Recently I was at work and was going over my Christmas list during a slow day. Everyone was teasing me because I was so into it and it is only October. I have always started early and now more than ever I have to. If I waited too late we would spend way to much and I may not have time to get it all. Some of my gifts this year I have even had since mid summer because I got them so cheap. It works best to spread out the buying, it can get VERY expensive QUICK! My favorite clearance buys are always on the end caps at Target. For example this year I bought a Playmobile Castle for Wyatt for half price, I have had it since May. Over the years as we have added kids we have toned down our Christmas, less gifts and focusing more on celebrating Jesus' birth. Our goal is for each kid to get about 3 to 4 Santa gifts, a thing or two from mom and dad and of course the stockings (which are a wallet drainer-should have gotten smaller ones!-but just can't stop this tradition because I love it!).

So now onto the reason I am telling you all this anyway Stephanie at Ni Hao Ya'll it asking for some help with Christmas gifts so here are what we are getting our kids, so far, we think...and shhhhhhh, don't tell them, it's a secret!

Noah 12- Really what do you get a preteen? He wants a cat which costs NOTHING! so that really helps with the whole budget thing. Other than that I have no idea, well maybe a nice keyboard. He loves music and is always trying to play Nama's piano.

Sellers 9- Star Wars fanatic. Need I say more. Pretty much everything will be Star Wars and I buy the action figures at TJMaxx where they are half price compared to T and WM. I also got him a very cool SW framed movie poster from Ross for only $20.

Wyatt 4- Stars Wars lover. Yep, if you shop at the TJ Maxx in my hometown you won't find any SW figures, I buy them all, only $3.99. This is all he asked for but I will probably get him a Leapster and some games. I love Leapster.

Mason3- I am getting him a Leapster even though he probably cannot use it, yet. He is the youngest of many and so wants an electronic game to play with so he can be like his older siblings so this is what he is getting! I have also gotten him a wooden tool bench (Target on clearance).

Lily8- So far I have gotten her an ATM bank machine. She is a saver so she wants this very badly. We are also getting her an American Girl Doll and a few accessories ( not many- this stuff is EXPENSIVE!),

FYI- You can go online to get Leapster coupons for the system and the games.

Other gifts we have gotten in the past we loved: (that this tired ole brain can remember)

Neighborhood Sounds Bingo
Webkinz
Wii and games
Costumes ( after Halloween sales are a great time to buy them!)
See Saw for outside
Play Doh sets, I know they are a mess but some are really fun


If you are an early shopper and want to share, please do!