Christmas shopping.

[Glammanana]

I have ordered some wooden kitchen toys for GGD this is the first time we have really gone out and done special present shopping for her as she was only 9mths old last xmas and didn't understand if it was xmas day or shrove Tuesday so I am getting excited as she is so respondent to new things,I am going to Next to buy her a winter coat as she will be out of her big pram this winter and using a walking rein some of the time when new baby arrives in March.All the rest are getting vouchers and £s and DD is getting a surprise holiday away with John and I for about April but she always gets a surprise on the tree if she has been a good girl This year we are having xmas day again at DDs and I shall supply all the goodies as DD is finding it hard to manage financially even though she works full time,her X has stopped providing for the children he has gone abroad to work so she is finding things tight even though she is keeping her head above water luckily enough she has 2 x DGSs who are in full time work to help out with bills etc.

[WeeGranny]

I've only thought about Christmas as we had to get flights etc booked up to go and spend a few days with DS. It'll be a very different celebration this year.....fish on Christmas Eve, he tells us! As for presents, it's only us,DS,DD SiL and GS. We stopped presents to brother many,many years ago! I give something small to my GodD and her children, but spend no more that £10 each.

[Qwerty]

Sorry about this Daisy but them lot on GRU have panicked me into a bit of Christmas shopping, today I bought all youngest g/d presents, a 3 wheeler twin pushchair, twin dolls boy and girl of course, a game called Manic Martians you will know the game wher heads pop up out of a hole a crater in this instance , and you whack them on the head with a hammer, I know it's cruel but that's what grandma does buys the naughty stuff, bought g/s a rocket, and a fire engine with real water that squirts out of a hose oops , and ordered books for all 3 of them onwards and upwards ladies 🎁🎁🎁

[ZIZI]

I am looking right now at a box full of presents. I have to buy for neice, my boys, and the children. Husband as well but we will talk about that. Case of wine for the couples plus some little bits (I have them for the dils). Very busy at the moment with different things but will write a few Christmas cards in the next week or so. Don’t send many these days.

I am not doing Christmas Eve boxes due to family going to Florida but have agreed with mummies that I will buy a selection of small gifts Nd new PJs of course for them to pack and put in a bag for Christmas Eve. I have glow sticks, battery toothbrush, PJs, iTunes voucher and a couple of light and Unbreakable bits.

[Daisy]

Qwerty - I can understand the feeling of panic with all the threads about that event doing the rounds!!!

I think I've reached a stage in life where I have no more inspiration about what to buy family. The GSs have reached that age where it's impossible for a mere mortal grandma to even begin to guess what their latest passion is, the GDs will have a very new puppy in the house (all being well) and with nowhere to keep their toys I think it might be a question of replacing some of the items that won't survive sharp little puppy teeth. Our DSs and DILs aren't much easier - by the time I've got their favourite chocs for the DILs I've run out of ideas. As for OH, it's his birthday on Tuesday and he's adamant that there's nothing he wants except the grasses mentioned in another thread.

[Enfys]

It's the same for us, Daisy. Once they reach a certain age it's so difficult. DD is very good coming up with ideas, so I've already purchased a couple of things she said DGS would like. DGD is going travelling in the new year so she would like cash and it's easier to send cash to Oz so that's them sorted. Makes life easier but not so much fun.

[Daisy]

I feel the same, Enfys. It's not just the GSs who are difficult to buy for. Both my DSs are impossible to buy for - if there's anything they want it's usually some high-tech gadget that I haven't a clue about, they're even fussy about socks and shirts etc. One DIL is also impossible to buy for - the doesn't use any perfumed toiletries or make-up, has only minimal interest in clothes which she likes to choose herself, and also likes to choose most of the girls' clothes too. The other DIL is a dream - she loves all the girly things, perfume, jewellery etc. OH is the worst of the lot, although if he wants something for wood-turning he will tell me, but it means I have to let him order it, so there are never any surprises! We usually end up giving OH's brothers and sisters things like chocolates and posh biscuits - which is often what they give us! I'd love to be more creative with presents.

[Clover]

I echo everything what others have said. It's ideas I need a

[Plantaholic]

I ask for lists and and where I can order them. My DIL is very good about letting me have ideas. I purchased an Asian cookery day for my son one year, they came to the house. My SIL always asks for a jumper, I don't know what he does with them all. DD and SIL booked a tea for the two GM's at a local hotel in a lovely setting last year. They took us of course. I refuse to start buying presents until after Halloween.

[Gemini]

I have got all GDs Christmas presents. I have the boys to buy for, but GS2 wants Happyland toys, and as ELC tend to have sale during the October half term I will buy those then. I have yet to buy GS1's, birthday present, so his Xmas one is on hold!

I am going to buy restaurant vouchers for DDs 1 and 2 and the SILs, with just little token wrap up presents each. DD3 and SIL we shall give money to, as they want all they can get for Canada. Once again, little token presents for them to open.
Not sure what to get my mum yet. we have just had her birthday! Nice smellies and maybe something to wear for my sister.
I will buy something for OH's great nephews, 4 and 2, probably in the ELC sale too
OH gives money to her 2 godchildren.
Apart from family there are only 3 friends I buy for. I have no problem with them, as they like the same things I do. Candles, earrings, nice smellies etc.

[Qwerty]

Well I'm on a roll now no stopping me have just spent £130 online at Boots and that includes my 342 , it's done now and winging its way to me with free delivery 🎁

[Qwerty]

My DD has just had her room decorated in Orla Keily wallpaper yes I hadn't heard of it too and it's flipping expensive stuff, the decorator said it went on like a dream , I bet it flipping did too !!!
I asked what she wanted for Christmas she has mentioned accessories for her lounge to match wallpaper which is predominantly orange, so looked up Orla and goodness pricey indeed me thinking I would get her a couple of candles and a diffuser she has the cushions already, mmmm well I've just ordered her the diffuser and refill cost me just under £35 pounds I know it's not Jo Malone but all the same it's s good job I love her 😍

[Daisy]

Qwerty - Orla Kiely's stuff is very distinctive, isn't it (and expensive) but she seems to have become a kind of cult designer. It looks rather 50s/early 60s to me, but if, like your DD you didn't live through those times it must seem fresh and 'different'.

It took me a few minutes to work out what your 342 was!!! D'oh, thick or what!!!

All this talk of shopping for that event is scary!

[Qwerty]

Ha ha Daisy come on get into the flow, the wallpaper is very bright and as we used to call it pop art sort of thing DD didn't have a clue what I meant, now where did I put my walking stick ?

[Plantaholic]

I have just done some shopping from the British Legion Catalogue, some Christmas cards, a pad and pen for a lucky dip, and an Orla Kiely using poppies in the design bag for my GS's partner, mother of GGS. I know she likes Orla Kiely designs. I have broken my rule not to start until after Halloween.