aleighc1

Even though he's young, a membership to a local aquarium could be really fun. (kids that age usually love the bright colors the tropical tanks offer) Any "big ticket" items that people could all pitch in for, such as a play house, push car, wagon, or a swing set with a baby swing? Even if he's not very mobile now, in a few months he most likely will be, and it'll be nice to have toys on hand he can grow in to. I agree with the above posters about clothes in larger sizes; it's always great to have stuff on hand because it seems like kids grow overnight and suddenly nothing fits them! One of my favorite things for my kids to get is books. I don't think a child can ever have too many books, and I love having our own little library of reading material on hand at all times. Perhaps you could ask people to give him a copy of a favorite book from their childhood? You never know what wonderful classic you might end up with!

I don't believe you can price match on Amazon the way you can in store. From my experience, Amazon "self price-matches"; when I have seen things on sale in store ads, Amazon has usually already dropped their price on the same item to meet or beat the advertised price from the other store.

No advice for you, but thought I'd let you know you're in good company! I'm due November 26th, so there is no way I'll be going out. (based on all my previous pregnancies, there is a good chance that we'll have a newborn baby girl by Thanksgiving. If somehow I make it to my due date though, there is absolutely no way I would go shopping as all the stores are in the opposite direction of my hospital and I labor/deliver FAST! :) ) I'll be sticking to online shopping only, and if there's a really good in-store only deal, I'll make my hubby go

While I have not had to return any broken toys, I have noticed overall quality has gone down in the past 10 years. Certain toys my older kids had many years ago were made much better than those same toys bought in recent years for my younger kids. (we had gotten rid of a lot of toys thinking we were done having kids, and ended up re-buying a lot of them when we decided to expand our family!) I try to be very careful about what I buy because I refuse to have piles of unappreicated or broken toys in my house.

A few years ago, I started using a "system" to buy Christmas gifts for my kids. I started it because as our family grew, I didn't want to deal with a carnival Christmas with mountains of gifts. When the economy first started to tank, it was great to have this in place because I've never had to cut back on the amount of gifts, just adjust my spending accordingly. For Christmas each year my kids get: PJ's on Christmas Eve something they want something they need something to wear something to read (sometimes I fudge this one and do a puzzle or a board game instead) 1 gift from Santa, and Santa fills their stockings They know exactly what to expect, and I don't get overwhelmed trying to buy for them. It's what works for our family.

Yes, but barely. I really need to get going on it though because I'm due to have a baby right around Thanksgiving, and I want to have a good majority of it done by then. Any BF shopping I do will be online only.

I'm hoping to find a DS lite on a good sale, especially since the 3DS has had a price drop recently. Also hoping to find the GeoTrax Christmas Town set for uner $100. Not much on my BF list this year since I plan to have most of my shopping done before Thanksgiving as I'm due to have a baby Nov. 26th. Any BF shopping I do end up doing will either be done on my computer or I'll send out my hubby in my place.

My Fred Meyers had the Pillow Pets for $18.99 when I was there today. They only had the unicorn, bee, dog, and lady bug. We don't have any sort of cable service, so my kids have not seen them on TV before. My 9 and 6 year old daughters both thought they were adorable, and asked to put them on their wish lists. They really are very soft and cuddly.

I was at Walmart today and all the Zooble single packs were gone. Not sure how many of the larger sets they stocked the shelves with, but there were only a couple of each. They had a few Squinkie items left, but I could tell those had been very picked over also. I ended up grabbing a small play set of Squinkies for my 8 year old DD as a little surprise, and she absolutely LOVES them! (I got her the crown that comes with three figures) I was a little surprised at how much she liked them (although they are rather cute- much more so in person than what I saw online), and now a little worried because she wants more for Christmas! (and my other DD wants Zoobles) I really hope these aren't going to be impossible to find for the holidays. I guess I'll just send my hubby back to Walmart tonight and hope they still have some left.

hahaha!

I just bought two gifts yesterday!! I was ordering stuff for my oldest daughter's birthday from American Girl, and found some cute stuff in their sale section to be put away for Christmas for both daughters. Every year I say I need to start shopping early, and yet every year I'm out running around two days before Christmas and I HATE it! This year is going to be different though. We now have 7 kids, and I'm just not going to put myself through that madness.

When my kids were in school (before we started to homeschool) we always gave the teachers gift cards to Borders and a card telling them how much we appreciated their hard work. I figured pretty much anyone could find something they like at Borders (music, movies, magazines, books, games, office supplies, etc.....) and the card added the personal touch. We gave all six teachers $20 gift cards, but I'm sure any amount at all would be appreciated.

