Xmas & presents
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Topic: Xmas & presents
Posted By: jazzy
Subject: Xmas & presents
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 11:27am
So I am a toy addict & have been since DS1, back then it was easier as I could buy what I wanted for him & only had 1 child to buy for but now with 3 & they all want what ever is out now it is just imposable.
I was cleaning out DS1 room the other day & found an Xmas present we bought him, a remote controlled helicopter still in the box as we had just out of batteries on Xmas day cost about $80, so DH put batteries in it & had a go & DS1 has played with it once since then...what a waste of money.
This yr I went & did a big lay-buy for around $700 of lego & other stuff I thought they would like, but since then they have shown no interest in it when seen things advertised. I look around their toys & see so many that are not played with or played with properly & the amount of $ we have spent on lego sets for it to end up in the "thousand $ lego blocks box" is quite sickening...well maybe I am just getting fed up with spending so much $ on toys...finally...
So now I am rethinking Xmas & what they will get & what I am having the most problem with is how many presents they will get each. There is a couple of things I want to get for them to share..but I have to keep asking myself am I wanting it for them or because I like it...
What are you doing for xmas presents this yr? Do you have a $ limit or maybe a limit of how many per child? Are they practical or stuff that is in now?
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Replies:
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 12:25pm
$700 on lego would give me a heart attack!
We have a $ limit. $100 each.. that's for me and Dh and for the boys.
We try and get outdoorsy kinda things. They don't need indoor toys.. like you said they get forgotten about and not used. Like Alex was given books by us for his birthday rather than plastic stuff.
This year our ideas for the boys is that we need a new paddling pool for them so thats one. Daniel loves taking photos so I'm gonna get him a cheapo 2nd hand camera on trademe that has a rechargable battery so he doesn't send us broke on batteries and being 2nd hand we wont care if he drops it. Both of them need togs so will do that for them. That's as far as I've got so far with ideas for them.
Their stocking will have some yummy goodies and a couple of random $2 shop items.
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 12:50pm
We don't have a present limit or budget (yet, we will have to when they get older) but after last year when DS was utterly spoiled by us and then his grandparents, it was a bit OTT and his birthday is mid-January so he was spoiled again a few weeks later.
This year we decided on outdoors and wooden toys only. The cheaper plastic type toys were forgotten about and he has so many of them already.
We are getting a swing set and DD is getting a separate baby swing to go along with it. An outdoor sports set and then some indoor wooden toys for them both along with some bits and pieces for their stockings like crayons and a couple of treats.
I love Christmas and can get a bit carried away, but it gets so expensive and I imagine as they get older it will only get harder.
------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Stoked
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 1:19pm
DS will just be getting one xmas present this year. We're going for practical so he'll get a small wooden table and chairs set. I figure that the rest of the family will go nuts buying him stuff (I know he is getting a swing from mum and dad and a paddling pool from sil) so we might as well just buy him one good present that will go the distance.
When I was little we always got three presents. One "good" present (more expensive and something we wanted) plus two other presents of less cost - they were often practical, new clothes, smellies etc.
------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 1:30pm
We don't have the price limit...but this year have decided to get the kids 1 big shared present (outdoor trampoline so quite pricey but I know they will get lots of use out of it and it will last for ages) and then they will get 1 smaller toy from us (probably a car/truck for Tom and Ella is asking for some more polly pocket stuff so probably something like that- again they both play with those sort of toys all the time so don't mind adding to their collection).
They also both get a new outfit to wear on Christmas day (given on xmas eve).
For their santa stockings they get a couple of books each, a couple of smaller toys (matchbox cars, art stuff, dress up costume, hair ties & girly stuff for Ella) and some more clothing (which I would have got them for summer anyway but will wrap up and put in their stockings- Ella loves clothes so I know that she will like this). I try and keep them both balanced but Tom still doesn't really care if he gets less presents than Ella- as long as he gets stuff with wheels he is happy boy.
------------- Mum to
Ella (5) and Tom (2)
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 2:47pm
kebakat wrote:
$700 on lego would give me a heart attack!
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lol, nope not all on lego, I'm not that bad ha ha, but I did get sets that were like $100-$150 each which is because DS1 is into star wars but never plays with his lego any more it sits there displayed or DS2&3 destroy it when not guarded. Other things I got was board games but then my kids don't do them so should not waste money on them to sit on the shelf with the rest.
