The 4th Annual Christmas Shopping Thread!!

[jcemom]

I ordered three video games that DS18 wanted, Japanese imports, all three of them from Hong Kong but through different retailers. Two of the three came within a week, which I thought was great since they had so far to travel. I've never heard from the third seller...didn't get an order confirmation or anything, so I just filed a dispute with PayPal. It's been 10 days since my card was charged, and I'd be okay with it just not having arrived yet, if I'd heard anything from them at all.

 

[disneychic2]

I did not go out shopping this weekend however I did order some things online. Totally unplanned but such a good deal and the had mentioned liking them so I got 2 of those Nerf Vortex guns from Kmart online for under $23 each and Kmart notified me they were ready for pick up. I also got another Lalaloopsy form Target online for about $13 shipped. From Bloomingdales Melissa and Doug Band in a Box and Pizza Set for less than $12 shipped. From Lands End 2 activity cinch bags in black for less than $10 shipped. This was a great weekend.

Don't you just love it when you get those unexpected deals? Sounds like you hit the jackpot! Good for you.

Ok -- I'm just about to go do one of the fun parts! I took today off for "Me Time"! I'm going to pull out everything I've bought for Christmas and organize it, to get a better sense of what I still need for stockings, etc. I'm going to break out the Josh Groban cd, light a candle, and have fun!

Maria

That's exactly what I do. Sometimes, even though I make lists of what I've purchased, I need to take a look. Plus, it's just plain fun! Love the addition of listening to Josh Groban and the candle. I usually listen to Michael Buble type Christmas on Pandora and get plenty of Josh Groban on that. Fun times!

Parents are the hardest to buy for since they usually have everything, are downsizing or can just go buy whatever they want. This year I thought I had the perfect idea. They are always complaining about their coffeemaker not making good coffee (they've gone through several in the last couple of years), so I decided to get them a Bunn coffeemaker since they always rave about our coffee. So I go over there last week and they are all, "What kind of coffee maker do you have, we want to get one." Really? Before Christmas? So I just told them not to buy a new coffeemaker before Christmas and they got the hint. But it spoils the surprise. Sheesh!

 

[billwendy]

Parents are hard to buy for. This year, the stepsiblings and I are getting my mom an IPAD!!!! Im super excited!!! Not sure what to get my stepfather though! DHs parents are easy - gift cards - lol!!!!!

I think I want to get my DH a kindle....any tips on that? Will it be ready to go out of the box??? I was thinking of getting just the $79 one.

 

[budafam]

We only buy for DH's mom & my dad. My mom passed away 2 years ago and DH's dad is really not much of a dad at all... never has been My MIL tends to buy us stuff that we don't need. She buys silly things so I think we're going to do the same this year for her. Past years I've always bought really nice, expensive items for her... last year I made her a wall mural type saying with a bunch of picture frames for her living room wall that's been completely blank for years. She put the vinyl saying over her patio doors (crooked, mind you) and the picture frames are in the spare bedroom. ???

Last year we went very overboard with the kids and they each had about 20 gifts each... plus everything from everyone else. This year I'm limiting it to 4 gifts each and I told DH to not buy me anything. I'm going to get him a few things but I'd rather save the money for our Disney trip in May.

I'll end up buying my dad a few gift certificates for restaurants. If there's anything he needs, he buys it.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I'm sharing my idea for a gift for the grandparents -- I get the SMIL and my Smom a Hallmark ornament every year, I pick a collection for them and then just get them until they're discontinued and then start a new one. To that ornament I add a Yankee candle, and this year's find -- a tervis tumbler! You can order them online personalized with their name, initial, a special interest, even just "Grandma", and then you have a small space to fill in with lip balm, hand cream, a Christmas pin -- I'm hoping they will be a big hit. It is so right, anything these people need they buy themselves, and they are not good about waiting for Christmas at all -- it's like 7 yr. olds with disposable income!

All done sorting. We're really in good shape, but the stockings are almost bare. I'm glad to figure that out now, I have time to get things that will really be enjoyed rather than just throwing things in to fill it up!

Maria

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Parents are hard to buy for. This year, the stepsiblings and I are getting my mom an IPAD!!!! Im super excited!!! Not sure what to get my stepfather though! DHs parents are easy - gift cards - lol!!!!!

I think I want to get my DH a kindle....any tips on that? Will it be ready to go out of the box??? I was thinking of getting just the $79 one.

