Christmas Shopping 2010

[r4blessings]

I am getting a lot done for dd6, but really need to get the ball rolling with my sons! I just placed another AG order, b/c there was a new code posted on the budget board that expires tonight. 10 percent off a purchase of $100 so I ordered Felicity and an outfit. I'm not sure if it will go for dd's birthday in Jan or for Christmas but thats another thing done and off my list.

DS5 wants that Bigfoot toy, and i think I'm getting both ds12 and ds9 a psp so I need to order those as well. But I really need to make a list and organize myself better.

I also want to start a grocery list for Thanksgiving (I host) so that I can start to stock up on the basics for that like beer, wine, turkey stock, etc so that is not so much right before Thanksgiving.

 

[southern_redhead]

Here is the official homepage to see them a little more closely.
http://www.teacup-pets.com/

Basically it is following the trend of people (celebrities mostly) purchasing "teacup" size real live pigs for pets. These are supposed to be somewhat interactive and they say different phrases, etc. My girls are 9 and 7 and have not seen them in stores, but were all ga ga about them when they saw me looking at them online.

Curses! I have been doing battle with myself over these since seeing them in TRU a couple of weeks ago (I think they are soo cute and DD would too but do we really NEED one?) then I followed the link you gave...... Darn! They have a cheerleader one. Of course, we need it! DD started PeeWee cheering this year and all all the time, it's too perfect for her. Soooo I guess I can add that to the Justice sleeping bag I bought for MIL to give her.

 

[RedPanda]

Wow, you did great!!
And now I need to check our Target for those Peanuts mugs and Star Wars stocking stuffers. I don't go there often because it's kind of far, but I'll have to make a trip. DD loves Peanuts so that would be a good little gift for her with some hot chocolate mix.

If you have a World Market nearby, you should check closer to Christmas and see if they have the Peanuts-themed hot chocolate mix packets. I've bought a few of them for stocking stuffers for the family the last couple of years. They'd be really cute with a Peanuts mug!

 

[northriver]

Teen stockings are my favorite! If you have a TJ Maxx or Marshall's near you go there and browse. They always have all sorts of gadgets for both girls and boys and they are dirt cheap! I have filled stocking with:

gourmet candies
chocolate covered coffee beans
digital photo frame key chains
knit hats of all sorts
fun mouse pads/cooling pads
skins for laptops or phones
inexpensive saucer type sleds (Though that didn't fit in the stocking, the stocking fit in it! )
trivia books
mind teaser puzzles
microwave cookbooks
mug cake cookbooks and supplies from the dollar tree

Thank you! I did get him to pick out some "stuff" today at Walmart, he found shampoo, shower get, a CD (Linkin Park?), and a small something or other for his PS3. So at least I've got a start. I think I'll either get wasabi and ginger for his stocking, or also give him a actual sushi set/cookbook and make a gift of them. Not sure if normal teenager like sushi though.

I've got the choc. covered coffee beans, mind teaser/trivial books and hat on my list! I appreciate the suggestions!

 

[northriver]

HI everyone! Just wondering if any of you had some ideas for me... I am due to deliver our first baby on Dec 19th (the first grandchild as well) and we are moving into a bigger place (with a bigger rent) this weekend...so I'm wondering what I can do for Christmas this year that won't break the bank? We are trying to save for when I'll be off with the baby as my job doesn't have paid maternity leave. Looking for gift ideas for the grandparents and my hubby. Thanks!

I'm tempted to suggest that you plan to give photo gifts of the baby but if the baby is late, you could be left empty handed giftwise! You could get double picture frames, one side you could put the baby announcement and on the other you could do a photo of the baby. I'd set up an order online and when the baby is born you can just fill in the details for a birth announcement. I like to orderthings from Snapfish and have them printed at my neighborhood Walgreens. Not all products are available so make sure you know what you can have done locally before as some items can take a week or so.