DS2 has a b'day 2 weeks before xmas (he was due after xmas so missed the sales, lol) & DS1 B'day is Feb (was meant to be end of Jan).
What I struggle with is now they are getting older I need to change the way we do things as DS1 is now 10 going on 11, DS2 will be 7 & DS is 5
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Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 3:33pm
This year we are getting a tramp for our kids, providing I can get one cheap enough. We had one but had to return it & the kids love it so need to replace it, good timing to coincide it with xmas.
Other than that, they'll probably get clothes & something small.
Christmas to me is about getting together with family & having a nice day not about all the presents. I hate how everything is so materialistic now days!
I'd be lucky if I spent $700 this year on ALL the family not just my kids. I plan to make things for everyone else ie cookies, jams etc cause they are super cheap & super easy.
------------- Kel
http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12
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Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 6:29pm
We're buying a slide, fishing rods (unless my MIL agrees to get them instead of the normal plastic toys - FX!), and bikes coz DS1 has outgrown his and DS2 is getting right into riding stuff. We're also making them a little kitchen with felt food.
The boys also get stockings with grapes, chocolate buttons, DS1 will probably get a $12-20 box of lego and DS2 will probably get matchbox cars.
The list was slightly different a couple of months ago coz we were planning on doing a no-buy christmas and make everything but things have changed.
For our family present we brought a big pool on special on labour wknd and we're getting a tent large enough for us all too. It's a more expensive christmas than usual for us but they're all things that'll last for ages and we've wanted a few of those things for awhile but haven't been in a position to get them. I don't mind spending more money if its stuff that we're going to get the use out of.
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Posted By: blessedmama
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 7:23pm
We are on a really tight budget so the children each get one main present each and then a few small things - a couple of books each, a pair of summer pjs, a t shirt. Stockings will be small bits and pieces to eat, stickers and that sort of thing. If I had the money I could easily get carried away - leading up to Christmas there is a part of me that always feels bad that I can't buy them more - but on the other hand, I want Christmas in our family to be about the special traditions and our family and close friends.
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Posted By: Flossie
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 7:54pm
As DD is still young and bubs (due Nov) is even smaller we have been quite tight, mainly because we can get away with it and tbh DD doesnt really need anything so I am not going to buy things for the sake of it.
She is getting a few clothes, pjs, bath chalk/crayon things, some jandals, and some stickers/books - the whole lot brought on sale so probably less than $50 worth - however we have large family (3 siblings on each side as well as parents, grandparents and some cousins) who buy gifts and last year was crazy how much she got.
------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: fattykat
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 8:30pm
Last year DD got a easel with whiteboard on one side & blackboard on the other as her big present (which she has used probably every 2nd day so was a great buy...on sale too) paints & brushes to go with it and some books. She got spoiled from her Nana's & Grandads though.
This year her big present will be a bike and probably more books & some clothes from us.
DP & I don't buy for each other so there is nothing spent there and we only buy small presents for our presents. We are lucky, Xmas doesn't cost us too much and because I put money away each week during the year the money is there to spend without being missed.
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Posted By: M.i.s.s.y
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 8:40pm
We are going to build our girls a playhouse for xmas this year, & they will just get a few small things to open, they also always get spoilt by grandparents, so no need to go overboard. (& we dont have the funds 2 anyways!)
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 8:59pm
i buy mine through the year so dont really know how much we spend. I decided earlier this year - as i do most years - what the "theme" will be and it is musical instruments this year... so have a guitar for one a uke for the other and will get a keyboard or tambourine for the girl. there are things i always get, like a t shirt or pj's so look out for specials through the year of things i know they really like. one year it was all outdoor toys we got them, another it was bikes. most years the big present is from us, i hate Santa getting all the credit! lol! I do end up buying too much though.
------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: Nikki
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 9:30pm
Last year the kids got a trampoline to share from us and one other pressie each, then from Santa they got lots of little cheap things ($2 shop) and stuff they needed (clothes etc) - especially DD as she was only 17 months so nothing too expensive in her santa sack.
