Christmas presents

[QuarterMillionMan]

I don't have kids but don't get your kids clothing gifts for ages 2 thru 12. Do you remember how much it sucked to get clothes at that age (lol)? At that age they rather get anything but clothes. Seamonkeys or even a gumball machine would put a glow on their faces rather than a new shirt or dress would. Want to make them really happy, go for a trampoline, remote controlled helicopter, or battery powered pink Hummer (ha-ha).

[amastewa93]

QuarterMillionMan, maybe make all the clothes from Santa? Ha!

[WhiskeyGirl]

I don't have kids but don't get your kids clothing gifts for ages 2 thru 12. Do you remember how much it sucked to get clothes at that age (lol)? At that age they rather get anything but clothes. Seamonkeys or even a gumball machine would put a glow on their faces rather than a new shirt or dress would. Want to make them really happy, go for a trampoline, remote controlled helicopter, or battery powered pink Hummer (ha-ha).

My kids request clothing items. But we are talking $50-$60 hoodies that I normally would not buy for them so they have them in their want category.

[FLA]

I forgot, when DD was 14 and 15, she wanted cash or gift certs to her fav stores because she wanted to shop the after Christmas sales and get more stuff for her money. The first year was so fun finding bargains with her, having lunch. Last year, we went but I was already sick by then and I lasted half an hour in Macy's and had to go sit, with an embarrassing story of falling at lunch. She didn't seem to mind being on her own, we were good til I mortified her with the fall. But anyhoo, doing it that way, my DD learned the value of a buck and she was fine with just small stocking things to open.

Changed tack this year with the luggage sets for both of them and then smaller things. I suspect luggage is not going to go over well. But they need it so there's that. I asked them each for a $30 suggestion, neither responded so I found small things I hope they like. You don't respond, you don't get what you want because I have no clue anymore what they really want at 16 and 18.

[Thrif-t]

We have 3 teens and spend $300 per kid. That sounds like a lot but it doesn't really add up to a lot of presents when things cost $50 or more each. When they were little I could get a ton of stuff for under a $100 as I shopped clearance sales all year long. Now that won't fly they have specific wants. If I try to buy things I think they'll like, they end up not liking it, and I'll have just wasted my money. I save in a Christmas Club all year round so it's not a hit to our budget to do Christmas.

Girls are super easy because they like clothes and those I can get good sales on but the teen boy isn't really into clothes and the PS4 games cost around $60 each.

I wish I would've started out doing; something you want, something you need, and something to read and called it a day.

[Cristen Wyght]

I'm sure your kids will hint at what they want. You can either choose from those or get some thing related to their interest or hobbies. Like maybe some books, gaming cd's, etc.

[FLA]

sometimes when you're not looking the perfect gift lands in your email. I found a nice watch repair kit with many tools at a great price for DS, that is a hobby that he hopes to parlay into watch repair school (is there such a thing?). So that was good.