Christmas suggestions

[kymom99]

We don't break the bank on Christmas. One year I wanted to give my son a night at Great Wolf Lodge. We actually went on MLK Day (I don't recommend that!) I wrapped up a tshirt, a stuffed wolf, and a gift card to cover the room. That was his gift from Santa. We got him a few other things and he got plenty from the rest of the family.

 

[QVCshopper]

We are going down for Christmas, but it's mostly a gift/celebration trip from my in-laws, so I don't feel like it's our gift to the kids, although we did buy premium annual passes.

So, we are doing the "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" thing. So far, we have bought Lego books with pieces for the read part. I think iPods will be the want, and possibly iTunes gift card or iPod cases for their need. And then something little for the wear, like Disney socks or undies. Haven't gotten there yet.

For the stocking, I picked up two pin sets for free from the Disney Movie Rewards, plus $3 Vinylmations at the Disney Store on clearance so they can trade down there. Maybe a Disney gift card each (which we usually just give them anyway for spending money) and some snacks I can buy down in Disney, like pretzels.

Really, since we will be there on Christmas Day, I have to watch the size of everything, which is one reason why we are probably going with iPods. I do like the idea of a gift waiting at home because they really aren't getting much toys with my current plan... Or maybe the elf will bring something beforehand (yes, we have one of those elves...).

The problem I always have is my kids' birthdays are all within a few months of Christmas, so they get stuff at only one time of the year and then are supposed to get nothing the remaining 10+ months. Makes it tough.

 

[burnurcomputer]

Well with you driving you could wrap up boxes of their favorite snacks, a back pack for fun things only (no school bags!), travel pillows (easy to make if you don't wan to spend mega money on them. Buy an inexpensive pillow cut in half and zig zag the ends closed, then you make simple pillowcases in Disney fabric. if you are a non sewer, a friend could help you !), Disney themed car/resort snuggle blankets, Disney themed sweat shirts

 

[TnTWalter]

I bought balloons and filled them up and put them under the tree. kids had fun playing with the balloons.

I like the idea of tickets in big box with balloons.

Other ideas: Books to read, magazines, sunglasses, stickers, journals, the flying monkeys that scream [those are a hoot and cheap].

 

[bfamily5]

We did this one year...a huge box, with balloons, and I got one of those gift cards that plays music and cut out the music mechanism, and attached it to the flap of the box, so when they opened the box, the balloons flew out AND Disney music started playing...I think I used Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog...from the Mickey Mouse Club House.

Enjoy!

ooohhhh Great idea!!! Must add music to my plan! Thanks!

 

[dpswift]

If you have a car dvd player I would get a few Disney movies to watch to get everyone in the mood. Also wrap up a favorite snack or drink for each of them to have in the car.

The year we did our first Disney cruise each kid got a small suitcase as a gift. If you are allready packed I like the idea of a tote or backpack. Have the kids pack what they want for the car in that bag. It is so easy to take way to much stuff on car trips.

 

[maplevale]

I plan to 'gift' our trip to our DD's this year (2.5 and 6).

My plan is to fill a box with balloons and stickers and have a paper at the bottom with "We are going to Disney World!" - this will be the last gift they open (we aren't going until February).

Other gifts I am thinking:

a few new Disney outfits (I got Mickey t's on clearance from Old Navy in August)
New Princess dresses that fit (I sew)
Plane entertainment (stickers, books etc)
sunglasses
PJ's (Disney themed - my mom is giving them)
new flip flops