Christmas Shopping 2010

[gracie1]

Love this thread!! I have started making out my list, but would love ideas on what you guys get your dad!
My father is by far the hardest person I have ever had to buy for. He really has no hobbies, doesn't read and is not into electronics! I was actually thinking of getting him a dvd player with some old tv series shows but I doubt if he would even watch it. I really dread shopping for him for christmas. I like to get gifts for people to open, and not just giftcards, but it might resort to giftcards with him.

Any ideas would be appreciated!!!

 

[TruBlu]

Love this thread!! I have started making out my list, but would love ideas on what you guys get your dad!
My father is by far the hardest person I have ever had to buy for. He really has no hobbies, doesn't read and is not into electronics! I was actually thinking of getting him a dvd player with some old tv series shows but I doubt if he would even watch it. I really dread shopping for him for christmas. I like to get gifts for people to open, and not just giftcards, but it might resort to giftcards with him.

Any ideas would be appreciated!!!

Do you have kids? A gift that went over great with my FIL was one of those digital photo frames. We filled it with pictures of the grandkids and other family shots. He really loved it.

 

[gracie1]

Do you have kids? A gift that went over great with my FIL was one of those digital photo frames. We filled it with pictures of the grandkids and other family shots. He really loved it.

Nope, no children. Just furbabies! lol. I just keep searching the internet for ideas. I surely take after my mom, because I love gifts!! lol.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year.

We are going to Disney during at the beginning of December so I have to be finished with all my shopping by then. We usually put the tree the weekend we will be gone, so I may put it up before Thanksgiving this year. It would be nice to come home to a fully decorated house, but I guess that will depend on how organized I am with packing and getting everything ready for Disney!!

Hmm...maybe put a chair where you are considering the tree and see how it works..put it in several places and something may grab ya!! I too put my tree up and decorate before we leave....but, if I do it this time it's gonna have to go up before the 11th....I want to be pretty much packed by that Thursday...kinda unsure this time...I know I won't want to do it when I get home..thats gonna be the week of Thanksgiving!!

I'm glad I found this thread. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for starting already. I really haven't made a dent, but need to spread it out. I'm a SAHM now, so one income and we are going to WDW 12/3-12/11...so I need it done before then!

Everytime I've gone to target my oldest has been with me so I can't go looking. I hate buying junk for the kids, we have sooo many toys and they get sooo many from my family it's crazy. I need to think of useful things to get them.

Yes, you are gonna have to spread it out!! I think for everyone but your kids, gift cards...a $20 GC from Target or TRU here and there won't break you, but it'll get it taken care of and no stress on your part.For the adults, I would do restaurant GCs...or somewhere you know they shop...you have to make it easy and affordable for your family. Especially if you are trying to make it on one income. We are too so, I have had the same struggle! OH!! I know!! One year I had a friend do Christmas tree ornaments for everyone...you know, Hallmark or Wal-Mart. Some you can even engrave on the back--Walmarts the cheapest for this I think....that might be a small something to do or add to a small gift.

Glad to see you here!!!

I'll have to sub and catch up later! Just wanted to say Hi Shawna and I'm going to follow along! It still seems too soon for this!!

Hi!!!! Glad you found me!!!! I know, it does, but in reality...$$$$ got to start saving!!! Some people only have 3 or 4 paychecks left to divvy up for Holiday buying...isn't that crazy! Time flies!!

I have enough stuff for DD3 already I think, but I'm open to any suggestions!
DD spends most of her day dressed up, wearing those plastic high heel princess shoes. I've got a prissy little one

Sounds like you have plenty! If she's prissy she'll love it!! I know I would have!!!

Oh I love Christmas shopping. I have a DD 9 (will be 10 by xmas) and a DS7. Also her birthday is in early december too.

WOW! You have a great list already!! I was thinking maybe you should give her the Uggs for her bday....I loooove mine!! Then you would only need to focus on your BF purchases and your finished!!!

DITTO TiggerStac. I am trying REALLY, REALLY hard this year to cut down on the junk toys too this year!

One thing I am going to do for DD, is a gift card tree. It is small holiday tree (I think I'm going to look for a really girly pink one) and it was decorated with different gift cards. For DD I'm thinking $5 to McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and a then larger ones to Build-a-Bear (she's been dying to go), the movies (I've spent a fortune in seeing kid movies this summer...but it's been fun), Target, Justice (he new found love), maybe Claire's. I figure this "gift card tree" will become a Santa tradition for years to come!