I just got DH a kindle for our anniversary, it needed charged when he got it, but that's it. If you want him to have a separate account for it on amazon you need to go in and remove it from your account, they will send you an email about that when you order it. You may want to do an amazon gc to go with it for a book or two. I also got DH a case and a booklight for his, I got them at overstock.com, much cheaper than on amazon. HTH.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I decided to go to the mall yesterday and get some shopping out of the way, wouldn't you know it, the power went out!! So I didn't get much done there. I did get MIL and her husband each a pair of Isotoner "smarttouch" gloves, they have pads on the index finger and thumb so you can wear them when using a touchscreen. Now I'm done shopping for them.

I was so disappointed that I couldn't shop more that I came home and did alot of my shopping online. I ordered all of the video games I had on my list through TRU and Amazon (I bought a few used, my kids don't care). Then I ordered a 3ds and rc monster truck from Target. I also got:
a University of Kentucky wallet for DH
A photo calendar for DH (he's deployed)
20Q game for 12yo
corvette calendar and rc helicopter for 14yo
airsoft pellets for 14yo stocking
headphones and earbuds for all stockings
puppy puzzle for 6yo niece to go with Zoobooks sub. Now she's done.


Now I have a couple big gifts left, stocking stuffers (candy mostly left) and pajamas for the boys and I'm done. Oh, and I need to figure out what else to get DH, he's been difficult this year, all of my ideas are for things he could only use at home. I think I'm going to get him a laptop tray, like you would use in bed.

Does anyone know if Bath and Body Works still carries the sweetest, softest bathrobes? They don't have them on their site and the power went out before I got to that store yesterday . I also posted on the budget board, hopefully someone will know. I actually want to get one for my 14yo, he loves mine and really wants one .

 

[gracie1]

I decided to go to the mall yesterday and get some shopping out of the way, wouldn't you know it, the power went out!! So I didn't get much done there. I did get MIL and her husband each a pair of Isotoner "smarttouch" gloves, they have pads on the index finger and thumb so you can wear them when using a touchscreen. Now I'm done shopping for them.

I was so disappointed that I couldn't shop more that I came home and did alot of my shopping online. I ordered all of the video games I had on my list through TRU and Amazon (I bought a few used, my kids don't care). Then I ordered a 3ds and rc monster truck from Target. I also got:
a University of Kentucky wallet for DH
A photo calendar for DH (he's deployed)
20Q game for 12yo
corvette calendar and rc helicopter for 14yo
airsoft pellets for 14yo stocking
headphones and earbuds for all stockings
puppy puzzle for 6yo niece to go with Zoobooks sub. Now she's done.


Now I have a couple big gifts left, stocking stuffers (candy mostly left) and pajamas for the boys and I'm done. Oh, and I need to figure out what else to get DH, he's been difficult this year, all of my ideas are for things he could only use at home. I think I'm going to get him a laptop tray, like you would use in bed.

Does anyone know if Bath and Body Works still carries the sweetest, softest bathrobes? They don't have them on their site and the power went out before I got to that store yesterday . I also posted on the budget board, hopefully someone will know. I actually want to get one for my 14yo, he loves mine and really wants one .

You should check on landsend for bathrobes. I got one for my mom and it is so warm and soft!! It was also on sale for $18 (marked down from $100)

Hmm.. I think I am going to go on there to see if I can find one for myself now.

 

[disneychic2]

It is so right, anything these people need they buy themselves, and they are not good about waiting for Christmas at all -- it's like 7 yr. olds with disposable income!


Maria

 

[baseballgal]

Okay - I just spent a ton of time reading randomly chosen pages in this thread and got a TON of ideas. I'm just getting started with Christmas shopping but I think we are going to add a rock wall to our swing set as my DS's gift. (almost 4) and my DD (almost 2) will be getting her STRIDER. (a running/balance bike that is made for kids who are between 1 and 5.) I can't see most 12 month olds mastering it but my son got one at two and can fly on his. (yet it is very safe!!) He absolutely loves it. I take him to walk at the park and I have to tell him to wait on me - as opposed to constantly nagging him to keep up or having to push him in a stroller. If we could take it in the parks, we'd have it made. I have a great coupon code for the bikes website but don't know if I can share it on the forum. If I can, and if anyone is interested, I'd love to share it. Just don't want to break any rules. But it was really one of the best investment toys we've ever bought for our DS. And my DD who isn't two till March has already started trying to walk with it. Any child who can't ride a two wheel bicycle yet would definitely enjoy it!!
BTW - I'm not associated with this company in any way just absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the bike!!!

