CHECK IN FOR AUGUST - Winter Holiday Challenge

[Robin]

I am in, I need to go through my stash and see what I already have and what I can make and make up a list. I need to finish with my sil's by October so I can ship it to them overseas. So this is good motivation.

[Linda]

hmmm...
I like this idea. I am not big on holiday gifts, but inevitably we need to do some shopping.

I'll start by making a list!

[ThirtySomething]

So what are you buying or making this month? Who can you mark off your list?

I'm thinking of starting on my kid's winter gear. We usually get snow pants at holiday time. Otherwise, I may try to start shopping for my parents.

[herc]

FYI Target has a BIG toy clearance going on right now, and tons of stuff on their more natural toy aisle is at 50 off, and will go to 75 soon. (Schleich and the like)

[Korwynne]

I've got enough calico critters for Leila for us, her siblings plus grandparent gifts (Eric's dad will send us money) for her... including her Santa gift. It's really all she wants right now, and so we're building her a collection.

For Lindsey, we've got the hello kitty sewing machine that was on clearance last January. I've also got her a paper making kit, and I need to find the american girl books that I got from mamaxt before we moved. I've got her the apples to apples game as well.

For Josh.. no ideas yet, and his birthday is Dec. 17th as well, so I've got to figure out birthday and Christmas for him. Most likely playmobil.

I'm doing the stocking stuffer swap here.. and I've gotten some things for stockings already.

I also ordered a rooter vase from Nicole for Eric's dad and his wife..

beyond that, I haven't done much yet.

[KimberMama]

Originally Posted by ThirtySomething

So what are you buying or making this month? Who can you mark off your list?

I'm thinking of starting on my kid's winter gear. We usually get snow pants at holiday time. Otherwise, I may try to start shopping for my parents.

I've started knitting in earnest. So far both projects on the needles are potentially for me, but one may be gift worthy (I am a total beginner). My big goal would be to knit a sweater for DH in secret. He's been asking when he'll get a sweater since I learned to knit, and I always say "never".

I bought some Dreamseeds soaps, and participated in a Badger Balms co-op, so I've started on some of the gifts for our gift exchange recipients. My plan is to sew cloth zipper bags to personalize the goodie gifts.

We bought a Lego train set on eBay earlier this year, so the boys have their big gift taken care of.

I need gifts for my niece and nephews. That is always a challenge. Well, my niece is easy ~ I'll sew her something Hello Kitty ~ but the boys are all getting older and video games aren't in our budget. I usually give art supplies, but it has been hinted at that they aren't appreciated (nor are books or games).

Bigger gifts will be for my dad and MIL ~ I don't really have ideas there yet. Oh, and my grandma! She's pretty easy though.

[mamabear]

Originally Posted by ThirtySomething

So what are you buying or making this month? Who can you mark off your list?

I will really start in earnest in September. But in preparation for that I am going to think about what the kids want for birthdays this month and for Christmas sort of at the same time. I'm leaning toward season passes and ski gear for them for Cmas which means I will need to hit the ski swaps in September, so I'll work extra this month to put away some cash for that.

I will also put on my list to work on cleaning out the basement which is the first step toward making morsbags for extended family.

[SewEsperanza]

OK, I made my list this weekend.

For the month of August, my goal is to start
a layaway for the "big" items.

[Katie]

I don't really have any ideas even so I dusted off *cough*cough* some old holiday magazines for inspiration.

I also dug out a quilt ufo that might end up for my mil....

[Kbsmama]

I won't really start until September, either. I was at Target a week or two ago, and I got a few clearance items. Not really in the budget, but I could hardly resist--5 Only Hearts (is that right?) dolls--two for under $5 and 3 under $9. And some games--I've forgotten what they were, but the logic ones--traffic jam? and two others similar. They were half price.

Sooo, progress. Also trying to get organized and think about it more and thinking about gifts for making--I may try my hand at some jam.

[Suzie]

I'm in.

I really would like a handmade Christmas this year. My 13 yr old told me yesterday he doesn't want a lot of trendy crap this year (woohoo). So, I'm gonna run with that!

[Kbsmama]

Originally Posted by Suzie

My 13 yr old told me yesterday he doesn't want a lot of trendy crap this year (woohoo). So, I'm gonna run with that!

You've got to love that!!!

[DEandF]

Originally Posted by ThirtySomething

So what are you buying or making this month? Who can you mark off your list?

This month I will browse online, and email my sil to see if they'd like to go in with us on a nice grandmother's ring for mil. Sil is done, we're done, and the five birthstones look really nice together. Anyhow, I am putting this out there so that I actually DO it this month!

[JodiM]

I'm in, but I probably wont buy the first gift until September.

We just paid school tuition, bought 3 sets of uniforms + school clothes for the older boys, and of course the HUGE list of school supplies, and we are getting braces for DS next week- so August is out. (and I'm still crying over my checkbook! LOL)

I will probably do most of mine on Black Friday- I hate going out in the crowds, but we are really strapped for money this year.

[Korwynne]

we made up a bunch of freezer jam today to use as gifts this year. We're going berry picking in the morning to make a bunch more!