vsa3janes

I'm not sure what the nursery dolls are but if they don't look "grown up" I would probably stick with the full size dolls. She may have an older sister or friend with the full size dolls and want to play with them. There will probably be lots of Barbies and princess dolls on sale in the weeks coming up.

Here are a few ideas I have used for giving cash; a) folded into shapes - little birds, a shirt, a dress (there are lots of free websites with patterns) put into two small bags, attached long ribbons, wrapped a cardboard gift wrap tube, poked one bag into each end of the tube, attached a note to the end of the ribbon that said "pull" c) glue 3/4 of the pages of the back section of a hardback book together. when dried cut out a whole from the center of the block of pages to make a cubby hole. Bought gold dollars at the bank and filled the hole with the dollars. Put them in a drawstring bag first. Tied a ribbon around the book to keep it closed. d) put money in a little box and progressed to larger boxes, wrapping each box e) put money in a box, put inside a bag filled with popcorn, the gift looked like a bag of popcorn. f) there is a thread in this holiday section about placing gifts in soda bottles - this would be a cute way to give money with some candy or little gifts tucked inside. http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?t=154578 g) put the bills inside the pages of a favorite magazine, as the pages are flipped through the money falls out. h) put the bills in a variety of film holders (those little plastic containers 35mm film comes in) wrap them in gift bags and boxes

95% done. Need a gift card for stepdad, and trying to find a deal on a pocket video camera for dd. Oh, a couple stocking stuffers for dgs.

I was just going to post this deal, too. I bought 2 games for dgd's ds and will be returning the one I already purchased from WalMart. Great deal!

I stopped by Walgreens tonight and thought about this thread when I saw these nice candle holders in the Christmas isle. They were a brownish color with etched shapes so the light show through, but the best thing was the sayings they had on them about family and friends. Really touching. They were $6.99. The size was about 6" tall and 4" around. They would make a nice gift with a small pillar candle inside.

I'm so sorry you won't all physically be together for Christmas. But it sounds like you are on the right track starting new traditions. You could play family games. Do you have a Wii? My daughter started family game night last week. They invited me and we played Wii Resort. It was a blast. Suddenly it was 8:30 and time had flown by. Everyone had a great time laughing, happy dancing, and challenging each other. Maybe you could go to a shelter and help serve dinner, go to a nursing home and serve Christmas Eve dinner, take small gifts to the residents that don't have family. I have always found helping others makes me forget who I am missing a little less. Whatever you decide I hope you have a wonderful time making new memories. Oh, and congrats on the new grandbaby that will be apart of your family this Christmas.

I give couples gift each year and spend about $10. Of course, I start shopping 12/26 for the next Christmas but there are deals to be had all year. Here are some of the gifts I have for couples this year. These are still available - 20% off with the code NOVPRVT & free shipping on $75 or more. http://www.pfaltzgraff.com/holiday-garland-cheese-tray-dome/418M3100,default,pd.html?cgid=specials http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aaci_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Pfaltzgraff-Site/Sites-pfaltzgraff_catalog/default/v1258754956308/productimages/thumbnail/418M3100_t.jpg http://www.pfaltzgraff.com/evening-sun-sled-tray-server/474C6200,default,pd.html?cgid=specials http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aaci_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Pfaltzgraff-Site/Sites-pfaltzgraff_catalog/default/v1258754956308/productimages/thumbnail/474C6200_t.jpg http://www.pfaltzgraff.com/solid-color-collection-wine-chiller/5042240,default,pd.html?cgid=specials http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aaci_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Pfaltzgraff-Site/Sites-pfaltzgraff_catalog/default/v1258754956308/productimages/thumbnail/5042240_t.jpg There are more items available. If you drink Coke or know someone who does use the rewards points to buy gift. My daughter has done most of her shopping this way. She has gotten the tweens phone skins, couples Blockbuster movie baskets, picture ornaments, photo books, women & men magazines. Coke has saved her a ton on her Christmas shopping. The vending machine vendor at my son in laws work gives him the codes off the packaging when he fills the machines. So you really don't have to drink all the Coke just become creative in collecting the points.

My grandson turned 1 in Sept, too. His ball pit is his favorite toy. He will do a belly flop into it and just laugh. The favorite game is when he tosses the balls out and his 10 yr old sister tosses them back in. I agree get more balls, the package of 100 was at WalMart for about $15 and filled it well.

I tried to order this cute piggy bank for my niece to be and the code wouldn't work... Messages from the Heart Piggy Bank Item# FK342-9258B Color: Pink Word Sale $14.99 Original $25.99 Promo - not qualified

What if you suggested stocks or savings bonds? I bought my granddaughter a share of Disney stock for her first Christmas. The certificate is so cute with all the character's around the edges. Since then it has doubled. Or you could suggest savings bonds. This could start a college fund for her. They could give her a small toy and the invest the rest for her future.

Even though you make items it can still be expensive. At times I have spent more to make a gift than if I would have bought one. Wonder if they drink Coke? My dd has been able to do most of her shopping using Coke rewards. She bought the tweens phone skins, cousins magazine subscriptions, Grandparents photo books, etc.

We played this last year with the story modified to include employees and special details about the work environment. Everyone brought a white elephant type gift that was $5 or under. We had a potluck, ate then played. It was a load of fun.