This year I have gone a bit crazier, party cos they will be 4.5 and 2.5 and DS especially is really into the Xmas thing now and knows what he wants etc, and DD is 2 going on 5 and would not want to miss out on anything that her brother got! So DS is getting a decent bike from us, as hes outgrown the one we got him almost 2yrs ago. DD is getting a wooden dolls house that hubby got in Thailand (he imports clothes so sent it back in the container) and both will get books. From santa they are getting a scooter (cheap dora one I got on special for DD and good one for DS as his old one is falling apart and he loves it) plus lots of educational / wooden toys I got on trademe. I feel like I've gone a bit crazy looking at it all ... but the $2 shop stuff wouldn't have cut it this year and all ends up not being used anyway. At least I know the wooden puzzles / blocks / threading reels /abacus etc will last. Oh and I got them a half price zuzu pet each too!
I usually don't buys heaps for Xmas / b'days cos they get so much from other people .... don't know what happened to that theory this year!?!
------------- DS (5yrs) and DD (3yrs)
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Posted By: Nikki
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 9:32pm
Just remembered about the big rubbish truck I got DS (he asked for it) and the blackboard/whiteboard for their playhouse. Jazzy I'm as bad as you.
My MIL cleans our house and has asked everyone NOT to buy them toys for Xmas!!! (I've said books or clothes if people want to get something!)
------------- DS (5yrs) and DD (3yrs)
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Posted By: JadeC
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 9:41pm
I'm working with a $100 budget for DS - a $50 baby trampoline from Kmart, plus a couple of DIY projects (water table, duplo/lego table) and some small things in a stocking.
------------- http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 10:21pm
We put $10pwk into each of the boys accounts so that'd be $520pyr for each of them. That covers christmas presents which is usually joint stuff and birthday presents, plus any clothes, shoes or odds and ends through the year. Means we don't have to scramble for money. Its the only reason we were able to get the presents we're getting this year.
We were going to wait and get DS2 a ride-on for his bday in Feb but DS1s bday isn't til July and he's outgrown his bike *now* so we figured we may as well do them both at the same time. Thats the only problem I'm discovering especially as they both get older - keeping it somewhat balanced!!
I've added up what we'll spend this year and had a horrified moment but then remembered that last christmas and the christmas before we were so strapped for cash we weren't able to buy the boys anything at all. I must say it is kinda nice to be able to get them stuff this year
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 10:41pm
We try to stick around the $50 mark - I don't think at my kids ages (nearly 4 and 2y3m) that they need it. Plus they get spoilt by others.
We are going halves with my parents in a doll for the girl (as it's $110 - every girl needs a quality doll), and World Peacekeepers toys for the boy. They'll then get a wee stocking full of little things.
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Posted By: Kalimirella
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 9:20am
We tend to get practical things. Also cause our 2nd daughter will be so young this year (will only be 4 mths old) she will probably only get clothes or 1 of her older sisters toys wrapped for her.
We;ve splurged on Kiara this year and shes getting a balance bike which I think she will love (she like the 3 wheeler and 4 wheeler sorts her grandparents have) and that was $60.
As for other people (me/DP/MIL/FIL etc) we will be getting little things or getting presents in conjunction with other people so we can get something they really want. We're trying not to spend too much as our ultimate present to my MIL/FIL will be getting our own house and moving out in a couple of years!
------------- Kiara is 3 and Teagan is 2, now we're expecting our long awaited 3rd! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Bky
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 11:25am
I feel myself wanting to go overboard, but haven't so much yet. We're not big on presents so much at occasions, but rather if we see something throughout the year we'll get it and give it then.
So far we've a mini-trampoline and an online music program, and may add a dolly. Not expecting a lot from family either so will see. Of course we've also recently bought clothing, bubbles, a smart trike and probably some other stuff I've forgotten recently that *could* have been Christmas presents, but we thought we'd rather give it when we know she'll enjoy it (i.e. now) rather than in a few months. Overall I'm trying for a $100 limit. If I counted everything we've already bought (including clothing) I think we'd be over even though we've gotten things very much on sale. Last year she got 1 present from us (and one we wrapped up from someone else that was actually sent for her birth).
Of course she's still at an age where things from the recycling are better toys than 'actual' toys...
------------- 7/2010, 10/2012 and 1/2015
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Posted By: kiwigal
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 6:08pm
I pick things up during the year during the big toy sales.
I think I have spent about $100 or so each on both kids.
My mum always gives the kids gift cards from where I choose unless I visit her down in Wellington then she will get whatever they like. I think DD will go towards getting a bookcase since she doesn't have one and DS I am not sure yet.
