pogiporkchop

Can't go wrong with a spa gift basket if she's into facials, pedicures, etc. Get a gift certificate to someplace for a manicure and/or pedicure or other service and then put it in a small basket or bag filled with appropriate items for her to keep up the newly done nails or whatever it is she'll have done :)

Yes, yes, yes!!! Let the games begin! (Can you tell I got my list?)

Absolutely nothing... what a surprise. On the bright side I'm cutting some distance off my run! :)

that was an interesting article

I'm always the one staying up until 4am finishing wrapping and making everything look nice but it's worth it. If the kids see a wrapped present ahead of time I tell them that Santa asked me if he could store some gifts with us since he has so many to deliver I think this year we'll try the cookies and milk and reindeer food thing.

I like the element of surprise too even though I included a list of likes and dislikes. The one thing I know I forgot is no earrings, so if my SS reads this...

I tell mine (DD4, DS6) that anything they see is for their cousins and they buy it because they know that their cousins are not quite as fortunate as they are. They even like picking things out for them! :) DD is sharper than a new pin, however, so I'm hoping she doesn't figure things out this year... got to make it last as long as I can.

I'm trying to wait patiently for mine :) Having them will help me with my shopping list.

I just heard that too. Kudos to Meijer for posting their own ad!

I say make a Christmas card and tell them that you've made a donation in their name to a charity (of their choice, if they name any preferences). That way the money does some good instead of being a trinket tht lays around :)

For me it's a good ad. I'll have to fine tune my shopping plans again...

Meijer is going to have a gfm frame for 29.99 (save $50). After seeing that I may get a few for friends and family that live overseas!

That rocks! :) One of the ones I've been waiting for!

I agree with those who say Staples may be THE place to be this year. Not even a full listing and DH is saying "this is a deal, this is a deal..." He wants to get a TV to take back home to his mom's house when he goes in February because hers is broke.

Absolutely! :) I wouldn't sign up if I wasn't 100% dedicated to it. Besides, this is only once a year and worth a splurge. One reason I sign up is just because I like to mail packages!

(scratches off $50 winning lottery ticket) Looks like I just paid for my exchange activities... well, most of them! (still scratching head looking for rest of budget )

If JC Penney hadn't lost my business years ago for giving me horrid customer service I would so be there... they always have outstanding deals.

I'm going to suggest the same thing I have to others on here - make a donation to her favorite charity or cause in her name. :)

That's a great idea! I may have to try that this year.

Seconded! I love being out there people watching.

Absolutely not... in fact it's a great idea. The boys can make their own holiday cards for him or just write a nice note letting him know he's a great teacher, that they enjoy his class, etc. Or... maybe they could make a donation to a charity in his honor. It doesn't have to be big to be meaningful :)

Of course not.... it's always the plan but there's always items that come up in the weeks following!

Some people just don't have any and others decide that anything goes. Sadly those two things are severely lacking in today's society, and that's why I'm happy my kids know please, thank you, excuse me and I'm sorry. If they were the only words they ever spoke I'd be happy. Thankfully I've never had something taken from my cart. Usually have a nice big coat to hide things

Well, I got my free turkey - a nice little 13 pounder. Had a 20 pounder that a manager brought out from the back but gave it to the elderly lady who was making dinner for 10 people :) Now I'll be making turkey dinner early, tomorrow if possible, and then I can say I cooked a turkey!

Can't start wrapping until I actually buy some presents I'm waiting on some wrapping paper I ordered from my son for his fall fundraiser too.