I have this tote and love it.

I like AllShoppedOut's idea. They will always remember how you celebrated them for 12 days and not just one. Then Christmas day you could have a meal together, watch your favorite movies, and eat cookies while reflecting on the 12 days of Christmas. Whatever you do I'm sure they will appreciate you even more.

Up until last year everyone bought for the kids and if they could afford to the adults. There were years when one member didn't buy and that's okay with everyone. Suddenly last year one family member decided we should pick names. She is very bossy and opinionated and didn't let the subject drop until people just finally gave in and picked names. This let to problems, everyone was to buy for the kids - some did some didn't. Then this year someone suggested since there are so many kids now (under high school age) everyone's name goes in to the pot and everyone draws. Some liked this, bossy person didn't and drove the conversation again to say adults should pick and everyone buy for kids. Long story short, not everyone is pleased but tired of talking about it with bossy person. Mom, DD & I decided we would opt out of the exchange and give gifts as we always have. This has caused so much drama in our family. I think everyone should have the choice to give or not give whatever they feel as a family they can do. I buy because I enjoy giving and since I bargain shop all year long it doesn't cost me an arm and leg to do so. If someone doesn't give to me that is okay. I have told them often giving me gifts doesn't mean you love me more or less and don't ever feel awkward if you don't. They know I have done this every year for the last 30 years and are all ok with it. Good luck with whatever direction you go. I agree with the other poster, don't let it ruin the holiday or why your family gets together to begin with. To share your love for each other.

I have lost many close family members over the years. I try to focus on the time I have here on this earth and making memories with my family so someday when I am gone they will remember me being happy and celebrating time with them instead of me mourning those that went before me. Sure I have times when the memories of those lost make me sad but I try to remember a happy memory I have from them and share that with my dd or grandkids. I know my 4 sets of grandparents, 6 uncles, 2 aunts, Dad & 2 brothers would all be upset with me if I didn't make the holidays joyful for the people they left behind and those that have been born since. I hope you all have joyful memories to reflect on when you become blue.

Found some great ice/show shoe grips for my Mom & Stepdad. Slips on over their shoes, will be great for them to walk down their sloping driveway without falling. Also, 6 Christmas gifts checked off the list. Great savings!

Maid service for lifetime would be my first pick. Second would be a new laptop. Something happen and the case to mine cracked right under the keyboard.

I have struggled finanically most of my adult life but even when things were at what I thought was there worse it all worked out. I am a firm believer in God provides. We have always had shelter, food, a car, money for gas and clothing. Most of all love. Some way there were always gifts under the tree. If things are really bad contact a local charity about gifts for the kids. The Salvation Army does gift trees for kids that families need help. The gifts come to them from Santa. We adopt a family at work each year from a local non profit center that helps families down on their luck. The family always ends up with 2 outfits, pjs, shoes, coats, and at least 3 toys from the kids wish list. Plus food and toiletries. Of course, these children aren't wishing for xboxs, ds, or expensive gifts. They list things like Transformers, Power Rangers, baby dolls and lego. How old are your kids? Do you have family that will give gifts to them? As a job tip, my nephew lost his job and was just hired to stock shelves overnight at Target. He interviewed on Thursday and started Friday.

This is on 10 yr old dgd's top list too. I told her that you can't concentrate on something and it move. Of course because she saw the commercial she just knows it works.

For dd and dsil I try to buy like gifts. One dvd for her one for him, one electronic item for him one for her, etc. They may not cost the same but have the same amount & types of gifts. Since she rarely buys for herself I do spend extra on her. Besides they know I am a great deal finder and never really know what I would spend for even the most expensive item. This year dgd is 10 and dgs is 1. I will make sure they have the same number of gifts but the value won't be the same. I was able to find his toys for this yr last yr on clearance. Since she is older I wasn't able to do that. Their ages are so far apart I don't think they will ever notice. We have a method to opening gifts too. Everyone opens their stockings together, then they take turns opening gifts. Dgd & dgs first then they can play while dd & sil open their gifts. This helps me be able to take good pics.

I thought I was a good bargain shopper but you have me beat. Can I give you the list for my nephew? His list contains 2 newly released xbox 306 games and a set of gaming Best Buy headphones. I told him to remember I was the "poor" aunt and send me a new list.

Today and tomorrow are going to be in the 70s, great weekend to put out the decorations. But won't turn on the lights until Thanksgiving weekend. I think people who decorate on a warm Nov day are smart....I have put lights up when it was 20 and freezing...would much rather have them up on a warm day and just not turn them on.

I called my WalMart today, the asst mgr said people from corporate are coming in to run the sale. They are not giving out line tickets, the tv will be in the front of the store, the laptops in electronics. First come, first serve - it is a 24 hours store and people can start lining up anytime. They said call before you come and they will let you know how many people are in line. The ad said 10 laptops but they are expecting 30 to be available. DD would like to get one for dgd but I don't know if she will go stand in line.

My daughter bought these for the grandkid's teachers. http://www.yankeecandle.com/cgi-bin/ycbvp/product_detail.jsp?oid=6743769 http://www.yankeecandle.com/yc/images/retail/120/1179341.jpg Since most are fans of our MLB Cardinal team they can use them all year round.