Christmas Shopping 2010

[natenapril]

Well...officially did nothing in the shopping dept this weekend....have been looking at the refurbed Macs for my ds14 and it ain't looking too good
Not sure what the deal is...but the ones I have found are not much less than a brand new one!!!!!!
So...he may be very upset and disappointed come Christmas time. I asked him again this weekend and he said..the new Ipod and the mac..for Christmas AND bday!!!! I told him he needs to really try to expand that--new clothes, something!! He said, nah..that's it...I can't think of ANYTHING!!! So...if that's the case, I may talk to dh about giving him $$$ to put in his saving acct. Not sure what else to do...don't want to spend $$ on junk he doesn't want just to have a gift, but dont' want him to have NOTHING either...WOW..what a pickle!!! Unless,..we do the Ipod for Christmas and just Cash for his bday...maybe a GC for some clothes...AAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH I feel just like little Charlie Brown!

I have found recently that you need to check the Apple site very often for the refurbed deals. My DH and I have been wanting a macbook for awhile since we both went back to school. Last week there was a refurb for $649 and $849. We snagged the one for $849. It was only a savings of $150 but that $150 will go along way towards Christmas.

Just found this thread-what a GREAT idea!!!

Ok here goes...I have 3 boys-14, 8, & 5 and a 6 year old neice that lives with us. Plus the usual assortment of family members. For my DS14 I have no idea what to get for him...he has an ipod touch, a laptop, cellphone, just got new furniture, etc. My DS8 loves legos, Star Wars, video games, and he still plays with toys so he'll be easy. DS5 likes a lot of the same things that DS8 likes, he'll be pretty easy too. DNeice likes barbies, stuffed animals, books, the usual little girl stuff. I was thinking about an AG doll for her since she doesn't have one yet. I have not started shopping yet, but I'll probably get a few thing in the next few weeks-have to figure something out for DH's bday in November and then Christmas-no clue on him-he is SO hard to shop for! We'll be at Disney the week of Thanksgiving so no Black Friday for me.

It sounds cheesy but last year I got my Dh a picture that was painted of all of us. It was a company online (forget the name) that you send in one of your pictures and they paint it. HE LOVED it! I got him other stuff he really wanted too but this one choked him up.

 

[McKelly]

Did she usually get big gifts from both you & santa? My kids only get PJ's and a book from us. Everything else is from Santa. Maybe that is why my DD still believes. I really think she still believes. She was 8 before she figured out the characters at Disney weren't real-and her younger siblings NEVER believed they were real.

Yes, she does get the majority of her gifts from Santa. We also get her and her brother PJ's and a small toy for Christmas Eve and Santa brings the "pile" the next morning. Maybe that is why she still believes. My kids always said they would ask Santa for the expensive items, because they know their mother would never pay that much!! Oh well, maybe I will get another year.........if I didn't blow it!!

 

[Nettaboo]

Does anyone have any Disney Store.Com codes??

 

[NemoMom07]

Not sure if it has ended, but if you enter "magic" you can get free shipping. I ordered on Sunday.

 

[tigger813]

I love Christmas!!!!! And holiday threads!!!!!

I've gotten a few things so far. I got DH an 80s Scene It game last week at KMart really cheap and DD1 a sweatsuit that I know she'll love! I also bought some Bath and Body Works stuff for stocking stuffers yesterday.

My mom bought a bunch of stuff for my girls yesterday and also DD2s birthday at the end of the month.

The girls know their big gift is the Disney trip Dec.1-9.

I've also started my Amazon wish list with movies and games for their DSis and the Wii and PS3 and a book for DH. DD2 is getting a DSi for her birthday in 2 weeks so she has it for our trip!

 

[ardig123]

I need Christmas help!! I have 2 DD's one is SD12 and I have her all squared away (most likely getting her a nook). But my DD7 I have no ideas. we just celebrated her birthday and she got plenty of gifts from family that she wanted so I need some good ideas...she is pretty set on American Girl stuff (we took her to AG for her birthday so I do not want to focus on that for Christmas), she has a nice MP3 player, does not play with barbies, and already has a DSi. I know it seems like she has everything she needs but I really want to come up with some good ideas for under the tree. I do not want to get her a ton of junk but she is still young enough that I do not want to focus on getting her "experiences" such as signing her up for an art class or something. Don't get me wrong that may be an option but I am looking for actual gift ideas. TIA!!