 

[bas71873]

Okay - I just spent a ton of time reading randomly chosen pages in this thread and got a TON of ideas. I'm just getting started with Christmas shopping but I think we are going to add a rock wall to our swing set as my DS's gift. (almost 4) and my DD (almost 2) will be getting her STRIDER. (a running/balance bike that is made for kids who are between 1 and 5.) I can't see most 12 month olds mastering it but my son got one at two and can fly on his. (yet it is very safe!!) He absolutely loves it. I take him to walk at the park and I have to tell him to wait on me - as opposed to constantly nagging him to keep up or having to push him in a stroller. If we could take it in the parks, we'd have it made. I have a great coupon code for the bikes website but don't know if I can share it on the forum. If I can, and if anyone is interested, I'd love to share it. Just don't want to break any rules. But it was really one of the best investment toys we've ever bought for our DS. And my DD who isn't two till March has already started trying to walk with it. Any child who can't ride a two wheel bicycle yet would definitely enjoy it!!
BTW - I'm not associated with this company in any way just absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the bike!!!

My friend bought her son one of these Strider bikes last year and I see them out and about with it all the time

 

[100AcreWood]

We're almost done with the kids and we're starting to work on the grandparents. Unfortunately the list drama has already begun .

Every year without fail my in laws list will have several things we couldn't possibly give them. Then they complain my kids' lists don't have enough stuff. I spent hours putting 20 items on each of my kids' lists and that's not enough. They are determined to outshine Santa. So sick of all the drama and managing other people's expectations. I feel like they make everything about them.

Thanks for letting me vent!

 

[chellewashere]

So I bought my DD a marshmallow shooter that just came in the mail. Little bummed since I thought it would be full size marsh not mini, but I think she is going to get a huge kick out of it!!
And now she is DONE. I will not go into a store..this is my mantra that I must keep repeating to myself. I got her books, lipbalm and bubble bath for her stocking so she is done. Yelp thats what I keep saying over and over and over again
The best is her gift to her dad...she picked out the Dr. Dreadful lab to have him make the things and eat them. She is a walking commercial for that thing.

 

[moonpie85]

We're almost done with the kids and we're starting to work on the grandparents. Unfortunately the list drama has already begun .

Every year without fail my in laws list will have several things we couldn't possibly give them. Then they complain my kids' lists don't have enough stuff. I spent hours putting 20 items on each of my kids' lists and that's not enough. They are determined to outshine Santa. So sick of all the drama and managing other people's expectations. I feel like they make everything about them.

Thanks for letting me vent!

Outshining Santa is not cool

 

[moonpie85]

So I bought my DD a marshmallow shooter that just came in the mail. Little bummed since I thought it would be full size marsh not mini, but I think she is going to get a huge kick out of it!!
And now she is DONE. I will not go into a store..this is my mantra that I must keep repeating to myself. I got her books, lipbalm and bubble bath for her stocking so she is done. Yelp thats what I keep saying over and over and over again
The best is her gift to her dad...she picked out the Dr. Dreadful lab to have him make the things and eat them. She is a walking commercial for that thing.

Yay!!! It's so good yet so hard to be done, isn't it?

 

[luvmy3]

It looks like everyone is coming along with their shopping

I am happy to say that I have my dd finished. She finally decided that she wanted the newest Ipod Touch so I was able to get that for a good price. Since it is the 32GB it took up most of her Christmas budget, but with some good deals I was able to get her a bunch of other stuff too. I hope you don't mind a list, I need to see it to make sure its enough. I always feel like there isn't enough under the tree, but the truth is there is always way too much!
Ipod Touch
hoodie buddie
wool purple plaid jacket
purple purse
labbit plush
art set/sketch pad
mineral make-up
eye shadow palette
aquolina pink sugar perfume
Hello Kitty fuzzy PJ pants
Sims 3 game
I was just checking my Amazon orders and saw something I forgot. Twilight Eclipse DVD collectors edition.
For her stocking
3 OPI nail polishes
nail polish remover pen
Shineblast lip gloss
hair clips
hot pink ear buds
Itunes card
angel wing earrings and necklace

She is also getting drawing software and a digital drawing tablet for the PC, and Just Dance 3 but they won't be from Santa.
I think the list looks good.

