Christmas Shopping 2010

[pixiedustmomma]

YAY! Love that this thread is here!

I started my Christmas shopping very early this year. There was still snow on the ground. But I live in Cleveland so it snows till April sometimes.

Last year we hit a rough spot and had to get help from my mother in law and I didn't want to go through that again so I thought it would be best to get started on it early. Plus I am 33 weeks pregnant and don't think I will be able to go running around Christmas shopping during all the crazy sale days.

My daughter is turning 3 next week and I think I am almost done shopping for her. We found a great deal on a Princess Vanity off Craigslist that is in great shape! So glad I didn't have to pay almost $90 for it like I would if I bought it at the store. We also have 4 board games that were buy one get one 50% off during Christmas in July sale at Toys'r'us. Same with 4 Melissa and Doug puzzles. 2 sets of Legos during the same deal. 3 Princess Barbies that I picked up at Target when they were $5 each. A Cinderella baby doll that I would not have bought her but had a 40% off coupon for it. Leap Frog Tag with 3 books. Had a 50% off coupon for the Leap Frog and then the books were on sale for $9 one day.

I'm still looking for deals. I want to expand her book collection this Christmas. I am trying not to do a ton of toys as I have no more room for toys in my family room anymore. I'm thinking of getting another furniture set for her doll house we bought her last Christmas, 4 or 5 books, some kind of play beauty kit for her vanity set, dvds, and maybe some dinosaurs. She loves dinosaurs!

I am also a huge Tinkerbell Fan and I found Tinkerbell figures that I love. There is a Tinkerbell for every month and I am going to get the girls the Tinkerbell that goes with their birth month. Something they can share with momma.

Our new addition will be 3 months by then. I will end up getting her something. Probably clothes and teething toys. I can't really think of anything else to get her and really the giving her gifts is really for me because she won't remember.

Well I am always on the look out for deals going on and coupons. Target has coupons for Dora products on their website if anyone is looking.

I am also ready to decorate. Well I am ready to decorate for Halloween but I am getting ready for Christmas too. I've been collecting different craft projects to do with my DD3 this year. I can't wait! And last year I made it to the second week of November before I started decorating for Christmas. I husband thought I was nuts.

Next year we will be doing our first Disney Vacation with the girls in December! I can't wait!! That will be a big part of their Christmas gift and I am already saving for it.

 

[Bibbidi]

Well, I hadn't started shopping, until I came across the information about Zoobles here on this thread the other day. My girls (7 & 9) happened to see me looking at them on the computer, and thought they looked super cool. Since I can't stand a holiday rush on a toy, I went ahead and bought a playset for each of them, along with an extra zooble. TRU has free shipping on $49 or more and thankfully these qualified. We'll see if they live up to the hype, but I think even if the rolling novelty wears off, my girls love LPS, so these should still get some decent playtime.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

YAY! Love that this thread is here!

I started my Christmas shopping very early this year. There was still snow on the ground. But I live in Cleveland so it snows till April sometimes.

Last year we hit a rough spot and had to get help from my mother in law and I didn't want to go through that again so I thought it would be best to get started on it early. Plus I am 33 weeks pregnant and don't think I will be able to go running around Christmas shopping during all the crazy sale days.

My daughter is turning 3 next week and I think I am almost done shopping for her. We found a great deal on a Princess Vanity off Craigslist that is in great shape! So glad I didn't have to pay almost $90 for it like I would if I bought it at the store. We also have 4 board games that were buy one get one 50% off during Christmas in July sale at Toys'r'us. Same with 4 Melissa and Doug puzzles. 2 sets of Legos during the same deal. 3 Princess Barbies that I picked up at Target when they were $5 each. A Cinderella baby doll that I would not have bought her but had a 40% off coupon for it. Leap Frog Tag with 3 books. Had a 50% off coupon for the Leap Frog and then the books were on sale for $9 one day.

I'm still looking for deals. I want to expand her book collection this Christmas. I am trying not to do a ton of toys as I have no more room for toys in my family room anymore. I'm thinking of getting another furniture set for her doll house we bought her last Christmas, 4 or 5 books, some kind of play beauty kit for her vanity set, dvds, and maybe some dinosaurs. She loves dinosaurs!

