Christmas Shopping 2010

[mdsouth]

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!

Earlier in the week, I was at TRS and they had a big display with the playsets. My DD7 bought one with her own money. She had never seen them before. I was curious since I saw several people post about them here in this thread.
My DD loves it.

So, yesterday, I bought a couple of the Zoobles for $5.00 at our Walmart for part of her Christmas gifts. Walmart had a few hooks by LPS. They just had the individual packets, no playsets. I don't think they have caught on here in Central Illinois yet.

 

[Deffenm]

I bought two more gifts yesterday plus I actually got some ideas from the kids and came up with one for DH. For me that is the hardest part coming up with ideas not just for me and DH to buy for kids but for everyone else. Our families always ask us what to get them so I have to think for them too.

DH is really into history especially Civil War. So next year my mom wants to come stay with us and watch the kids for a few days so DH and I can go on a trip. I think I am going to plan a trip to Gettysburg and then purchase items for DH for trip (CD tour to play in car/books/maps). If anyone has been there and has ideas I would love to hear them.

DS11 wants a basketball hoop for his room and MP3 player (bought him yesterday at TRU). He also wants this Star Wars lego set.

DD6 told me she wants the disney dolls that look like Barbies. So that is on the list. She also wants CD's and CD Player (bought CD player yesterday at TRU)

DS9 wants airplane lego set so that went on the list. I am not sure what else to get him though

I do have a couple of stocking stuffers bought for each kid (kinex for boys got at Target 75% off sale) Dog socks for DD as she loves dogs.

I am getting there slowly but it does feel good to have something done. I probably won't be able to get much more until Sept. as we are in the process of remodeling DS11 room. He has outgrown his bed and it has never been painted. My in-laws asked if the kids could spend the weekend with them so while they are there DH and I are going to get DS room done and surprise him when he gets home (new bed, dresser, 9 cube organizer, paint, and decorations for room). I am tired just typing it.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I bought two more gifts yesterday plus I actually got some ideas from the kids and came up with one for DH. For me that is the hardest part coming up with ideas not just for me and DH to buy for kids but for everyone else. Our families always ask us what to get them so I have to think for them too.

DH is really into history especially Civil War. So next year my mom wants to come stay with us and watch the kids for a few days so DH and I can go on a trip. I think I am going to plan a trip to Gettysburg and then purchase items for DH for trip (CD tour to play in car/books/maps). If anyone has been there and has ideas I would love to hear them.

DS11 wants a basketball hoop for his room and MP3 player (bought him yesterday at TRU). He also wants this Star Wars lego set.

DD6 told me she wants the disney dolls that look like Barbies. So that is on the list. She also wants CD's and CD Player (bought CD player yesterday at TRU)

DS9 wants airplane lego set so that went on the list. I am not sure what else to get him though

I do have a couple of stocking stuffers bought for each kid (kinex for boys got at Target 75% off sale) Dog socks for DD as she loves dogs.

I am getting there slowly but it does feel good to have something done. I probably won't be able to get much more until Sept. as we are in the process of remodeling DS11 room. He has outgrown his bed and it has never been painted. My in-laws asked if the kids could spend the weekend with them so while they are there DH and I are going to get DS room done and surprise him when he gets home (new bed, dresser, 9 cube organizer, paint, and decorations for room). I am tired just typing it.

progress!!!!! Isn't it wonderful?! LOL...I am sure he is going to love his new room...but yeah, it does sound tiring!!!! DD loves butterflies and has her eye on some from Pottery Barn kids...hopefully they will go on sale before Christmas!!!!!

 

[timzagain]

Thanks to some black-belt bargain hunting and the use of reward points, I've been able to pick up several gifts this week at a fraction of what I budgeted!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Thanks to some black-belt bargain hunting and the use of reward points, I've been able to pick up several gifts this week at a fraction of what I budgeted!

WOO HOOO!! Doens't that feel wonderful?!!Way to go!

 

[timzagain]

WOO HOOO!! Doens't that feel wonderful?!!Way to go!

Yes! It certainly does! And of course, my money-saving prowess has earned me additional Brownie points with the hubby too!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I bought two more gifts yesterday plus I actually got some ideas from the kids and came up with one for DH. For me that is the hardest part coming up with ideas not just for me and DH to buy for kids but for everyone else. Our families always ask us what to get them so I have to think for them too.

DH is really into history especially Civil War. So next year my mom wants to come stay with us and watch the kids for a few days so DH and I can go on a trip. I think I am going to plan a trip to Gettysburg and then purchase items for DH for trip (CD tour to play in car/books/maps). If anyone has been there and has ideas I would love to hear them.

DS11 wants a basketball hoop for his room and MP3 player (bought him yesterday at TRU). He also wants this Star Wars lego set.

DD6 told me she wants the disney dolls that look like Barbies. So that is on the list. She also wants CD's and CD Player (bought CD player yesterday at TRU)

DS9 wants airplane lego set so that went on the list. I am not sure what else to get him though

I do have a couple of stocking stuffers bought for each kid (kinex for boys got at Target 75% off sale) Dog socks for DD as she loves dogs.

I am getting there slowly but it does feel good to have something done. I probably won't be able to get much more until Sept. as we are in the process of remodeling DS11 room. He has outgrown his bed and it has never been painted. My in-laws asked if the kids could spend the weekend with them so while they are there DH and I are going to get DS room done and surprise him when he gets home (new bed, dresser, 9 cube organizer, paint, and decorations for room). I am tired just typing it.

Sounds like great progress. I have a problem thinking of ideas at times too-especially for my DH.

