What are you getting your LO for Christmas?

la79al · September 2011

We're on a super tight budget this year and I'm looking for ideas.

kmhunt11 · September 2011

Don't know yet, but we usually only get her one nice thing. I don't believe a child needs 30 presents to unwrap, nor do I want to look at that junk indefinitely! Last year she got a train table (you can get one of craigslist or Target's version), that came with track and a few trains. I guess that's more than one thing, but it's kind of one activity. DH did all the shopping since I was busy moving the fam across country!

Shell24 · September 2011

I wasn't going to get her a new doll, just more outfits, but American Girl just came out with a shoulder length curly blond just like you doll so I'm getting her that and bunch of outfits. I also bought her the Our Generation doll armoire (to store the doll accessories) from Target, along with the doll bathtub.

She's super into Strawberry Shortcake so I plan on telling the grandmas about the Marketplace and Cafe and the extra characters. I might get a couple for her stocking.

One of their xmas gifts I actually got off Craigslist: a barely used wood tabletop puppet theater from Land of Nod, that they don't even make anymore. It doesn't even look like it was ever touched. So we'll get a few puppets to go along with that.

My DS is getting some Cars things and one of those wooden fire stations and accessories.

bim38106 · September 2011

I'm thinking of getting DD1 a puppet theater (Melissa and Doug I think it is makes a nice one for around $50. Though I'm sure you could find a great used one at a M2M sale or Craigslist).

VTbride05 · September 2011

A plasma car. They are on zulily often for under $50. If you need a referral PM me. That's his big gift. I already have a chapter book, a new shirt and a Haba game, all bought on zulily actually (and I don't work for them....).

Pesky · September 2011

Watch for sales -- there should be some great ones this year with the economy in the toilet. Retailers are going to work extra hard to get those dollars out of your pocket. First off, check Craig's List and consignment sales/shops for some good "big" gifts. I got DD's big gift -- her Loving Family dollhouse with tons of furniture and dolls -- and DS's bday gift -- Thomas train table with tons of track and trains-- off Craig's List. Then when they are done, I can resell on there. Check out garage sales too. Ask friends if they want to do a toy swap.

For new things, I watch sales closely. Black Friday ads should start leaking next month so watch closely. Betting TRU will have some door-busters in October. I also tend to pick up toys on clearance as I see them throughout the year, both for my kids and possible bday gifts. This Saturday I'm giving away a Rapunzel baby doll with light thingy I picked up for $9 for bday gift and in November giving a fancy stuffed dog I got for $5.

Ideas for Christmas include:
* kitchen gadgets
* plastic toy cups from Ikea for a song
* books
* doll stroller (cheap and easy -- DD has one already)
* art easel (DD got that last Christmas and loves it)
* toy kitchen
* dolls

Also think of small things that could pull double duty - necessity and gift. Stocking stuffs like toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandaids and those little kid ice packs for bumps and bruises. Crayons are always used and a blank pad of paper was far preferred in my house to a coloring book. I also always give new PJs around that time because the kids always need them and makes for nice Christmas morning photos (they open them Christmas Eve).

ETA: oh and ditto pp re deal sites. Watch zulily, babysteals and kids.woot to see if you can find anything. Watch the shipping though. That can hurt. Also re the plasma cars, watch Costco, who often will have the red and black for about $40.

stellasam · September 2011

So far I know I want to get him a tub of basic LEGOs- the big kid kind, not the Duplos. I'm sure I will also get some books, some cars/trucks, and perhaps a movie (Cars 2 maybe?). I once read a cute idea to keep it simple- everyone in the family gets "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" and I would like to try to aim for those 4 for the "big" things and then stocking stuffers for little extras.

PhilsWife07 · September 2011

We bought the boys' big gift back in May on Craigslist: a Thomas the Train train table with lots of accessories and trains. We got it for a steal!

Other ideas I have include an art easle (maybe M&D, maybe from Ikea), art supplies, books, and possibly a nice, wooden book display for the play room.

Mrs Manners · September 2011

I don't have any great ideas this year. We just went to our fall consignment sale and bought some toys there which I promptly gave to him. He's totally set on clothes and books from the sale too. The only things I can think of right now are a tball stand and bat and a toy UPS truck...he's obsessed with the UPS man and truck- clearly I have an Internet shopping issue His birthday is 3 weeks after Christmas so he's going to get so much stuff from the grandparents that I just don't see us buying a bunch of stuff.

ETA: My guess is dh will end up buying him a used iTouch from ebay or craigslist. He's kind of hinted that it would be cool for him to have one for music/learning apps. This or possibly one of the leapster things (although I'd rather just spend on the iTouch than have to keep buying the more expensive games for the leapster later).

MrsPilz · September 2011

I know the feeling of being unsure...DD has so much stuff already. Only thing that I think we will get for sure is the new InnoPad by Vtech. Saw it online a few weeks ago prior to that I really had no clue. We just got her a new twin loft so I was thinking of things to decorate the space under it. Her bday is in a few weeks so even more thinking to do. I like the idea of needs more then wants...toiletries that you normally wouldnt buy...like licensed bubble bath or a fancier toothbrush. So something they would need regularly...but get the nicer ones you may not buy normally due to cost to make a little more special.

KathrynMD · September 2011

I don't really want to go too nuts b/c she's just as happy w/ something from the dollar store, kwim? I do think I might get her a dollhouse and some Dora-related stuff, but otherwise - eh. ... not much.

franciscaz · September 2011

My husband and I were starting a new company when Harmon was an infant (he had been laid off and we had to relocate). It was going to be a hard Christmas but someone told me a secret. If you are a on a tight budget I recommend going now and scouring sales sections at Target, Marshalls, Walmart, etc. Harmon got so much that first year and even though things are easier it has become sort of a really big tradition for us.

We finished shopping last month scoring most things 50% (many of the stores to make room for new stuff just in for Christmas liquidates their old toys) We got Rachel a Cinderella Vanity 70% off and a Dora "we did it doll" 75% off. Callum a Chugginton Express Deluxe track with talking trains 50% off and a Dance Star Mickey 75% off. Harmon is getting a Thomas the Train tent that was 50% off and a new Thomas Shake Shake Bridge and Track 50% off.

I hope to still get them a neat group toy like a Play Kitchen if I find another sale... I will see. If not they already each have a great Christmas coming.

Madringal · September 2011

A cash register

A doctor kit

The new Lion King and Dumbo movie

A Leappad

A changing table for her baby dolls

And maybe a FP swing for her baby dolls

ecoppins · September 2011

I'm giving the girls my doll house that my dad made for me and my sisters. It is huge, and very sturdy (I remember climbing into it as a child). It was modeled off of the house we lived in when we were little, but is just and empty wooden box with a couple of wood slat dividers. I'm going to decorate it, with wall paper and flooring and curtains. Some of the furniture survived, and will be refurbished, I was also sent all the furniture that kidcraft has for their dollhouse by them. I tried to buy it, but they don't sell the vast majority of it individually, and explained the situation and then sent it all to me free of charge.

I'm going to find dolls.

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