Christmas is in 82 Days

[preppy]

I ordered 2 amazon fire HD kids tablets when they were 50% this week but that is all I have done so far. I know my 8 year old will prob want some of the new outfits from the new AG girl of the year since she is a gymnast so thinking maybe one of the doll gymnastics outfits? TBD on other items.

[loira]

I am really trying to limit toys, since our condo is so small and my almost 8 year old DD is growing out of the toy phase a bit anyway. She wants a skateboard, so that may be her Santa gift. Other gifts from us will be clothes, which she will love because she's really into fashion. My H also wants to get her Clue, since they love playing board games together.

I'm struggling with what to suggest to my in-laws. I don't want to suggest more clothes because they have a bad track record of not ordering from the Canadian website - so then we get these clothes shipped from the US that turn up requiring us to pay $$$ in customs fees. It has to be something they can order from either a Canadian site that has no US equivalent, or Amazon.ca, which for some reason they do understand. Maybe some art supplies? No craft kits because then I have to sit there and do the craft with DD and I have zero patience for crafts lol.

I have to suggest gifts to my in-laws or they go rogue and MIL gets her things like a parrot toy that repeats everything you say (maddening!) or an ant farm (I am not even kidding). I got rid of the ant farm, but the parrot lives on.

[lo]

Oct 8, 2023 14:15:22 GMT -5 loira said:

I am really trying to limit toys, since our condo is so small and my almost 8 year old DD is growing out of the toy phase a bit anyway. She wants a skateboard, so that may be her Santa gift. Other gifts from us will be clothes, which she will love because she's really into fashion. My H also wants to get her Clue, since they love playing board games together.

I'm struggling with what to suggest to my in-laws. I don't want to suggest more clothes because they have a bad track record of not ordering from the Canadian website - so then we get these clothes shipped from the US that turn up requiring us to pay $$$ in customs fees. It has to be something they can order from either a Canadian site that has no US equivalent, or Amazon.ca, which for some reason they do understand. Maybe some art supplies? No craft kits because then I have to sit there and do the craft with DD and I have zero patience for crafts lol.

I have to suggest gifts to my in-laws or they go rogue and MIL gets her things like a parrot toy that repeats everything you say (maddening!) or an ant farm (I am not even kidding). I got rid of the ant farm, but the parrot lives on.

loira, my daughter was 8 last year and the skateboard was a huge hit! She also got a hoverboard and still plays with both equally.

I think we are doing a Nintendo switch for my oldest two. They also like crafts and clothes and makeup. Not sure for my younger 2, yet. They turn 4 on 12/27 so they need some extra gifts for their birthday, as well.

[heygrey]

Oct 8, 2023 14:15:22 GMT -5 loira said:

I am really trying to limit toys, since our condo is so small and my almost 8 year old DD is growing out of the toy phase a bit anyway. She wants a skateboard, so that may be her Santa gift. Other gifts from us will be clothes, which she will love because she's really into fashion. My H also wants to get her Clue, since they love playing board games together.

I'm struggling with what to suggest to my in-laws. I don't want to suggest more clothes because they have a bad track record of not ordering from the Canadian website - so then we get these clothes shipped from the US that turn up requiring us to pay $$$ in customs fees. It has to be something they can order from either a Canadian site that has no US equivalent, or Amazon.ca, which for some reason they do understand. Maybe some art supplies? No craft kits because then I have to sit there and do the craft with DD and I have zero patience for crafts lol.

I have to suggest gifts to my in-laws or they go rogue and MIL gets her things like a parrot toy that repeats everything you say (maddening!) or an ant farm (I am not even kidding). I got rid of the ant farm, but the parrot lives on.

Indigo? If she likes fashion does she like cool bedroom stuff? There is quite a bit between Indigo Kids and the more grown up decor.

If your H likes playing games with her, you could also suggest some games from there. 

[loira]

Oct 8, 2023 21:30:22 GMT -5 heygrey said:

Oct 8, 2023 14:15:22 GMT -5 loira said:

I am really trying to limit toys, since our condo is so small and my almost 8 year old DD is growing out of the toy phase a bit anyway. She wants a skateboard, so that may be her Santa gift. Other gifts from us will be clothes, which she will love because she's really into fashion. My H also wants to get her Clue, since they love playing board games together.