I'm usually finished by Thanksgiving (or at least the weekend after) but I still have 7 more people to shop for, and that doesn't include teachers and bus drivers

 

[E-P-C-O-T]

I think we are done with DD3, she will be getting the following things:

Step2 Lifestyle Legacy Kitchen
Play food
China set for 4 (plastic) that includes fabric napkins...
Little Tikes Grill
Grilling Play food
My Little Pony Pinkie Pie
A plush Woody, Jesse and Bullseye... I can just hear her asking me where's Buzz? lol
Disney Princess Ultimate Castle
Ariel, Prince Eric, Tiana, Cinderella for the castle... And yes, I know she will ask about Aurora and Belle...lol
Cinderella Gown
My sister is getting her a Snow White with horse and my mom the Belle teacup cart...
Singing Sleeping Beauty... Luv it!
Mr Pencil game for her LeapPad
Little Mommy Play All day doll
Little Tikes Cozy Shopping cart
An Imaginarium easel

I guess that's all for now, but, maybe I will get her a couple more...

 

[southern_redhead]

All 3 of my kids are getting Fires from Santa. So, with the Fires, cases, and screen protectors on the way, Santa is DONE. That means I am DONE For anyone looking for ideas, this is how our lists shaped up:

ODS (12)
Fire, case, and screen protector
Lego Alien Conquest Set
Stopmotion Book and Camera
Heroica Board game
AlumaWallet (ugly but he has asked for it several times) w/iTunes GC and LIVE subscription card
Angry Birds Knock on Wood game

stocking: Rook game, Halo Megabloks figures, Small Lego Alien Set, candy, toothbrush, RIO movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, sausage stick (weird, I know LOL) shower gel/deodorant

DD (9)
Fire, case, and screen protector
Fijit
2 Quiz books
Lego Creator AppleTreehouse
Pictionary Man game
Vera Bradley Purse and wristlet (w/ iTunes card and Club Penguin card)

stocking: UNO game, MH dolls (Spectra and Abby), candy, toothbrush, Smurf movie, lipgloss/body spray/antibac in a holder. Her list looks sparse compared to the others, but the dolls are big and more expensive than any of the trinkets the boys got.

YDS (8)
Fire, case, and screen protector
4 Lego books
Lego Spongebob sets: Krusty Krab and Spongebob's house
Phineas and Ferb Guitar
Spongebob Pillow Pet
Yahtzee Game

stocking: Spongebob bubble bath, Go Fish and Old Maid games, Hot Wheels Pack, iTunes Card, Club Penguin card, candy, toothbrush, DS game, and Gnomeo and Juliet movie

My mom is giving $25 Amazon GCs for the Fires and a small gift. Not sure what MIL will do, she always asks me to shop for her, and I'm out of ideas......I'll probably just tell her to decide how much she wants to spend per child and give them the money. They have gotten good about pooling their money, lately, so maybe they could decide on a group item to put it toward.

 

[tweedlemom]

FYI--My Target had some DS and Wii games 75% off today, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1, Little Mermaid, Ghostbusters, Are you smarter than a fifth grader, etc.

 

[QVCshopper]

Oh, I would like to add my kiddos' lists, as I'm done with them and have everything wrapped. But, first, we went in with my BIL to get my MIL and FIL an iPad... she's wanted one for more than a year. Today, she's asking me about the new Nook or Fire, and I was like--just wait!!!! I think she'll be shocked.

Anyway, here's what I got for the kids (I try to limit their stash, and the elf is bringing a few things as well throughout Dec., like PJs, Cars 2 and Winnie DVDs, mini Build a Bear key chains, advent calendar, etc). I have the entire month planned out and am so excited--they will love it!

DD7
American Girl Julie (which has been in the closet for 2 years from QVC)
Julie's pet bunny and basket
American Girl Honey pet
Lalaloopsy Peanut, little sister Squirt, purse, and bus
Pack of Squinkies
Stocking: 2 Lalaloopsy minis, AG short story set, AG fuzzy stickers

DS5
Nintendo 3DS
3 DS dinosaur games
Chomper (robotic dinosaur)
Moon dough build set (he loves Moon Dough!)
Pack of Squinkies
Stocking: lots of small lego packs; will pick up a book and stickers maybe

Actually, now that I've wrapped, it's hard to remember... anyway, they each have 7 presents. Just how it worked out, but that's plenty for this year.