By The Wiz

1. I’m right there with you. Looking into the yawning abyss that is December. It makes me tired just thinking about it.

   Comment #1 by Heather O.November 30th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

2. My six year old is getting the Lego Fire Station and a boat with play with in the tub. His birthday is a couple days before and he’ll get the Dinosaur matchbox car track set.

   At age 10, I loved receiving box sets of books (like all the Anne of Green Gables, or Chronicles of Narnia.) Art supplies are always a hit for older girls (really nice watercolor pencils, sketch book, paints, pastels, etc.)

   Comment #2 by AzucarNovember 30th, 2009 at 2:45 pm

3. p.s. I did all my shopping online on Thanksgiving night. It took less than two hours. It’s all coming to my house. IT WAS AWESOME.

   Comment #3 by AzucarNovember 30th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

4. 10 year old boy - too many Bakugan (I hate these things), lots of books (he loves to read) and an iPod touch (mega responsible kid here).

   9 year old girl - Clothes (duh), shoes (double duh), lots of books (because she hates to read) and a DSi (she really wants an iPod touch but is just not quite ready for that level of responsiblity).

   13 year old boy…….wants Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2…hahahahaha yeah right.

   Comment #4 by roxyNovember 30th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

5. My little guy asked for Walkie Talkies and an RC car. There are some really cool models of both out there, especially today on Cyber Monday. Maybe your guy is already past that, though.

   Are either of the girls into fashion beading? That seems to be the thing to do now…make your own jewelery to match your outfit for the next day. A beading kit is the gift that keeps them busy for months to come.

   Legos are a big passtime in our house. I buy them in bulk off ebay.

   How about a “day with mom” spa day package for your girly-girl. A mani-pedi with mom could be really fun, throw in a lunch at her favorite restaurant and a matinee of the new movie she wants to see. Experiences make the best gifts as the kids get older.

   Comment #5 by Jessie T.November 30th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

6. I read The Kids’ letters to Santa before we mail them. Then I buy the realistic items (sorry little girl, you will NOT be getting a life-sized castle with a fire breathing dragon and a handsome prince to rescue you. Well, maybe the prince. How handsome are we talking here?)off the list. It seems to work.

   Comment #6 by fluffychickyNovember 30th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

7. I am another one staring into December like a rabbit in the headlights. I homeschool, when am I supposed to get to the store without the kids? What does the 9yo even want? Oh, and we’re in debt after 8 months of unemployment. And I usually sew little presents for the nieces and nephews–it’s cheaper. I’m making candy in the evenings right now, fun but tiring…

   Comment #7 by dangermomNovember 30th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

8. Why is ANYONE going to a store?!

   Internet. Look into it.

   Comment #8 by AzucarNovember 30th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

9. We are doing an annual zoo pass for the family, a digital kid camera for the 5 yo girl, and I’m still trying to figure the rest out.

   Comment #9 by SENovember 30th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

10. I’m getting my almost 6 year old girl the Tag reading system, her birthday is soon too and I was thinking about getting the Leapster2, much cheaper than a DS. She asked for a Wii and that’s going to be our family gift. She’s really into drawing so I was going to get her a case to keep all her drawing things in, along with books that teach you how to draw and new pencils and colors. She also asked for and easy bake oven, she’s obsessed with the food network. For your older girls I’ve seen a lot of cool looms for jewelry making, and knitting, starting your own scrapbook (you can get supplies for that at the dollar store). There’s also kits for nail art at friendship bracelets…those things I’d love to get but they are meant for 8 and up, she lacks the dexterity still. Good Luck!

    Comment #10 by ChristaNovember 30th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

11. I ordered a copy of the Land Before Time for my little boy (almost 6). He loves dinosaurs, and that movie is just a classic.

    Comment #11 by AmyNovember 30th, 2009 at 3:15 pm

12. Internet shopping? Excuse me but I’m a grandma and while I obviously know how to work the internet, I really don’t know where to begin shopping on it. What sites (or is it ’sights’) do I go to? Someone please give me a clue.