I am also a huge Tinkerbell Fan and I found Tinkerbell figures that I love. There is a Tinkerbell for every month and I am going to get the girls the Tinkerbell that goes with their birth month. Something they can share with momma.

Our new addition will be 3 months by then. I will end up getting her something. Probably clothes and teething toys. I can't really think of anything else to get her and really the giving her gifts is really for me because she won't remember.

Well I am always on the look out for deals going on and coupons. Target has coupons for Dora products on their website if anyone is looking.

I am also ready to decorate. Well I am ready to decorate for Halloween but I am getting ready for Christmas too. I've been collecting different craft projects to do with my DD3 this year. I can't wait! And last year I made it to the second week of November before I started decorating for Christmas. I husband thought I was nuts.

Next year we will be doing our first Disney Vacation with the girls in December! I can't wait!! That will be a big part of their Christmas gift and I am already saving for it.

Being pregnant does tend to push the shopping ahead!! sounds like you have some great stuff!! I have always bought books for my kids as Bday and Christmas gifts too..but we are book lovers...so I get them books throughout the year...but I try to find something special for bdays...do you know which ones you are getting her yet?

Well, I hadn't started shopping, until I came across the information about Zoobles here on this thread the other day. My girls (7 & 9) happened to see me looking at them on the computer, and thought they looked super cool. Since I can't stand a holiday rush on a toy, I went ahead and bought a playset for each of them, along with an extra zooble. TRU has free shipping on $49 or more and thankfully these qualified. We'll see if they live up to the hype, but I think even if the rolling novelty wears off, my girls love LPS, so these should still get some decent playtime.

My dd likes her LPS stuff too...she doesn't do it everyday, but she does think they are sooo cute and she likes having them around...I wonder if she would like the Zoobles? I need to show her and see....

 

[Deffenm]

I am looking for an outside playhouse for DD. Do these ever go on sale? I don't want to spend over $200. I looked at some today and oh my goodness they are expensive. She is going to be 7 but she loves to be outside and doesn't really play with toys. She loves playing in her sand box so I thought this would be a good option for her.

 

[bas71873]

I am looking for an outside playhouse for DD. Do these ever go on sale? I don't want to spend over $200. I looked at some today and oh my goodness they are expensive. She is going to be 7 but she loves to be outside and doesn't really play with toys. She loves playing in her sand box so I thought this would be a good option for her.

If you have a consignment shop nearby, check there, and keep checking. Get on a "call me if you get one list" if you can. We sold DD's on consignment a year ago when we moved, but I know those type of big items, especially if in good condition, go QUICK. I think mine was there for 3 days. It was a nice Step 2 outside playhouse with a phone and doorbell and table that folded down.

I have come across some of my best stuff at consignment shops and the little kids have no clue. I bought DD a kitchen set when she was 2 for $20. It wasn't as fancy as some of the ones that are out now, but she is now 7 and STILL drags it out when we go to my moms (it went there when we moved a year ago, because I don't have the space for it (they have a basement), but didn't want to get rid of it...and my niece & nephew use it too when they are at grandma's.

Good luck!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I am looking for an outside playhouse for DD. Do these ever go on sale? I don't want to spend over $200. I looked at some today and oh my goodness they are expensive. She is going to be 7 but she loves to be outside and doesn't really play with toys. She loves playing in her sand box so I thought this would be a good option for her.

Yep...they are pricey!! Not sure if they ever mark them down or not? I know people here usually sell them cheap if they are moving...that might be something to look for.Hope you get a good one for an awesome price!

 

[daisy2jae]

You guys are making me feel bad. I never start shopping until Black Friday.

same here however I'm on a tight budget this year so no black friday shopping for me. We're picking up one gift here and there. I seem to always go over board for xmas and I promised my DH I wouldn't this year. I say this every year to him and I need to do it this time!