 

[southern_redhead]

For Niece 9:
Aeropostle shirt bought on clearance at outlet store ($9)

Oooh, the Premier Outlets in Cincinnati?! I was visiting this weekend and we went Sunday. I was Especially at Aeropostale and Gap! I got my big boys several items there!

I should not have read this thread. I thought I was pretty much done shopping for my girls....but now I know my 4 year old would just love those Teacup Pigs and the Teeny Little Families.

I know, I had successfully staved off the Teacup Piggy. I hadn't even shown them to DD (but secretly was hoping she'd ask for one .. they are too cute!) She finally saw them, said "those are cute!" and I took that as the greenlight to get one for MIL to give her!

It sounds cheesy but last year I got my Dh a picture that was painted of all of us. It was a company online (forget the name) that you send in one of your pictures and they paint it. HE LOVED it! I got him other stuff he really wanted too but this one choked him up.

That sounds cool. My MIL would love that.

I need Christmas help!! I have 2 DD's one is SD12 and I have her all squared away (most likely getting her a nook). But my DD7 I have no ideas. we just celebrated her birthday and she got plenty of gifts from family that she wanted so I need some good ideas...she is pretty set on American Girl stuff (we took her to AG for her birthday so I do not want to focus on that for Christmas), she has a nice MP3 player, does not play with barbies, and already has a DSi. I know it seems like she has everything she needs but I really want to come up with some good ideas for under the tree. I do not want to get her a ton of junk but she is still young enough that I do not want to focus on getting her "experiences" such as signing her up for an art class or something. Don't get me wrong that may be an option but I am looking for actual gift ideas. TIA!!

I know you said you didn't want to do AG things but what about one of the armoires for her to store clothing in? If she has very much they can be wonderful! DD got hers last Christmas and we have it packed FULL. We got ours at Target, they also have a shoe shelf which will free up some extra space in the armoire. Just a thought. If she really loves them and plays with them adding to the collection might be a good thing

Yesterday, on my way back home, I picked up an AG school craft set and a historical dolls sticker book. I got DS a create your own Shrinky Dink type set. I used 2 $5 Target gift cards that I got as coupon promotions and got younger DS the zhu zhu roller ball (for 75 cents!) so that he and DD would each get a ball and a vehicle. Then I got the Teacup Piggy with my $10 TRU giftcard (from the Tink BR promo) so it was only $2.99 and I picked up Beauty and the Beast on BR (which I preordered, no more TRU preorders. They have no idea how to ring it up EVER and it was $5 more than the same thing at Walmart! So the $10 I saved on Pinnochio was really only $5 when all said and done.) DS is doing a fundraiser that sells large lidded NFL cups so I am getting 2 for FIL and his wife for Christmas. We have a Bonanza boxed DVD set and I'm pairing them with that, diet cokes, and some candy for a gift basket. That will put DS at his target AND knock out another gift

I have only gotten DSS 14 some shirts. I may get him the Ranger's Apprentice books (I think he still has yet to read 7,8, and 9...) but other than that I'm at a loss. He doesn't live here and only visits every once in a while anymore. High school means lots of time at the football field and a girlfriend so... anyway, they don't have wireless internet so a laptop or iTouch wouldn't do him as much good. I may get him the touch anyway as he can use the wireless here or at hotspots when he and the gf go eat at McD's or Taco Bell.... I'll have to give him lots of gift cards because he has this thing about limewire (and ends up getting viruses on his grandmother's computer *sigh*) I just don't know. He has a cell phone we got him last year but he wants a new one. Maybe just do that? I hate to get him the SAME gift again but I guess if that is what he wants... ideas anyone? I also got him a NorthFace jacket last year that he may have outgrown....but again....SAME gift?!

 

[ardig123]

I know you said you didn't want to do AG things but what about one of the armoires for her to store clothing in? If she has very much they can be wonderful! DD got hers last Christmas and we have it packed FULL. We got ours at Target, they also have a shoe shelf which will free up some extra space in the armoire. Just a thought. If she really loves them and plays with them adding to the collection might be a good thing

She actually does have something to hold her AG stuff...last year my husband built her one from plans we found on the internet...It is actually a large cabinet from Target that we retrofitted for AG stuff. He also made her a bed last year. So she really is set as far as AG. The other thing is her older sister still plays AG on occasion so between the two of their collections they really do have more than enough stuff

Maybe she just has too much stuff lol!! But again, with her only being 7 I still want to make Christmas morning magical for her. I am thinking about asking grandparents etc. to give her money to sign up for some art or gym classes but I know they are still going to want to give her actual gifts as well.