Gift baskets are always nice and can be done on a budget. Someone mentioned a breakfast basket with tea, coffee, pkgs of mix for scones, muffins, pancakes, syrup etc. Someone else mentioned movie basket with popcorn, movie candy, and either some inexpensive dvd's or movie tickets, I buy discounted movie tickets at Costco. Sometimes I just fill a gift bag with related gourmet grocery items, italian, asian, etc.

You can make ornaments, or make bread/jam. I give teachers a small jar of homemade jam with a small value gift card attached. Teachers mention the jam when we see them years after we've left their classrooms!

As for your husband, I think you can agree that you don't need to exchange gifts. You are giving him a baby - what more could he possibly want?! Or get something together for yourselves for the new apartment!

Whatever you decide, get it done early. My son was born Dec.14 and after he was born, I didn't want to leave the house with a newborn to brave the cold and the crowds for last minute shopping!

 

[Bibbidi]

Curses! I have been doing battle with myself over these since seeing them in TRU a couple of weeks ago (I think they are soo cute and DD would too but do we really NEED one?) then I followed the link you gave...... Darn! They have a cheerleader one. Of course, we need it! DD started PeeWee cheering this year and all all the time, it's too perfect for her. Soooo I guess I can add that to the Justice sleeping bag I bought for MIL to give her.

Sorry! I know the feeling. At least it's a more moderately priced toy to purchase

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I have a friend that owns a computer business, going on 10 years now. He swears by the refubished Macs on the apple site, recommended we buy one. No need for a brand spanking new one, they come with a great warranty and less expensive.
Still expensive, but worth every penny I hear.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?afid=p219|GOUS&cid=OAS-US-KWG-CPURefurb

I have already started my Christmas shopping , all my girlfriends are done, we have a little get together every year and try to keep treats 15.00 or less. I found wine glasses and matching drink koozies for 12.00 at Tuesday Morning. If I would have bought at full price it would have been over 30.00.

Santa will bring DS8 a Ipod Touch , he can't keep his hands off my iphone, I have downloaded a few games for him and I am tired of him playing with it all the time. I hear there is a new version coming out soon, so I will be able to get an older version at a better price. Will prob check the Apple store for a refurb model too. He doesn't need the latest and greatest and only reason I am willing to do it is I can turn off the internet connection. He will have his own tunes and games for long car rides.

Thanks again for posting this site...I am going on it today to see what's available...that and a new Ipod are all he wants for Christmas /Bday which is dec 4th....small list, big$$$!!! We can't swing a new one...and I wouldn't be comfortable spending that much on one kid anyway. But, I have got to decide what I want to do!!! I might just get him the Ipod for is bday and the mac(if we can find one) for Chirstmas....he doesnt care about how many gifts he gets anyway!!
DD wanted Lanie, the AG girl for this year, remember? Well, she told me this last week (when I was about to order) that she reeeeeaaally wants Julie...I said, well,maybe for your bday in the Spring, cuz Lanie will be gone after Christmas.....and she said, I just don't really like her...I would rather have Julie and not ever have Lanie. Thank goodness I didn't already order her!!!!!! I told her we will look thru the AG site ONE more time and make a list and that's it...she changes her mind again and she just gets what she gets!!! She did that last year too....wanted twins, then changed to a JLY doll....got Kit for her bday, and in May ordered the twins with her own $$$ that she saved from Christmas and bday!!!! So, it worked out !!!!
DS11 is done...since last month...so one kid down and 2 to go!!!!
DH is always a challenge...not even sure with him....
My little nephew is 5 and still easy...he loves Toy Story, Cars...Thomas the Tank. But man...I have bought so much of that I can't keep up with what I did or didn't get!! I always get him winter pjs....I need to do that ....
Well...Christmas is 82 days away!!! Shopping days, 81 for the Procrastinators!!! which is my hubby!!!!! About one month for the rest of us
We are def getting fall weather here...I am soooo thankful! We may do school outside today!! Which means all our stores should have Christmas stuff up soon--usually Oct is split between Halloween and Christmas...I can not wait for Target to put out Christmas stuff!!! I looooove it!!!
Well..y'all seem to be coming along very well with the Christmas shopping!! I am proud of you!!!

