Christmas Shopping 2010

[Ephany]

trying to figure out a good train set for my DS 3. loves trains but not sure which one to get

We got DD a Kidkraft table and set about 5 years ago. I love the table because it's very sturdy but comes apart easily when/if you move or for storage. There's also two nice, deep storage rolling bins underneath. The pieces were compatible with Thomas so we've added Thomas trains, tracks and buildings over the years.

I also found these great long lego boards (2' x 4' I think) that you put on top of the table. One side does small legos, the other big legos so it can be used as a lego table too. I think she's used the table in some fashion almost daily so it's been well worth the money.

 

[Jennyvelaz]

 

[MNTwinsMom]

Hi All -

I posted awhile back asking about pillow pets, and wanted to give you an update. My son had decided he wanted the dolphin pillow pet. I figured his twin brother would also end up wanting one so I ordered 2 from TRU when they had free shipping.

So, last week we're at Target and they had some pillow pets on an end cap so I said to my son "here's the dolphin pillow pet you have on your Christmas list". He looks at it, scrunches up his nose and says "that's it? That's stupid. I'm crossing it off my list and adding another lego set instead"

So, guess who's retuning 2 pillow pets to TRU? Luckily you can return online items to the store (for store credit) so I won't be out any money.

Just had to share . . . hope all your shopping and planning is going well!

 

[Jerseyguy's Wife]

Does anyone know where to find the dinosaur pillow pets? They are on the website, but those are out of stock, and no one else seems to have them. Well, amazon does, but theirs are $13 more than the ones on the Pillow Pets website! Soooo not doing that. Thanks.

 

[northriver]

I accidentally did some shopping and got quite a bit crossed off my list! My dd's dad lives 200 miles away ad our meeting spot today was a Fleet Farm. They have amazing prices on all kinds of stuff but I was very pleased to see the stuffed dog toys for $1.69 - much better than the $5 each at the pet store. So maybe I only got the stocking stuffers for the pets off my list but hey, it is better than nothing!

Speaking of pillow pets, I picked up the Dolphin a week or so ago but didn't think it was all that cute. We have the dog and it is just absolutely adorable, partly because when you fold it, it is standing on its "feet", well the dolphin doesn't have feet - and its face isn't as cute as the others. I just wasn't in love with the dolphin. (not saying that that means the kids wouldn't love it but ...) Today I stumbled across the unicorn and thought it was so much cuter than the dolphin, I grabbed it and plan to return the dolphin. DD said she wanted the ladybug but I liked the dolphin or the unicorn as the match the pastel color scheme in her room. (again - does my opinion matter? lol!)

I just want to mention that the best gift I ever purchased for my son was the Lego table. Ours was a smallish square table with a square in the middle where you attach a mesh bag to hold the Legos. He used it for 10 years. Talk about getting your money out of a gift.

 

[edzL]

Wow lots of people getting into the groove of shopping.

Things are getting really exciting now.

I think most people have Halloween on the mind, but, we are just one week away from go time!

Love it.

Thanks for posting, I went over to Target today and they had the same one you have, I can deal with those songs Thank you for helping me avoid explaining why she couldn't have one. It is hidden safely away and after your awesome video I think it will be for Christmas instead of her BDay, so she can entertain her aunts and uncles with it.

You got it! I'm glad that it helped! It's nice to know (and interact) with people over our reviews and info. It lets us know at least people use it and like it

And yea... I think that particular guitar song set is a great choice.

Does anyone know where to find the dinosaur pillow pets? They are on the website, but those are out of stock, and no one else seems to have them. Well, amazon does, but theirs are $13 more than the ones on the Pillow Pets website! Soooo not doing that. Thanks.

Interesting.

The in stock tracker we have doesn't have the dinosaur. We made the tracker a little while back. I guess we need to update the links we are looking at. Is it at TRU or otherwise too? We'll take a look. If we find it (and if Amazon isn't a third party only link -- which can happen), we will add it to the zoolert pillow pets in stock tracker. You can get an alert when it comes in stock.