 

[goofystitchfan]

Ok....I'm one of those people who go shopping during the after Christmas sales for the following Christmas! I only leave myself a few last minute things. Last year I went out on Black Friday for the first time and had a fantastic time and got some amazing deals!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Ok, so I thought I was all set with my list for the kids, but we were in CVS today looking for a pillowpet for my niece's bday party this weekend and we came across the sing-a-ma-jigs. Well, i've seen them before in Walmart and thought that they were silly. My dd6 wanted it sooo bad. So that is now being added to her list. She just kept talking about it. Too funny. They are silly looking when their mouths open. My dd11 was playing with one too and said oh, it just bit me. She then told me to put my finger in. I did, figuring it wouldn't hurt. Well it did. The mouths are hard inside, so be careful with little fingers going in there. I mean, it wasn't bad, but more than you'd expect.

There were NO pillow pets at CVS so onto Walmart (I had a 20% off coupon at CVS so I was bummed) And luckily walmart had a lot of them. There was only ONE unicorn left though and that's the one my niece wants, so i'm glad I didn't have to hunt too much. Well, my kids begged me for a pillow pet, they wanted it today. I told them that they're on their Christmas lists and they have to wait. DD6 did not think it was fair that Lexi gets one now and she has to wait for Christmas......

SOOOO Sing a ma jigs are now on my list! And I know I should probably pick that up very soon.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Yes, she does get the majority of her gifts from Santa. We also get her and her brother PJ's and a small toy for Christmas Eve and Santa brings the "pile" the next morning. Maybe that is why she still believes. My kids always said they would ask Santa for the expensive items, because they know their mother would never pay that much!! Oh well, maybe I will get another year.........if I didn't blow it!!

I'm sure that is why my DD(11) still believes also-Santa brings stuff I would never buy.

I need Christmas help!! I have 2 DD's one is SD12 and I have her all squared away (most likely getting her a nook). But my DD7 I have no ideas. we just celebrated her birthday and she got plenty of gifts from family that she wanted so I need some good ideas...she is pretty set on American Girl stuff (we took her to AG for her birthday so I do not want to focus on that for Christmas), she has a nice MP3 player, does not play with barbies, and already has a DSi. I know it seems like she has everything she needs but I really want to come up with some good ideas for under the tree. I do not want to get her a ton of junk but she is still young enough that I do not want to focus on getting her "experiences" such as signing her up for an art class or something. Don't get me wrong that may be an option but I am looking for actual gift ideas. TIA!!

My DD(7) who want touch a Barbie really loves Schleich figures. She has safari type animals, bunnies, other "wild" animals and dogs. They are really nice and have a lot of cool accessories. http://www.schleich-s.com/

 

[jacksmom]

I have been following this thread for awhile and need to get busy! Girls seem so much easier to buy for than boys though! Any ideas for a 13 yo boy?? My ds has a laptop and Ipod touch along with XBox, Wii and millions of games! He says he wants a compound bow?? I don't know where that came from! His main hoby is playing baseball, but he really doesn't need any baseball stuff (my dh buys any and everything he thinks he will want or need for baseball)! Ds loves opening gifts (loves Christmas), so I would like to be able to buy some reasonably priced things along with 1-2 more expensive items! Would love some ideas!

 

[SCHBR'smom]

I have been following this thread for awhile and need to get busy! Girls seem so much easier to buy for than boys though! Any ideas for a 13 yo boy?? My ds has a laptop and Ipod touch along with XBox, Wii and millions of games! He says he wants a compound bow?? I don't know where that came from! His main hoby is playing baseball, but he really doesn't need any baseball stuff (my dh buys any and everything he thinks he will want or need for baseball)! Ds loves opening gifts (loves Christmas), so I would like to be able to buy some reasonably priced things along with 1-2 more expensive items! Would love some ideas!

My DD11 wants a compound bow. She loves archery. I think it's a wonderful gift if you have an archery range nearby or a big yard. Right now she has a regular bow and uses whenever she can. She's been able to use compound bows at different camps she's been to and has always told us what a great shot she is. They can be pretty expensive, but we found the one she used at camp for around $170 at Cabelas.