I'm not pregnant with my first, but just two weeks ago I had my 7th and wanted to chime in anyhow. There is absolutely nothing wrong with cutting back on gifts to save money for your new baby, I would even say that is the smart choice to make! Christmas should be enjoyable, not stressful. You have to put what is best for your family above the wants of others. My husband and I have had years where money has been no issue and years where money was extremely tight. In those tight years, we were just honest with family and said we couldn't afford to exchange gifts that year. They were always very understanding, and sometimes even relieved because they were having hard times too. If your family has a tantrum, oh well. Time for them to grow up. If an unexpected expense comes up with your pregnancy or new baby, you will be so glad that you didn't spend a bunch of money on stuff for other people. Don't let them make you feel bad and keep telling yourself you are making smart choices that benefit your baby.

I thought about getting my hubby Burn Notice too, but ended up getting it for my dad instead! lol! Amazon shows they have season 2 of Burn Notice, so it must be available. Also, if you don't end up getting Psych for him for Christmas, keep your eye on it at Amazon. Every so often they mark it down to $12! I bought seasons 1 and 3 at that price. (we already have season 2)

This year hubby is getting season 3 of Psych, cologne, a new cell phone, probably a new bluetooth headset, oldest DD got him a waffle maker, younger DD got him a book, oldest DS got him a propane blow torch (they are always working on stuff and fixing stuff together), and I'm not sure yet what the youngest 3 are going to give him. (3 year old DS thinks hubby wants littlest pet shop stuff! lol!) He's also getting a new wedding band, an iPod nano, and maybe some new shirts.

You didn't charge anything, and that's awesome! As long as your bills are paid, move on, enjoy your Christmas, and don't worry about it.

If you heard nothing about money issues up until now, perhaps it was very hard for them to tell you. If that could possibly be the case, don't drag out the issue. How would they feel if you gave them a small gift, even though they couldn't give one back? If you think this would not make them uncomfortable, then give them something small, and then they won't be left out. If this would make them uncomfortable, just let it be and wait until next year. Two years ago my husband and I opted out of the big family exchange. We just didn't have the funds for it even though all the adults draw names. My cousin and grandma bought DH and I a $75 gift card to JC Penny, even though we weren't exchanging gifts. I was very touched they thought of us during a hard time. I realize not everyone likes to get a gift on Christmas when they have no gift to give in return, but we felt very blessed. I would have probably been upset and a bit hurt if my family had tried to convince us to participate after we explained we couldn't due to finances. Respect their decision and hope things turn around for them soon.

not sure what kind of sack you are looking for, but I've seen Christmas bike bags at the Dollar Tree. Those things are huge!

We got a family from a local elementary school. My mom works at the school, so she is able to look through the families and lists, and then let us know what's available. This year we have a family with 6 kids; 5 girls and 1 boy, ages 2 to 10 years old. We also donate to Toys-For-Tots. We've always done this in the past, but now we really have to because my brother-in-law is a Marine! lol!

I'm not sure I want to add it all up I really don't know, but I'm sure it's at least a couple thousand, and that does not count DH's shopping budget for me. (I know one thing I'm getting is a laptop for school) We buy for our 6 kids, my parents, 2 children from my extended family, his mom, brother, aunt, two grandmothers, angel tree kids, family white elephant give exchange game (this year it's a $25 gift card), and each other. I've been shopping for a while, and I only shop with the extra cash after paying bills. I'm still not done shopping, but I guess it doesn't matter too much as there is not going to be a big credit card bill at the end of it!

I love reading Christmas lists! DD8- PJ's (on Christmas Eve) ????- DH is getting her something, and he won't tell me what it is Americn Girl Kit cookbook outfit lime green microfiber storage ottoman (matches her room) filled with tons of room accessories (we just redid her room a coupl months ago) Santa is bringing her the Chrissa Americn Girl doll Discovery Kids text messagers from her sister stocking with DVD, watch, fuzzy socks, candy, nail polish, pedicure set, etc...... DS7- PJ's (Christmas Eve) Snap Circuits RC rover Room decor- comforter and comforter cover, GIANT body pillow (I'm making this), jungle animal projector lamp book about jungle animals (he loves jungle animals) Nike warm ups Santa is bringing Geotrax Timbertown Railroad His baby brother is giving him Curious George Christmas DVD stocking with candy, watch, DVD, Wii remote (my 3 year old lost 3 of our 4 remotes ), wallet with a couple dollars in it, etc.... DD6 PJ's (christmas Eve) TV (just a small 22in one for her room that she shares with her older sister) DVD player American Girl Molly cookbook outfit from Gymboree Santa is bringing her a Molly American Girl doll pretty Barbie from her older brother stocking is pretty much the same as DD8 listed above DS3- PJ's (christmas Eve) Duplo blocks fire station set outfit bedtime book room decor- comforter and comforter cover, curtains, some sort of decoration (all 4 boys share a giant bedroom, and chose a jungle animal theme from Ikea for their room) Santa is bringing the big Cars GeoTrax set (the same one TRU had, imagine that!) flashlight from his younger brother stocking with DVD, hot wheels, toothbrush, candy, etc.... DS almost 2- PJ's (christmas Eve) radio flyer trike outfit Melissa and Doug Puzzle board (the type where the peices don't come out) room decor same as 3 year old DS Santa is bringing a mix of GeoTrax stuff- airplane, train, barn, track (we have a rather large collection as it is already) His 3 year old brother is giving him a bucket of duplo blocks stocking same as 3 year old brother DS 7 months- PJ's for christmas eve outfit bedtime gloworm Little People classic farm room decor (he's not sleeping in a big bed yet, obviously, but he's getting all the same stuff as the other 3 boys so that we'll have it when he's ready) Santa is bringing the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Farm his 8 year old sister is giving him a beautiful quilt and pillow she sewed (by herself!) stocking will have a DVD, sippy cup, baby snacks, board book, socks, etc.... DH- PJ's Psych season 1 and 3 Burberry Brit probably a stereo Not sure what else, I have to take the kids shopping so they can pick their gifts to him Mom- coach purse Dad- movie basket (a bunch of DVD's, favorite candy, popcorn) mom and dad- basket with a nice throw blanket, bottle of wine, favorite bread dipping oil (made locally and only sold at special market), box of Frangos, and I'll make some fresh Italian bread to go with the oil DH's mom, aunt, and both grandmothers- photo books of the kids angel tree kids- pretty much everything on their list (they asked for so little), and a little more

