Christmas gifts...

yepyepsms

Don't flame, I hate posting this as much as you hate reading it:) I got a call from a relative asking for christmas ideas. We have an early Christmas the first weekend of December which is crazy not that far away. Anyhoo...anyone thought about what you will tell others for ideas? She truly doesn't need anything but you know that doesn't fly with grandma, great-grandma, etc. Bonus points if you include ideas for my 2.5 yr old too:)

rainbowsockmonkey

athn64 said:

We're planning on keeping it simple and list type of toys: Shape sorters, Stacking toys, soft blocks, board books, poppers,  toys she can push along the floor.

We are doing something similar ro this.  We are requesting no toys with batteries.  They are obnoxious.

bazingaa

I'm brainstorming a way to ask for contributions into a college fund..... But in all seriousness, we will probably ask for books.

mrsbtobe20122

Im asking for an anywhere chair from pottery barn, toy box, and growth chart. We will def use all of them and it's not clothes or random toys.

busterbeagle

Both are getting toddler sleds and clothes from my parents. We are going to ask FIL for Duplos. Maybe pajamas, too. You can't have too many pajamas. DD is getting an ikea easel and art supplies from us.

Junebug060609

A convertible car seat is the biggie on her list.

Other thoughts from a STM: Feeding stuff (bowls, plates, sippies, Bibs, utensils, mesh things, high chair, snack traps, straps so they don't throw shit out of the stroller), baby proofing stuff, clothing, board books, simple toys (blocks, stacking cups, pop beads...think open-ended play and not electronic flashy lights). I can keep going with ideas if you'd like...

deanna1313

@Haleighkay90‌ the baby Einstein prop pillow? We have it and love it. It props babies up for tummy time and definitely make my little guy much happier about being on his belly. Just wanted to let you know it was a great buy. He loves it!

deanna1313

We plan to ask for books, blocks, a fisher price train and I'm not sure what else yet. I'm sure everyone is going to do what they want anyway. Lol

LunaBug924

I love the idea of asking for baby proofing stuff! It'll be right around that time when it will be necessary, so it's perfect!

But other fun stuff I'm asking for are the holiday Barbie for this year, books, and to start her Disney movie collection. I had all the holiday Barbies from the year I was born until I was a teen. I'd love to have that tradition with her.

Junebug060609

@LunaBug924‌ Mobility is coming! DD scooted across the room on her back the pregnancy the other day...two months sooner than DS did. I was all "Whaaa?" and "Shiit, the days of the kids running in two different directions are imminent". Oh well, I wanted to lose the baby weight, right?

Another thought: Jumperoo or Exersaucer, for baby containment and entertainment.

Craved1

I already requested from my family not to buy him toys. We asked for books. I know only half will actually go along with it so I figured some books are better than none. When DS1 was young he had so many books and loved them. Unfortunately we only hung on to his fav so I want to build his library back up. We also asked to help us build out digital Disney collection. We have the hard copies but I hate the space DVD/BR cases take up.

Edited: spelling

skyrockets

An easel was a big hit for our niece who turned two in May.  

Things like blocks, musical instruments and puzzles are on our list for our little guy who was born May 26.  A good friend is giving him swimming lessons for the January-February session, and my sister sent (already…) a fisher price car that her kid loved from age 8 months on:  

https://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=21598956

bridetobe9132013

All of these are good suggestions! I would like a sand/water table either for xmas or her bday. Also books, puzzles, instruments (maybe), push toys

deanna1313

@LunaBug924‌ that was what I left out! Adding to our Disney movie collection. I knew I forgot something!
I plan to sign up for the Disney Movie Club before then so I will have to see which I still will need.

hbird0723

Good to know about the prop pillow she hates tummy time. My in-laws are also requesting a list already and I've put a couple big items that can grow with her like that fisher price elephant they can push, bounce on and rude. Also the new fisher price chair. She sat in a little chair on vacation recently and thought she was so cool. I put alphabet links and a stacker as well. There's a v-tech go go animals and a car one that looked like fun. Clothes of course and a baby gate. We got her an ornament from hallmark already that was a first series so we can get her one every year and it's the first one so she'll have them all. I agree with plates and things like that. W are also starting a tradition where she gets a pair of Christmas pjs to wear Christmas Eve and we will watch a short Christmas movie if she is interested in that part. As she gets older the present will include hot chocolate popcorn and a longer movie. We are clearly excited lol can you tell?