 

[jacksmomma]

On Saturday the TRU is my area had the Teacup piggies and lots of accessories. They are very cute! (I jokingly told DH that I wanted one. )

 

[southern_redhead]

Sorry! I know the feeling. At least it's a more moderately priced toy to purchase

That's okay. A couple more trips past them in the toy store and I'd have probably caved anyway. I have a strange weakness for cute pigs! And, you are right, they are a good pricepoint. Besides, MIL spends $50 a kid and her sleeping bag was $50 but I got it on sale for $25 so that leaves me some room to play.

On Saturday the TRU is my area had the Teacup piggies and lots of accessories. They are very cute! (I jokingly told DH that I wanted one. )

Oh, hmmm, I need to check Target out then. I have $10 in free giftcards from them. That would make them really inexpensive

 

[luvmy3]

I am happy to report that I have my dd completely done! I cashed in my CC rewards for a B&N gift card and bought another one at a discount from plastic jungle so I'm getting her the nook and its only costing my $91. I had been waiting for the one from PJ and it came today so thats the last thing I needed to order for her
My dses are very close to being done too, and I still need to get everyone their itunes cards for their stockings but I'm waiting to see if any stores do any deals closer to Christmas. I missed the TRU on last week.
I can't believe its October already, and there is just a little over 2 months to go

 

[NemoMom07]

I just picked up the othe. transformer my ds4 wanted for $10 at TRU(half off). Also got him some glow in the dark hex bugs. Almost done. I am one to always add a few things with the awesome sales. I do take some of those and put up for b-day. I still need to get his Hex Bug habitat sets, but I am waiting for a good sale. Need to get him an ant farm also

My 2 step kids are done. I finished up those on ebay with a pair of new rainbows for my DSS for $27 free shipping. My parents are almost done. Just need to get a flag display box, few pics devolped and put in a nice frame and one homemade gift from the grandson to his nanie.

My MIL is done, but have no idea with the FIL(probably let Dh figure that one out). DH I need to get him some Curve cologne, and some dodge ram tail light covers, and I know he will find something with the BF ads.

My brother is done. My aunt I need to figure out one more thing. Then there are 9 nieces and newphews. If I can't figure anything out I will be getting gift certificates.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

18" Disney Princess Dolls ~ QVC & TRU

I pre ordered Rapunzel *TRU* not too long ago *she'll ship early Dec.

I ordered Belle *she'll ship later this month* & Tiana *but I don't think she'll happen ~ very much back ordered. Here they are on QVC http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/....Ship-1022-Disney-Princess-Me-18-Fashion-Doll & http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/...30010.desc.Disney-Princess-Me-18-Fashion-Doll

And here's TRU ~ http://www.toysrus.com/search/index...princess & me 18&f=Taxonomy/TRUS/2254197&sr=1 & http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4102343

Cinderella & Ariel are on my front porch at home *I'd better get home and get them inside *I ordered them from TRU.

 

[Perditamarie]

Loving this thread and all the great ideas....I am moving along myself!!

I decided to save Ipod touches for Birthdays and will let the children pay half to ensure they are well taken care of and instill a sense of understanding the value of THEIR dollar and pride for saving so much!

That frees me up to still have room for possibilities! I cant think of ideas besides mass amounts of Legos for the boys, but I am tired of forking over big $$ for tiny piles of bricks, beloved as they are. I have a nice pile of the mystery minifigures for stockings, though. Also got the Lego Contraptions books at AC Moore using their 50% coupons.

I also bought a pillow pet at Bed, Bath and Beyond w/a 20% coupon - great idea from the Budget board or this thread I think! And picked up the Panda in the new series at Walmart.

I am in love with Laneys camper on the AG site, but cannot pay that $$$.....even tho I almost have myself talked into it!! I think I will actually end up with this more budget friendly idea:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4082098

Also found a great Olympus camera kit for DD at BJs for $40 and a set of 6 Disney Parks
DVDs for $20 there as well.

Guess I have to wait for inspiration BESIDES Legos....there is Black Friday to come and many good DVDs to be released as well.

And to underline the meaning of Christmas, I picked up each child a nativity scene for their room to use during advent.

