Princess7915

Thanks! It's REALLY NOT that I hate Christmas. Though, admittedly, it sounds that way. I just think that people give presents for the sake of it, or they "have to" or whatever. And honestly a lot of the way I feel towards the holidays is more of family issues rather than a dislike of the holidays. I dislike the fact that I HAVE to do X and Y because that's how certain people want things with no re guard to what anyone else wants. My family has been an issue for several years now. My mom is remarried to this dude that NO ONE in the family (or her friends) likes -- but she refuses to recognize that it's awkward and no one cares for this man. I used to LOVE the holidays. I'm not a girl with "daddy" issues or care that my mom is remarried - I just honestly don't like this guy and I hate having to pretend we are a happy family every time we see each other. I suppose I just can't stand the falseness of it all. It's totally just ruined the holidays.

Hi all - I have a tricky question and I could REALLY use some help here. My family, and Christmas List is pretty small. Hubby and I do gifts for each other usually and we have no kids. Last year we just traded one item. On his family's side we send to: One brother in college, one brother and wife - new baby this year. His two sisters (12, 13) and his dad and wife (joint gift because that woman is retched) Some years he sends to his mom and the sister (21) on that side--sometimes not. On my side we buy for my grandmother, mom and her spouse, my aunt and her spouse and two kids (13, 19). I also send to a few friends here and there something small $25 or less. So as you can see- the list is NOT that big. There are not those people you can easily cut. I could cut the "extra" friends BUT those are the only gift giving that makes me happy. None of these people expect anything and a small gift of friendship is appreciated. My issue is this: I could do without ALL of it. Hubby and I are not religious to say the least. We don't decorate, have a tree etc. My family is Christmas OVERLOAD - they decorate for WEEKS, cook, etc. It makes me crazy. My mom is the worst about gifts. We can open for more than an hour (I'm serious) and it's just such an insane display. I've tried for the past 3 years to get everyone to scale down...not buying is OUT of the question for all of them. NOT to sound horrible...but most of the stuff we get is just stuff we don't use or want. Hubby and I live a pretty lean and clean lifestyle. Not minimalist by any means - but not all the drawers full of junk if you know what I mean. NO ONE in the family gets this. They are all the more the better type people. They don't try to get or understand that I just don't like the whole Christmas Experience. Usually I just go along to get along but I'm tired of being so unhappy about all of it every year. HOW can I get my family (especially my mother) to STOP this Holiday Madness? Every time I mention it, she is just "hurt I won't let her buy me gift" all kinds of drama. And I can't be the schmuck that buys nothing when everyone else is buying piles. PLEASE HELP!! or share if you're in a similar boat.

Perfume is tricky. If she asked for perfume I find it funny she didn't ask for something specific. I would never and I mean NEVER just buy perfume for someone and take a chance. It's too expensive. I would either gift card her or find a way to ask her what she wants. Better than waste the better part of $100.

If they are android people try a google chrome cast.

I've looked at the deals on and off every day for about two weeks. I bought one thing and actually it wasn't even a purchase it was a price match on a purchase I made that came up as a lightning deal two days later. I think the deals stink and I'm not happy about it.

Thanks for the reply - I'll take that as these will not be available online

Never done anything from BB on BF (I know, I know) and the last two years I've gotten really used to snapping up what I want online and leaving the mayhem to others. This year sadly we need to replace our t.v. However I am not fighting for one or camping out. Does anyone know If the BB t.v. are instore only? I'm interested in that 50" sharp for $399 unless amazon has something of interest.

I really wish I knew - I came decided to read the thread for inspiration more than to offer advice. My DH is not a Christmas person and never has been. Rough childhood and I suppose that when you grow up never really feeling that Christmas can be "magical" it's hard to get that way when you are older (and have to work and pay for it). The past few years we have had kittens - new member added to the family about every year - and with four cats it's WAY too much trouble to decorate and we have decided not to have a tree. It makes it a little harder to get into the spirit - but I do appreciate not cleaning up the mess Last year and this year I have really wanted nothing more than to hop a plane and be on a beach somewhere with just me and the hubbs (we have no kids) and no family around for the holidays. Yes Nov 27 - Jan 2 would suit me just fine!!! It seems more and more like it's about put up with this and that person for a family dinner and buy this and that for these people more than any real sense of enjoyment or fun. I don't know how you get holiday magic back when it seems to have gone. "Where are you Christmas - Why can't I find you."

I suppose it can be easy, especially for those who like to shop anyway, to be overwhelmed by all the "save now, buy now" mentality of retail. The tried and true practice of making lists of who you are shopping for and what items you are looking for and STICKING to it will help you to avoid extra purchases. Stores are also very good and luring you in with great bottom dollar prices in the ads that they have very few of and then when you are not able to score that amazing deal most shoppers will purchase something else that is comparable but ultimately more expensive. Price shop and compare! If your goal is to save money and get the biggest bang for your buck - you have to know your prices. A smart phone is a shoppers best friend in the modern age! Many times I have scanned an item that was a supposed deal in a store only to find out it was a better price online - and right in the aisle you can add it to an online cart or purchase if you have saved your credit card number to an online store ahead of time, so be prepared.

