Christmas Shopping 2010

[NemoMom07]

I just bought 3 sing a mig jigs at Kohls today. There were on sale for $10.69 plus I used a 15% coupon.

 

[sk8jdgca]

snap cicurts are great for boys 7-12 range. My DD likes to play with her brother's kit too

 

[Perditamarie]

As you can tell I am struggling with what to get DS9. DD is easy she loves anything with dogs. Some of her items will actually go into her stocking. Plus her birthday is Dec. 24th so I am buying for both. DS9's birthday is Dec. 30th so I really need to get some ideas for him. It really helps me when people post what they bought or what their kids want. Pretty soon the black friday ad will be popping up and maybe that will help as well.

Here are some ideas for your ds 9:

* table to build Legos on - either a specific Lego table or if you have the room, a train table that will have room for plenty of "builds" (usually reasonably priced on craigslist)

* Lego contraption book - check out at AC Moore w/coupon in hand!

* night vision goggles

* walkie talkies....not the cheapo toy ones that never work, but the ones w/2o mile range found in store electronics depts

* redo his room w/bed in a bag and a comfy chair from Bed,Bath and Beyond

 

[Minnie]

Anyone here of good computer deals? I want to purchase one for DS 17 for Xmas this here as his computer is about shot.

Not sure if I'm looking for a desktop or laptop

Thanks!

 

[lyncecelia]

Anyone here of good computer deals? I want to purchase one for DS 17 for Xmas this here as his computer is about shot.

Not sure if I'm looking for a desktop or laptop

Thanks!

You want a laptop. He's at the age where he'll be going to college and going on his own, therefore he needs a more portable computer.

What does he use his computer for? Is he only online, does he play games like Sims and/or World of Warcraft? Does he video edit?

Also, budget plays a lot into this. What's reasonable for some is way to expensive for others.

 

[lyncecelia]

So glad I found this forum.

This year is the first year I'm shopping for DBF's 4 kids. I'm having trouble figuring out what exactly to get them though. Any suggestions?

Tim's DS9
He loves army type of stuff and hopes to join the military one day
He also is HUGE on outdoors etc. and loves playing football (his team is undefeated! )

Tim's DD8
She has a sensory disorder, but loves the color orange.
I think she's the hardest for me. My older sister is autistic, so I know what type of things she would like, but I'm not sure what exactly will be the best route to go. I know she loves to read, but I don't want to get her just books, ya know?

Tim's DD6
she is the fashionista girly-girl type. LOVES pink. I think she'll be semi-easy? But then there is the issue with her and older sister fighting over gifts...

Tim's DS3
Pretty much have him figured out, lol. He loves Toy Story and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Something I do with kids on my list (always did with my little sister) is I get a book as one of their gifts. Which I did already for them. I just want to get them more than a book.

Any suggestions?

 

[sherriepaul]

Okay Question for you all:
I have b/g twins that are 6 and we are on a limited budget, but we have saved 100 to spend on each of them.

How much do you normally spend, do you try to keep the dollar amount equal or the number of items, equal between kids........?
And now that they are getting older, it's a little more difficult to figure out what they want, and the toys are getting more expensive. A lego set can run anywhere between 20 to 90$, that's outrageous!

 

[Graciesmom77]

Okay Question for you all:
I have b/g twins that are 6 and we are on a limited budget, but we have saved 100 to spend on each of them.

How much do you normally spend, do you try to keep the dollar amount equal or the number of items, equal between kids........?
And now that they are getting older, it's a little more difficult to figure out what they want, and the toys are getting more expensive. A lego set can run anywhere between 20 to 90$, that's outrageous!

Thank God my girls are not into Lego's. We would be poor!

My suggestion would be to check out Black Friday sales if at all possible. They always have some great deals on kids toys. Also, check out some discount stores like Ollies and Big Lots if you have one near you. I often find things that were really expensive the year before, marked WAY down.

I try and make sure my kids each have the same amount of gifts, not the same amount spent on gifts. I am sure as they get older (they are 9, 7 and 1) that this will change since the items they ask for will be way more expensive than the 1 year olds baby doll, but as of now they all get they same number to open.

 

[southern_redhead]

Okay Question for you all:
How much do you normally spend, do you try to keep the dollar amount equal or the number of items, equal between kids........?

I try and make sure my kids each have the same amount of gifts, not the same amount spent on gifts.

I think this was a thread on one of the boards but I can't remember which one. Anyway, I do the same as the above person and try to keep the number of gifts even. Somtimes it works out that it is the same or nearly the same dollar amount. If one or both of your kids are into Lego try Borders, they have some sets and they have 40% off coupons from time to time. The one I went to today didn't have anything fabulous in the way of Legos but I'm sure it varies by location. Also, if you can find them at a good price the mini-figs might be a good deal. It is a suprise Lego person (several versions you don't know which one until you open it but there is a cheat sheet somewhere too.)

