Christmas shopping for far away family

[Deleted]

For my nephews, should I a) buy them a gift from Walmart/target/local places where it can be easily returned; b) order off amazon because it's easy for me (and shipping is free) or c) send them a small token and $$ for their parents to take them to do something fun.

[yentl]

We usually do something off Amazon, but I try make sure it's something they want or off their Christmas lists so I don't worry about it needing returned. I have also done something like c)but it's a membership at a museum or place they like to go or something like that versus just money.

[Deleted]

Amazon! Every time I have shipped gifts I bought and wrapped, I kick myself because it is so expensive and the post office is a giant hassle this time of year. You can have amazon wrap or ask mom and dad to wrap for you.

[barney96]

We got into the habit of asking about gifts because they know best what the kids want/need, but as far as returns, they never return anything, so order wherever you want. Pretty sure Walmart price matches Amazon, but not sure if or how that would work on an online order.

[Deleted]

The kids have damn near everything. They enjoyed the bubble wrap I sent for their birthday last month. I'm coming up empty on topping that.

[ellipses84]

I usually do amazon, but I call and make sure it's not something they have unless I'm 100% sure they don't.

[Deleted]

Dec 7, 2014 15:53:08 GMT -5 milsaroo said:

I would stick with Amazon since it's free shipping but check with the parents/kids first to make sure it's what they want and nobody else is buying for them.

That's the problem!!!!

Sil: oh, c wants Legos
(One day later)
never mind--grandma/I /auntie local bought them already.

Seriously. Delayed gratification is a foreign concept

[UnderProtest]

How old are they? Would a Target gift card for them to pick out something new be interesting to them (or mom)?

[vanillacourage]

Ask what they're into then buy off Amazon. If the parents aren't "protecting" the gift ideas they give out, that's on them.

[rubytue]

How old? I switched over to cash when the nieces and nephews all hit 5. They get one $2 bill per year of age. Makes things so much easier and I don't have to worry about pricey shipping (never mind the cash in the mail thing, it's usually boxed up in a small box with some other token things).

Eta: I switch to this the year SIL sent an email saying no gifts, just send cash to contribute to the gift Santa was going to bring. And you were welcome to send cash for BIL/SIL, too.

[Deleted]

Dec 7, 2014 16:43:51 GMT -5 rubytue said:

How old? I switched over to cash when the nieces and nephews all hit 5. They get one $2 bill per year of age. Makes things so much easier and I don't have to worry about pricey shipping (never mind the cash in the mail thing, it's usually boxed up in a small box with some other token things).

This is my favorite idea so far. Thanks everyone!!!

Fyi, they are 3 and 5.

[AAM2012]

This year we purchased SeaWorld annual passes since they're BOGO and had them mailed directly to BIL's home.

We also do gift cards a lot and purchases from Target and other popular stores so they can return them easily if needed.

[flatlan]

We are switching to experience gifts for our nephews. The younger ones have so many toys and who know what a teenager wants. This year we did movie gift certificates. They can use them to go the the movies several times and/or get treats from the concession stand.