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Posted By: Shelt
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 7:22pm
I brought DD's christmas presents at the July toy sales coz her birthday is 2 weeks before christmas. She is getting a playdoh set, a cash register, a doctor dress up outfit and accessories, a zuzu pet and assorted clothes and books. Plus some small stuff for her stocking. I went overboard last year so this year I wrote a list of what I thought she would like, then halved it. Its still probably more than she needs but she does play dress ups all the time and playdoh and I think the cash register will be used a lot (I remember playing with one when I was younger).
There is so many cool toys out there and its hard to know where to stop sometimes. I sometimes find myself buying things because I want them or think she should have them (like educational toys) rather than because she would play with them. I've really made an effort this year to cut back.
------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 8:06pm
WOW your house must have so many toys. I spend about $50 at Xmas and i think my child has heaps.
DDs birthday is 1 week after Xmas. So i tend so spend about $100 on gifts and maybe one or two sets of clothes & then divide it for Xmas & Birthday.
I never pay full price for anything. I wait until stuff is on special.
I got My Little Pony, buy 1 get 1 free. Kitchen 70% off.
Just things like that.
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Posted By: Richie
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 10:06pm
I personally don't seen the need in spending heaps on presents. DD did get heaps for Xmas cause it was her first Xmas and my family spoilt her rotten (DF's family live in Ireland and didn't send anything over cause it costs too much) but half the stuff she got, doesn't get played with. She's not much into toys but is more into reading books and doing puzzles so doesn't need all the latest toys etc, they just dont interest her. I think we spent maybe $150 on her for Xmas last year and it will be about the same this Xmas, but she will again be spoilt by the family cause DF's parents will be arriving in a few weeks from Ireland for our wedding and they have said they have been given things to bring over for Isla by all the family over there to give her at Xmas time.
We got bugger all as kids for Xmas, like one thing each but it didn't worry us at all, but by the time my little brother came around (10yrs younger than me) our parents had more money and he is a spoilt little sh*t and gets anything he wants at Xmas and always has and his attitude sucks, so I actually think showing kids from a young age that they don't need the latest and greatest toys etc is a good thing.
I don't even know if that makes sense..... gosh, I'm such a rambler. It makes sense in my head. Stupid baby brain
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Posted By: blossombaby
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 10:16pm
I love christmas and I totally admit to ovr buying for miss 14months - did last year and will again this year and many years to come - i remember how spoilted i was at xmas and while xmas isn't about the presetns to me that is my memory iykwim?? - we don't do licenced products dora etc and i don't do toys we have tons already and she always ends up playing with a peg or a coat hanger!!.
We have lots of outdoors stuff for her for xmas - like buckets, a balance bike, clothes etc.
I don't keep track of what i spend , I really get into christmas and fill a stocking up for me and dp too!!
We don't buy toys during the year - i love buying her clothes so taht doesnt really count.
I totally spoil family too!
Ive asked family for vochers for a local furniture shop here to get her a special bookcase made!
------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: julz85
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 10:19pm
This year i will be spending a fair bit as i want something to entertain my dd outside , I have finally moved into a place that has a big enough backyard so dd will be getting either a trampoline OR a swingset and more than likely a plastic playhouse too if i can find a cheap one (possibly even secondhand). My mums already got quite a bit put aside for her too and altho she does sound spoilt it is only me and my mum that do buy her presents as her dad isnt in her life so doesnt help out and my familys very small so i kind of feel like i have to make up for that . More than anything i just want her to be entertained , at the moment i have a big fenced backyard and nothing for her to do in it .
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Posted By: xLUCKYx
Date Posted: 31 October 2011 at 10:58am
Each year I buy the kids a special outfit that they can wear on Christmas Day and special occasions throughout the year plus a new pair of shoes. Then they get a few little bits and pieces, and one 'big' present each. Last year DD got a little guitar and DS got a Thomas the Tank Engine book set (about $30 each on the 'big' present). This year it might be a bit more because I would like to buy them bikes but haven't really decided yet.
I also spend a little bit in the lead up to Christmas (as I love Christmas sooo much) so that we can have a little party and do colouring in, bake and decorate cookies etc...
We definitely don't go OTT though IMO...
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Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 31 October 2011 at 9:24pm
We buy through out the year and I almost never pay full retail for toys at all. We have a sort of rule that we go big on birthdays but not big on Christmas. So far with McKayla we had two Christmases that was bigger and to be honest it wasnt needed.