I'm sure your DS will be so excited to see his new room!

I do have to ask you where did you find dog socks for your DD?

I think socks are a great idea for a stocking stuffer. I usually get the kids snow gloves too-they take up a lot of space.

 

[yooperfamily]

I didn't read through all the posts yet... but here's what we do -

Kids get 5 presents wrapped (we "play" santa, but they know he's not "real")... the first 4 presents are from mom & dad, that is something they WANT, NEED, WEAR, READ - then they get 1 present from "santa".

I also stuff their stockings w/ small (ie "cheap") toys and candy (not video games or movies, etc!!!)

I switched over to this about 3 years ago and I'm sooooo glad I did! They get enough stuff from grandparents, aunts/uncles & I used to go NUTS buying presents!!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

to our thread! I like your idea~anything to help simplify and focus on the real meaning of Christmas!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I have a friend whose children get three gifts each. She says it was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for them! I love that!!

 

[Oceana]

Thursday night DH and I sat up pretty late and nearly finished.

We will be taking a surprise trip to Disney checking in on the 17th and leaving on the 24th of Dec. I have another thread for ideas on how to do the surprise. We will spend Christmas at Grandma's for the 1st time so she can do the prep work and I dont have to worry about getting home unpacking etc.

Already purchased

Disney vacation the week before Christmas

DS7 lego builder set, 2 large lego star wars sets, 1 smaller lego star wars set

DS5 lego builder set, 2 large lego star wars sets, 1 smaller lego star wars set

see a theme? this is the 1st year legos has exploded into a serious passion

DD19 months 1 wooden doll cradle, 3 outfits for her bambo doll

I still have to get underpants, socks and toothbrushes (stocking stuffers) each kid will get a book and dd will get some cradle bedding for her pretty wood cradle

We will prob get them each something from the parks they eye the whole trip.

 

[2littleprincesses]

I have learned now that my dds are older, not to buy until it is closer to Christmas--their tastes change. Alas, I am not able to buy things at the Target 75% off deal or others along the way that I see because they might lose interest in those things by Christmas. Usually they don't ask for much.

One thing I do have planned is that we are going on a DCL cruise in March. I will wrap up the DCL planning dvd along with a sailor mickey I got after Christmas on sale from Macy's and some other things in a box (maybe a countdown calendar or something). This is a family gift, but the girls have been asking and asking to go on a cruise so they will be excited.

 

[neatokimmo]

I bought DD two zoobles today, hollyhops and scout. I don't know if those are the "cool" ones or not, but they are pretty cute!

 

[4 Ears]

I started my Christmas shopping today!
I got DH 2 things and wrapped them in 1, cant say what they are as he is sitting right beside me.
But am pleased I got them home and wrapped before he saw them

 

[taylor3297]

I have a friend whose children get three gifts each. She says it was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for them! I love that!!

I know several people who do this and being doofus I am, I always point out that the Bible does not start that there were only 3 wise men. We just assume so since of the three gifts mentioned.

Now as to shopping, I am going to hold off a bit longer. My dd keeps changing her mind on things she likes. Ds has no clue as to what he wants. But what do I expect, ds is only 3 but will be 4 before Christmas.

 

[Jerseyguy's Wife]

Ah, I really like you guys already. See, most of my family thinks I am a lunatic. Well, I am, but not about this. I buy my wrapping paper and such the day after Christmas, and I start doing the actual shopping around February since that is when all the winter stuff goes on clearance. I store the gifts in bins with names on them and I write myself a list in the back of a notebook (I am a writer and have several). I start wrapping in September just because I like to do it and it takes a long time to make all those bows. I have some decorations up all year long (my Santa Mickey S&P shakers), and the other stuff goes up the day after Thanksgiving. I openly admit that I am a Christmas addict, and that addiction is now vying for first place with my Disneyphelia. I am so glad I found this board and will be returning soon!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

to the new friends!!! Glad you are all making some progress,be it large or small!
Jerseyguy's Wife~ that post was hysterical!! I love it!!! You will fit in perfectly right here!!!

 

[ilovejack02]

ooohhh what kinda laptop are you looking at...and how old is she? Just curious because my ds14 would love one...but he works at our church with our Youth Pastor and they aaaaalll have macs...he wants one but, geez they are expensive!!!! I am not sure I am ready for him to have his own laptop yet.... yeah for you to have your HoHo stuff already!!!! LOL

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.

 

[StitchBuddy]

Wow, lots of good ideas! I really like the small giftcard tree! I have no idea what to get DD 13. I know she was a laptop, but that isn't going to happen. We got her a phone last year, so I don't know what to get this year. How I miss those days when she was little and it was soooooooo easy!

 

[KELLY]

I didn't buy anything this weekend. Since dd birthday is tommorow. Her party isn't til Saturday. I haven't even finished her bithday shopping. I did see the zooables and they are very cute. I think I may pick her up the big pack of those and the big playset. I was going to get it today. But I figure I would think about it for a few days. Then I was thinking of getting her some more LPS stuff instead but she has a ton of that. But I'm not sure I want another thing with accesories. When she already has LPS and poneville's she is happy with. I'm just not sure what to get her. I bought her a build a bear and fisher price stroller.

My mom found this fur real pet thing same thing as zuh zuh but it is made by hasbro and she bought them each the big house and wheel for Christmas. So I may buy them each a couple more of the pets. It does look a lot better made. We already have the zuh zuh stuff and my girls love it. But our's is the biggest peice of junk ever it never stays together. My mom is the one that bought them the zuh zuh stuff last Chrismtas and even made a comment about how cheap it is made.