, etc. on it. WARNING: Once you start giving these as gifts you CANNOT miss a year without causing MASS disappointment and complaining. Everyone loves them so much that extended family now offer to pay for theirs just to get one, LOL. I have already had people write me MULTIPLE e-mails reminding me that they want one, to PLEASE not forget them, they will pay WHATEVER it costs, LOL.

This year, we are getting DS6 a Nintendo DSi, some games for it, a Hess truck, some Bakugan, and 2 or 3 other smaller gifts. He gets SO much from family....

I have NO idea what to get DH. We live near Annapolis, so I was thinking Sailing lessons??? (He wants a sail boat someday)

The past few years we have done Family gift "baskets" for FIL's side of the family. I get a cloth re-usable bag from Trader Joes and fill it with yummy and/or unusual foods and it's ALWAYS a big hit. This works best if your family does not live anywhere near Trader Joes or Whole Foods. Things like the peppermint Joe-Joes, peppermint Bark, Bruschetta, Sparkling Cider and seasonal stuff; plus their gingerbread house kits.

One of my daycare kiddos got me a Sorcerer Mickey figurine from the Jim Shore collection last Christmas and I'm crossing my fingers she continues that tradition.

I like the idea of the family gift bags of food- very creative! I wish there were a Whole Foods or Trader Jo closer to me.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

DH bought BIL gift on Friday, an r/c helicopter. Their whole family is done!

Yay for you!!!

I haven't bought anything yet but my kids made a list the last time we walked though the toy section of Target. Good thing they understand that Santa doesn't bring everything they ask for!

So far... DS wants the TS3 game for Wii, TS3 Lego train set that was $80, and just about everything in the Lego and Star Wars aisle. DD picked out everything Disney princess related and lots of dress ups. Mama has to get a few paychecks first then I'll start making a dent.

We at least decided where we'll be stashing stuff this year. Our house does not have much storage and last year was a close call putting it in our bedroom closet. So DH came up with the bright idea of putting it in our camper outside until Christmas Eve! Once camping season is done I have a hiding place!


One of my daycare kiddos got me a Sorcerer Mickey figurine from the Jim Shore collection last Christmas and I'm crossing my fingers she continues that tradition.

I like the idea of the family gift bags of food- very creative! I wish there were a Whole Foods or Trader Jo closer to me.

For the last few years, ds11 has gotten Lego sets for Christmas...that's about all he asks for. He loooooves them! And what a cool hiding place!! I love it!