Same really with birthdays. I have had a look in her room and it actually makes me sick the amount of toys she has. Even though she plays with quite a lot of them. I feel less is needed and both my kiddies are really outdoors most of summer.
So for this year this is what they are getting so far: Basically art things to do during the holidays. So got them some figurines with paint to paint. then all sort of different packets of art stuff from the $2 store for them to share. McKayla misses collage from Playcentre.
Then waterguns for everyone. And mine and hubby's will be filled with water already. They will have to scram to get theirs filled. So at least we can get a few shots in first. I might get a new set of clothes each. And then a few sweeties for the sack. Then then I got a few weeks back 4 additions for the zhu zhus. (the cars and balls etc) for them to share.
And that is it. Done with shopping so no need to do more. And got some other art stuff for the Playcentre parties etc.
------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 13 November 2011 at 8:25am
Well it is 6 weeks till Xmas & no presents have bought as we keep changing our minds
Have not put a limit on it but the main present is $180 & they will share this.
We have decided this yr to not have every present from Santa. So the main present will be from us & it will be something they share. We are going to the IL's on Xmas day so they will only have their main present here & a few little things at the IL's.
MIL asks for a list so she can get them the toys they want. My family send clothes & book vouchers usually but not every yr.
We have cut down who we are buying for & I am recycling a couple not buying for adults but will do kids photo calendars & chocolates for a couple of family members & will send them away.
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Posted By: rorylex
Date Posted: 13 November 2011 at 11:02am
Oh I cant wait for xmas this year usually I dont care too much for it at all and passed few yrs I have just wanted to boycott all together but this year my boys are so excited which makes me excited for them.
I have asked them want they want to ask santa for xmas,
they love watching polar express which has helped with my oldest as he is autistic so really just didnt get it, this year he finally understands some of it, well not the religous side of it but i wont push that for a a few years, might try explaining it to ds2.
they cant wait to see santa this yr who they always see at the fire stations xmas party(of course that they all remember)
we dont really have a $ limit for the kids I plan what I want for them and what they want and look around at prices. I have in the passed gone crazy on the toys but as we have had a huge toy cull in the passed yr, that wont be happening again. I was going to get lego but I tested them on it 1st and bought 3 small lego bits and they lost the bits in a few weeks, tried playmobile thinking less bits than lego but same concept, lost them too.
this yr they are all getting bikes and scooters.
ds1 has asked for bubbles, he is the cheapest one to buy for bubbles, marbles and chocolate and he is happy.
so his stocking this year is jam packed with bubbles.
but this year we are doing up the inside of our house we have lots of icicle fairy lights to hang around our lounge and lots of cool stuff. the kids are already asking is it xmas yet, had to explain to ds2 that when his teacher starts saying december in the morning then we can put up the xmas tree.
------------- Mummy to 4 boys
Samuel - 18.6.05
Rory - 15.7.06
Mason - 13.06.08
Emmett - 24.01.10
Baby #5 - cooking
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Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 14 November 2011 at 12:11am
Our kids are getting a fair bit this christmas,but its all stuff thats less than $30,the most expensive item is a sand and water table that both Mila and Ty can use and that was $30 exactly.
Well...the older two are getting a fair bit,so far Mila has just got a doll,and OHHHH MY LOOOORD what a mission that was.
DH spent 10 minutes,yes TEN,deciding which doll had the "nicest looking face"
And then berated me because I had the nerve to look bored.
Its a doll mate,its just a doll.
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 14 November 2011 at 12:01pm
lol Kelly thats so funny
james knows exectly what he wants lol so will be easy this year i save all year for xmas so is good to have the money this year wont be shopping till the last week before as james found his pressy 2 years ago lol cant wait james is so looking forward to it
------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a>
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 24 November 2011 at 2:32pm
& because I like talking Xmas & its a month away woohoo & scary...we have finally decided what to get the kids.
We are getting them an xbox 360kinect as there are a lot of cool games for it. We are going to set up the xbox360 we have now in DS1 room so he can play his own games, so it will be a win win situation. Also getting them clothes & 1 toy each.
MIL is getting us a family zoo pass & a few small things for the kids.
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Posted By: xLUCKYx
Date Posted: 24 November 2011 at 2:42pm
I still haven't bought presents!!
