What Gifts Are You Giving for Christmas 2008?
 

I just realized there are only 15 day until Christmas and I have purchased zero gifts. Share what you're giving... I'm looking for inspiration!

Hubby and I were going to give each other the Wii but it's been hard to find.

He doesn't know I've already bought him a new Nano.;)

My husband and I are looking for the Wii as well :( I am giving just about everyone gift cards, b/c that is was they want. My people are just too hard to shop for.

For the kids...

American Girl dolls for the nieces (the ones that look just like them). We've been buying them since April since a) they're so freaking expensive (even though we're going half/half with the grandparents) and b) we have 6 nieces;

Leapfrog stuff for my youngest nephew, Ticketmaster gift card for my 14 year old nephew (with the stipulation that he takes his uncle with him).

For the grandparents...

Framed pics of Mikey (who is going to be 1 a week from Saturday! He's a big boy!)

For the siblings...

Restaurant gift cards, with official babysitting service thrown in.

For the husband...

He's getting one big box with lots of little things; I've got a "favorite things" theme going. Right now, there's a couple of DVDs he wanted, a couple of books, a Family Guy dvd trivia game, a couple of puzzle books, a one-egg frying pan, and a couple of other things. It's been fun trying to fill the box.

Mom-I'm thinking a Pandora bracelet, or a pair of Brighton earrings she wants
Dad-No idea
Lil Brother-Letters
BF-New wallet, and he asked me to make him one of those no-sew fleece blankets. We've been looking for Wii to share joint custody of, but no luck so far.

BF: blanket, pillow, indians tickets, and some stocking stuffers
Mom: I think tickets to see Mary Poppins though I'm not sure they're on sale yet
Dad: French pocket dictionary since he's learning about his trip to France on Christmas Day!
Best Friend: more than likely stuff from Victoria's Secret since it's our favorite store and I'll probably through in something goofy too

Dad-annual donation to charity, though this year I asked if I could give to the local food bank, instead of his usual, because it's empty
Mom-GC for her nails
Sister in law and brother-one weekend of babysitting the kids at our house
neice-Dooney and Bourke bag-she's an early teen and I found a small one at Marshall's
nephew-outfit and something else
Father in law and wife-kitchen gadgets
Nana-flowers

I still have most of my list left too. I think I'll be reading this thread daily. Thanks for starting it!

If people have ideas for hostess gifts, I'd love to hear those too!

I challenged myself to spend as little as possible this year without being "cheap".

Mom - cashmere throw (had a gift card - if west elm has any left they are awesome!) and some of those aqua globes for plants (big indoor plant person!)

Dad - all kinds of coffees because this is one thing he refuses to spend money on

Friends - framed pics of our group of girls plus magazine subscriptions or gift cards (personal and cheap to ship!)

Friends with kids - sent a "Family Fun Night" box with popcorn, bowls, puzzles, and games. Cheaper than buying toys they will use for 2 months and forget.

Husband - we bought ourselves a nice camera because we're heading to India over Christmas

For hostess gifts, I've done the cashmere throws or fresh flowers from a local florist that sells in bulk.

I don't know why folks wait until now to get a Wii. LOL

I would have thought some people would have gotten it after the last 2 holiday seasons. I told my co workers back in September don't wait til NOW to look because they will be nigh impossible to find. 3 out of 5 followed my advice.

I do have 3 suggestions

1- Call and camp outside of a Target or Walmart very early Sunday mornings. Sometimes they get their shipments then

2. Ebay...I know I know....but hey if you really want it.

3. God forbid - craigslist and the best advice there is to test it first and take someone with you.

Dad- Wanted GPS so split w/ my brother.
Mom- Wants a learn at home french thing
Grandmothers- get perfume
Grandpop - gets a nice edition of a classic book plus a journal so he can write his thoughts
Brother- who knows? I am stuck

I split a nice GPS unit between my boyfriend and I, my brother and his wife for my dad.

We did a family gift exchange with my extended family and siblings.

For live-in, Nintendo Nike Air sneakers (I posted a thread about them) and a bottle of cologne that he wants.

For his mom, a Coach wristlet on super sale at the outlet.

For his brother, a mechanic's creeper (one of those things you lay on your back on and then roll under the car - he likes to play with cars).

Haven't got anything for his dad yet.

However, looks like my $40 limit for everyone is working, except live-in. We set that limit at $150. I know I look cheap but for crying out loud I'm still looking for a job!

My parents have told me and my sister not to spend a lot of money on their gifts and that having us home for the holidays is enough. Plus they're retired so that automatically eliminates easy gifts for my dad atleast (ties, dress shirts, etc.)

Mom- sweater and GC to her hair salon
Dad- no idea yet
Sister- Victoria's Secret shoes
Boyfriend- 2 sweaters, 1 oxford Polo shirt, Polo hat, Kenneth Cole wallet
Dog- assortment of toys that came in a stocking for only $5!

When my kids left for college I got them a tackle box and filled it with First Aid items and things (bandaids, Bacitracin, antihistimines, cold meds you name it). This year after both got the stomach flu/virus and were too sick to go out to the store, I have gotten large plastic containers and put things like : peppermint tea, jello, can of applesauce, small package of instant mashed potatoes, Gator Ade powder and bullion cubes. They will laugh at me when they unwrap it but next time they are sick will be grateful.

For those of you looking for Wiis - sign up for Amazon's mobile alerts. I was able to buy three that way.