pogiporkchop

Ditto that... A timely reminder of what is truly important as we approach the holiday season.

I think to be completely different this year I would only go to Macy's where Godiva chocolate will be 20% off and buy exactly $1000 worth of boxed and bulk chocolates. Then I would make some people very happy by giving a good portion of it away.

You make a good point. This is the kind of feedback that is needed. Anyone who has not shopped/mailed yet and is thinking about gift cards needs to make sure the gift card would tie into an actual gift. If in doubt send me a message.

I quite agree; it's nice to see one before Thanksgiving. Glad to see the gift will be thoroughly enjoyed. For next year I think there should be a question regarding gift cards. Some people, such as myself, may be totally OK with just receiving a gift card. Others may prefer to get an actual gift, and yet others may not care one way or the other. This would be a very useful thing to know. If anyone that has not sent or purchased gifts yet would like me to ask their exchange person let me know. And speaking of next year, I would be happy to host the exchanges again. In fact I can take it over long term if nobody objects - there's nothing I can foresee that would keep me from doing so.

I'm getting excited as the messages are coming in saying things are going out! One thing I noticed that was not clarified (and will be for next year) was the purchase of gift cards as gifts, particularly as "the" gift. We have tried to not do this in the past but I want to know what you all think and as soon as possible. A couple of people have already indicated that cards have been purchased as "the" gift; I know that these people are most sincere about choosing a gift that their person will enjoy but I don't want this to turn into an all card exchange either.

Finally! This is officially a great day now! Maybe next year there should be a contest for the last ad to show up...

That's better than using a map I think.

That brought a smile to my face too despite my position on smoking.

Why do I feel like I'm going to be shopping for a printer yet again? Maybe because DH always finds one he has to have, and he's bound to be interested in the wireless ones...

Michaels for me...

You could give him $600... and then say he didn't specify what kind of money. But that would be really mean... if you fill a stocking with a bunch of play money mix a bit of the real stuff in there. (Hey, that's a great idea for my own kids! Why didn't I think of it sooner?)

No... and that's another place I usually stop. One more for me to wait for...

I finally got around to starting my list last night...

Nice... I want a Keurig or something similar. Looks like I'll be shopping for myself too!

Definitely OK to ask them to bring something since everyone is popping up last minute. Keep meals simple - other than Thanksgiving, of course. On the brighter side, the Thanksgiving week/week before ad is usually very hot so you can get the most for your money. Sandwiches, soups, cereals for breakfast, etc. are all good ideas. You may even want to consider cooking one turkey ahead of time so you can make some dishes early as suggested in another post. Maybe order a deli tray of some kind for the first day.

Nothing there for me as usual... Hope you're getting some sleep before trying to type this up!

I wrote down exactly 20 things that might be of interest. While the Mini is top of the list even that is not a must have... it would be nice (the gc too) but it's not a necessity. Might go just to witness the chaos.

Want some fresh baked cookies with that? I just got done telling DH don't buy a wireless mouse now because someone will have them on sale BF... and I was right. Surprised to find something in here to buy.

Nice... Now I just need to find the nearest one since the one that was closest to me just closed.

Second something is out!

Eager as most of us are for it I'd be willing to wager that once we see the ad it'll be a disappointment. With so many locations near where I live plus the ones I visit for work, though, I hope it will be a good one.

I was going to do it a few weeks ago and thought it was a bit early. DD always has some very interesting requests and I'm sure she will be coming up with a list soon. Oh, she did say she wanted her own toilet paper... and of course it has to be panda ever since we went to Big Lots and she found the Panda brand. Panda everything is still on her list.

No, not really... :9 I too would like to see the Walmart ad, and Michaels, and... etc.

I'm lucky, DD begs me to be able to clean the toilet Both she and DS have been fighting over the vacuum since they were little. I just might get her one too...

Tradition dictates: 1. that I scout the stores of special interest frequently leading up to BF and plan lists accordingly 2. that DH will always come up with at least five things for me to get (kids too) 3. that Black Friday is known and recognized as mom's one guaranteed day to get time to herself 4. that turkey day morning I go out as early as I can to get the paper, checking no less than three for complete stuffing 5. that I remember if it is meant to be it will be on the shelf when I get there and the whole point of the day is to enjoy myself (mostly by people watching) ... and several other things I don't remember at the moment.