I got ALL my Christmas Shopping done for less than $120!!!!!

[OverplanninJess]

Ok, so DBF and I are trying to save up to buy a house next year when we go away to grad school so I wanted to try and budget myself to around $10 a person for gifts this year (and still wanted to get people nice gifts... ). I'm so pumped-here's what I got:

For the little ones I babysit (1 girl-3yrs and 1 boy 10m):

Chutes and Ladders-Reg 8.99, Paid 2.00 (after rebate)
CandyLand-Reg 8.99, Paid 2.00 (after rebate)
Memory-Reg 6.99, Paid 2.00 (after rebate)
Hi Ho Cherrio-Reg 8.99, Paid 2.00 (after rebate)
My Little Pony-Reg 7.99, Paid 3.74
My Little Pony Playset-Reg 15.95, Paid 7.50
Tonka Wheel Pals Megamat Playset-Reg 9.99, Paid 3.74
Tonka Wheel Pals Car Carrier-Reg 13.99, Paid 4.49
Grand Total-Reg. 81.88, Paid 27.47 (or about 14.00 a kid-I know I went over a little with them, but they were the most fun to buy for!)

For my Mom, Grandmothers, my best friend and my pseudo Mom and sisters:

B&BW Sig Collect Bath Ready Gift Set-Reg 20.00, Paid 10.00
B&BW Aromatherapy Lavender Gift Set-Reg 20.00, Paid 10.00
B&BW Aromatherapy Mint Gift Set-Reg 20.00, Paid 10.00
B&BW Sig Collect Moonlit Path Gift Set-Reg 17.50, Paid 8.75
B&BW Magnolia Blossom Body Splash-Reg 10.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW Magnolia Blossom Body Wash-Reg 9.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW Exotic Coconut Body Splash-Reg 10.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW Exotic Coconut Body Wash-Reg 9.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW Exotic Coconut Body Lotion-Reg 9.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW 3in1 Frosting Forever Temptation-Reg 11.00, Paid FREE (coupon)
B&BW 3in1 Frosting Forever Temptation-Reg 11.00, Paid FREE (coupon)
B&BW Lotion Frosting Forever Temptation-Reg 8.00, Paid FREE (coupon)
B&BW Sea Island Cotton 2oz Body Lotion-Reg. 3.50, Paid FREE (coupon)
Grand Total-Reg 160.50, Paid 58.75 (or about 9.79 a person!!! )

For my Dad, Brother and Grandpa:

Ohio State Leather Wallet-Reg 20.00, Paid 10.00
Ohio State Fleece Throw-Reg 15.00, Paid 10.00
Hickory Farms Beef Stick Gift Set-Paid (will pay) 11.99 (This is the EXACT same thing I get my Grandpa every year-he loves it!)
Grand Total-Reg 46.99, Paid 31.99 (or about 10.66 a person)

DBF just wants me to finish the Disney Scrapbook I've been working on since we went last May to be his gift, and since I've already got all the scrapbook stuff I need (thanks to the Wonderful World of Memories!) that's essentially free!

I got all my Christmas Shopping Done for less than $120!!!!! And I think the gifts I got for everyone are pretty nice ! I'm so excited to put up the tree next month and wrap 'em up!

 

[MagiKitty]

Wow--great job! I'm so impressed! Childrens place had a great sale last week, so the kids in my life are taken care of, but I haven't even STARTED on the grownups yet! Now you can just relax and actually ENJOY the holidays! Congrats!

 

[Traveliz]

I am a bargain Christmas shopper and shop year round - I want to say I think you did an awesome job!!

I am impressed!

Liz

 

[Chris]

awesome job!!! I'd be thrilled also!