I'm struggling with what to suggest to my in-laws. I don't want to suggest more clothes because they have a bad track record of not ordering from the Canadian website - so then we get these clothes shipped from the US that turn up requiring us to pay $$$ in customs fees. It has to be something they can order from either a Canadian site that has no US equivalent, or Amazon.ca, which for some reason they do understand. Maybe some art supplies? No craft kits because then I have to sit there and do the craft with DD and I have zero patience for crafts lol.

I have to suggest gifts to my in-laws or they go rogue and MIL gets her things like a parrot toy that repeats everything you say (maddening!) or an ant farm (I am not even kidding). I got rid of the ant farm, but the parrot lives on.

Indigo? If she likes fashion does she like cool bedroom stuff? There is quite a bit between Indigo Kids and the more grown up decor.

If your H likes playing games with her, you could also suggest some games from there. 

Good idea! Maybe I'll let them buy Clue too. I have definitely sent them Indigo links before and they managed to order from there.

[pugz]

Oct 4, 2023 11:03:15 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

My kid wants a VR headset that I'm sure won't get used, so hoping she forgets by Christmas.

I'm planning to upgrade her standing mirror to one with jewelry storage inside. Other than that, I just have a few loose ideas.

I did tell her if she keeps losing hair ties I'm filling her stocking with them! So many hair ties all over the house!

this is us with hair clips! Also hairbrushes. We own maybe 10 hairbrushes. I currently know the location of only 2. Howwwwwwww.

[pugz]

So DD2 just turned 7 and we got her an ipad. Two years earlier than her sister got one but I HATE the kindle fire and we have 2 road trips coming up so I didn't want to wait any longer to get her one. She also wants her own amazon echo dot so she can listen to music in her room. She is suddenly into Legos so will probably get some more Lego sets. She wants all the Gabbys Dollhouse ones. I wish there were Bluey Legos...she is very into Bluey now but seems too old for the play sets. I am getting her a Bluey squishmallow.

Speaking of squishmallows....DD11 is getting (at least) 3 new colors of squishmallow axolotls thanks to someone selling like 200 squishmallows to a local resale shop. She is axolotl obsessed so will likely find some other things for her to tie into that. She wants more effing hatchimals and I literally cannot, she has SO MANY already.

I saw a couple of new Switch games coming out. A new Mario and a Bluey game, so gonna grab those. Also got the Squishmallow holders for the tiny ones. Amazon has the glitter one, Target has pink a.co/d/jbBKn9B

[hermione]

Last night C asked me to add "a switch controller that is like a PS5 controller" to her list. She's always hated how small the switch controllers are. I was dubious as she has a habit of asking for things that do not exist. Turns out it's a real thing, lol.

[abs]

Alright DD and I had to spend like 2 hours at the mall today while waiting to be seen at the Apple Store and she has a list now.

*Nike high top blazers with a blue stripe
*AC/DC hoodie from Hot Topic
*Foundation/concealer
*Mini Peter Pan Lego set

[pierogigirl]

pugz Jellycat has 2 axolotl stuffed animals that are cute.

[pierogigirl]

So far we have:
2023 Tops complete set of baseball cards for DS1
a sweater in case he has to wear nice clothes sometime
We'll probably get him more Under Armour clothes and I'm not sure what else

For DS2 we have some accessories for his bike.
We'll probably also get him some more UA clothes and lights for his bike. He wants to take archery lessons, so probably something for that.

[ssmjlm]

My kid wants a whole grooming set for her horseback riding lessons, so I let my mom know and that she will probably need to size up in her riding boots, so done for them. Might as well have them buy useful, but not totally needed stuff. I guess some of the other girls have their own "kits" and things.

[shauni27]

Oct 7, 2023 14:16:37 GMT -5 preppy said:

I ordered 2 amazon fire HD kids tablets when they were 50% this week but that is all I have done so far. I know my 8 year old will prob want some of the new outfits from the new AG girl of the year since she is a gymnast so thinking maybe one of the doll gymnastics outfits? TBD on other items.

thanks for saying this! We needed a new one and they are still on sale because of prime day deals or whatever, so I snagged one. 