GC tree sounds like a fun idea...yeah,,,it's hard to cut down on the junky stuff just to have a gift to open....something for us all to work on that's for sure!

Love this thread!! I have started making out my list, but would love ideas on what you guys get your dad!
My father is by far the hardest person I have ever had to buy for. He really has no hobbies, doesn't read and is not into electronics! I was actually thinking of getting him a dvd player with some old tv series shows but I doubt if he would even watch it. I really dread shopping for him for christmas. I like to get gifts for people to open, and not just giftcards, but it might resort to giftcards with him.

Any ideas would be appreciated!!!

Me too!!! Hmm...he is hard! We will have to put our thinking caps on for that one!!! LOL

 

[Deffenm]

I have decided to get the kids luggage as part of their gift this year. When we went our cruise in July I realized that the kids clothes are bigger now and they can't fit as much in the smaller luggage. So I think I will get them each a bigger piece. We like to travel so this will be used a lot. I too don't want to buy "junk" this year but also don't want it to look like they don't have much. I figured having this bigger item will help with the illusion.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

More Christmas shopping accomplished over the weekend!

I'm going with a cooking theme for my sis and her soon to be hubby. I also bought her an apron and we just bought him a grill set. I still want to get a few kitchen utensils for my sis. We found some wonderful seasoning that we've bought for ourselves the last 2 years. I think that will go wonderfully with the grill set.

I found some cute key fobs on etsy that I plan on getting all the Godmothers for Christmas. I haven't bought them, yet, but they are in my favorites.

I did get several things for the kids, but I need to go through and organize it all. With all the birthdays, too, I get confused. After I get it all sorted, I will be back to list it all.

Thanks for all the motivation!! With the baby coming, I need to be done by the end of October for my own sanity. I'm sure this thread will help me do it.

 

[cntrygal]

I have it really easy this year I am planning on buying a new car soon, so I am going to give my son my van. And my daughters birthday is 3 wks after chrismas so she is usuallly hard to buy for 2 holidays so close together. We I figured out how much i usually spend on her between, chrismas and bithday presents and her birthday party, and said to my self, thats more then half a disney trip, why not, so she is going to find out on christmas morning that we are leaving 16 days later for disney.

 

[LOVEMYGIRLS4]

I am a newbie to the board so I wanted to intor myself first..My name is Tiffiny and I am a mom to 4 girls 2 of which are twins..

For Christmas I usually start in September but have picked up 2 things already, for the twins.. We usually stick to a list. Lani (6) can have up to 5 things on her list and Kayle(11) who will be 12 by the time Christmas comes the same but since she is older and wants more expensive things this year we are most likely only going to get her one big gift. Can't wait to do some cyber shopping..

 

[lovesdumbo]

I like to shop early too. I'm usually pretty good.

I buy for DH - he's really tough-doesn't like things-he's a stay at home dad. I usually buy him something to use with the kids-I always buy him the most recent season of Simpsons on DVD.

DD(11)-she's outgrowing her American Girl dolls so I don't think she'll be wanting too much of that. I am thinking of getting her a new Nintendo DSi. Her old Nintendo isn't working well. I could think about getting her a net book but I'd have to get DS one too.

DS(9)-he is my Disney fanatic-and I'm not talking thrill rides or characters-he likes those enough but he loves Walt Disney and all the classics like the Carousel of Progress. I'm sure I'll get him some Disney DVD's-not movies but DVD's on the making of Disney. He showed me a new DVD on Amazon coming out in Nov about the Sherman Brothers.

DD(7)-she's a bit of a tomboy. Loves dogs and animals in general. She has a large collection of Schleich animals. Don't know if I'll get her more of those or something else. She's pretty easy to buy for.

Both DS & DD(7) have birthdays in January-the 10th & 21st.

I had foot surgery a week ago today. I won't be able to drive for at least another 4 weeks. I'm hoping this recovery goes well and I'll be up for getting my other foot fixed in late November so I would certainly need to be done with Christmas before then though I would be able to drive quicker with my left foot.