 

[pandora174]

I love it too. I started as well. Last year I spent a fortune (to me anyway) & this year the budget won't allow it so this is what I've done so far thanks to all the freebies here :
* my niece - the Chadwick jacket - free
* my other niece - the backpack on sale at Chadwicks - $3.99
* my brother in law - Senseo coffee maker - $15
* my third niece - the bzz pen fusion - $22
* my sister - the free wok from Brylane
* my 2nd sister - the foundoue from Brylane (on back order) $8.99
* my DS teacher - the book I got free from the Maybelline party kit
* his 2nsd teacher - the pearls from Overstock (still waiting) $2.99
* my brother & sister in law - hoping to get those free Nautica Robes (keep your fingers crossed) cause those are where I spend the most each year

I also signed up for the Macy's wedding registry & hope to get some goodies for me.

As for my DS I've gotten abot 80 % of his b-day (12-13) & X-Mas gifts. I look for sales at E-Toys with free shipping or specials at Toys-R-Us & have gotten some really good deals on E-Bay. I just got him a brand new Diego Rescue Center that's nornmally $39.99 for $24.60 SHIPPED UPS with E-Bay !

I'm also going to start & get my co-workers a little something, we're a small group of 6.

I just need my hubby & me of course !

 

[bullet875]

They say it's going to be a bad Christmas this year for retail due tot the toy recalls and credit crisis. Maybe there will be some great sales!

One thing I do is not buy stocking stuffers for my kids (much more expensive than you think..they really add up). I take the money and buy tickets to our local boardwalk and water parks instead...saves me money over purchasing when I get there in the summer, and it gives the kids something to look forward to. It also helps their health and their teeth..no high fat/high sugar candy!

 

[OverplanninJess]

Pandora-just wanted to let you know that we received our robes this week so yours is probably coming soon! They're pretty nice-waffle weave, like they have in high end hotels. I packed them away along with all the other stuff we've been collecting for our new house-it's starting to take up quite a bit of space in our storage room!

 

[timzagain]

Wow! You've done a good job - maybe I should send you my list and some money and let you do my shopping!!!

I've been adding to my gift closet bit by bit - I went to the nearby hardware store on Friday, and they had some toys and household items at 50%. I found a few gifts there but I stll have a long way to go!

 

[timzagain]

One thing I do is not buy stocking stuffers for my kids (much more expensive than you think..they really add up). I take the money and buy tickets to our local boardwalk and water parks instead...saves me money over purchasing when I get there in the summer, and it gives the kids something to look forward to. It also helps their health and their teeth..no high fat/high sugar candy!

I'm moving away from the candy in the stocking stuffer - I'm going for cute but practical. Novelty stationery, toiletries, batteries, mini-alarm clocks, cell phone cards and accessories for the teens, and for youngest DD, things like jump ropes and other inexpensive toys/ games that will encourage physical activity.

 

[Forevryoung]

Joann's is having a huge sale because of the holiday so I finished buying all the fabric I need to make the gifts- I spent quite a bit of money over the past week there (around $70) but out of it I'm making:

6 pairs of pj pants (cousins/aunt asked for them)
6 pocketbooks (boyfriend's family)
a fleece jacket for my sister
a skirt for my mom
a pocketbook and camera case for my grandma

Dad will get a fleece if my sister's isn't too hard (didn't buy the stuff yet)
DBF and I are going to Disney the beginning of Jan so that's that for him

I'll make some fun cosmetic cases (buttons or velcro instead of zippers!) as other little gifts as needed

Now it's time to get to work making all that stuff and finishing it in time

 

[kinntj]

Wow! Awesome job! Congrats on sticking to a great plan!

I got all the women in my family and some teachers gifts from B & BW's too. We just need to get the mens stuff and your list is great. I'll have to look and see what we can come up with.

Our stocking stuffers do get expensive and add up, so I might take the advice of the other poster and put in the gymnastics brochure (prepaid) for the winter session and some other experience things instead of junk. I did buy some toothtunes the buy one get one free. Those are practical and fun at the same time.

I'm getting some great ideas from those who post on gifts they bought.

My one DD wants a Leapster from Santa and the older one hasn't made up her mind yet. I hope there's some great sales coming up.

 

[B&Bforever]

Hi! Good for you. My family all decided to cut back a little this year.