We're also saving money for a trip for the two of us to the WDW Marathon Weekend. Doesn't sound fair to the kids but we're taking them as a family in a month. Can't bring them for the half marathon since we won't have anyone to watch them. Plus it's going to be a cheap trip to WDW (if there is such a thing at least for us anyways)

 

[luvmy3]

I am looking for an outside playhouse for DD. Do these ever go on sale? I don't want to spend over $200. I looked at some today and oh my goodness they are expensive. She is going to be 7 but she loves to be outside and doesn't really play with toys. She loves playing in her sand box so I thought this would be a good option for her.

I would check Craigslist, garage sales and even Goodwill or Salvation Army. You can clean them up good with a pressure wash and they even have that spray paint for plastic if you needed to brighten it up.

I went to Target yesterday and there were 3 end caps left of clearance and 2 of the were filled with Chixo's and Paperoni so I didn't have any luck there. I did find a couple things on Amazon last night, I got dh a small remote control helicopter (originally $130 that I got for $30). He would love to have a huge one but we have nowhere to store it and I figure for this size and price if he doesn't use it he can take out all the cool parts. He is a tinkerer so either way he'll like it. I also grabed an erector set for one of my dses for pretty good price. He doesn't have any of those but I'm pretty sure he'll like it. I feel like I've got the ball rolling now!

 

[TinaLala]

Did I mention our rules about presents? Yeah you're only allowed 10 items - total!! That includes stocking stuffers! So I have to make each item count and still be within budget! It makes things challenging, but I learned year 1 with my kids (FIL coming through the door for the 6th time with arms full of presents) that I had to make it about the family and not the presents. I know ideas will come, but I want them to be thoughtful and not expensive items they have to have.

 

[Bibbidi]

My dd likes her LPS stuff too...she doesn't do it everyday, but she does think they are sooo cute and she likes having them around...I wonder if she would like the Zoobles? I need to show her and see....

I happened to stop into my local target around noon today and they had a new spot for the Zoobles right next to the LPS. It's obvious that they are being purchased quickly--there were probably only about 10 to choose from, and obviously room for lots more. They had plenty of playsets however.

I let my girls each buy one for themselves now. They were $5.99 for the regular ones, $7.99 for a "special edition" type--they both bought the cheaper ones. They are quite cute. So far they've been playing with them all afternoon, using them in their LPS toys and barbie van. They did not buy any playsets today since I ordered those online for Christmas.

There is a website too--with free games--zoobles dot com. There are apparently "three" parts to the zoobles world--undersea, "pets" and "zoo". Looks like they haven't yet introduced the zoo animals yet.

 

[JENOS]

I start my shopping on Black Friday too, plus I have so many birthdays still to come (September is an expensive month for us) that I can’t even start thinking about Christmas.

The plus side this year is that we are cutting the list in half, too many problems over too many years have forced us to do this(last year put us over the edge). I know it’s about giving, so that’s why we rather give to toys for tots and adopt a family then to give to some of our own family

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I start my shopping on Black Friday too, plus I have so many birthdays still to come (September is an expensive month for us) that I can’t even start thinking about Christmas.

The plus side this year is that we are cutting the list in half, too many problems over too many years have forced us to do this(last year put us over the edge). I know it’s about giving, so that’s why we rather give to toys for tots and adopt a family then to give to some of our own family

Ain't that the truth!! Some people just make it tooooo hard!!! I have some like that too!! LOL ....

 

[kristinw3girls]

Just got my DD9 american girls today. I'm going to wrap it tonight. I really want to wrap as I go this year. There's nothing worse then spending an entire day wrapping gifts right before the big day!

 

[Mackenzie'sMommy]

Our Target just got in some Disney Princess Toddler baby dolls. I haven't ever seen them before. Mackenzie is in She picked up the Cindy and said "I gonna get this" haha. I will probably get them for her for her Christmas gift. [once they go on sale of course]

 

[SCHBR'smom]

Just ordered an apron off of etsy for my SIL. And, DH picked one he wants to get me for Christmas. BIL is the only member of that family left.

 

[meggymouse]

I've been lurking on the thread, and just wanted to let ya'll know AG has some new stuff on sale. I got my DD3 pj's and matching ones for her doll and sock slippers for 40$. I never buy this early so I hope I don't give in and give it to her early.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Just got my DD9 american girls today. I'm going to wrap it tonight. I really want to wrap as I go this year. There's nothing worse then spending an entire day wrapping gifts right before the big day!