So as not to tie up another post I'll post my update here, too. Today I went to Borders and used my 40% off coupon on the BluRay/DVD/Digital File pack of Alvin and the Chipmunks 2. They also gave me a 25% off coupon that I used for 2 Magic Tree House books, winter and Christmas versions, for DD and the new Cornelia Funke book ... not sure if that one is for DH or DS but I started reading it at lunch so it may be for ME

Then I went to Michael's. I was so excited. I am on a short vacation this weekend and we don't have a Michael's near where I live. I was a bit disappointed, though. I'd planned to use my 40% off coupon on an American Girl craft set for DD but they only had a handful and none of them were cute. I did find some AG stickers and I may go back and buy them before I leave, they were of the dolls in holiday outfits and were clearanced to 99 cents. They had most of the dolls, I may get the ones she and her BFF have for little filler gifts for them. I ended up using the coupon on a Rock Tumbler for DS. I think he'll like it. I have a 20% off coupon left and will probably stop in again before heading home to use it on the refill pack for the tumbler and a set of create your own Shrinky Dinks.

We are eating at the Cheesecake Factory tonight and I may convince DH to stop in a Target and Toys R Us to do a bit more browsing/shopping. I also have some Kohl's cash to spend so I hope to get by there soon.

 

[rszdtrvl]

Anyone here of good computer deals? I want to purchase one for DS 17 for Xmas this here as his computer is about shot.

Not sure if I'm looking for a desktop or laptop

Thanks!

I had a $400 self-imposed limit for my son, and my computer techie nerd brother got online from another city while I was online and discovered this one :

http://www.overstock.com/Electronic...duct.html?keywords=13090351&searchtype=Header

My son does not do much more than watching youtube videos, so this will be great for him. Plus it got the double thumbs up for the price from my brother.

 

[Graciesmom77]

Be warned with the rock tumbler. My sis had one and my mom HATED it and took it back because it was so loud and had to run so long. This was quite awhile ago so maybe they have changed. I would love if they had because my DD7 would love one! For my birthday she gave me one of her favorite special pink rocks. It was so sweet and meant so much to me!

 

[lyncecelia]

Be warned with the rock tumbler. My sis had one and my mom HATED it and took it back because it was so loud and had to run so long. This was quite awhile ago so maybe they have changed. I would love if they had because my DD7 would love one! For my birthday she gave me one of her favorite special pink rocks. It was so sweet and meant so much to me!

How do those rock tumblers work? I know I would've loved one as a kid!

 

[mwmom]

My DD(turn 6 Dec 10) mentioned in Target that she would like to have these dolls
59.99 from Target.

But we noticed that they were missing Mulan and Pocahontas..
They also looked kinda "cheap" to me..

Has anyone bought these for your daughter and if so did you like them??

I found these at Disney.com but it is missing Tiana.

http://www.disneystore.com/happily-...-doll-8-pc-set-11/mp/1251077/1000259+1000763/


My other option would be to buy the dolls individual from Disney..
and they are on sale 2 for 20
http://www.disneystore.com/toys/dolls/girls/mn/1000259+1000763/

What do you guys think?

I bought the set of Princess Barbie's from Target last year for my then 4YO DD. She loved them and still plays with them. The dresses have held up to on-off-on-off-on-...!

 

[southern_redhead]

Be warned with the rock tumbler. My sis had one and my mom HATED it and took it back because it was so loud and had to run so long. This was quite awhile ago so maybe they have changed. I would love if they had because my DD7 would love one! For my birthday she gave me one of her favorite special pink rocks. It was so sweet and meant so much to me!

How do those rock tumblers work? I know I would've loved one as a kid!

Not sure on the noise - I've never heard one running before. He just likes to collect things and tends to pick up rocks and such. I thought it would be a neat little "something" extra for him since he is mostly asking for xbox things (ack!) If it's really loud and annoying I'll send it to Nana's Amazingly, my mother has developed endless patience since becoming a grandma

 

[Mama Mouse]

Okay Question for you all:
I have b/g twins that are 6 and we are on a limited budget, but we have saved 100 to spend on each of them.

How much do you normally spend, do you try to keep the dollar amount equal or the number of items, equal between kids........?
And now that they are getting older, it's a little more difficult to figure out what they want, and the toys are getting more expensive. A lego set can run anywhere between 20 to 90$, that's outrageous!

First, make sure you google the store you're shopping at and the phrase "coupon code." I've gotten some good printable coupons that way. Today I got 20% off of regular priced merchandise at Michael's but you can find them for many places online and in person! Kohl's, Penney's and disneystore.com are a few that come to mind.

Second, if your kids like craft things, hit Michael's right away! I was FLOORED by the sales today and left the store with what would have originally cost $180. With their sales and my coupon on the non sale stuff, I only spent $50!!!

