Xmas shopping on a budget.

[isabel]

I have done really good this year with xmas shopping maybe another $50 and I'm done. I have spent $275.00 so far and that is all the xmas gifts for my 3 little ones and two grand kids. Most of it is second hand...

Got to tell you...it is the only way to go for little ones. I bought
2 Very large doll houses major brands with furniture $12.00
1 Really big play kitchen with fridge and micowave all the dishes and food. $15.00

Plus lots of electronic learning toys. Balls, dolls, doll accessories, games, etc.
Filled my car to the top twice had to put down the sits. Everyone will get plenty of stuff and I know they will like them because my 3 year old help pick it all out:)

Folks who have to buy new...get over it. Last year I spent $1,000. on the same kids. What a savings this year. I included a few new things Mp3 player, marble run, and some learning toys. But still came to a whooping $275.00

How good have you shopped this year? Any good shopping ideas or places for folks to consider?

Izzy

[Wyoming53]

I, am a grand parent. I bought drums, bb gun, loud video toys, and such. I am a grand parent. I'm just getting them back.

[Panterro]

Well considering my kids don't like to take care of what they own, and were Pagan, I tend to make my gifts, we do get the kids some stuff but not a whole lot.

I got my oldest a PSP StarWars edition - so I can play with it. =) he also got a game he and I have been wanting. Call of Duty 4 - Modern Combat for the PC.

The Girl got a DS Lite - with a pet game - its pink she'll love it oh and an Art kit.

The youngest, he got action figures, and a PSP Daxter edition.

Then I also got games like Monopoly, Risk, Life, all at Target in these wooden book looking cases.. very cool. Santa dropped them off. I also got some jigsaw puzzles.

I'm in the process of making some wooden games and stuff for them.

We spent about $800 bucks. The Great Aunt and Grandma get them clothes.. and underwear.. family tradition.

[isabel]

That is what my mother does. The noise makers last till about new years and then they start disappearing.:)

Izzy

Originally Posted by Wyoming53

I, am a grand parent. I bought drums, bb gun, loud video toys, and such. I am a grand parent. I'm just getting them back.

[isabel]

I wish I knew how to make toys. I have seen some home made marble runs on ebay. I think I will get one for my boy on his birthday. I like all the old board games my favorite is yahtzee.

Izzy

Originally Posted by Panterro

Well considering my kids don't like to take care of what they own, and were Pagan, I tend to make my gifts, we do get the kids some stuff but not a whole lot.

I got my oldest a PSP StarWars edition - so I can play with it. =) he also got a game he and I have been wanting. Call of Duty 4 - Modern Combat for the PC.

The Girl got a DS Lite - with a pet game - its pink she'll love it oh and an Art kit.

The youngest, he got action figures, and a PSP Daxter edition.

Then I also got games like Monopoly, Risk, Life, all at Target in these wooden book looking cases.. very cool. Santa dropped them off. I also got some jigsaw puzzles.

I'm in the process of making some wooden games and stuff for them.

We spent about $800 bucks. The Great Aunt and Grandma get them clothes.. and underwear.. family tradition.

[Panterro]

Yahtzee is my wifes favorite too.. I love Scrabble.

When I was a kid, we used to make Rubberband guns, with a block of wood and a clothes pin. Oh those were the days.

There are many online resources for toy making.. just need a little creativity and some tools.