ErikaLynn75

We're asking for year passes to the local zoo and aquarium.

ho11yday

I have a 6 month old nephew and twin year old nephews (at least when Christmas rolls around). I plan on getting them homemade blocks (saw something on pinterest). For their 2 year birthdays, I'm getting them a trainset. I know this doesn't solve the grandparent gift idea unless they are handy.

I like the zoo pass idea (can also do the science museum if there is one near you).

hbird0723

@LunaBug924‌ target has 10% off the holiday Barbie right now if you have cartwheel. Just saw it on there and remembered your post.

QOTR

@bazingaa‌ , please share if you come up with a tactful way to mention the college fund option.

My current quandary is this... I've always bought birthday and holiday gifts for my friends' kiddoes. Now that I have a kid of my own, I'd like to be able to opt out of that. The thought of all those people buying him gifts on top of the things the family will inevitably buy is overwhelming! Our house is small and busting at the seams already. Is there any way to checkout of holiday gift exchange without sounding like a big Scrooge?

lrmrtn

We are creating an Amazon wish list. On it so far are feeding stuff, diapers, wipes, formula and a couple baby Einstein DVDs. I'm going to add a convertible car seat and I like the idea of this whoever mentioned baby proofing stuff. We don't need toys or clothes.

Kanders5514

Have you seen the I See Me books? They are a big hit and grandparents love to give them, personalized and dedicated just for your baby. Just a thought.
Also - loving the Zutano booties lately bc they don't fall off like every sock I put on LO. Since they are about $20/pair it's a great gift idea.

Katzalia

SSoegaard2011 said:

QOTR said:

@bazingaa‌ , please share if you come up with a tactful way to mention the college fund option.

My current quandary is this... I've always bought birthday and holiday gifts for my friends' kiddoes. Now that I have a kid of my own, I'd like to be able to opt out of that. The thought of all those people buying him gifts on top of the things the family will inevitably buy is overwhelming! Our house is small and busting at the seams already. Is there any way to checkout of holiday gift exchange without sounding like a big Scrooge?

My BFF has a big family, so they have a tradition where they pull a name
out of a hat. For example, it's her and four brothers, mom, & dad at home. Instead of the siblings each getting something for mom and something for dad, and mom & dad getting something for each kid, that's 15 gifts right there, they each pull a name and gift to just that one person. So each person gets just one gift. Not a Secret Santa, but it avoids the gazillion gifts. Maybe you can do something like that if you're all in the same circle? Just a thought, so you're not just saying, don't expect gifts from us.

Or you can just explain your predicament if you think they'll understand.

This. The gift exchange circle is great for reducing ridiculously excessive gift-giving and -getting, while still being a fun holiday tradition.

QOTR

We used to draw names on my Mom's side of the family.  It was too large to buy a gift for each person.    We even quit doing that several years ago and instituted a "Christmas is for kids" policy.     Even with that though, there are about 25 kids on my shopping list.   Unfortunately, a lot of my circles don't overlap.  I think I might suggest a holiday brunch for those that are local and a kid's art exchange for those out of town.  I know I'd prefer to have experiences over things, so I'd like to instill that in the kiddo as well.  I really like the suggestions of museum & aquarium memberships.  That's a great idea!

apinkpelican

Aww man.. Can't even imagine all the things MIL is going to buy her. Probably a good idea to start a list so we don't get a bunch of random stuff. I don't mean to sound ungrateful but that lady loves to buy her things!

Mimaloo

We have already gotten the same calls from the grandparents. I told them one actual gift (whatever they want) and a check for her investment fund. She's going to get enough "stuff" from everyone else. DH's family is big and does kid's only gift giving.

Helmink0804

I've found two things that we want for LO my mom will be buying one and my in-laws will be getting the other. I also want some more books and she'll need more clothes. Our stash dies out at around 6 months. Mostly pants is what she'll need.

Helmink0804

@SSoegaard2011‌ I'm excited for her to get it! I'm hoping my MIL really does buy and comes through with it! Or at least lets me know in advance so I can buy it!