    Comment #12 by Jill ShelleyNovember 30th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

13. I’m still at that easy stage with 4yo, 3yo and 18mo boys. They’re all getting various Thomas trains, DVDs and books (from Santa) along with a new train table with a layout with new Thomas destinations (from Mom and Dad). All purchased in bulk from ebay (except the table itself, which will be constructed by Dad).

    Comment #13 by VadaNovember 30th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

14. I have an almost 12 yo boy and a 9 yo boy. I think boys are harder! The ONLY things they like are Pokemon and Mario. I am SO sick of Pokemon! It’s lasting waaaaay longer than Thomas did! I’ve just roused myself in the past few days to even think about Christmas. I agree with Azucar. We shop mostly online. One great benefit is that we can sit the Amazon boxes in plain sight and not have to try to find hiding spots that my boys will discover anyway. They know Christmas is inside and they can’t touch it! I also have 2 little girls who will be super easy to buy for. I WISH my boys still played with toys.

    Comment #14 by FairchildNovember 30th, 2009 at 3:56 pm

15. Jill,

    Amazon.com is a great place to start. They have suggestions based on age and gender. They often offer free shipping, too, and today is one of the better days to shop online, so get to it!

    For babies I like One Step Ahead or Leaps And Bounds. They’ve got some nice stuff.

    Look for the specific toy that the grandkid’s parents have suggested, then so some google-searching to find the best price.

    When is dire doubt, just google “seven year old girl christmas present” or a variation on the theme and you’ll have no problems finding plenty of stores happy to help you out of a few bucks.

    Happy online shopping!

    Comment #15 by Jessie T.November 30th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

16. My 10.5 yr old girl is getting an inexpensive (woot.com) MP3 player (under $10), plus a $10 WalMart gift card to go with it, specifically for downloading some songs off of Walmart.com. Also: a Disney TV artists CD, a scarf, footy pajamas (requested), another pair of pj’s, an American Girls Manners book. I can’t think of what else. But the Klutz kit/books are great, as are any of the American Girls books (not the ones about the dolls, but the ones such as “The AG Book of Friendship” or “The AG Body Book for Girls.”) This dd is also getting a lot of “spa” stuff in her stocking.
    I also have an 8 yo, but he’s a boy, and a 6.5 yo girl, so not much application to you.

    Comment #16 by StrollerbladerNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

17. You’re getting your kids a swimming pool for Christmas!

    Comment #17 by Tracy MNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:13 pm

18. This year I’m trying to go small. This is the first Christmas since my husband and I sperated so I’m sure they’ll get more than normal from him and his parents. For my almost 6 dd I got a barbie, a little pet shop toy. I’m going to make her a polar fleece blanket and some flannel pj bottoms. I’m trying to find one more small thing probably a book or game. My 8 1/2 yr old son is getting several bakugans ( I got a great deal at Sam’s) books, a clip on lamp for his bed, a apple corer/slicer (he loved my sil’s so when I found on at Ikea it’ll be the perfect stocking stuffer). And I’m going to make him some flannel pj bottoms too.
    In years past we’ve usually gone with themes for each kid. One year we did games, they each got several games and then we got several more games as “family” gifts. That was a huge hit that year, and we still play all the games they got regularly.
    Are either of your older girls into sports or activities outside? My 9yr niece has a ripstick and loves it (I think that my son is getting one this year from his dad) or are they needing any other outside toys like a bike or skates? Just a thought.

    Comment #18 by ModdyNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

19. I think I am getting my tddler a bag of mini-marshmallows, some clothes that will fit him, and a couple new picture books. His grandparents are getting him plenty of toys, so I’m not worrying about those at all.

    Comment #19 by kaduseyNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

20. Does your daughter like to read? The book Women making America by Julie Hemming Savage and Heidi Hemming is great for girls. Interesting text book style with bubble text trivia, etc. Shameless promotion on my part (the authors are my friends) but my 8 year old daughter loves to pick up the book and read a little bit here and there. Available at Amazon.

    For the boys? Nerf gun stuff, and get enough for dad.And you too so you can have an all out war. OH, and silly string for their stockings.