I also buy for my Mom-she's very difficult as she's in a nursing home, my MIL-I usually just give her photos of the kids and some sort of warm clothing item, my SIL (DH's sister) that lives nearby and always way over does it with us, my SIL (DH's other sister) and her DH away from us-hard to buy for someone who you don't see much, and their adult DD & her DH and their 2 kids DD(7) and newborn baby boy. Last year I made most of DH's family gifts and those went over well but don't know if I'll be up for that this year. I don't buy for my 4 siblings or their 10 kids.

Looking forward to getting lots of ideas on this thread!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I have decided to get the kids luggage as part of their gift this year. When we went our cruise in July I realized that the kids clothes are bigger now and they can't fit as much in the smaller luggage. So I think I will get them each a bigger piece. We like to travel so this will be used a lot. I too don't want to buy "junk" this year but also don't want it to look like they don't have much. I figured having this bigger item will help with the illusion.

I did that one year! It was big suitcases for my boys from you-know-who!!! LOL..they will be able to use these for years to come. We had a surprise trip in Jan that year so it was great...they were young enough it didn't tip them off at all! Good gift!

More Christmas shopping accomplished over the weekend!
Thanks for all the motivation!! With the baby coming, I need to be done by the end of October for my own sanity. I'm sure this thread will help me do it.

good for you!!! Glad you got some things to mark of your shopping to-do list! October will be here before you know it! I mentally need to be finished before Halloween too!

I have it really easy this year I am planning on buying a new car soon, so I am going to give my son my van. And my daughters birthday is 3 wks after chrismas so she is usuallly hard to buy for 2 holidays so close together. We I figured out how much i usually spend on her between, chrismas and bithday presents and her birthday party, and said to my self, thats more then half a disney trip, why not, so she is going to find out on christmas morning that we are leaving 16 days later for disney.

What a cool idea!!! I would love it!!!

I am a newbie to the board so I wanted to intor myself first..My name is Tiffiny and I am a mom to 4 girls 2 of which are twins..

For Christmas I usually start in September but have picked up 2 things already, for the twins.. We usually stick to a list. Lani (6) can have up to 5 things on her list and Kayle(11) who will be 12 by the time Christmas comes the same but since she is older and wants more expensive things this year we are most likely only going to get her one big gift. Can't wait to do some cyber shopping..

to the Boards and this thread! It's a lot of fun and we swap some good ideas and recipes!!!!

I like to shop early too. I'm usually pretty good.
Looking forward to getting lots of ideas on this thread!

Sounds like you know what you need to do/get! Hope your feet surgeries/recoveries go well and you are shopping before you know it! If you can't get out there and shop, it's a good excuse to shop on the 'net!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Sounds like you know what you need to do/get! Hope your feet surgeries/recoveries go well and you are shopping before you know it! If you can't get out there and shop, it's a good excuse to shop on the 'net!!

Thanks! So far so good on this first foot. It hurts less now than it did on my trip in May. I get the stitches out on Friday. I'll have a pin in for another 4 weeks. I'm trying to be really good about staying off of it for these first 2 weeks to increase my chances for a speedy recovery. I'm supposed to go back to work next Monday and its just the start of our crazy busy budget season so I really do need to start thinking about Christmas.

If I am able to do the other foot in November I'll want the tree up and all. I really wanted the tree up before I went to Disney last year with my oldest DD on 11/30. I ended up in the ER with my youngest the day before I left-she had pneumonia. My DS was diagnosed when I was gone so DH didn't get the tree up with me away. I came home sick and then lost my brother to a car accident on 12/12. I was still sick in January-I had whooping cough. It was a really tough time. So....I really would like a less stressed holiday this year and I know the secret to that is to be prepared EARLY!!!

You would think I wouldn't risk messing up Christmas with another sugery but I have to be ready for my 50th birthday trip to Disney next May!!!!

 

[TiggerStac]

DITTO TiggerStac. I am trying REALLY, REALLY hard this year to cut down on the junk toys too this year!

One thing I am going to do for DD, is a gift card tree. It is small holiday tree (I think I'm going to look for a really girly pink one) and it was decorated with different gift cards. For DD I'm thinking $5 to McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and a then larger ones to Build-a-Bear (she's been dying to go), the movies (I've spent a fortune in seeing kid movies this summer...but it's been fun), Target, Justice (he new found love), maybe Claire's. I figure this "gift card tree" will become a Santa tradition for years to come!

I really like this idea. I think it would work really well for my oldest! He loves to go out w/me when I run errands and if he had his own cash, even better. Of course I would have to get a few things he can open, but they can be smaller. my larger ones would be places he can get wii games/psp games. Movies would be a must do as well.