CrzyDisneyFamily.....have you considered some type of Grandparents books for the 'rents to document their personal history to share with your child? Something like this, but there are many different styles:

http://www.amazon.com/Memories-My-Grandchild-Annie-Decker/dp/0811843270/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Other ideas are purse sized brag books for the grandmothers-to-be, cuz you know they will be showing photos to everyone....or the keychain size digital photo holders are really decently priced.

 

[MNTwinsMom]

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to pass along a couple deals in case anyone can take advantage of them . . .

There's a thread on the Budget Board with a link to a $5 off K-Mart toys coupon:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2567484

I am not a fan of K-Mart normally, (When you're from Minnesota you have to LOVE Target) but I have a $10 K-Mart gift card from My Coke Rewards plus this coupon so I'll be checking out their toy department soon.

Also, the Disney Store has free shipping right now. The promo code is MAGIC. I found ornaments to use as stocking stuffers today with my kids favorite characters, Chip & Dale and Stitch. For any Phineas and Ferb fans they have a cute Agent P ornament for $9.50.

They recently re-did the Disney Store website and all the "Outlet" items seem to be on the regular site, so there are some good deals available with the free shipping.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

This is torture. 6yo DS has been asking me since about June for a pillow pet and I keep telling him maybe from Santa. Now every time a box comes he asks if it's his pillow pet and I just keep telling him that I didn't order him one, he has to wait and see if Santa brings him one. Well, today it came, luckily while he's still at school. It's going to be so hard waiting for Christmas when I know how bad he wants it!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to pass along a couple deals in case anyone can take advantage of them . . .

There's a thread on the Budget Board with a link to a $5 off K-Mart toys coupon:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2567484

I am not a fan of K-Mart normally, (When you're from Minnesota you have to LOVE Target) but I have a $10 K-Mart gift card from My Coke Rewards plus this coupon so I'll be checking out their toy department soon.

Also, the Disney Store has free shipping right now. The promo code is MAGIC. I found ornaments to use as stocking stuffers today with my kids favorite characters, Chip & Dale and Stitch. For any Phineas and Ferb fans they have a cute Agent P ornament for $9.50.

They recently re-did the Disney Store website and all the "Outlet" items seem to be on the regular site, so there are some good deals available with the free shipping.

Right on!!!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Heads up for moms/dads/gparents of the 2-5 crowd: Toys R Us has Ni Hao, Kai-Lan and Super Why toys on clearance + 25% off. We got a bunch of things for DD for almost nothing!

 

[crzy4my2]

Loving this thread and all the great ideas....I am moving along myself!!

I decided to save Ipod touches for Birthdays and will let the children pay half to ensure they are well taken care of and instill a sense of understanding the value of THEIR dollar and pride for saving so much!

That frees me up to still have room for possibilities! I cant think of ideas besides mass amounts of Legos for the boys, but I am tired of forking over big $$ for tiny piles of bricks, beloved as they are. I have a nice pile of the mystery minifigures for stockings, though. Also got the Lego Contraptions books at AC Moore using their 50% coupons.

I also bought a pillow pet at Bed, Bath and Beyond w/a 20% coupon - great idea from the Budget board or this thread I think! And picked up the Panda in the new series at Walmart.

I am in love with Laneys camper on the AG site, but cannot pay that $$$.....even tho I almost have myself talked into it!! I think I will actually end up with this more budget friendly idea:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4082098

Also found a great Olympus camera kit for DD at BJs for $40 and a set of 6 Disney Parks
DVDs for $20 there as well.

Guess I have to wait for inspiration BESIDES Legos....there is Black Friday to come and many good DVDs to be released as well.

And to underline the meaning of Christmas, I picked up each child a nativity scene for their room to use during advent.

CrzyDisneyFamily.....have you considered some type of Grandparents books for the 'rents to document their personal history to share with your child? Something like this, but there are many different styles:

http://www.amazon.com/Memories-My-Grandchild-Annie-Decker/dp/0811843270/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Other ideas are purse sized brag books for the grandmothers-to-be, cuz you know they will be showing photos to everyone....or the keychain size digital photo holders are really decently priced.

