floridasun5

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I had not even thought about some of these things so this really helped. Bass Pro used to be his favorite store but I've never even been in one so I didn't know they had things like movies and such but I will take a look. I'm not sure yet what is keeping him busy at home so I will check with my mother as well. If anyone thinks of anything else, please keep them coming though.

I'm usually good with picking out gifts for others, but this one for my parents this year really has me stumped. Without going into a lot of detail and making this too long, my stepfather was just diagnosed with a terminal illness. He has been given about 6 months-2 years but just not sure in what capacity either. Needless to say my mother as well is now primary caretaker and they also cannot go out much since he can't be around a lot of germs or anything that could get him sick. Previous years, they used to love getting Omaha Steaks gift sets to cook but now it has caught on and most of their friends are buying them food now. They also have limited space in the fridge/ freezer for too many food gift sets. My stepfather used to enjoy fishing and they used to love to travel, but everything has just really come to a screeching halt. I'm also not even sure if he has any dietary restrictions. My parents are also not too sentimental, so nothing like memory gifts or photo albums, etc. I'm really at a loss here. Other than food gifts, does anyone have any other ideas?? Trying to keep it under $100 if I can. Thanks

Just got back after just a 2 hour trip out to pick up a few things. Left at about 10:45am and only went to Target and Joanns. Got the Pyrex 20pc food storage set for $18 and a few stocking stuffers. Joanns I picked up a jewelry tree for a friend for only $5.50 (regularly $14.99). Was also interested in the kids headphones at Target, but electronics area you really could not move in. The rest of the store was just like a normal day, lines were quick, easy in and out. Joanns was about the same, long line but moved quick...and they came through the line handing out candy to us waiting in line. Oh and also placed a great order at Entirelypets.com for my dogs before I left the house. Got like 5-6 things for $25.00 when probably only would have been able to get 1-2 items for that price at Petco/Petsmart. Left it at that since I had to be home to work but still plenty to do.

So far the best deal that I've gotten is an iPad 3 with 3 cases, keyboard and screen protector from eBay for $300! Already arrived. For my daughter (19). Thank goodness for clueless sellers LOL! Also just scored some Victoria's Secret stuff for myself with $15 off, free shipping and the free tote bag.

As an update and due to all the great stores putting their sales online early, I may actually not even venture out this year! I only have a few small minor things left to get so maybe I'll just stay home, sleep in, eat some leftovers and watch the forums for the stories of what happened while I was in bed lol

Wow, what a sweet kid. I am grateful for anything that anyone gets me, but I bought myself an iPad mini to open on Christmas day with my dd's and my bf's iPad and some clothes. Other than that, if anyone else asks like bf, parents, etc. the only other things I would like to have would be a pair of silk pajamas and a pair of diamond solitaire earrings.

Probably spending a bit more this year than usual. It's going to be a big year for iPads in my family so they add up. It was just worth it to spend the extra $$ to get gifts to make my dd and bf's eyes light up on Christmas morning so I can't wait!

Does anyone know if Sams offers any kind of extended return policy on electronics for the holidays? Their usual return policy for things like iPads is only 30 days, but that would be before Christmas if I buy soon so no room for the person to take it back if they didn't want it after Christmas. But I also dont want to take the risk of something selling out or not being available to get by Christmas if I wait until closer. Couldn't find anything on the website. Thanks

I'm the only one that's late to the party I guess lol I don't need or have any interest in standing in long lines for a doorbuster so I get what I can online between Thanksgiving Day/ Night and then will venture out in the morning of Black Friday to just see what sales are going on and pick up any other gifts I need, but I'm so over the super early/ waiting in lines for hours or days at a time hype.

Cool thanks! That will def save some time instead of having to go back an get in line again!

I didn't see this answered in the other thread, but for the items that you get the free gift card, do they give the gift card to you right there at the register? So in essence I could buy the first item, get the gift card and then go back in and buy more stuff with the card? Anyone have any insight on how it usually works? Thanks

Home Alone

Beautiful silver bracelet from boyfriend Victorias Secret body care set Candle Lots of chocolate and candy Steve Jobs' biography Alarm Clock $200 cash Hope everyone had a nice day!

Hope everyone has a great Christmas! Merry Christmas to all.

I love baked brie and its pretty easy. If you have any kind of pastry crust around like pie crusts, puff pastry, phyllo dough, etc. just top the brie with some jam/ jelly and then wrap it in the pastry sheet and bake. Serve with crackers. Nice and elegant but easy and very tasty!