 

[pinktink83]

One thing I am going to do for DD, is a gift card tree. It is small holiday tree (I think I'm going to look for a really girly pink one) and it was decorated with different gift cards. For DD I'm thinking $5 to McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and a then larger ones to Build-a-Bear (she's been dying to go), the movies (I've spent a fortune in seeing kid movies this summer...but it's been fun), Target, Justice (he new found love), maybe Claire's. I figure this "gift card tree" will become a Santa tradition for years to come!

I *LOVE* this idea! How sweet!!! I want to cut down on 'stuff' this year, too. They have plenty of toys...but this way they ca have 'experiences'! How about adding tickets to sports games, plays, movies, museums, etc, too?

Perfect for a teenager or adult, too. Or for grandparents...if everyone in the family pitched in and bought different gift cards?! They would LOVE that! Especially if the kids made teeny ornaments for it, too. Oh, I am SO stealing that for my Nana & Papa this year!

Oooo, I just had another thought, how great would that be for a Secret Santa gift for a needy family??? They always say gift cards are the best to give instead of "things" because then the parents can go shopping and pick out the presents for the kids, and they know exactly what they need/want. But that always seemed so anti-climatic to just leave a gift card in an envelope instead of a big basket of 'fun' stuff, ya know? But doing a tree with a bunch of cards would be such a nice touch, fun to make and leave on the doorstep and still be practical for the family in need.

 

[KELLY]

I'm jumping in. Love Christmas. I did tell dh I wouldn't go way overbaord this year. I buy everthing times 2 since my girls are young and close in age they play with the same toys. I am not buying the hot toy this year. I'm buying them stuff they play with. They love LPS and take care of them and put all the pieces back in the carrying cases. The love Toy story. The only thing I bought that I'm unsure of is Zambi but I paid 15.00 for him.

I figure Dh will get the usually new clothes and cologne. I may upgrade our dvd player to blueray also for him.

Riley
Zambi elephant got him on sale
LPS Triplets bunny
LPS big pack
Toy story mania game hooks to the tv. I really want to play this looks so cool.
Woody pull string doll
Toy Story big page coloring book
Toy Story magic marker set with coloring pages

Reese
Zambi Elephant
LPS triplest dog
Toy Story Action figure pack woody and buzz
Toy story Mania game hooks to tv.
Buzz Lighyear
Toy Story Big Page coloring book
Toy story Magic Marker set with coloring pages

Need to get them
2 ds games or leapsterx2
Jessie pull string dollx2
LPS house if they come out with a new one. x2

I may get Riley a cheaper digital camera and Reese a Leapster.

 

[mom2val]

Happy dance today for me. My niece was over visiting today and she started talking about what she wants for Christmas... she had asked me for about $60 worth of American Girl stuff that I was going to buy.

Anyways she starts telling me all about Harumika dolls and how you "make" clothes for them. She was over at friends house who had them. I have 2 of the sets in my gift closet that I scored at the Target 75% off sale!! I asked my niece which did she want more the American Girl stuff or Harumika? She said Harumika ----- I told her I would buy it and I told her Mom when she came to pick her up! Happy Dance--- I just saved close to $50! Plus I am still getting my niece what she wants!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I'm jumping in. Love Christmas. I did tell dh I wouldn't go way overbaord this year. I buy everthing times 2 since my girls are young and close in age they play with the same toys. I am not buying the hot toy this year. I'm buying them stuff they play with. They love LPS and take care of them and put all the pieces back in the carrying cases. The love Toy story. The only thing I bought that I'm unsure of is Zambi but I paid 15.00 for him.

glad you found us!! Sounds like a good plan! I never buy the "hot" toy just because everyone else does...I usually avoid it!! LOL

Happy dance today for me. My niece was over visiting today and she started talking about what she wants for Christmas... she had asked me for about $60 worth of American Girl stuff that I was going to buy.