That's a cute bed. Thanks for the link. Last year DD7 really wanted Julie's bedroom set (for her Chrissa doll) I knew my mother was getting her Rebbecca for Christmas and I couldn't afford 2 bedroom sets so I got this really cool trundle bed set from Target for $50..DD thinks it's from American Girl. She now has Lanie and wants a bed for her too so that bed in your link would be perfect....well...unless there is another doll coming. She has not made her list yet...neither has DS9.

 

[EKW]

My nephew turned 18 this summer. Last year I got him kitchen appliances. This year he's getting a 6 piece teflon cookware set...3 frying pans, a sauce pan with lid, and a griddle. That gift is wrapped and ready!

My niece...she's on the naughty list right now. I'm not much motivated due to her behavior. She did comment on how much she loves my display of ears. Odd for a spoiled brat who has refused to go to Disney more than once despite being offered free VIP tickets. I may order her a pair of ears just to have this one marked off the list.

My sister is getting a set of wine glasses that are etched with her last initial and a couple of bottles of ice wine. The glasses are wrapped...I'll get the wine at the end of this month.

My younger son wants a Sonic Wii game. It needs the balance board. Those will be his gifts. Of course, he'll get some "filler" gifts...I got a couple of board games on clearance at Target, and I'll pick up a couple small lego sets. He still believes in Santa...I can't believe that at 9 he still believes...so some of the stuff will be from Santa.

My older son...who knows?!?! I need to watch as they announce the upcoming concert season. Maybe concert tickets. He loves the Zac Brown Band. He'd also love something cool related to Star Wars. What he'd really love is to have lunch with George Lucas. Anyone here happen to have George's home phone # handy, lol?

I've already warned my boys that I'm cutting waaaaaay back this year! I lost my job last spring. Shortly after that, my car had engine failure. Luckily I found a job, but the costs of the move and a newer car ate up most of my savings. They don't really care about most of the stuff anyway...just the electronics. So, this year, they're getting just what they really want, not a lot of extras!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

My nephew turned 18 this summer. Last year I got him kitchen appliances. This year he's getting a 6 piece teflon cookware set...3 frying pans, a sauce pan with lid, and a griddle. That gift is wrapped and ready!

My niece...she's on the naughty list right now. I'm not much motivated due to her behavior. She did comment on how much she loves my display of ears. Odd for a spoiled brat who has refused to go to Disney more than once despite being offered free VIP tickets. I may order her a pair of ears just to have this one marked off the list.

My sister is getting a set of wine glasses that are etched with her last initial and a couple of bottles of ice wine. The glasses are wrapped...I'll get the wine at the end of this month.

My younger son wants a Sonic Wii game. It needs the balance board. Those will be his gifts. Of course, he'll get some "filler" gifts...I got a couple of board games on clearance at Target, and I'll pick up a couple small lego sets. He still believes in Santa...I can't believe that at 9 he still believes...so some of the stuff will be from Santa.

My older son...who knows?!?! I need to watch as they announce the upcoming concert season. Maybe concert tickets. He loves the Zac Brown Band. He'd also love something cool related to Star Wars. What he'd really love is to have lunch with George Lucas. Anyone here happen to have George's home phone # handy, lol?

I've already warned my boys that I'm cutting waaaaaay back this year! I lost my job last spring. Shortly after that, my car had engine failure. Luckily I found a job, but the costs of the move and a newer car ate up most of my savings. They don't really care about most of the stuff anyway...just the electronics. So, this year, they're getting just what they really want, not a lot of extras!

Beth!!! Glad to have you!! I agree with you on the niece!! I got a kick out of that!! I can just see this kid getting mouse ears and never having been to WDW with you!! As for your boys..you are right on..if that's all that they want, or need, then that's enough!! Especially with money tight this year, and if you are single, I don't know how so many moms do it!! I think they will love and appreciate whatever you can do!!! And as far as George Lucas--maybe you'll get lucky and he'll be reading this thread!!!!!