I had a very small christmas budget this year. I have 4 girls. (2 do not live with us). Since I usually send most of their items home every year they don't have much here to do. So, I got them all a cell phone as their main present. And then decided to redecorate their room as a gift to all of them. The room is redecorated. I also got them a matching dvd player to their tv and several board games and dvds so they'll have things to do while they are here. I didn't address the games/dvds to anyone child, I simply wrapped them in their newly decorated room for them to open together. I have $150 left. Their ages are 8, 10, and the older 2 girls are 11. What are some other things I can add to room besides barbies or bratz? any ideas? I'm really worried that they are going to feel like this is a small christmas. Is it?
2006-12-22 05:38:37 · 18 answers · asked by lilmisstickletoo 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
How about getting them nail polish or manicure sets? They could do each others nails and have a blast. I used to love doing that when I was their age.
Maybe get them games for the tv like "Scene It". They have different versions of it like Disney Scene It, Sports Edition, Friends, etc. I think that would be really fun and it'd be something they could all do together.
2006-12-22 05:47:25 · answer #1 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
No this is a nice Christmas! It shows that you want them to feel at home with you and have someplace nice to come.
I agree anything crafty. Also there are some really inexpensive digital cameras this year, I found one at Walmart that will hold 150 pictures for $20. It doesn't have a removable storage disk or screen on the back, but it comes with a lot of software for the computer to make calendars or slide shows. So maybe something like this and some scrapbooking stuff to keep at your house. Then the camera could travel with them, but they would have something fun to do at your house.
Also any little fun bath and hygene products. There is a lot out there with glitter or scented. Girls love that. You could have all the stuff for a makeover party and do that with them. Add some cool music and some feather boas and you have a fun time.
Diary for each girl This is something that travels back and forth, but this is the age where they are starting to get into that.
Tickets to do something fun with them. To me the cell phone and room are really great, so I would give them things you can do together to show them how much you look forward to seeing them.
A basket with little snacks like popcorn, chips, candy, etc and comfy PJs and slippers to enjoy while they are watching the movies or playing games.
Good Luck and Have a Merry Christmas!!
2006-12-22 07:21:33 · answer #2 · answered by micheletmoore 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow! You're a great mom. The Christmas presents sound wonderful and the room redo is so fun for kids. They'll think Christmas is big. Here's some ideas about decorating girls' rooms on a budget. Have a merry Christmas.
http://home.ivillage.com/decorating/kidroom/0,,hbkn,00.html#
2006-12-22 05:45:49 · answer #3 · answered by bibliobethica 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that so far it sounds like a great christmas! Some other things you might want to get are beanbag chairs (or some sort of small chairs) so they can sit around and play games and wathc movies together. You could also get together gift baskets with Blockbuster cards, sodas candy and popcorn so they can have a movie night with thier new tv's and dvd players...Cd Players or some sort of stereo might be good for the rooms as well. I think its a very thoughtful gift!
2006-12-22 05:44:34 · answer #4 · answered by Courtney C 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What is your usual budget, a couple thousand a piece? For the love of God
(which is what this holiday is supposed to be about BTW) when will you feel you've done enough?
No wonder most children are such selfish, greedy little people. Cell phones for people under 18 who are not working? Where and when are they going to have an emergency for using them without a competent adult around?
I just don't get it. Then again, maybe I do. You cannot compensate for time away from your household by a flood of gift giving. That reduces you to a fantasy parent, much like Santa. Is that what you really want?
Good idea having them share the gift of the bedroom. What do you say about taking the last $150 and letting them witness you donate it to charity? Perhaps even letting them decide on the worthy cause?
Merry Christmas
2006-12-22 07:45:28 · answer #5 · answered by amazingly intelligent 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I would say that this sounds like a really good Christmas already. What are your girls interests? Crafts? Music? Sports? Dance? Drama? Maybe get them each a gift card so that they can choose what they want to have. I like the idea of wrapping a bunch of "group" gifts and of redecorating.
2006-12-22 07:33:01 · answer #6 · answered by Justme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Books. For any money left over, stuffed toys or dolls themed in those books. In fact, in many bookstores at Christmas, the toys relating to the books are usually displayed right with the books.
I believe in encouraging children to love reading from the very start. Certainly, by age 8, even the youngest can appreciate a good read.
2006-12-22 05:49:03 · answer #7 · answered by auntb93again 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
shoot u don't know what a low budget is i thought u were really stuck like me. But here u r worrying about getting them all cell phones and redecorating their rooms get a grip and stop being such a drama queen, use some of ur wealth to help those in real need take ur girls to the nearest shelter or food pantry and show them how to be humble and giving for the holidays and everyday of the year it goes a longer way, Geees.
2006-12-22 05:45:09 · answer #8 · answered by papabeartex 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
That sounds pretty good to me. I think they will be happy with what you go them. Cell phone...that's awesome!!!
The only other thing i can think of it split the money up, and just give them extra cash to buy what they would want? Just an idea. Or you could give me the money...i could use a new cell phone...ha ha
2006-12-22 07:29:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like you have given them enough!!!! I have four kids too and I know what it is like to want them to be happy and think that Christmas is great........One thing that we do to help our kids remember that their are less fortunate people is either go to a store where you can adopt a family and then all deliver the wrapped new gifts back to the store as a family ($150.00 would buy enough for the entire family) or I have a favorite charity that is called www.safenowproject.org where you could make a donation in your kids names.....it is a way cool website and my kids love knowing that they helped to make other kids safe...definately something to think about.
2006-12-22 06:33:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