I am really excited about our tree now!! I didn't realise until about 2 months ago that when we moved, we left our tree and ALL of my decorations in Auckland :-(
Almost bought a new tree last week but didn't and now one of my Mum's friends is giving us a ginormous one that has only been used once and is spare!! Still have to buy new decorations and I love all the ones I already have so will be weird but can't wait - tree goes up after the santa parade on December 4th. DD got a Christmas paper chain kit for her birthday so we will make those up too and some cookies :-)
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 24 November 2011 at 3:25pm
I have not bought anything yet either...am starting next week, looking for good prices.
DS2 birthday is in 2 weeks & we are getting him a psp so need to do that first.
We only have 2 more pays before xmas agrhhhh & I don't think DH is on call before then so just basic pays.
We are going away this yr for xmas day so won't be spending too much for food but will be on drinks
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 24 November 2011 at 3:29pm
have xmas day all sorted spending it with my aunty and uncle my 3 cuzzins and hopefully the grand oldies aswell mum is working till 3 but will join us then i cant wait is going to be so fun
------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a>
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 24 November 2011 at 3:43pm
sounds like fun, bet James is excited
I so love Xmas
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 24 November 2011 at 3:47pm
I am so excited for Christmas, always am but we have our complete family this year and I'm excited not to be pregnant, for two years in a row I've not been able to have champers at breakfast
All presents have been bought but now the real fun starts - wrapping!! Woop, can't wait!!
------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 24 November 2011 at 3:49pm
We tend to do big gifts at birthdays and smaller gifts at christmas.
I've been collecting bits and pieces over the last few weeks so they each have 2 or 3 small toys (i.e. under $30 per toy), a few books each and some clothes.
They'll also each have a christmas stocking with novelty things and edible stuff.
------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com
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Posted By: J&Ls mum
Date Posted: 26 November 2011 at 9:40pm
My kids are getting stockings with chocs, juice, undies, toothbrush and maybe a dvd.
DS is getting a cosy coupe,the huggies laptop from the last promo and the activity cube from the current promo.
DD is getting a tool bench and tools, a leapfrog laptop, a Drs kit and a moon hopper.
My mum has brought DD a new (expensive $200) duvet set and a bubble machine and has brought DS a new outfit and a swimbag.
Not sure what the ILs are getting them
My kids are very spoilt!
------------- J - born 26th April 2008
and
L - born 3rd Sept 2010
http://alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 8:00am
I miss buying all the baby/toddler toys... Xmas & b'days were great excuses for that & I so went for it, lol
My kids keep changing there minds about stuff & it is doing my head in...no wonder I have not bought anything yet.
We were at a mall yesterday & DS3 spots Santa & wants to ask him for some play-doh that he wants NOW.. so I went & bought him some as it was cheaper to buy it than ask Santa for it
DS2 Birthday is becoming an issue as now he wants lego so we may just get him lego & no PSP as he has lost interest in his brothers one..I just hate the what I call $1000 box of lego, which is sets that have been taken apart & put in with the lose blocks. But better buy what he wants.
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 8:02am
This is my xmas list...so far...
Xbox 360 Kinect - for all to share (550)
DS1 1 lego toy (50)
all black T & shorts (got)(30)
Pj's (6)
DS2 1 lego toy (50)
xbox controller (80)
Pj's (6)
DS3 1 lego toy (50)
xbox controller (80)
Pj's (6)
There stocking will be full of lollies, snacks, new toothbrush, pen & note book. Mainly stuff to take & eat in the car.
This is the first yr where all presents are not from Santa....so not sure how we are doing it yet with going away.
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 9:06am
lol jazzy james know exect what he wants lol so makes buying alot easer but i am not buying till the last moement as am worried he will change his mind lol
------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a>
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 10:27am
james I think that's why I have been putting things off & I cancelled a lay-by as the kids keep changing their minds...oh things were so much easier when I could just pick & they had no demands, lol
I told all 3 of them yesterday that if they wanted lego Santa said they had to pick a theme & stick with it so DS1 has gone back to star wars, DS2 is into Ninjago & DS3 wants Harry Potter...wish he wanted cars, it so cute...but may change his mind over the next few weeks so will get the catalogue from the toy shop next week to be safe..