    What about science kits? Hobby Lobby has them on sale sometimes or you can use the percent off coupons. OHHHH and check out Snap Circuits. My husband bought a big set for the kids last year and it’s been a huge hit with us and everyone we’ve told about it. Plus, it’s an online purchase - BONUS!!

    Other big hits things: Kid K’nex (bigger pieces equals not so much lost), Hot Wheels sets, Gears!Gears!Gears! by Learning Resources. Bendaroos? My kids love them (wiki stix). I hate Pokemon and Bakugan too. Daily threaten to throw them out.

    And lastly? Socks and underwear. Santa ALWAYS brings new socks and underwear.

    Comment #20 by mommymelNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:28 pm

21. This year for Christmas, Santa is as poor as we are and we told the kids that, too. We’ve got $20 per person. Try pulling off something awesome from you and Santa with that and let me know how you do!

    Comment #21 by SallyGirlNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:29 pm

22. WAIT. It’s DECEMBER?

    Crap.

    Comment #22 by SueNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm

23. SallyGirl, I hear you. Oh, boy, do I hear you.

    I just went to Toys R Us today, and EVERYTHING is so dang expensive. Either I never noticed it when I was safely married and had disposable income, or everything has gone up like gangbusters. Lego sets were all $60, and even with the sale, I have three kids… what am I supposed to do? I dunno… and at 8, 6 and 3, home-made is only going to cut it for the baby girl.

    Comment #23 by Tracy MNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm

24. What about IOUs for outings? If you have money then you could do a minor league baseball game, science museum, ice skating, bowling, go out to the movies, etc. If you have not so much money, then a hike/picnic somewhere, movie night at home, sugar cookie making with a friend, etc. My husband and I are homebodies so our kids don’t get out a whole lot, besides the expense factor to get 7 bodies into any sort of museum. So, rather than having a lot of toys lying around that they don’t play with anyway, we like to take them places for Christmas (although some activities have to wait for proper weather).

    Comment #24 by JESNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:38 pm

25. My 11-year-old also loves Women Making America. It’s a great gift!

    Comment #25 by KristineNovember 30th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

26. not even there yet. Really. . . my dh wants to get the kids new mattresses, which they desperately need, but I’m thinking that the excitement of opening those gifts is just not going to be there. . .

    Comment #26 by TiffanyNovember 30th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

27. We follow the rhyme: something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read. So the 8 year old is getting another Webkinz, a new backpack (her zipper broke on the old one), pj’s (we all get Christmas PJ’s that we open Christmas Eve) and some books. And so on down the line. I have a 5 year-old boy and have SO much fun shopping for him. Animal Planet makes awesome animal and dinosaur toys, he loves Club Penguin and Webkinz and, well, ANYTHING really. This year he’s getting the new Scanopedia toy from Discovery Kids, because I like to sneak the educational in there when they’re not looking. Good luck with your shopping! I’m sure you’ll be fine!

    PS When in doubt, I’m pretty sure every kid wants a DS or DSi. I know mine do. If only Santa could afford it…

    Comment #27 by canadacoleNovember 30th, 2009 at 5:28 pm

28. My 11 yo girl is getting a guitar (she wants lessons), a crimping iron (her good friend did her hair w/ one last week and she went bananas for it), and Dance Dance Revolution for the Wii. (Yes, I’m one of those bad mothers who buys her kids video games.) I also always get each kid 1 book and 1 board game. I’m getting her a game called Bananagrams, an anagram game that has really good reviews on Amazon.

    Comment #28 by AngelaNovember 30th, 2009 at 6:20 pm

29. I’m with Azucar. 90% of my shopping is online. And a lot of places have free or minimal shipping. That’s a must. I have issues with paying for shipping.

    We have a little system in our house for Christmas…
    Something you want,
    Something you need,
    Something to wear,
    Something to read.

    Makes the shopping much easier.

