Yeah. You read that right. Christmas. A sure sign that most of you will think I’m crazy. It’s August and I’m already thinking about and planning for Christmas.
I’ve got a folder in my bookmarks specifically for Christmas/Birthday links. Anytime I see anything that might be a good gift for Kip, the kids, me or anyone I know, I bookmark it and put it in this folder. I’ve got a long list already.
In my defense, Toys and Co. has a big sale in October. 20% of everything in the store. Toys and Co. carries a lot of the same things as Magic Cabin, Oompa, etc. that I like. IF I plan ahead, I can save a fair bit of money by shopping at T&C during their big sale. Not only can I buy from a local store which makes returns/exchanges easier, I don’t have to pay shipping and handling, everything is 20% off AND I have a Coupon from the Entertainment book that I’ve been saving all year for this sale. SO- that really means that I need to know what I plan to purchase for the kids Christmas by October which is only two months away. There is MUCH planning involved so that we can get the most bang for our buck.
Mary will definitely be getting a bed and a changing table for her dolls. Maybe this changing table and this doll bed. Not sure yet. Probably this Toy Grocer’s Shop by Erzi as well. I’ve noticed that since we got rid of the JUNK toys and she has FEWER toys, she plays much better with what she does have. So- if she gets the Erzi food, which is so nice, I’m getting rid of most of her plastic food. She may get this Pizza by Melissa and Doug too. She has the M&D birthday cake, similar to the pizza, and she really enjoys it. At least one of these *gorgeous* puzzles by Beleduc at Moosekiss Toys.
The problem with Nathan is that there is so MUCH for boys. You know how when you go into a store there is always 2 or 3 times more clothes for girls than there are for boys? Well, it’s the opposite problem with toys. There are tons of really NICE toys for boys. With girls- if you’re not going to do the whole Barbie/Bratz/Fashion dolls thing or get into all that Princess trash, you’re pretty much left with kitchens and related items and baby doll stuff. Not much else. A lot of the crafty stuff doesn’t start until age 8+.
So- anyhoo- for Nathan. Maybe the PLAN Airport and either the PLAN firestation and police station or the HaPe Fire Station and Police Station. The Haba Pulley/Block and Tackle which we would put on their fort in the backyard. Definitely this FISHING GAME which I know he’d love. He’ll also get a Beleduc Puzzle from Moosekiss like Mary will and SURELY at least something from HERE. We’ll definitely get him this Space Base to go with the rocket ship that my Mom got him for his birthday last year. If you’ve got a little boy- that thing is awesome! The rocket ship and this pirate ship from PLAN toys are the two things that he still plays with the most.
BOTH kids will defintely get PLAN’s Native American Set. We’ll be getting two of these because it’ll be way more fun if they’ve each got their own. For ALL THREE kids, maybe the Cranium Super Fort which I’ve heard rave reviews about.
We STILL have to find stuff for my Dad and Kip’s Dad as we usually do the shopping for them. And also, the same for their birthdays- Nathan’s is just 10 days after Christmas and Mary’s is just 6 weeks after Christmas.
For Savannah- maybe these Haba Wooden Fantasy Blocks or these Haba Fit Together Building Blocks. Maybe Djeco\’s 14 Animal Cubes? I think this Picnic Basket from Lakeshore Learning is cute. And honestly? That’s it. That’s all I’ve got for Puddy so far so if anyone has any suggestions I’d love to hear them.