I also got some stocking stuffers for a few people.

[loira]

Oct 10, 2023 7:02:09 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

My kid wants a whole grooming set for her horseback riding lessons, so I let my mom know and that she will probably need to size up in her riding boots, so done for them. Might as well have them buy useful, but not totally needed stuff. I guess some of the other girls have their own "kits" and things.

A grooming kit is a great way for her to have her own horse stuff without having to buy tack or, you know, a horse lol. Godspeed because back in the day, 2 years into my riding lessons my parents agreed to half lease and then purchased a horse about 6 months after that and it's a slippery slope. 😂

[bcv513]

C is 7 and wants a Nintendo Switch. I know nothing about video games unless it's about how to clean a Nintendo cartridge with a Q-tip and alcohol. Is there a certain model I want? Do I want the physical games, or just the digital version?

She also saw an ad for a Toniebox and wants one. Is she a little old for it? I hate to spend a lot of money on something she won't even use.

[abs]

Oct 11, 2023 8:38:51 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

C is 7 and wants a Nintendo Switch. I know nothing about video games unless it's about how to clean a Nintendo cartridge with a Q-tip and alcohol. Is there a certain model I want? Do I want the physical games, or just the digital version?

She also saw an ad for a Toniebox and wants one. Is she a little old for it? I hate to spend a lot of money on something she won't even use.

I recommend the actual Switch games because you can easily sell them when done. A few weeks ago I sold 7 games DD outgrew for $150.

[aspentosh]

Oct 9, 2023 12:52:06 GMT -5 hermione said:

Last night C asked me to add "a switch controller that is like a PS5 controller" to her list. She's always hated how small the switch controllers are. I was dubious as she has a habit of asking for things that do not exist. Turns out it's a real thing, lol.

I'm not sure if it's like a PS5 controller, but we *only* play with the bigger controllers because I can't handle how small they are. We do off brand and they've been great.

Also, for camera- I'd recommend a nice waterproof option. We bought one (Canon Powershot I think?) for a cruise yeaaaars ago and DD (11.5) still uses it on trips and on her own around the neighborhood.

[aspentosh]

DD is 11.5.

So far she's getting:
-an iPad because hers is old and almost dead
-trying to get her the Gryffindor squishmallow (I preordered it, then canceled thinking she was over stuffies, but then she circled it in the Amazon catalogue)
-nail clippers/file/etc so she stops stealing mine
-hair claw clip
-Keeper of the Lost Cities graphic novel because she's read all the others at least 5 times :-O
-bathrobe

[Poeticxpassion]

Oct 9, 2023 9:24:31 GMT -5 pugz said:

So DD2 just turned 7 and we got her an ipad. Two years earlier than her sister got one but I HATE the kindle fire and we have 2 road trips coming up so I didn't want to wait any longer to get her one. She also wants her own amazon echo dot so she can listen to music in her room. She is suddenly into Legos so will probably get some more Lego sets. She wants all the Gabbys Dollhouse ones. I wish there were Bluey Legos...she is very into Bluey now but seems too old for the play sets. I am getting her a Bluey squishmallow.

Speaking of squishmallows....DD11 is getting (at least) 3 new colors of squishmallow axolotls thanks to someone selling like 200 squishmallows to a local resale shop. She is axolotl obsessed so will likely find some other things for her to tie into that. She wants more effing hatchimals and I literally cannot, she has SO MANY already.

I saw a couple of new Switch games coming out. A new Mario and a Bluey game, so gonna grab those. Also got the Squishmallow holders for the tiny ones. Amazon has the glitter one, Target has pink a.co/d/jbBKn9B

Did you see the new festive one from build a bear? 

www.buildabear.com/festive-fun-axolotl-stuffed-animal-/031854.html?cgid=stuffed-animals-shop-all

[Poeticxpassion]

Oct 11, 2023 8:38:51 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

C is 7 and wants a Nintendo Switch. I know nothing about video games unless it's about how to clean a Nintendo cartridge with a Q-tip and alcohol. Is there a certain model I want? Do I want the physical games, or just the digital version?