    Comment #29 by AubreyNovember 30th, 2009 at 8:50 pm

30. I also have no clue what to get for our almost 2-year old, which is pretty bad. Isn’t that supposed to be the easiest age to shop for? The problem is everything I can think of that I know she would really have fun with A) she already has or B) is way too expensive. So I am left with just getting her some random thing, and there are just way too many choices.

    However, the “something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read” is sounding really good to me. If I can come up with something for each of those categories and stay within our budget, that may just be what we end up doing.

    Comment #30 by KatieNovember 30th, 2009 at 9:33 pm

31. 10 yr old girl (she is getting clothes, some itunes gift cards to go with the refurbished nano the entire extended family is getting her, some books–all of Shannon Hale’s youth stuff is currently on her list), 8yr old is a boy, so not so much help, 6 yr old boy (he is getting plenty of books because he just had the reading explosion where he gets it (I love this stage of reading), legos (bionicles, space police, etc), a watch to replace the one he lost today (lego watch–very adjustable and cheap), some clothes and probably puzzles). As much as my boys love the Pokemon and Bakugan, I don’t like to buy it for them directly. I let them buy it with their allowance. I would guess that the 8 yr old girl would love anything her sister would love. I would suggest the Little House series, Caddie Woodlawn or the history/doll books from American Girl.

    Comment #31 by angie fNovember 30th, 2009 at 9:57 pm

32. Parker’s Christmas will be made up of yet another rather invasive surgery and 7-10 day hospital stay.

    Trust me when I say there’s nothing you could get your kids that would stink more than that.

    For your 10 year old I’d look into a refurbished iPod shuffle from apple.com and then an itunes card.

    Does she have a journal?

    Maybe a Webkinz?

    You could look into the Plan Toys car ramp thingie and the other sets that go with that. I know your six year old likes thost.

    Comment #32 by Tammy and ParkerNovember 30th, 2009 at 10:38 pm

33. I remember that feeling well, particularly after my second marriage started and we had nine (9!) kids to buy presents for. Our first Christmas together, we were pretty flush because of some writing I had done, so we bought a lot of nice presents for all nine kids.

    It wasn’t a great Christmas. It was kind of like feeding your kids all dessert and no dinner. A lot of short tempers and snideness, in spite of (if not because of) the wealth of presents.

    The good news is that it was years before we were that flush at Christmas time again, and by then the majority of the kids had left home. We went through quite a few years of tight budgets, and our Christmases were modest — and a lot happier. ..bruce..

    Comment #33 by bfwebsterNovember 30th, 2009 at 10:42 pm

34. My 5yo boy is getting a Tonka Front-End Loader to go with his Tonka Dump Truck. Good luck finding one of those that is decent and less than $80! It’s ridiculous!

    Comment #34 by SheenaDecember 1st, 2009 at 12:17 am

35. My aunt and uncle are my 14 yo adopted daughter’s grandparents. I always have a hard time giving them a list because 1) they usually ignore it and get her inappropriate things that she didn’t ask for, and 2) they are slipping big time with the agreement when we adopted DD years ago that they also take on our son as an equal grandchild. (Which is really getting on my nerves and not producing warm fuzzies in my heart.)

    DD is socially and emotionally delayed about 4 years. She’s getting some clothes, drawing paper and pencils, and some fabric (she is learning to sew). She is getting some body bath in her stocking.

    Our 11 yo son is getting a lego set (under $20 on sale) and a vest from Cabella’s for bird hunting. In the past he has made lists of what he wants from whom. We have had to teach him that he can give suggestions, but not dictate.

    Probably not much help. Best of luck.

    Comment #35 by JCDecember 1st, 2009 at 9:05 am

36. Tracy, I know - the pool is a big deal, and the main reason we’re not traveling this Christmas (DH likes to monitor every detail of the installation, and it’s a good thing, too). And so our budget is limited, but I agree with bruce - modest Christmases are best.

    I do love that rhyme, maybe I’ll go with that. (I’d never heard it before). My 10 yr old does love to read, and I have a really hard time finding books that are age appropriate and yet still challenging enough for her. (If any of you do AR - she is at a ninth grade zpd, but ninth grade books have content I am not comfortable with handing to my 5th grader). Plus she blows through them sooo fast.