I have just made a batch of peanut brittle, first time & if it works out well that is what the kids will be giving their teachers at the end of the yr. They can make cards & we will put the PB in little bags with ribbon...cheap & home made. Will also make some up so they can give it to the grandparents & aunt/uncle & cousins on Xmas day.
just tried it mmm yum
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 10:44am
seee i only have two to buy for so makes life alittle easer for me lol have brought the newpew pressy and have the bros and sis sorted only james to go oh and jazzy james found his pressy two years ago so another reason i am leaving it a bit late
------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a>
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Posted By: blossombaby
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 12:12pm
JandL your son will love the car miss 14 motnhs got one for her first birthday and she even gives it a wash when daddy is washing the car!
My girl is still young but i guess by next year she will be telling us what she wants etc. My question is ... is it wrong to not get them what they want ... haha the thoguht of thousands of bits of lego scares me, and lots of junky plastic dora toys!
or is that just mean ....
I have finshed dds xmas shopping yet everytime i go to do the rest of the people i end up only buying her stuff .. i may have to look at finishing it online that way i can't be tempted!
------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: blessedmama
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 12:21pm
Jazzy how do you make peanut brittle? Sounds yum!
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 12:42pm
blessedmama wrote:
Jazzy how do you make peanut brittle? Sounds yum! |
super easy
2 cups caster sugar & 1/2 cup water in pan, heat slowly till sugar dissolves stirring all the time. Then bring to boil & boil for 4-5mins till it turns light golden colour & no stirring.
Take off heat add 20g butter & 1 cup of salted peanuts stir quickly to mix & pore on to baking paper & spread...you need to do it quickly as it sets fast, then leave for about 15mins & break up.
I went & peeled the paper off it after about 5 mins so it would not stick but left it on for the 15mins...so easy
next time I will try cashew nuts. Very rich tasting but 4-5 pieces for teachers is a good amount...yum yum
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Posted By: blessedmama
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 1:53pm
Brilliant. Thanks! I need something for Kindy teachers and that sounds perfect.
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Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 7:39pm
blossombaby wrote:
JandL your son will love the car miss 14 motnhs got one for her first birthday and she even gives it a wash when daddy is washing the car!
My girl is still young but i guess by next year she will be telling us what she wants etc. My question is ... is it wrong to not get them what they want ... haha the thoguht of thousands of bits of lego scares me, and lots of junky plastic dora toys! or is that just mean ....
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Tom (19mths) loves his car as well- 1st birthday present and he plays with it every day - best buy ever.
No I don't think its mean to get everything they want. Ella goes through all the toy catolgoues and cuts out pictures of what she wants- her list is so long, that I had to sit her down and explain that Santa can only bring a limited amount of presents because he has to make sure he has enough presents to go around all the kids. TBH by the time Christmas will roll around she would have forgotten everything she wanted anyway...so as long as I know I have gotten a few favourites then she will be happy.
------------- Mum to
Ella (5) and Tom (2)
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 7:47pm
I don't think its mean. Daniel wrote a letter to santa (with my help lol) and I told him to pick 8 things to go on the list and that santa will try and get him at least one of them but he won't be able to get all of them and he will just have to wait and see what he brings on christmas day.
He remembers everything on the list though and recites it to my mum pretty much every day on the phone
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Posted By: Kelz
Date Posted: 27 November 2011 at 9:37pm
Speaking of presents......is anyone else in having some fun with our Secret Santa this year?
Entries will be closing on Thursday 1st December :)
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 28 November 2011 at 2:58pm
I'm all for don't get them everything they want - I think it'll make them appreciate the things they do get more. Plus I've no interest in buying them things that I don't view as good choices.
------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 28 November 2011 at 6:35pm
I am at the stage where I want to get them what they want, what they will play with & what they will appreciate. But not everything. DS2&3 want everything they see advertised on tv at the moment & a lot of it is stuff that they get board with or that you have to keep buying stuff for it to be used again.
I am sick of wasting money on toys that are in one day & out the next...& rubbishy crap stuff.
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 02 December 2011 at 7:28pm
So have you got your Xmas tree up & does your place look like Xmas?
We usually put ours up on the 1st of December....but we are behind this yr, so tomorrow I will dig it out & the kids can put it up. We don't put up too many decos as I am the one that has to put it all away
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Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 02 December 2011 at 8:54pm
Christmas tree is going up on Sun Will be interesting to see how long it lasts before one of the kids pulls it down
DH wants to put lights etc all over the house this year....so will probably decorate the living room and possiblity put some Christmas lights up in Ella's room.