I'll throw in my two cents on the tablet discussion - as a fairly tech-y person. As far as the 'off brand' tablets go, many people like them okay if they've never had a tablet before. If you give them to someone who basically is going to use it as an e-reader then you should be okay. If you're going to give it to a kid who really wants to use them for video and gaming then I would think twice. Most of these do not have the processing power to handle heavy graphics applications. You really really want to check out the hardware of a tablet you are considering and not be dazzled by a $99 price Apple- definitely a solid piece of equipment and it should be for the arm and leg you pay for it. I would say get an older model and save yourself some cash. Google -Older Nexus does not have a camera - New version has a camera and better screen and better battery(by leaps and bounds) Definitely a great device at a great value (we have two) Kindle - Loads of people love them - good hardware - android software but I can't see paying such a markup and a locked down android device. Bottom line is each person has a preference just make sure it's going to do what you need/want it to do. And since it's for a kid be certain that child can handle a tablet. Many get broken- including my own family My DH's sister killed off an ipad in less than a month and expected it replaced. If you fear it broken maybe wait till they are a little older - they will still want one.

My aunt always does these crafty type things and they always seem appreciated by the kids teachers and such. For me - food items are on the no no list these days. Just with so many people being funny about what they do and do not eat - it's just a mine field I would say stick to the simple thank you style gifts because a token of appreciation is really nice and it stays out of "awkward" when you get someone something that's just over and beyond. You can always attach a small gift card to a made ornament, sewn kitchen towel, or you can get some kind of mug with initials - everyone loves those turvis tumblers.

I have a pair of Noontec Zoro HD and they are amazing!! I'd wanted a pair for awhile and they showed up one day as a Woot of all things - bought for a bit over $50. Love them

As far as I know you have to be registered with them. I got a thing after buying a bag at a Coach Outlet Store so I signed up. Then every so often I get an email about a sale going on. I did NOT get an email about this one, but I used the posted link and used my log in info to browse and make a purchase. The sales are for a limited time, but if you really want something you should get it because some things will sell out quickly. I don't know about the count down - I always thought it was how long that particular sale was good for - sometimes it's like a week or so. Maybe just sales pressure? Who knows.

Thanks for the link - got myself a Christmas present

For any of you that ordered (or are ordering) from E.L.F their shipping seems a bit slow. I checked the twitter feed and orders placed on the 3rd should be shipping today. But they do have holiday cut offs posted on their website according to to your state.

I'm having trouble with it too. I have purchased like 5 things and a few even came from Amazon and my promo never showed up. I'm not happy about this "deal" I will be revoking the Amazon privileged from my FaceBook as they are very invasive.

Does anyone know of any deals on XBox Points? They are usually a go-to gift for the 12yo boy in the family but it's hard to get him a decent amount AND get him another gift as they can run pretty expensive. He blows threw them like tissues LOL I've cringed as I watch him zip away $50 in cards in two minutes I don't need a Live subscription combo deal - just points. I'm leery to buy on ebay - do you any of you have trouble buying cards on there and getting ripped off?? Thx!

If you know what type of phone they have you can get a smaller Google play / Itune GC - that's usable for so many things. Movie theater tickets are nice - who doesn't like a free night out? I second a bottle of wine and a 5 piece mini Godiva box of chocolates! Ulta has lots of body sets right now- but being someone with allergies I'm cautious about buying fragrance for anyone people buy it for me and unless they know me usually I can't use it. Stuff with a first initial is very nice - a travel ceramic coffee mug with a Starbucks GC would be nice. I ALWAYS vote against holiday theme gifts at Christmas. I hate when people get them for me - They are cute, but you just gave me something a week before Christmas that I will not use for another year

Bummer - No longer available Back to $89.99

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ E.l.f. is doing some bang up holiday sales if you like their make up or have a teen that does. I ordered some stuff the other day. I signed up for email and they are doing an 8 days of Christmas that is email offer only for a few hours each day that are really great deals. Def. worth checking them out! I got 7 things plus shipping for under $45

Give her a pack of latex balloons. When she asks what it's for tell her "for all of your hot air" But seriously - I would get something fairly inexpensive that you can pass off as somewhat thoughtful to keep your hubby happy. I would not dwell or spend too much money on it as you know they will hate it and it's doom will be re-gift or trash. Do a joint gift rather than each one separately. Go a Donation in your name as others suggested. Or find something completely tacky that you can give them like some candle sticks that can be a little ha ha to yourself. OR you could be a bigger person and try a nice bottle of wine or something of the sort.

Well not for the same reason but it is Dec 2 and I have bought 1 gift. I have not even THOUGHT about what to buy anyone else on my list I'm sooo not into shopping and I am going to be in trouble fast if I don't get going. I just cannot make myself get into it. The more pressed for time I get, the less I want to think about it. There are years I've started shopping in June - I don't know what my malfunction is! Can someone shop for me??

I know you said under $100 but I'll just throw out there that he may really enjoy a Kindle or a Nexus Tablet if he's going to be at home a lot and doesn't have one.

My mom has roughly 30 co-workers (I used to work in this office as well) and every year there is a party and a big gift exchange. Everyone shoots for a small something to give everyone. Past ideas: Holiday socks, Fuzzy socks (like you wear with p.j's) Bath and Body Works small anti bac or lip gloss or lotion -these are always on sale and popular, Small Yankee Candle in your $ range (online is great to shop sale) Tree ornaments, Winter theme bath or kitchen towels with a hand soap pump, Recipe in a jar mix with a kitchen goody like a embroider towel or pot holder, Starbucks GC with a travel mug or just a mug with first name initials.

I hate that these are PST LOL all of us east coasters think the world should run on EST. I looked through the schedules and set up Google Calendar alerts for all the stuff I may want to look at Truthfully it's not much but I always forget.