    Anyway, great suggestions, everyone! Keep them coming.

    I do wish my 6 yr old was into star wars and pokemon and such - I think it would help him socially if he were into what everyone else is into. He does love Webkinz.

    Comment #36 by The WizDecember 1st, 2009 at 9:28 am

37. Oh, and Tammy - best of luck to you for this surgery. I don’t know if I’ve told you that yet. But your missionary is coming home. That’s the best gift for Parker anyway.

    I am amazed at the number of you that are getting mp3 players (any kind) for your 10 yr olds just because my daughter has no interest in that at all. She hasn’t really “found” pop music yet, and for that, I am grateful (I don’t really need the Jonas brothers in my house). (Not that I know anything about the Jonas brothers - maybe they’re awesome.)

    Comment #37 by The WizDecember 1st, 2009 at 9:34 am

38. I got all my shopping for my 4-year old done in September, and I still had a hard time snagging a Zhu Zhu pet! I ended up paying $17 for one at eBay. She’s getting some play-doh, the zhu zhu pet, and I honestly can’t remember what else because it’s been in a box since September! But it’s all pretty much stuff that will help her play creatively, since that’s what she likes.

    However for my husband, I have no idea! So far he’s getting a new dress shirt and I got him a subscription for Pandora radio, other than that I am out of ideas and I have $60 left to spend. Christmas on a tight budget stinks.

    Comment #38 by m2thehDecember 1st, 2009 at 10:15 am

39. If you’re tight on money check out Craig’s list toys. I got a HUGE bin of Geotrax for $75 that I’m going to split up between my boys. I’ve also gotten t-shirts at thrift stores to put in stockings. They cost $.50 or something, and with Star Wars or other characters that my kids are into, they really liked them. Thrift stores also have SO MANY toys and stuffed animals. A $1 awesome stuffed animal can really help with the “bulk” factor if you’re trying to stretch.

    Not only do used toys save money, but they help me feel better about not bringing *more* plastic crap into the world, and it makes it much easier to get rid of when I spent $3 instead of $80. (Obviously this is all easier with littler kids. But there are lots of used electronics that might work for older kids…)

    Comment #39 by GinaDecember 1st, 2009 at 1:12 pm

40. Seriously - they are all age appropriate to rank a Nintendo DS - if you are the kind of mom that likes to let them play video games - a great game for each would be Nintendogs - there are a few different versions of the game out there - each similar in play but each has different dogs to buy. You get to name it, walk it, feed it, and earn points, etc….the best part is, if you get them each their own, they can cyber link up without too much difficulty and have their dogs play together in the park! Great for long car rides too!!

    Comment #40 by JenDecember 1st, 2009 at 4:01 pm

41. They all have DS’s already (is that bad?) Long car rides prompted it, actually. They do LOVE nintendogs.

    Comment #41 by The WizDecember 1st, 2009 at 4:25 pm

42. All three of my kids have asked Santa for a DS. Crap. It’s all fine when I tell them we can’t afford something, but then they put their hopes in Santa, and I’M SCREWED!

    Comment #42 by Tracy MDecember 1st, 2009 at 4:52 pm

43. That’s a big part of why my kids know the truth about Santa. I couldn’t handle that. I’m not sure this is the year to tell your kids, though, Tracy.

    Comment #43 by The WizDecember 1st, 2009 at 6:24 pm

44. Does she read Anne of Green Gables? The first book is only a 7th grade level, but the rest advance apace and they’re worth reading again. Otherwise, she sounds like she’s ready for classics like Mark Twain, Jules Verne, etc. all of which avoid the content by being from another century. At her age I loved reading Jane Eyre for the first time and beginning my love of Jane Austen books. Do you think she is ready for Lord of the Rings? Has she read all the Harry Potters or do you own them already (my 10 yr old has finished them all at least once, but I had them from when they each came out) Oh, and if your local pool store has stuff right now, you could get some pool themed items to pique their excitement even further for completion. Happy Christmas!