------------- Mum to
Ella (5) and Tom (2)
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Posted By: Nikki
Date Posted: 02 December 2011 at 10:41pm
We put the tree up on weds night, kids were so excited to help this year. I even let them have advent calenders, so they are on night two of being able to have a chocolate after dinner.
I've done all my Xmas shopping already! So pleased I'm organised this year. Only problem is as I did all the kids stuff in Oct (family ones in nov) I keep seeing more stuff for the kids and thinking I should add them to the Xmas pile.
I can't believe the year is almost over!!
And no, I don't think its mean not to get them everything they want. DD is too young to really ask for stuff, and DS would be happy with anything new really and hasn't asked for too much specific stuff anyway - but even if he did its too late cos I've already got their pressies.
------------- DS (5yrs) and DD (3yrs)
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Posted By: rorylex
Date Posted: 05 December 2011 at 12:18pm
we put our xmas tree up a while ago and our living area is full of christmas decorations.
I do not get my kids what ever they want, if there is somethng they have been harpering on about for months then I will look at getting it.
my boys only make 1 request when i ask them what they want for xmas.
we stick to what they have that we can add to, this makes it easier to find these new things a space to go.
we culled our toys this yr down to thomas take and play, duplo blocks, cars(McQueen)diecasts, little people, transformers, marble race and schleich type animals.
so we will only buy either toys that go to these sets or outdoor stuff.
I suppose they are getting quite a bit,
they are all getting bikes which will be from me and dh, I managed to score some rather large boxes off a building site which will easily fit thier bikes in and I will wrap it up so you cant tell they are bikes.
they are all getting scooters except ds1 who has one already, he is getting more marble race.
dh's
thats is their main presents the rest is little things like a dvd each and stocking fillers
we also do one present on xmas eve before bed which is always new p.j's and a book.
------------- Mummy to 4 boys
Samuel - 18.6.05
Rory - 15.7.06
Mason - 13.06.08
Emmett - 24.01.10
Baby #5 - cooking
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Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 05 December 2011 at 2:12pm
We spoil DD but only because we can although this year all she is getting is a swing set which was $250 and a pettiskirt some wings and I think there may be some more stuff somewhere but nothing major. She doesn't ask for anything so thats not a problem and even though she is santa mad she won't go near him lol
I only ever buy her things I know she will like and most of the time its on special, for her birthday she got the leapfrog laptop and duplo which she loves and plays with everyday. Oh and thinking of starting the PJ tradition for xmas too and she'll prob get some more clothes as she is starting to out grow what she has
------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 06 December 2011 at 4:50pm
I put the tree up today, been waiting for the kids to do it, but they never did so I had to do it.
Xmas shopping on Thursday..woo hoo, love buying for my boys
We are trying to decide how to do xmas presents this yr as we are going away xmas day & don't want to take some with us & don't want to give them to the kids only for them not to be able to play with them...
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Posted By: EmDee
Date Posted: 06 December 2011 at 7:17pm
Re: getting kids lots of presents etc... I met a Mum at a birthday party and she told me what she does with her kids is they have a notebook and through the year everytime they find something they want, they write it in the notebook (or stick a picture in it) and then 'Santa' will choose something from the notebook to give them. She said it stops the constant 'I want ..., I want ...' and the kids still get at least 1 thing they want. I really like the idea and plan to adopt it in the new year 
------------- DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2
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Posted By: EmDee
Date Posted: 06 December 2011 at 7:20pm
For my kids I've been collecting bits & pieces and really need to sort through exactly what we've got! We do the new PJ thing on Xmas eve. Then for xmas day, new clothes, a book, a toy and stocking of small things 'from santa'.
------------- DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 15 December 2011 at 8:20pm
Well 10 days to go & I am still struggling with the Xmas presents.
I have just finished my order to snapfish it was for approx $190 & they have 50% off till 16/12 so all up it was $90 approx & free shipping woo hoo
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 15 December 2011 at 10:02pm
Right I have changed my list again
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 16 December 2011 at 7:46am
i have everything for james just 2 more things for him to open at my auntys house
i have roped my sis in law to wrap all pressy yay
just have to get my mum something allmost done
------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a>
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 21 December 2011 at 8:49am
I got my snapfish order& an so wrapped with it. The calendars are such good quality & for 50% off its a bargain. Each month have different photos & some I have put up to 3 on one month. The kids are going to love their photo mugs also
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