As of 5pm EST, I am officially DONE! Gifts wrapped, food prepped, house cleaned and absolutely nothing else left to do but relax the rest of the evening!

Not doing anything for Christmas Eve this year. Usually we go to a friends house for a dirty santa gift swap and party, but my boyfriend has his kids this year so we can't do it. My day today will be a super clean of my house and prepping all the food for tomorrow, so I might be too tired tonight anyway to do anything. Christmas morning will be my dd (18) opening her presents when she gets up. Parents, grandparents, boyfriend, kids, will be over mid day for opening presents, dinner at 2ish and after dessert and clean-up the rest of the night is adult relax time with egg nog, cocktails, and movies. Making a huge menu this year so a lot to do today: Turkey Steak Roulade Smashed Potato Gratin Cranberry, Apple and Sausage Stuffing Corn Brussels, Asparagus and Leek Saute Rolls Beets Poinsetta Cocktail Red Velvet Cheesecake Pumpkin Pie Shrimp Cocktail and Cheese Try for appetizers Geez, just writing it all out is exhausting...I better get off this computer and get started! LOL

I need a deal on a new comforter....a down comforter. I had one years ago that was too thin and the down shifted to the edges making it completely flat and I got rid of it. I know they go by ounces/ fill power, different weights and thread count, but I don't know what is acceptable and am a bit overwhelmed. I live in FL so I want something that is warm enough for winter, but not so hot that I can't use it in summer. I like them nice and fluffy though. Need a good deal and from what I'm seeing online and in stores, it doesn't seem likely unless I can spend several hundred $$ on one which is soooo not in the budget. If anyone knows of any good, fluffy comforters that are of good quality, wont end up flat but not too heavy weight and not insanely expensive, please let me know. King or California King size. Thanks!

1) The Santa Clause 2) Home Alone

iPad if you can swing it. Look online for deals, ebay, Craigslist or the Apple.com refurbished store. Nothing else is going to compare.....trust me...I've seen firsthand.

Here's mine....pre tree-skirt and presents. :)

I went out from about 8am - 2pm today and had a great experience. Everyone I encountered, whether it be employees or other customers were very nice, helpful and courteous. Granted, I was out after all the crazy crowds and doorbusters were over, but there were no lines, no problems parking, etc. There wasnt anything that I got an exceptional deal on, although I did get some some items really cheap or free from rebates, gift cards, return credit, etc. but mostly small stuff. I came in under my Christmas budget and was able to get a few things for myself while I was at it! I hit Michaels, JCPenney, Ulta, the mall, Joanns, Walmart, CVS, Target and Home Depot. Still have 1 more store to get a last Christmas gift but I wont be in the area until Thursday then I'll be officially done. Then, I have to hit one additional store for some Christmas home items, but thats it. A very good and fun BF 2011.

10 - Jingle All the Way 43- Love Actually 37 - Die Hard 4 - Miracle on 34th Street 5 - Mickeys Christmas Carol 15 - Home Alone 2 - Christmas Vacation 9 - Christmas with the Kranks 55 - Home Alone 3 50 - The Homecoming 27 - One Magical Christmas 63 - Santa Baby 11 - Deck the Halls 53-Badder Santa 42-Santa Buddies 62-Santa Claus: The Movie 14-The Grinch 1- The Santa Clause- 2010 Champion 51-The Christmas Shoes 28-Mickey's One Upon a Christmas 7-Four Christmases 24-Surviving Christmas 34-Last Holiday 3-A Christmas Story- 2008 Champion 17-It's a Wonderful Life 64-Santa Clause 3- The Escape Clause 60-A Christmas Carol 2009- Jim Carrey 58-Family Stone 31-The Christmas List 38-Gremlins 52-Miracle on 34th Street- 1994 version 40-The Holiday

I had originally planned to get to CVS first thing at 7am this morning but got lazy and didn't get there until noon. I was pleasantly surprised that they still had everything I wanted and the store was practically dead. Spent $31.xx in freebies and a few extra things and now I have almost $20 in rebate bucks so I'll be going back tomorrow to get my boyfriends son one of the $20 toys for free so that's another gift done and really no cost!! Great start to this years Christmas shopping!

So far: 3 Pillow Pets from Amazon (right around $15 each). They are not the brand pillow pets, but are the same size, still get great reviews and I'm sure the kids wont care and I was happy with the price. and some other items like 2 books for BF, brain teaser puzzle for dd and some things for the parents. Never made it out to CVS yet for the free items after instant rebates but will be stopping by on the way to the parents in a few hours.