I REALLY need to get started on this, but I just can't think of much! My biggest problem is that I don't want to have a lot of "stuff" after Christmas is gone. And then I'm also clueless about what kids want, lol. This is what I have so far - and I'll give a description of what each kid is like so you guys can help me :lol:

Alannah - girly, loves playdough, coloring, dress up, and her babies. Is the first of my kids ot actually play with a baby and take care of it before 3-4yo.

her list:
crayons (have)
kitchen utensils (have)
little purse (on it's way)
apron (making)

Aislinn - also girly, but a tom boy as well. Loves to ride bikes, play in the mud, etc. Not really "in" to anything

her list:
wooden bank (have)
matching outfit for her and her bitty baby (will make)

Kivett: all boy!! But again, not really into anything. Likes to dress up though.

his list:
fake light saber (have)
maybe a star wars cloak/jacket thing (I can make)

Kiera: tomboyish as well. Likes horses, and rereads the little house books constantly! Also AG books.

her list:
matching outfits for her AG dolls and her

Mikhail: All boy again ;) And 12yo. sigh... makes it hard since I'm just not sure what will thrill him. He likes cars, and working on stuff (we have bikes that are unusable because he tried fixing them, lol) He's started reading the Harry Potter books recently, and likes them.

his list:

umm... nothing. Though I have a HP knitting book on hold at the library

Chrissy: a teenager??? Need I say more? She likes shopping, and clothes, etc etc. Trendy stuff. And Harry Potter. And cooking.

her list:

Harry Potter jammies (making)
maybe a quilt and curtains for her room if I can figure out what colors she'd like without giving it away!



And then my niece. She's a typical all american public schooled (and I don't mean that in a bad way, she's just exposed to it all, if you know what I mean) 7yo. And I have no idea what she likes. And she is completely spoiled, and doesn't need anything.

Also have grandparents and parents, they're getting all pictures and picture DVD's.

subbing bc I have the same problem :)

How about instead of "stuff", you do a family trip or activity or large family gift?

I'm so excited this year. My boys' bdays are in December as well and so it gets spendy and crazy because they get so much "stuff".

We are taking the kids to Disney World on Sunday. This is part early bday/Christmas for them. My mom gave them each money to take on the trip, as their Christmas presents. My aunt did the same.

As early bday presents this year, my mom bought the boys one of those large Intex pools. They've been really enjoying it!

Last night, my aunt, boys and I went to see the Brad Paisley concert. He is their favorite singer and my aunt got the tickets for them when they came on sale back in March.

So, they won't be getting an abundance of stuff come December, but that is ok by me (and them--they got a pool and a concert and a trip to Disney!). :)

Do your kids not make a list of things they would like? I ask mine what they want. The list gets kind of nuts sometimes, but I ask them to put a star by the item they want the very most.

I can put away money now, but I don't need to shop for it quite yet.

If you are doing all homemade, ask them what they would like you to make for them. Then, you can work on starting now.

Do your kids not make a list of things they would like? I ask mine what they want. The list gets kind of nuts sometimes, but I ask them to put a star by the item they want the very most.

I can put away money now, but I don't need to shop for it quite yet.

If you are doing all homemade, ask them what they would like you to make for them. Then, you can work on starting now.

I usually do - but it seemed kinda early for that. Guess it would be a really good starting point, lol.

And I'd like to make or get very very cheaply most of it!

would you 12 year old like a model car?

I think that was about the age that I was intrigued by models.

Ooh yes a model for Mikhail might be perfect.

Also for your 7 yo niece - something you make will probably be more appreciated than you think. I know some of the kids I've made play aprons for or whatever, who I thought would be like 'Huh? gee thanks' - actually find it novel and cool that I actually made something...or how about putting together a craft or beading kit, or picking one up for $3.99 at TJ Maxx...

I am going to try very hard this year to buy only a few things. Actually, to give only a very few things. I end up making too many gifts for my girls that they love but don't need.

DH and I talked yesterday and we are going to get the girls a nice wooden table and chair set. I just ordered a few Mercurius things (paint, crayons) through a co-op and then I'll get brushes and paper from the craft store when they are on sale.

The girls are both playing with the same things they got last year so they haven't got any "new" likes really. The one thing we may buy that isn't handmade is the My Little Pony Ponyville things they both adore. They spend hours setting up Ponyville and making parties so even though it's plastic I am still going to get it.

My 12yo dd has had to take the position of household repair person since the previous holder of that title (my oldest son) started working full time. She's had her own (real) tool set for some time and can already fix most anything. Earlier she had my refrigerator/freezer door dismantled fixing the ice maker dispenser that decided to start turning itself on and off, on and off, continuously by itself. She likes to check out how to fix (whatever) books from the library and has a couple my dad bought her. Maybe a couple of reference books and a good tool set would be a nice present, and then he can move past (non)repairing bikes. :)

Has Keira read the Pony Pals, Saddle Club or Thoroughbred series books yet? Morgan loved those at that age and has received some for Christmas every year since. I watched ebay for small odd lots and grab them cheap that way. Then you could make her some horsey sleep pants or something to go along with the theme.

Would Crissy like a weaving loom? She could make belts, small purses, eye glass cases, etc and even use it to make others gifts.

Harrisville peg loom here (but there's one out there just a tag bigger, which might be better if you think she'll really like it)
Small Looms - Peg Loom, Frame Loom, Potholder Loom, Backstrap Loom, Weaving Cards (http://www.woolery.com/Pages/smlooms.html)

The little 7yo girl across the street (who has everything) LOVES anything I sew her. Fancy twirly skirts, decorated jeans and esp jammies that have little ballet things on them.