bluebear

Ooh, I'm getting excited! Compaq Desktop 2GB SD Card 2GB USB Drive 1GB SD Card 10pk Lightscribe DVDs 100pk DVD Digital Frame MiniDV Camcorder 4 Pack Mini DV Tapes Laptop Memory 512 PC2700 I hope to also get a Sony LocationFree Base Station, if this store still has the clearanced ones.

I LOVE buying stuff for stockings! In fact, I think I'll be giving them, or at least goody bags, for my nieces, and maybe even parents! I buy things all year to put in them, so many that some get set aside for Easter baskets. For my 14 yo girl, she gets girly stuff, makeup, hair stuff, jewelry, sticky pads, cutesy socks, and pens. She has an obsession with cute pens. Last year I bought her so much stuff, that i was able to fill a small tote bag that I was already giving her with stuff too, and put that under the tree! The boys get little toys, cards, and whatever else I can find. Maybe a toy sword, and probably books. This year everyone is getting a flashlight and disposable camera. Also sometimes a gift card, and always candy! DH gets tools, cable ties, Sharpies, and maybe a small gift. I get little lotions, paper, pens, and this year I need some gloves, so I need to go buy those...

I do the same number of presents, both from us, and from Santa. But I take it a step further with the boys, 6 & 9, and make sure they have the same number of the same types of stuff. Like the same number of clothes, games, big toys, etc. This helps keep the cost close. I still try to keep my 14 yo girl with close to the same amount, but like a lot of people have said, her stuff costs more, and is different from the boys, so its harder. She gets a lot of "fillers".

A note on the cookie mix jars: If your child will be taking it to school themselves, you may want to consider using a plastic jar, like mayonnaise or the Dole fruit jars. I work in schools, and last year I saw a child drop one of these jars in the hallway, and it broke to pieces. So sad for the student, and it was a dangerous mess.