I was wondering if anyone can tell what what the nautica robes are?

Thanks

 

[amberdansmom]

Ok, so DBF and I are trying to save up to buy a house next year when we go away to grad school so I wanted to try and budget myself to around $10 a person for gifts this year (and still wanted to get people nice gifts... ). I'm so pumped-here's what I got:

For the little ones I babysit (1 girl-3yrs and 1 boy 10m):

Chutes and Ladders-Reg 8.99, Paid 2.00 (after rebate)
CandyLand-Reg 8.99, Paid 2.00 (after rebate)
Memory-Reg 6.99, Paid 2.00 (after rebate)
Hi Ho Cherrio-Reg 8.99, Paid 2.00 (after rebate)
My Little Pony-Reg 7.99, Paid 3.74
My Little Pony Playset-Reg 15.95, Paid 7.50
Tonka Wheel Pals Megamat Playset-Reg 9.99, Paid 3.74
Tonka Wheel Pals Car Carrier-Reg 13.99, Paid 4.49
Grand Total-Reg. 81.88, Paid 27.47 (or about 14.00 a kid-I know I went over a little with them, but they were the most fun to buy for!)

For my Mom, Grandmothers, my best friend and my pseudo Mom and sisters:

B&BW Sig Collect Bath Ready Gift Set-Reg 20.00, Paid 10.00
B&BW Aromatherapy Lavender Gift Set-Reg 20.00, Paid 10.00
B&BW Aromatherapy Mint Gift Set-Reg 20.00, Paid 10.00
B&BW Sig Collect Moonlit Path Gift Set-Reg 17.50, Paid 8.75
B&BW Magnolia Blossom Body Splash-Reg 10.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW Magnolia Blossom Body Wash-Reg 9.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW Exotic Coconut Body Splash-Reg 10.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW Exotic Coconut Body Wash-Reg 9.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW Exotic Coconut Body Lotion-Reg 9.50, Paid 4.00
B&BW 3in1 Frosting Forever Temptation-Reg 11.00, Paid FREE (coupon)
B&BW 3in1 Frosting Forever Temptation-Reg 11.00, Paid FREE (coupon)
B&BW Lotion Frosting Forever Temptation-Reg 8.00, Paid FREE (coupon)
B&BW Sea Island Cotton 2oz Body Lotion-Reg. 3.50, Paid FREE (coupon)
Grand Total-Reg 160.50, Paid 58.75 (or about 9.79 a person!!! )

For my Dad, Brother and Grandpa:

Ohio State Leather Wallet-Reg 20.00, Paid 10.00
Ohio State Fleece Throw-Reg 15.00, Paid 10.00
Hickory Farms Beef Stick Gift Set-Paid (will pay) 11.99 (This is the EXACT same thing I get my Grandpa every year-he loves it!)
Grand Total-Reg 46.99, Paid 31.99 (or about 10.66 a person)

DBF just wants me to finish the Disney Scrapbook I've been working on since we went last May to be his gift, and since I've already got all the scrapbook stuff I need (thanks to the Wonderful World of Memories!) that's essentially free!

I got all my Christmas Shopping Done for less than $120!!!!! And I think the gifts I got for everyone are pretty nice ! I'm so excited to put up the tree next month and wrap 'em up!

WOW!! Great job on all the AWESOME discounts and stuff! Mind if I ask how you got everything so cheap? My DH quit his job a few weeks ago and cashed out his 401K so when the money comes in he is giving me money and I plan on getting Christmas out of the way 1st. I am stressing big time on this. It may sound petty to some, but I want my kids to have a nice Christmas no matter what the financial issues we are facing.

 

[pandora174]

Pandora-just wanted to let you know that we received our robes this week so yours is probably coming soon! They're pretty nice-waffle weave, like they have in high end hotels. I packed them away along with all the other stuff we've been collecting for our new house-it's starting to take up quite a bit of space in our storage room!

