pogiporkchop

That's just my general wish list for myself. I certainly wouldn't expect a huge gift from the SS :)

I can just hear DD now if she sees Moshi Monster merchandise in an ad or catalog...

DD's been singing Jingle Bells for at least a week...

I think I better start making my list! :)

I've finally finished my info list and submitted it Here is most of it, hope it's a decent example. Likes: 1. colors (blue and forest green) 2. foods (coffee, tea and cocoa; chocolate; choco covered coffee beans, raisins, peanuts and pretzels) 3. reading (Harry Potter, Little House series 4. watching movies (hard to say what I like; I have a small handful I watch over and over) 5. cooking (Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, with a Crock Pot, baking, pizza, pastas) 6. gift sets sold only during the holidays (and from Figi's and Swiss Colony) 7. dining out (Boston Market, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, Arby's) 8. candy (m&ms, Ferrero Rocher, Twizzlers red, any chocolate) 9. scents (apple cinnamon, pine, lavender, vanilla) 10. big warm fuzzy blankets Dislikes: the color pink, most girly stuff (I'm not into makeup or jewelry and don't get my nails done) and seafood 10 Things I'd like to get: 1. a bigger crock pot (current one is 5qt. I think) 2. fuzzy lined leather moccasin slippers (indoor/outdoor) 3. a new coffee mug (kinda picky on this) 4. something to juice lemons with 5. a nice convection toaster oven 6. a great big wok 7. books: Little Women (unabridged) and the two sequels (Little Men, Jo's Boys), Harry Potter (1-5, hardcover), Little House series (looking to get the Caroline years right now) 8. movies: Little Women (w/Susan Sarandon), Gettysburg, The Ten Commandments, Harry Potter (all 8 of them) 9. new kitchen utensils 10. an all in 1 grill/press with changable plates Other tidbits: 1. I'm OK with getting gift cards. 2. I don't have a Christmas tree this year (well, a big one anyway). 3. Ask if I'd like something specific instead of guessing if you need to... might take the surprise out of it a bit but I'm always appreciative of the efforts of my SS and Ornament people.

If she wants that laptop badly enough she'll get the point, but if she can't then maybe she's not ready for such an expensive item. I would cut your budget and get each kid one big gift and a few smaller ones, making sure they have the same amount to open. Young kids are more into how many they get anyway. I'm sure I'll be spending less, maybe the same. My kids got the Spirit of Santa talk last year and have already been told that we don't know how much we'll be able to do for Christmas, but I think it will be one gift from each member of the family for each person. We will try to adopt a family as well. Oh yes, and start shopping now if you can... no guarantee you'll find what you want to get on BF! Good luck!

Not a scrap, though if DH has his way we'll be getting a new TV before BF. We're trying to sell our current one and have had inquiries already... can't do without it for a couple of months even if all we do is watch movies

Let me try to offer something more helpful... have a big bag that can store everything you need (wallet, ads, lists, snacks/drinks, diapers/wipes, small toys/crayons n paper, etc. so you're not toting around three or four different bags. Do go out a little later than the initial rush and start with smaller stores. If someone can go with you it would help in case any of the kids get tired/cranky. Ask store managers, if you can, how previous BFs have been and what suggestions they might have if you want to visit their store. And perhaps most importantly... frequent bathroom stops (use store ones and avoid ones in the mall if you can - the lines can be horrendous). It might not be original but I hope it's of some help. :)

Also check out previous years' exchange threads... some have long, detailed lists and others (like me) have shorter or more focused lists. Just put whatever you're comfortable with putting on there and if your SS needs extra info you'll get a mail (not from your SS) with what your SS would like to know.

The more specific/detailed you are the easier it will be on your SS. I've listed a few here: If you like reading give your favorite authors, series, specific books you'd like to get. Like cooking (or eating)? Types of food you like to eat/cook (be sure to include any allergies or other restrictions). Music genres and artists (do you play an instrument?) Sports teams Hobbies Movies (actors/actresses, specific titles/series) Items you might collect Once I finish my list I'll post it here... it would make for a better example :)

I have to agree with those who suggest staying home and shopping online, especially for the sake of the littlest ones. BF is just too crazy and chaotic - especially at WM. Wish you luck, though, with whatever you end up doing and that the kiddos stay safe if you do take them out.

We have a community group that does the adopt a family but it's just the kids of the family who you buy for and it works out great each year. Each family that signs up to be adopted also gets a food basket. It was fun to go to the drop off place and help sort gifts and food for baskets (I did this with DD's Scout troop last year... even DS got into it). My kids and I will definitely do this again this year... unless something drastic happens or we move out of the area.

Don't worry... it's just that I have pretty simple tastes and try to give easy ideas for giving. I try to think what may be affordable for my SS.

I'm in too... but I need time to write up my info. I promise I'll try to give more ideas this year

$5 minimum on ornament, $10 on SS BEFORE shipping and packaging and everything sent must have a DC# for tracking. You send your info (including likes/dislikes, interests and any other tidbits you care to share) to the host and then get the name of someone and their info. Go shopping, have fun, but do remember to mail your stuff on time because it stinks to not get a gift :) Elf volunteers are always welcome too, in case someone doesn't get their gift/ornament. In general, guaranteed fun all around.

Yes, it's always fun unless your SS doesn't send your stuff. That doesn't happen very often thankfully. Don't forget about the ornament and card exchanges too :)

No, the signup has not started yet I'm just wondering - who will be heading up the exchange this year? I'm willing to step up if nobody else does, or to be co-host if someone would like to split the job. (And yes, I think I'll find a way to participate in this, one of my favorite holiday traditions )

Just bath towels (nice ones), dishes and a convection toaster oven specifically for now. I would hope though for a lot of household basics.

DH decided to sell our Wii... which means by BF he'll be requesting that I find a deal on one, knowing him. Just like "upgrading" our TVs.

Me too... but I'd be content with a T, some shopping bags and some of that little stuff and would volunteer to be a walking billboard if I got it! (I also agree with the prediction that Half Price Books will be the first ad out... and it will be followed closely by the Ace ad.)

A lot more voucher sellers, larger lines starting earlier and (hopefully) more police and security presence where large crowds are gathered. Overall the ads will not be outstanding, most people will be shopping for basics and more than a few fights will break out. Ready the BF madness thread! On the sale side, I think Meijer will again do a game system deal: buy, let's say, a Wii and get X off ($30-50) your next grocery purchase.

DD is into Smurfs right now too, but not as much as Darth Vader and Star Wars. All her school stuff MUST be in the SW theme even if it's just color matching. Requests have already been made for the holidays as well.

I have no idea yet... maybe bikes for the kids, TV for DH (who says it's time for a new one - again - but smaller than the current). Really I'm just hoping I'll be able to go shopping this year.

Where is ANY C&D order? Ahhh... so good to be back!

I think I like Labor Day weekend as well :)