Oh!! Which doll/dolls did you get? I love AG!!! I always have to look at them before I wrap 'em up!! They are so beautiful!

Our Target just got in some Disney Princess Toddler baby dolls. I haven't ever seen them before. Mackenzie is in She picked up the Cindy and said "I gonna get this" haha. I will probably get them for her for her Christmas gift. [once they go on sale of course]

How sweet!!!

Just ordered an apron off of etsy for my SIL. And, DH picked one he wants to get me for Christmas. BIL is the only member of that family left.

I love aprons! They are just so cute and homey! Last year me and dd got the Minnie 'Queen' and 'Princess' mommy and daughter aprons...I love them.

I've been lurking on the thread, and just wanted to let ya'll know AG has some new stuff on sale. I got my DD3 pj's and matching ones for her doll and sock slippers for 40$. I never buy this early so I hope I don't give in and give it to her early.

glad you popped in!!!! I need to look at those matching pjs!!

 

[klacey1]

Just got my DD9 american girls today. I'm going to wrap it tonight. I really want to wrap as I go this year. There's nothing worse then spending an entire day wrapping gifts right before the big day!

Tell me about it! I think it look me over six hours to wrap presents last year! I always want mine to look perfect, with the right ribbon for each, but my goodness did that take up a ridiculous amount of time!!

 

[mom2val]

I love my wrapping day! I am lucky enough to be a stay at home mom and I do it while dd is in school and dh is at work so I have the whole house to myself! I spend the day camped out in my living room watching Christmas movies and wrapping all the presents. It is just what I need to get me in the holiday spirit. I look forward to all all year- sick huh? My favorite things to watch are : A Christmas Carol, MASH- there are several Christmas episodes that I DVR each year and Christmas cartoons.

 

[southern_redhead]

I want to participate! I love to Christmas shop and with four kids we always start early. We try to do "a kid a month" from August - Nov. Last year we didn't start until Sept because I couldn't get in the spirit, never did feel too Christmas-y as a matter of fact LOL I'm not sure why but I hope this year is more fun!

I've already made my tentative lists:

DS 11 a new phone but not sure which one, a camera, some Halo and Star Wars games and books, possibly a VISA gift card (he loves to shop and I think this would be a big deal to him)

DD 8 is heavily into American Girl so clothing and accessories, a new doll to add to her collection. She is just now getting the Barbie Fever so probably a couple of nice Barbie dolls and some clothing for them. She wanted an Ice Cream bear from Build a Bear but we had JUST done them at the STL Science Center so I said no but that Santa "can probably do that for you" so the week I was there by myself I got her and younger DS each one and snuck them home. She is also getting a camera.

DS 6 (will be 7! by Christmas) he is my SUPER toughie to buy for. He loved Build a Bear and loves Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream so I got him the Mint Chocolate Chip Bear as well as Woody and Buzz outfits for it. He like Phineas and Ferb so maybe the toys and a dvd and cd from their show. He will get a camera as well, he loves to "take" pictures even if they are mostly of his feet but it will keep him from borrowing and breaking any of ours! I don't know what else he'll get. His friend just got a Hot Wheels track for his birthday (I personally hate them - they take up so much room and always seem to fall apart) so of course he now "wants" one though he doesn't really play with matchbox cars..........so I don't know. Still pondering his list!

I will let DH do for my stepson - he is 14 and I have NO idea what to get him. Probably another phone and maybe some money and/or clothes.

Their stockings are usually fairly similar. This year it'll be a DVD or two, a DS game or two, iTunes cards (except the little one - maybe a CEC card for him) and some candy. We also always leave a travel sized toothpaste and a new spin brush in each stocking. We also did a group "Wii" box that had games and accessories in it and that was a big hit. We'll probably do a smaller version that has just a few games in it this year.

Last year I insisted that DH and I trade gifts and stuff stockings. I think that is why I didn't enjoy Christmas I had to buy his stuff and the stuff he was giving me, too. Lesson learned, he is NOT a shopper. I am really excited to have a couple of gifts bought.

~Leanne