PerkynPunctual

Gifts given to us in our home are placed under the tree for Christmas morning. In group gatherings in public locations where everyone has a gift they are opening (specifically, kids parties), I let the kids open them. If the kids are given a gift in public, but not everyone receives one, they thank the giver and bring it home to be unwrapped on Christmas morning. If the kids receive a gift at someone else's home, we pretty much follow the hosts lead. If the host wants it opened then, we let them open it. If they don't mind either way, we take them home. I have learned as I've grown older that people find this odd, but I've always felt a Christmas gift was a Christmas gift. When I give someone a gift, I want them to place it under their tree and open it Christmas morning. I put thought, effort and money into selecting and wrapping a gift, and I enjoy the thought of someone having it under the tree for a few days and anticipating what I may have selected for them. Oh, and if someone gives them a gift after Christmas, they can open it at that time.

Personally, no, I wouldn't ask. And definitely not since they have now made it obvious that they do NOT want to tell you. Besides, if you find out that it is less than you need, it's really not going to help you. I would just plan my Christmas without it and let the check just be a last minute bonus, like they intend it to be. I'm sorry your budget's taken a hit because of the state check. With two weeks to Christmas, I think that I would pursue that one. Good luck with it!

I agree, check the refurbished section, and also the clearance section. Don't forget the itunes card! My 11 yo didn't like the apple earbuds, they seemed to be to big and hurt her ears. That might be something for you to think about. This year she is getting a docking station for it that is a clock radio and will also recharge it. With coupons to Bed Bath and Beyond or linens and things, you can get them for decent prices. They come with adapters for different styles and generations.

A friend of my daughter recently had her AT&T phone stolen. She is diabetic, and needs to be in touch with her Mom with her testing/insulin numbers. Her mom immediately went to the AT&T store, they got her a new sim card, they sent her next door to W*l M*rt and she got a go phone and her daughter was back in business as soon as it was charged, with the same number. She was extremely greatful for how quickly and easily the AT&T people made the process.

I would think one of those gifts would be more than adequate. When my brother, sister and I turned 15, we also started getting *real world* gifts for Christmas and birthdays. A locker (the foot variety :lol ), sheet set, towel sets and the like. Mom and Dad figured it kept us grounded in the reality that adulthood was sneaking up, and by the time college hit we were stocked up. Might be an idea to get him a few items so he knows the future will be here soon and he needs to get it together. to you. I know it can't be easy for you. ETA: I changed the sentence about the locker, because it was linking my reply to a store!!!!

I love pretty packages under the tree! It doesn't really matter to me if it's a wrapped box, bag or pre-decorated box, because it's all in the details; the ribbons, bows, tags. Part of everyone's Christmas gift every year is the ornament I make and add to the package with the bow!

Target has them in the dollar spot section.

Buy him a season of the tv show *Home Improvement* to go with it. Tape the gift card to the front of the DVD and wrap.

That we will have to agree to disagree about! In all my years, with all the varieties, excellent cooks (myself included ), marinades, brines and basting techniques, I've never tasted a memorable oven roasted turkey. They've been good, but nothing to look forward to.

This is another reason I love deep fried turkey! My hubby worries about the timing, and it only takes about 45 minutes to cook!

I can relate. My hubby and I met in high school, and his parents were addressed as Mr. and Mrs. **insert last name**. I would never insult my parents by calling someone else Mom and Dad, and to be honest it never came up. As time passed and we *grew up* and got married, my parents asked my husband to call them by their first names (he called my dad Sir and my mom Mrs. **insert last name**), but his parents never requested or offered an alternative. So they will always be Mr. and Mrs.**insert last name** to me.

I personally would not use any names inside the card. But I make hubby do that card anyway, and he doesn't write any names in it either. And the outside of the envelope is address formally to be mailed.

Nope, nothing early. A Christmas gift is a Christmas gift, period. They would never feel the fun of anticipation if they opened things early!

Everything gets wrapped. Everything! Santa's wrapped bikes, a little tykes kitchen, little tykes basketball hoop, you name it. Santa even wrapped the 10-foot balance beam he brought my daughter one year! Santa assembles everything and it's ready to go, then it's wrapped. Oh, and Santa always leaves leftover paper for us to use next year! It's something we have fun with, so we go for it!

I wish they had multi. But I passed it along to a friend, thanks for the deal!

I think that type of gift is WAY to personal to give someone you work for, but that may just be just me. I would go with something like Harry & David or Hickory Farms.

I would do the charity donation, but we already do that in my family and we know that everyone is okay with it. If they wouldn't be, don't go the gift card route either, since they have already made their feelings known. I don't like to receive gift cards either. Sorry, I know that isn't popular, but it's true. I'd rather that someone didn't bother. That being said, Do they drink wine? Find a little wine shop and buy the best wine in your gift budget. Even people who drink inexpensive wines can appreciate really good ones. Not wine drinkers? How about a good Scotch or Bourbon? I always find consumables work well for those that get themselves everything they want/need. Another idea would be a wine chiller or small wine fridge for the bar.

My sister worked for Kmart, in the cash office, for a long time and loved working Thanksgiving, too. Lots of perks, plus she would help cashier if they needed help. They would always have lots of food and fun. When our family was all in the same town and did Thanksgiving together, we always did Thanksgiving *dinner* in the evening, not a lunch so it never imposed on our holiday.

We just had a rather out-of-the-way Kohl's open near us so I may check the jewelry out there. My daughter is starting to really get into it AND take care of it. With her birthday following Christmas on January 6th, some of those $9 to $20 deals look pretty good there!

I've gotten all of these today. I guess I've spent WAY to much time here today.....

Much more flavorful, and not at all *game-y* tasting -- try to buy fresh if you can find it over frozen. But definately try it.

Santa tracks glitter everywhere at our house. One year, he had to make a *pit stop*. The kids love chasing the trail to see where all Santa checks out. And they never question why everything has to be clean and tidy prior to the big night, because you never know where Santa may poke his head into!!!

Our Sony's have been worth every penny.

I don't need any of the big ticket stuff this year, and I will never camp out for anything, heck, I'm not even big on early doorbusters, so I haven't been super disappointed in the ads. I've found lots of stuff worth going out later in the day for. I think it's going to be a great year to leisurely shop for *good* deals rather that run around in a over-tired panic for all the *fantastic* deals.

Love it! I know they gave you a lot of grief last year, but i do appreciate you posting it!! It actually get a BIG thumbs up from me!!