Thanks for the heads up ! That'll be a big help because my SIL & BIL are the one we always spend the most on since they are our DS godparents. Can't wait ! 2 off the list

 

[ksumn1]

That's great. I actually bought the stuff to do gift baskets for all the ladies in the family at Target a coupe of weeks ago. Bought a basket for each, painted it red and green, and bought body wash, lotion, foot scrub, a candle, lip gloss, body scrub, and foot lotion to put in the baskets. All the stuff came from the $1 bins so total was $8. So now I only have to buy for my MIL boyfriend, my BIL, my Dad, her boyfriend (now baby's Daddy so I guess he's semi family now), my 12 yr old BIL, 2 nephews, 3 neices, and a couple of mens gifts for a gift swap. And of course, Dh and my DD's.

My goal is to get everything for under $500. That incldes all family members, DH, DD's and a bike for one of my DD's. Gotta love those sale and clearance racks.

 

[MiniGirl]

Great job, OP. I love not having to shop during the holiday season. Just makes the whole season more enjoyable for me.

One thing I do is not buy stocking stuffers for my kids (much more expensive than you think..they really add up). I take the money and buy tickets to our local boardwalk and water parks instead...saves me money over purchasing when I get there in the summer, and it gives the kids something to look forward to. It also helps their health and their teeth..no high fat/high sugar candy!

Stockings are actually about the only thing we do during the holidays. We decided several years ago not to do gifts. (We decided to make Thanksgiving our big gift-giving holiday. Long story, but it works for us.) However, I put very little candy in the stockings. Pencils and cute erasers and little make-up kits are big hits. We're in Florida and play outside more in the winter than any other time of year, so I also add bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and other things that can be played with outside. I also usually add a new Disney pin. My girls always enjoy their stockings.

 

[princessesrule4]

I love the Bath and BodyWorks coupons. I do the same thing - when I buy the pump soaps for us, I save whatever I get for free for a gift for someone! Pretty much everyone loves B.B&B!!

 

[disneymom3]

They say it's going to be a bad Christmas this year for retail due tot the toy recalls and credit crisis. Maybe there will be some great sales!

One thing I do is not buy stocking stuffers for my kids (much more expensive than you think..they really add up). I take the money and buy tickets to our local boardwalk and water parks instead...saves me money over purchasing when I get there in the summer, and it gives the kids something to look forward to. It also helps their health and their teeth..no high fat/high sugar candy!

One can always hope for the great sales right? I have virtually nothing for my boys but DD is just about done thanks to the Madison Children's Museum American Girl sale. she knows it too so that is a good thing as far as what she may ask for.

For the stockings--my kids get pretty much the same thing every year. New toothbrush and fun toothpaste, a semi-healthy snack and a mini box of cereal or two, a book (gottta love Scholastic!) Then the boys get a car or some play dough and DD usually gets hair or bath stuff. I am always amazed at what people put in stockings! Things like CDs and other pricey stuff are real gifts in our house, not stocking stuffers!

 

[magicaldisney11]

WOW lots already bought with all of you. We are going to WDW in April 08 so lots of gifts will go along with the trip (thus saving me money closer to trip time.) Grandparents are getting my sons Disney dollars and one small gift each to open and I went on to ebayexpress and got some great deals!!
DN, 6 (going to WDW with us) Princess drawstring backpack with a marker and crayon holder inside (also princess logo) ($6)
DN,14 (going to WDW with us) a Tinkerbell backpack and tinkerbell lanyard ($6.50)
same things for DS's that are going to WDW.
Older two boys (18,21) are totally into golf this year for fun so they are getting gift cert. for our local golf course where it is only $5 for 9 holes.

Stocking stuffers are always the same for mine (even though they are older, I tried changing it but they were upset.) Slinky, yoyo, silly putty, and a chocolate santa. I add something special for each one but always under $10.

 

[Goofyzgurl]

That's great. I've been slacking xmas shopping this year, so now I feel like I need to hurry and get it done soon. I don't like going out and fighting the crowds as it gets closer. Great JOB!