    Comment #44 by angie fDecember 1st, 2009 at 9:48 pm

45. angie - Grandma is getting her Anne. It’s all I can do not to unwrap it and give it to her early just so she’ll have something to read until Christmas. See, I own the sequels, but my original got so battered up it was unusable. I’m a bit of an Anne lover. Once she’s read the first one, I can hand over the rest.

    She’s read all the Harry Potters, and yes, we own them. I do remember reading Jane Eyre around this age, too, I hadn’t thought of that.

    And we have the Lord of the Rings books, and I’ve told her she’s welcome to them, but I’ve never read them, so I can’t really tell her if she’ll like them or not. Hubs has read them. I started the Hobbit, and just couldn’t get through it, which my brother tells me is normal, and I should just skip that and go straight to the trilogy.

    What I NEED is the fifth Fablehaven, but Brandon Mull didn’t ask me when it would be most convenient for me for him to finish it. (rude!) It’ll be out in March, though. The 23rd. Not that I’m counting down or anything.

    Comment #45 by The WizDecember 2nd, 2009 at 9:51 am

46. I’m making all my kids a 3 ft. by 2 ft. magnet board for their rooms. Sheet metal, some particle board, spray paint, scrapbook paper to match their room colors and a huge bucket of Modge Podge.

    Comment #46 by JodyDecember 2nd, 2009 at 9:53 am

47. I haven’t read the Fablehaven Books. Jeffrey’s pretty much blasted through all the Magic Treehouse books, so maybe it’s time to introduce those.

    Comment #47 by Tracy MDecember 2nd, 2009 at 10:58 am

48. Try “The Thirteenth Reality,” by James Dashner, another really nice Shadow Mountain fantasy series that is reviewing well. Also, has she read Brandon Mull’s other (non-Fablehaven) book, “The Candy Shop War”? Tracy M, the early Fablehaven volumes are available in paper now, which would suit your budget nicely. And they are really, really good.

    Comment #48 by EmilyDecember 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 pm

49. Has she read the Great Brain series? I just started The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Steward, so far it’s good and there are a couple more in the series.
    Here are some others books Ive heard good things about
    The Wimpy Kid books
    Land of Elyon series by Patrick Carmen
    Shannon Hale, actually I’ve read most of her’s and LOVE them especially Princess Academy
    Oh and Jessica Day George, love her stuff too.
    And my sister has also recommended Gail Levine Carson and Cornelia Funke to me several times.
    Okay so those aren’t really Christmas presents but they are great books, and you did say she loves to read!!
    Oh and Tracy, I’ve found the Fablehaven books at Costco for $4.99 each.
    Oh one more, has she read the Ramona books, I still love to read those.

    Comment #49 by ModdyDecember 2nd, 2009 at 7:24 pm

50. Everything on my 10-year-old daughter’s list is books. But she is also getting new pjs (a family Christmas tradition) as well as some $ for a Girl Scout camp.
    My 6-year-old boy is obssessed with all things Star Wars and Legos, so he is getting…you guessed it Star Wars Legos!
    We also try to do something fun with each kid and put a coupon for it in their stocking. Examples: rock climbing with dad, movie with mom, laser tag with mom, mountain biking with dad. The kids love the one-on-one time and we do, too!

    Comment #50 by Mayoress of crazytownDecember 3rd, 2009 at 7:57 am

51. Wiz,

    Didn’t I tell you? Brandon Mull lives in our ward. Right across the street. See, if you would have visited I could have arranged a meeting.

    heh.

    Comment #51 by Tammy and ParkerDecember 3rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm

52. Mine’s only a year old. And the husband is deployed. So baby’s getting a herd of dinosaurs and some musical instrument toys. Here’s an idea if you have a little extra money: Go shopping for other kids (Toys for Tots, had to plug them), and then you can see what they think is neat, shop for someone else, and teach them about giving as well as letting them think about what they want for themselves, and teach them about money. And it works on any age group or amount of money you have. And they always seem to enjoy it.

    Comment #52 by SarahDecember 3rd, 2009 at 6:39 pm

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