My kids actually never had lists, even when they were little. The majority of the gifts came from the many adoring relatives (they were first grandchildren on husband’s side). So usually we only gave them stockings and a shared Santa gift… and the something from mom/dad. Sometimes I solicit ideas but usually have to come up with ideas on my own. It’s all very low key. Nobody expects grand gifts, but we have fun with small things.
I do try to find a 3D puzzle, for Christmas Day family fun. Sometimes they are from garage sales, but I’ve not gone to any during Covid. Any good recommendations?
I’m sitting on the fence about holiday shopping… some places are still outside of their return window… looking at you Lululemon. OTOH, Nordstrom and Costco have some things I’m seriously considering buying now.
One of my DD2’s gifts arrived today. I have been purchasing the Swarovski’s annual crystal Christmas ornaments. She has a special tree for them and she loves them. I also needlepointed miniature unicorn Christmas stockings for my 2 granddaughters.
I was at my local Best Buy this morning and was shocked at how bare the shelves are. They did not have what I was looking for but the item is available online. The employee whom I spoke with was dreading the shortages anticipated this holiday season. His advice: shop NOW!
We’ve ordered a main gift for 2 out of the 3 adult kiddoes. I need #3 to give some some info!
I’ve never had anything but real Christmas trees so I may not understand. But isn’t the point of an artificial tree to use it from year to year? That said, when they were talking about shortage of artificial trees on the news the other day, my husband, a devoted thrift store shopper, noted that thrift stores always have a huge supply of artificial trees. And ornaments too.
Eventually they may wear out with broken branches, or people may want fresher (less dusty) ones. But my parents have had theirs - purchased at Woolworth’s - for over 50 years. We still use the one we first got over 25 years ago, but it is now in our bedroom. Our current house has 10.5 foot ceilings, so we got a 9’ one for downstairs that is 15 years old now. And then we also bought a cheap 6’ one for the porch and younger S has a 3’ foot that goes in his window. On top of the radiator cover, from outside, it looks like a big tree.
We have donated a few artificial trees- one in anticipation of a downsizing move and one that was not pre lit (bough the last year before pre lit trees came out) when we upgraded.
After about 25 years, we replaced our artificial tree with a newer pre-lit model. Of course I still have the old tree and lights too. The tree is stashed in a wonderfully useful bag at the back of the crawl space. Originally I had hopes to give to the local kid, but not sure she will ever buy a house. In the bag-a-week mindset, may this is the year to post it on BuyNothing FB page.
There will be a shortage of live cut trees due to many farms on the West Coast suffering heat wave damage. That might push those who were on the fence about artificial trees to finally get one.
I’m looking for a three foot tree for a charity fundraising tree festival. I’m doing this for a charity thrift shop. Usually we get a number of trees this size (I don’t need prelit). This year…none yet.
I looked on the Big Lots site and the prices for even the small trees have increased a LOT.
I’m currently bringing older S one of his Xmas presents. He asked for some shelves for his apartment. Sure! So I bought them and they arrived… in a gigantic box. I guess I should have figured that. But we aren’t sure if they’ll fit in his small car. We were visiting this weekend anyway. He doesn’t know we are bringing them so that will be a surprise at least
I’ve been searching online to no avail. Years ago, I found some artificial Christmas trees that were made in Mexico and bought three. The half tree (flat on one side) later went to one of our kids who was then living in a small place and didn’t have space for a whole tree. The corner tree was donated a few years ago. Now I can’t find trees made anywhere other than China. Price doesn’t seem to matter; even very expensive artificial trees are made in China.
Last year, I just put up some small ornament holders for us and a Step2 Christmas tree for GD. H packed our remaining tree but said it wasn’t in the best of condition. If I can’t find a replacement, I’ll try to revive it next year.
I pre ordered a small set of books on the History of the Green Bay Packers for H. As for the kids its going to be the usual - cash and stocking stuffers. H told the kids to not buy us anything as we are moving in the spring.
Finally, I got my son something he will actually like/wear for Christmas (he’s a tough one, and tends to have expensive taste). I found a Tommy Bahama shirt in a print he likes, and it was actually on sale at Macy’s. Now let’s just hope it actually ships.
I also took advantage of a sale Macy’s had yesterday and got a men’s Ralph Lauren Polo shirt for 30% or more off.
I helped my Mom do her Christmas shopping these past few days, so we are pretty well set with that. Our siblings do not exchange gifts anymore; we donate to a charity instead.
My kids are uninterested in things but S1 loves games, and S2 and DiL both love to cook so they are fun to gift for. DH and I always struggle to think of something for each other. I think our best Christmas as empty nesters was when we bought a bunch of gift cards for a downtown convenience store, and then handed them to students (we live in a college town) waiting in the checkout line!
My daughter has an EPIC season pass (Vail, Breckinridge etc) …. so I decided to buy a 2day/non-holiday pass online to ski with her. Told hubby no need to buy me a gift this year
OTOH, Nordstrom and Costco have some things I’m seriously considering buying now.