Third, check out black friday sales-especially for legos!

Also, don't forget to check amazon for their specials and free shipping.

 

[southern_redhead]

Chipped away at the list a little more today. We hit the Premier Outlets in Cincinnati (I think this alone would convince me to move to Cinci if we were looking to move LOL)

I got my DS 11 and DSS 14 some clothes: they each got two button down shirts and a long sleeve tee from Aeropostale (on sale for 9.99 ea and then some nice lady gave me a $10 off $50 coupon ) Then we went to Gap and got DS a fleece pullover and two thermal shirts, got my stepson a bright blue long sleeve tee (his team colors are bright blue and gold) and a really nice hoodie (on sale for $15, the shirts were $8 each!)

I also got my MIL a vanilla candle at Yankee Candles. That is the only scent they burn so I know they'll like it. I may pair it with a small digital picture frame with pics of the kids. I also found myself two pretty votive holders that look like peppermint, they were 2 for $5.

Not Christmas but we also hit Children's Place there - jeans were $12, got DD 2 pairs and DS (6) 5 pairs in the next size up from what he wears .. he always outgrows pants in the middle of winter .. Also got him a long sleeve tee for $6 and DD a skirt for $5, a matching hoodie for $10, and a tee to go with it for $5. After my 20% off coupon it was only about $70 for it all (DH commented that he hoped nothing happened to me because he was lost shopping for kids clothes and would never know what to buy LOL)

So...that got part of my MIL/stepFIL's gift and put each of our big boys another couple of packages under the tree. AND it was a fun day of shopping with my husband

Second, if your kids like craft things, hit Michael's right away! I was FLOORED by the sales today and left the store with what would have originally cost $180. With their sales and my coupon on the non sale stuff, I only spent $50!!!

Third, check out black friday sales-especially for legos!

WOW! I'd love to hear what all you got at Michael's. Were you using the 20% off coupon (I guess)? I need to use mine before I head back home otherwise I won't get a chance to LOL I found a different one from the one I went to yesterday so I'm going to see if it has more in stock.

Thanks for the tip on Legos. I am looking for some for my mom to give my youngest, I'll have to scope them out on BF.

 

[4 Ears]

The rock tumblers have NOT changed. We put ours in a cooler and at other end of house. Then took it to Grandma's and she put it in garage, LOL

 

[brennicksmom]

The rock tumblers have NOT changed. We put ours in a cooler and at other end of house. Then took it to Grandma's and she put it in garage, LOL

Are they any sturdier? My son got one about 2 years ago and it ran non-stop for 3 loads. We had to stop using it when a hole wore into the barrell and it started leaking.

 

[4 Ears]

Sorry to say, no they are not any sturdier.
I would NOT ever recommend one. As cool as it was to see it once, that was MORE than plenty for us.

 

[Mama Mouse]

WOW! I'd love to hear what all you got at Michael's. Were you using the 20% off coupon (I guess)? I need to use mine before I head back home otherwise I won't get a chance to LOL I found a different one from the one I went to yesterday so I'm going to see if it has more in stock.

Thanks for the tip on Legos. I am looking for some for my mom to give my youngest, I'll have to scope them out on BF.

Here's what I got:

Four big foam craft sets-Two were volcanos and two were forts. (Clearanced at $1.99 each/orgininally $29.99 each!!!!)
Hannah Montana magnets (Clearanced at $.29 Yes, 29 cents. Not sure of original price off the top of my head.)
2 small pixos sets (Clearanced at $4.99 each/ orig. $9.99)
Martha Stewart Halloween Paper Edger (Orig. price 15.99, marked on sale at 30% off)
Wooden decorate a wand craft (On sale 99 cents. Not sure of orig.)
Wooden decorate a pirate craft (On sale 99 cents. Not sure of orig.)
Hannah Montanta Fact or Fancy game (Clearanced at $1.79/ Can't remember original price-I think it was around $15.) ETA: Amazon has it listed originally at $20 but on clearance on amazon right now for $.49!!)
Rush Hour game (Reg. price $21.99, I used 20% off coupon on this one.)
Pizza cutter (Clearanced at $.50)

I literally had to force myself to stop and leave the store!

I wouldn't have normally bought the foam kits at all. Especially not for $30 but marked down to $1.99 each? I bought two for my son and one each for my oldest niece and nephew. The wooden craft things are for my niece and nephew and the Hannah Montana stuff was for my niece. Again, I wouldn't normally have looked for those specific thing but at those prices, why not?

The pixos were for two of my young cousins from my son. There are a lot of cousins so we try to keep it to between $5 and $10 each and they each had pixos sets on their lists so it worked out perfectly!

The pizza cutter is probably crappy but I bought it to use occasionally at work so no big deal.


The paper edger was a gift for my Mom's birthday this month and Rush Hour is a Christmas gift for my ds.