shopping mom

If I voted on those two I would get the CPK. But if you're not sure go with a gift card to her favorite music store or Wal-mart and let her pick.

Have you though about a nice watch, or other men's jewelry? I am scrapbooking my dad a album of of his days in the Marine Corp. If you want something a bit more romantic plan out a few weekend get aways (get all the details arranged before time) and choose a place he would really like to go.

I use to buy Christmas coloring books and we would color the pictures, cut them out, mount them on construction paper and use for decorations. We also made snow men and christmas trees for the walls out of poster board. We make colored chains for around the room. We have also made gifts for local nursing homes, an ornament or bookmark. Puzzles are another good idea if you have the room. You might also find a book that can be read a little at a time that is about Christmas and read it out loud together. And you can always get some good old Christmas videos or DVD's and have movie night at home.

I would not go overboard. A nice pen set, a fruit basket, or a tray of homemade goodies. My cousin and her husband are lawyers and they always want homemade fudge. I saw some great recipes in another thread.

My 14 year old wants a cell phone, exercise equipment, an ipod, College team blanket, clothe, shoes, and a 4 wheeler (that one is way out of budget).

It sounds like he is just down because he has to leave his family. I would encourage him to start thinking about others and what is going on this year. What does he want to get his family for Christmas? Where does he want to go on BF? Remind him often, how much you will miss him but you are so glad he is here this year to help you celebrate.

My favorite in the car is the Twelve days of Christmas. Not the traditional ones but one we make up as we go to that tune. Each person in the car gets a different day and then we start. For example on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me one car stereo. It is a fun way for the kids to tell you what they want for Christmas. Besides that I love them all!!

We have six children and I do not expect everyone in the famiy to buy for them. My brother in law cannot afford it. My sister in law gives gift cards and the value varies according to their budget. Grandparents spoil them rotten. My kids draw names on each other and the gift has to more than 20 less than 30. I only have 1 niece and 2 nephews so that is pretty easy and I usually spend 30 on them until they are 21 and then I cut back to 20. On my moms side we always get together with aunts, uncles, cousins, and all their kids. I usually make goodies for the adults and get the kids something small. Last year money was tight and I found croquet games at Target for under $5.00 they made nice family gifts. This year I may do Wal-mart GC or McDonalds. I want each of the kids to have a package to open. I stop that when the graduate high school.

Shopping buddies and cell phones are the best things for BF. My dad goes and gets in line a Best Buy. My mom and I meet at Walmart and try to price match as much as we can plus pick up their deals. My daughter goes wherever I need her, and my cousin shops for her kids but we always stay in touch, pick things up for each other, and settle the finances later. When mom and I finish at Walmart we head different directions to get the most deals. We are contantly calling each other to see who has picked up the most deals. If any of you are in the Chesapeake Virginia area that's where we will be shopping!!

I was afraid of that because I had been looking and had not seen any. Thanks

Has anyone seen a good price on a medicine ball, a portable basketball system, or a LT kichen? I am also looking for a NCAA football game for the computer does it even exsist??

Since Walmart's sale starts at 5 I don't think I'll need a call. I am just going to stay up and go really really early to price match and then get in line for the CPB.

Thanks for the tip! Do you know if they have any DVD VCR combos

I shop the same way. I go through each kids list, then I look for other people I would like to give a gift to and then I look for those surprise gifts that no one asked for but I know they will love it. For example I got one son a leather coat from Kohls 60% off and I had a 15% coupon, he did not ask for it but it will be very appreciated. I am hoping for the kichen and bike too. If I found the kitchen I want for forty dollars I would be thrilled!! The bike should be no problem K-mart's Thanksgiving Ad is listing 2 kinds for 19.99. Happy Shopping!! Budget -- whatever I can get by with !

If you want things from Kohls be in line early. I got there about 10 minutes after they opened and got nothing on my list from them. Our Kohls only has 6 registers so expect a long wait there too.

Two of my kids want CD players for their car and they want installation. This week BB and Circuit City are offering free installation ($35.00 value) if the player is $99 or more. Should I purchase now or waitfor BF and see if I can get the player cheap enough and pay for the installation?

I am still hoping for some good ads. Two of the kids want CD players for their cars installed. I want a 12 inch bike, and Step2 or Little Tykes kitchen. I just keep hoping

Thanks for the tip

Are these the regular ones or the magic glow ones? My daughter wants one too.

One year at Wal-Mart I was in line waiting for a digital camera. I was talking to the lady behind me and mentioned that I could not find every thing I wanted to price match. After a few minutes she asked me if I would hold her place in line and watch her cart, she wanted to get something. When she came back she had one of the items I wanted and handed it to me. She told me she had seen it earlier but did not want to get my hopes up until she checked. She was definitely one of Santa's helpers

I usually have some things bought before BF but not the most wanted gifts. I keep checking the ads but so far I have not bought much. My mom wants one of those Smart pot Crock pots so I am looking. Some people I just look it the BF ads and decide what to get that day.

Just take your ads with you. I think I have Wal-mart memorized so I usually know if they carry an item but I still go early and try to find as much of my list as I can. Our Wal-mart won't do BOGO or % offs but if the store list the price they will match it. Last year the cashier did not want to let me have the Deluxe monopoly (KB or TRU had it listed for 9.99) But she called her supervisor and I got it. The only catch is the sale has to be on. If the sale doesn't start till 7 and you are leaving Wal-mart before then they will not honor the ad. Hope you save lots of time and money!!

I love to price match too. last year I did not need to go to KB Toys because Wal-mart priced matched everything I wanted. I usually don't go to bed on Thanksgiving so I can figure out my shopping plans. Since I am a new member maybe I can better plan ahead and get a little sleep. Walmart is 30 minutes away but I am price matching by 3:30 in the morning.

My daughter works for Chick-Fil-A and they are sending out notices that no one can ask off for BF. She requested it off over a month ago and now they are saying you can't. ( At least her store) I really need her to be off!! She can drive now so now we can go 2 places at once and stay in touch with cell phones.

I have 5 teenagers in need of vehicles. Do car dealerships count as stores. I could pick 9 out in 5 minutes and then do the paper work. The other 4 are My husband, myself, and one for each set of our parents. If the cars won't work I would go somewhere with electronics.