siczlo- If one of my kids had come up with a list like that, it would have been laughed right into the trash can! lol!

My biggest gripe is when you see a mother with a stroller struggling to get a door open and push her stroller through, and people just stand there and wait and stare! Hello! Hold the door and help the woman out! You'll get into the store a lot faster too. I DESPISE this behavior. I've had it done to me a number of times, and now I always make sure to help if I see a mom that needs help with a door. (or an elderly person or disabled person) Really, how much more basic can it get? Yesterday I spent the day shopping with my son, and I was astonished at how many people just parked their carts in the middle of the aisle and seemed completely oblivious to the fact that they were not the only people in the store! There were also so many kids being completely ignored. In Costco there was a girl about 4 years old sitting on the floor looking at books. My kids range in ages 6 months to 8 years, so my eyes automatically pick up on small ones around me, but had it been another oblivious shopper that little girl would have been run right over. Kids in Toys R Us running around like crazy people or playing with the display toys right in the aisles so no one can get passed. One boy was rolling around on the floor (actually on the floor, straight body, arms pulled in, rolling through the store), and his parents seemed they couldn't care less that he was blocking tons of shoppers from getting around. Yes, I know there are kids out there with special needs that do things that seem strange (I know, I have an autistic child), but there is no reason for parents to allow the behavior to go ignored with a store full of shoppers. (I don't know if that was the case with any of these kids, I'm just saying......) I remember when my oldest was about 4 and we were shopping at Christmas time. Someone was blocking the aisle, and my daughter politely said excuse me. Shopper ignored her, so she said it again just a little louder. Shopper still ignored her, so she said it yet again even louder. Shopper ignored her again (shopper knew we were there, I saw her glance our direction, and my DD was standing next to her speaking loud enough for the woman to hear her) Finally, out of pure frustration, my daughter exclaimed "I said excuse me many times, and you are just being rude! You need to move now" I later told my daughter that she was a little rude by saying that, but in the moment, was proud of her for standing up for herself.

Christmas Eve is always just me and the kids (hubby always has to work), and we just have yummy snacks throughout the night. Christmas dinner is always something different, such as: Italian with a pasta bar, salads, bread and dipping oil, etc.... Chinese (that we make ourselves- we buy things from local Asian markets) Mexican Christmas around the world (everyone has to pick a traditional Christmas dish from a different country) favorite appetizers Pacific Northwest (salmon, crab legs, clam chowder....) Breakfast on Christmas morning is always cinnamon rolls, mixed fresh fruit, and sparkling apple cider

It all depends. At our house Santa leaves 1 gift (usually the most wanted, gotta-have, please please please gift), and fills the stockings. I have a baby boy that will be 7 1/2 months at Christmas. Santa is giving him the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Farm. It will be all set up and ready for him when he wakes up, and none of the items in his stocking will be wrapped. His gifts from mom and dad under the tree will be wrapped though. (mainly because my 5 other kids insisted on wrapping his presents, and I'm sure they'll be right there to help him unwrap ) For my two year old, his gift from Santa will be wrapped, but only half the items in his stocking will be wrapped so he doesn't get overwhelmed/bored. All of his gifts under the tree will be wrapped, one of which is a new trike. (it's all set up too, so it's going to be lumpy and ugly, but so worth the look on his face when he opens it and the fact that he'll be able to get right on) For my 8, 7, 6, and 3 year old, everything is wrapped. Santa wraps in his own paper too. Whenever possible, I open up packages and remove twist ties, put on decals, add batteries, etc..... That way they open it up, it still looks packaged, but it's all ready to be played with.