 

[jacksmom]

My DD11 wants a compound bow. She loves archery. I think it's a wonderful gift if you have an archery range nearby or a big yard. Right now she has a regular bow and uses whenever she can. She's been able to use compound bows at different camps she's been to and has always told us what a great shot she is. They can be pretty expensive, but we found the one she used at camp for around $170 at Cabelas.

Thanks for the info! I have only looked at Dick's! I will check out Cabelas!

 

[northriver]

Thanks for mentioning the bow! My son had one when he was younger but has LONG since outgrown it. I'm short on gift ideas for him and a bow is a great idea - hope I can find a deal on one!

 

[edzL]

I have a bit of a .... unique view on all of these toys (and yea, the one with the dolphins and stuff that go round and round is certainly for sure Fin Fin Friends) being that guy from zoolert.

The big three that we see being tracked and selling out consistently are :

Lalaloopsy
Squinkies
And singamajigs

Out of those, I see singamajigs having the most far reaching audience. Because of that, they may be the hardest to get at christmas. So, if you haven't yet.. You might want to.

And Dance Star Mickey is blowing me away at just how quickly it is selling out.

Looking at the tracker, it's been in stock for 17 mins now but it keeps going in and out of stock! And it even goes out of stock for an extended period of time.

I thought that would be a bit too far of a reach on the price, but, it looks like it's not.

Another one I'm not seeing discussed much in circles, but, seems to be picking up in sales is Paper Jamz Guitars. The real amp possibility and cardboard makes it pretty cool (take it from this big kid who has one for himself) ...

If I can give any of you guys insight into things, feel free to ask away.

We like helping

And here's a couple of things that I see being difficult getting off the top of my head.

Real Construction wood refills
Moxie Girls snow - the actual snow stuff itself

I think both of the lines of these toys will pick up pace as the holiday nears, and, the accessories that actually make up the toys may be hard to find.

 

[left210]

Another one I'm not seeing discussed much in circles, but, seems to be picking up in sales is Paper Jamz Guitars. The real amp possibility and cardboard makes it pretty cool (take it from this big kid who has one for himself) ...

Can you explain what these are? They just look like a piece of cardboard shaped like a guitar. Do you just pretend that you are playing guitar with them or do they actually do something. The ones I saw were $24.99 and I cannot imagine paying that for a cardboard guitar. Am I missing something?

 

[Monny2AE]

I have a bit of a .... unique view on all of these toys (and yea, the one with the dolphins and stuff that go round and round is certainly for sure Fin Fin Friends) being that guy from zoolert.

The big three that we see being tracked and selling out consistently are :

Lalaloopsy
Squinkies
And singamajigs

Out of those, I see singamajigs having the most far reaching audience. Because of that, they may be the hardest to get at christmas. So, if you haven't yet.. You might want to.

And Dance Star Mickey is blowing me away at just how quickly it is selling out.

Looking at the tracker, it's been in stock for 17 mins now but it keeps going in and out of stock! And it even goes out of stock for an extended period of time.

I thought that would be a bit too far of a reach on the price, but, it looks like it's not.

Another one I'm not seeing discussed much in circles, but, seems to be picking up in sales is Paper Jamz Guitars. The real amp possibility and cardboard makes it pretty cool (take it from this big kid who has one for himself) ...

If I can give any of you guys insight into things, feel free to ask away.

We like helping

And here's a couple of things that I see being difficult getting off the top of my head.

Real Construction wood refills
Moxie Girls snow - the actual snow stuff itself

I think both of the lines of these toys will pick up pace as the holiday nears, and, the accessories that actually make up the toys may be hard to find.

Who is this "we" you refer to? Are you a secret helper elf from Santa's workshop?

Thanks for the tips. Luckily none of those items are on my kid's wish lists so I don't have to worry.

 

[jacksmomma]

I managed a big score over the weekend. I found DS a brand new full size electric keyboard with stand for $60 at Goodwill! It is in a new sealed package and it works great! Smaller versions of the same thing sell at TRU for $150!

 

[jacksmomma]

And singamajigs

Out of those, I see singamajigs having the most far reaching audience. Because of that, they may be the hardest to get at christmas. So, if you haven't yet.. You might want to.

Someone please explain these to me. I have seen them in the store several times and they just look like a brightly colored stuffed alien! You squeeze their belly and they make a nosie. How is that different than any other stuffie out there?!