You could also add it to a customized tracker using our amazon price drop tool. Actually you could add any amazon product - sold by amazon or third party. You set the item and the price, and, if it comes in stock for that price or less, we alert you (send you an email) with the direct link to it. Not sure if that helps, but, throwing it out there for ya. But we will look into some more links to add to the tracker.

.....

Oh!!!!!

We got that video of the stealth riders up for you guys!

My other half of zooLert, Tony, had his kids look into this one.

Hope it gets you the hands on insight you guys are looking for!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuBdM2PrkZ4

Looks like what I was saying.... If you're gonna go this route, get the tank. The tank is an acceptable one to be a bit on the slower side.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I picked up 2 Polo style shirts from the Gap today on the clearance rack for only $8 each for DH. Also got DS3 a Little Tikes grocery store that looked brand new at a kids consignment store for $14! He will love that. Now just need to find some new play food to put with it.

 

[Jerseyguy's Wife]

Thanks, ed. I will jump over to zooLert and see about doing that. The only place I have seen the dinos is on the mypillowpets site itself and on amazon. I don't know if anyone else has stocked them at all. We may end up with 2 puppies by default. Do you think these are items that should be ordered sooner rather than later, btw? DH can't imagine that these items are going to be sold out clear through Christmas, but I clearly remember Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch crazes....
Thanks for helping Santa keep up!

 

[Jerseyguy's Wife]

Okay, let me start by saying that we do not have any video games in our house. Because I hate video games. I am, however, resigned to the fact that it will probably become a reality that we own one. I am looking at the XBox 360 and the Wii. I have a DS (5) and a DS(3). I also have a game nerd DH.
I sort of like the idea of the Wii fit thing, but really have no idea how to use it or even entirely what it is. Both of my brothers have Xboxes, but all they play are zombie killing games (which I don't really want my boys playing).
The last video game I actually played was a Nintendo. The original one. And even then I only played Mario Bros.
I have no idea which one of these gaming systems to buy. Please can someone help the game illiterate who is me?

 

[natenapril]

Okay, let me start by saying that we do not have any video games in our house. Because I hate video games. I am, however, resigned to the fact that it will probably become a reality that we own one. I am looking at the XBox 360 and the Wii. I have a DS (5) and a DS(3). I also have a game nerd DH.
I sort of like the idea of the Wii fit thing, but really have no idea how to use it or even entirely what it is. Both of my brothers have Xboxes, but all they play are zombie killing games (which I don't really want my boys playing).
The last video game I actually played was a Nintendo. The original one. And even then I only played Mario Bros.
I have no idea which one of these gaming systems to buy. Please can someone help the game illiterate who is me?

I'm not a big gamer myself but we have a WII and my DS5 LOVES any MArio game. Mario Kart was a huge hit in our house and I have to admit it's pretty fun!!! I have a WII FIt to go with it as well. We used it alot at first but not very much lately. I guess we need to get it out!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Okay, let me start by saying that we do not have any video games in our house. Because I hate video games. I am, however, resigned to the fact that it will probably become a reality that we own one. I am looking at the XBox 360 and the Wii. I have a DS (5) and a DS(3). I also have a game nerd DH.
I sort of like the idea of the Wii fit thing, but really have no idea how to use it or even entirely what it is. Both of my brothers have Xboxes, but all they play are zombie killing games (which I don't really want my boys playing).
The last video game I actually played was a Nintendo. The original one. And even then I only played Mario Bros.
I have no idea which one of these gaming systems to buy. Please can someone help the game illiterate who is me?

I would go with the Wii unless there is something specific that your DH wants the Xbox for (like Halo). We have 5 kids ranging in age from 3 to 16 and they all have games they love on the Wii.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

It seems there is something for everyone with the Wii. My kids like a variety of games - carnival, sports, Mario Kart, Toy Story Mania...
I have a wii fit. It comes with a board you stand on and do various exercises - some are aerobic, some are balance, yoga, strength. Some use a remote too. I am not a big workout girl, but I like it. You can do less intense things or more intense. But whatever you want, you can do it in your own home. Which is why I wanted it. On my own schedule!
We are not big into any other video games, except the kids like Club Penquin and Webkinz. DH and I were never into any of that stuff before. The Wii is perfect for us.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[Ephany]

I've always heard that the Wii is more family friendly, while the XBox is geared more towards the gamers. That being said, we love our Wii. Right now I'm currently addicted to 'Walk it Out' . DD7 loves Wii Fit, the sing-a-long games and anything Mario. They have a bunch of games geared towards the younger set now; a friend of mine mentioned they're getting Wii Fit for kids for their 4 year old for Christmas.