Anyways she starts telling me all about Harumika dolls and how you "make" clothes for them. She was over at friends house who had them. I have 2 of the sets in my gift closet that I scored at the Target 75% off sale!! I asked my niece which did she want more the American Girl stuff or Harumika? She said Harumika ----- I told her I would buy it and I told her Mom when she came to pick her up! Happy Dance--- I just saved close to $50! Plus I am still getting my niece what she wants!

good for you!! Glad she's gonna be happy and you saved some $$!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh my goodness! I just read through this thread - lots of shoppers and great ideas. I've got nothing planned so far.
The only small idea I had was to get DD7 a watch and camera. Well, at WDW, last week, she talked her daddy into a watch. DD9 got one too! So it looks like I'm down to a camera. DD9 has our old small digital Kodak and likes to use it. So I thought DD7 could have a small inexpensive one.
I usually get them a special ornament each year too. I'll have to get to Hallmark soon, before they are out of the good ones.
My girls have so much "stuff" I hate to buy them more. They have way too many toys they don't play with. It's just ridiculous. I need to make a donation to a charity of all their extra toys before I buy more.
They haven't really mentioned wanting anything special. Usually we get a movie, books, new DS or Wii games. I'd like to come up with something more creative. Our niece recently mentioned that her parents got her a star for some occasion. You can buy a star and get a certificate and map. Something like that would be cool.

Other than the girls, we just buy for my brother and parents, 2 of DH's sisters (kind of a family gift) and mother. The other siblings we don't really exchange with.

I like the idea of tickets to events for older people. Last year we got a 20 game season ticket package for the MN Twins and gave a bunch of family members little certificates to go to a game. That was great. Not sure if we're doing it again this year.

My parents are tough to buy for as is DH's mom. She's been suffering from some type of dementia and will likely be going into a nursing home type facility soon. So maybe a digital picture frame would be a good gift. Might do that for my parents too. Maybe a nice handbag for my mom. I've got a friend who can get 50% off Coach. I like the idea of food basket gifts too.

DH - no ideas.
My Goddaughter - I always get her the hallmark godchild ornament. Last year I bought it and wrapped it, and never sent it to her!! Dang it. I'll send her two this year I guess!


Need to go make a list and get started.

 

[bas71873]

TiggerStac & pinktink83 - steal away (the gift card tree idea). I stole it from DD's room mom last year...she did it for DD's teacher.

I too have bought tickets to "events" for parents and grandparents. My parents would NEVER buy concert tickets for themselves and I've sent them to see all kinds of people....Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, etc.

I think I have DD about wrapped up...now I just have to resist the urge to keep shopping. I have a ton a zhu zhu accessories to go with what she got for her bday last month (the slide, the wheel, the beauty shop, the baby stoller and a mini zhu, and pink zhu in the tutu). That's IT for the "junky" toys. But admittedly (and surprisingly) she has been playing with the stuff .

I ordered from TRU yesterday a pillow pet, the caterpillar/butterfly kit she's been asking for and a big set of the bendaroos. They had free shipping if you spent $75, so I threw in a extra set of bendaroos and will save that for her friend Aidan whose bday is in October.

All I have to do now is get the Wii. I think I've decided that will be from Santa to both DD and DH (DH will also get Band Hero to go with). I guess I will pick up and extra hand controller thingy and a game for DD and the newest Madden football for DD. Then I can let the grandparents know she's getting it and if they want to get a game they can have at it.

The grandparents, especially my MIL, is really good with getting DD clothes, so I can count on her for that and I know my mom is on the hunt for a snow sled and a nice sleeping bag. I've also asked them to cut down on the "stuff" and just put some $$ in her 529 if they want too.

I'm making progress

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sheree!!!

You can buy a star and get a certificate and map. Something like that would be cool.
I have never heard of that!! How fun would that be?!

My parents are tough to buy for as is DH's mom. She's been suffering from some type of dementia and will likely be going into a nursing home type facility soon. So maybe a digital picture frame would be a good gift. Might do that for my parents too. Maybe a nice handbag for my mom. I've got a friend who can get 50% off Coach. I like the idea of food basket gifts too.

I hate to hear that about Dave's mom!Bless her heart!
50% off of Coach is awesome!


Need to go make a list and get started.

Yeah you do!!! I am giving us all an October 31 deadline..unless you are shopping on BF..then you get an extension!!!

I'm making progress

Yeah for you!!!

 

[Perditamarie]

I have been doing Christmas reconnaissance (that is what I tell dh) and found a few great items:

* individual zoobles at Walmart for $5...they are just putting them out, squeezed in by LPS, so they really haven't been all bought up yet

* Snuggies on sale at TRU for $10...they make me smile and should be, well, Snuggie when winter sets in

Anxiously awaiting new release of I Pod Touch...hope they have a 16gb version!