We had a wonderful Christmas this year. I think it was wonderful because we simplified!
We decided last year that we would have 3 gifts for each person. I ended up breaking the rules with the hubby, but we stuck to it pretty well with the kids.
The plan for the three gifts originally was:
Want, Need and Spiritual
{We decided that socks weren’t the best gifts, so we canned the Need for Surprise early on.}
After trying to find sound Spiritual gifts that could be delivered in a timely manner, we traded it in for Book.
Want, Book and Surprise were our final categories.
This year, I hope to get shopping earlier for something Spiritual, and put it back on the list!
The most popular gifts this Christmas were:
Need for Speed for XBox 360
This was the choice for our oldest. We only buy E rated games, and he loves these racing games!
iPod Shuffles
I got them directly from Apple so they could be engraved. I spent a few minutes thinking of a fin way to personalize them, and decided to roll with the “i” them Apple has. They stuck to our $50 “Want” limit, and were a huge hit!
Giant Nerf gun
Obama would likely ban this one. It really packs a punch. Our clock has been a frequent target.
Ninjago Book
Even though Evan and Leah shared a gift of the Ninjago temple, Evan’s favorite was still the encyclopedia he received from a church member!
Tea set
Leah wouldn’t hold still for a pic, but I am glad she loved the tea set that was MUCH SMALLER than I expected.
The big family favorite, bought with grandma and grandpa money:
WiiU!!
We absolutely love this thing! I have forever been a Mario fan, and am personally loyal to the Nintendo brand. This is different from the Wii in that the WiiU is HD, and the little gamepad is genius! Even our youngest, Leah, can take a starring role in our action, even when the game is too difficult for her to play!
The best part? When mom is tired of five kids playing on the WiiU and taking over the television when she needs to watch her knitting DVD, they can just switch over to the gamepad and the game continues on. There haven’t been any fights over who is the one on the gamepad-yet.
Also given as gifts were new controllers, the Super Mario Bros.U game, and the guidebook for MarioU.
Our book choices were:
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We also did stocking stuffers for the first time in years! We had some candy, and a $5 gift. The kids loved it!
© 2013, Sam. All rights reserved.
I stopped over to your blog from the TOS Review Crew. Wow – you take really beautiful pictures! Nice blog and great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Erica!!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Favorite Things:The Christmas Favorites
Sounds like a great Christmas. We also do 3 gifts. No categories though. I wasn’t sure what money was going to look like this year so I had asked each child to tell me the 1 thing they REALLY wanted. They each got that. I would like to do a book or spiritual next year.
I do do Christmas stocking (actually it is a gift bag) for the kids because hubby works on Christmas and doesn’t get home until early afternoon. By doing this it gives them something to do/open until he gets home. I would say the kids favorite things to get in the bag are an IBC Rootbeer, their own “junk” cereal (since I won’t buy them any other time), gum, and a small toy (the dollar section at Target is great for this!).
Those are all great ideas!!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Favorite Things:The Christmas Favorites
That sounds great! I try to stick to the “something they want, something they need, something to wear & something to read” each year. Happy New Year!
Barbie latest thoughts..The Weekend Brew: Start Anew!
Yours sounds cuter!!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Favorite Things:The Christmas Favorites
I like your categories – I need to bring up the idea at our house. I love the original Mario Game. My 9 year old got the Mario game and it brought me back! Happy New Year, Sam!
Mary latest thoughts..Break is Over – Weekly Report 1/4/13
Thank you! I am a Mario fan. I always have to be Mario when we play!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Favorite Things:The Christmas Favorites