This showed up in my email inbox a few days ago. http://mario25.nintendo.com/redwii/ If we didn't already have one, I'd be really tempted. I think there'll be some really good sales on the system, especially around Black Friday.

 

[GoHerd1028]

I also agree that the wii seems to be more family friendly. OUr kids love it and we only buy the sport games or carnival games...nothing violent or anything like that. Plus...you can watch streaming movies with it now...

 

[ratlenhum]

Wii is definitely family friendly. We love playing the Toy Story Mania game especially.


My son enjoyed the stilt walkers in the AK parade so much, I bought him stilts for Christmas..

 

[Jerseyguy's Wife]

Thanks, guys. DH and I have been checking it out, and we have found that it does seem like the Wii is more family-friendly. I have found several dancing games that my DS3 would love. DH went to the Wii website and showed me some of the games. These seem to be more my speed than the "killing things" games on the Xbox.
Besides, most of the weird, violent games are available for the PC, and he is willing to play them there (God love him).
So, it looks like the Wii for us this Christmas. Now I just have to figure out all the components I need to play it on Christmas morning. Thank you so much for your help. And I am soooo grateful to have a nerd for a husband!

Edited to ask if anyone who has a Wii Fit is sorry they bought it. I want one (I think), but don't want to spend the $$ if it stinks.

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

I wish I could join the fun but after reading just a few pages of this thread I feel totally stressed out! SOme people spend so much! I totally get to each their own but $650 for one kid yikes!

 

[bas71873]

Thanks, guys. DH and I have been checking it out, and we have found that it does seem like the Wii is more family-friendly. I have found several dancing games that my DS3 would love. DH went to the Wii website and showed me some of the games. These seem to be more my speed than the "killing things" games on the Xbox.
Besides, most of the weird, violent games are available for the PC, and he is willing to play them there (God love him).
So, it looks like the Wii for us this Christmas. Now I just have to figure out all the components I need to play it on Christmas morning. Thank you so much for your help. And I am soooo grateful to have a nerd for a husband!

Edited to ask if anyone who has a Wii Fit is sorry they bought it. I want one (I think), but don't want to spend the $$ if it stinks.

EEK , are there wires, cables, etc. that I need to be prepared with to play the Wii on Christmas morning? I bought the Wii as a sort of a big Santa gift for DD7 and DH. DH has other gaming systems and all kinds of computer crap in our office, so I'm sure we have all we need up there, but I want to be prepared. HELP!!!!

JerseyGuysWife - we haven't done any gaming systems to this point either. They just don't hold DD's attention and I don't want her zombied out in front of the TV like my 10 year old nephew. I even refuse to buy him games (but that's another story). My DD would rather be outside, coloring or playing with all her little farm animals, LPS animals and Barbie. BUT, after being snowed in for weeks last winter, I thought the Wii would be a fun way to still get in some physical activity with DD and her friends after we've had our fill of playing in the snow (now watch, we won't get one single flake this year ). I did get DH the paintball game and gun remote that goes with that, but we got some carnival games and Barbie 3 musketeers too (along with whatever it comes with). I'm kind of excited about it myself!

 

[bas71873]

Wii is definitely family friendly. We love playing the Toy Story Mania game especially.
My son enjoyed the stilt walkers in the AK parade so much, I bought him stilts for Christmas..

Do you have to have a special remote for the TSM game or will the regular remote work? We all surprisingly loved the game at DHS (we just got back).

LOVE the stilt idea. So cool!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Do you have to have a special remote for the TSM game or will the regular remote work? We all surprisingly loved the game at DHS (we just got back).

No special remote needed.