She also saw an ad for a Toniebox and wants one. Is she a little old for it? I hate to spend a lot of money on something she won't even use.

Physical games for resale value. Do you want her to be able to only play on the tablet or also have the dock to connect to the TV? What types of games does she like? Mario, Zelda, animal crossing? 

Switch lite for only tablet
Switch for dock to play on tv 

[Poeticxpassion]

DS is 9

He’s asked for
-a basketball hoop (waiting until we move)
-switch lite for gaming on the go)
-trampoline (on the fence about this)
-retired Minecraft Lego set (buying from ladies Lego lounge on Facebook)

I also bought him a set of Minecraft graphic novels on Amazon prime day.

[konapoppy]

I’m so grateful for these threads because I have zero fucking clue.

My kids are 6 and we have them each two items for their birthday - and one of their gifts was a trash grabber thing lol (they asked for these and love them but it was slim pickings 🤣).

[gerberdaisy]

Oct 11, 2023 8:38:51 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

She also saw an ad for a Toniebox and wants one. Is she a little old for it? I hate to spend a lot of money on something she won't even use.

In case you're still thinking of the Toniebox.  We have one, but I would recommend looking at the yoto player for older kids.  DS (6) still uses the tonie, but I've heard the Yoto you can download audio books, music, and is better as they grow.  DD (9) was never really into the tonie as most of the offerings were geared towards the preschool crowd.

[ssmjlm]

I think the magic is over for us yall. She made a couple comments over the weekend, but hasn't confirmed. I figured she would figure it out, but man, does it make you realize how much they're growing up.

[meanie]

ssmjlm aww! My 10 yo DD has heard things here and there from her friends but I just keep saying you have to believe to receive! My 8 yo DS still fully, fully believes that Santa will be bringing alllll the Pokemon cards this year, lol.

[ny96]

We’re thinking of getting DS2 (6yo) a Switch. DS1 has a Switch and enough games to play for a lifetime. Should we get a Switch lite?

[Saudade]

DS1&2 are getting season ski passes and new skis/boots
DS3 is getting a large lego set he wants.

I'm at a loss for anything else. They don't need more junk.

[fancynewbeesly]

Oct 17, 2023 8:35:41 GMT -5 gerberdaisy said:

Oct 11, 2023 8:38:51 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

She also saw an ad for a Toniebox and wants one. Is she a little old for it? I hate to spend a lot of money on something she won't even use.

In case you're still thinking of the Toniebox.  We have one, but I would recommend looking at the yoto player for older kids.  DS (6) still uses the tonie, but I've heard the Yoto you can download audio books, music, and is better as they grow.  DD (9) was never really into the tonie as most of the offerings were geared towards the preschool crowd.

I second the yoto player. Both my girls are obsessed with their minis. The 12 year old things it is cute and tiny and “retro” since it doesn’t need WiFi. The 5 year old loves that she can control it herself.

[maudefindlay]

Oct 17, 2023 16:34:05 GMT -5 ny96 said:

We’re thinking of getting DS2 (6yo) a Switch. DS1 has a Switch and enough games to play for a lifetime. Should we get a Switch lite?

Yes to the Switch lite. I would not buy a whole other Switch. The lite is so easy to take on trips. They have fun cases too.

[scm1011]

Oct 17, 2023 17:29:39 GMT -5 fancynewbeesly said:

Oct 17, 2023 8:35:41 GMT -5 gerberdaisy said:

In case you're still thinking of the Toniebox.  We have one, but I would recommend looking at the yoto player for older kids.  DS (6) still uses the tonie, but I've heard the Yoto you can download audio books, music, and is better as they grow.  DD (9) was never really into the tonie as most of the offerings were geared towards the preschool crowd.

I second the yoto player. Both my girls are obsessed with their minis. The 12 year old things it is cute and tiny and “retro” since it doesn’t need WiFi. The 5 year old loves that she can control it herself.

DS (nearly 7) loves the yoto player so much. He doesn't even listen to the story cards that much anymore, he loves the yoto radio (he's learning so much, last week was space week and he kept telling me random facts) and the drawing thing (they speak out loud about a scene, say a scarecrow in a field, and talk about what details to include - his pictures are always really interesting).