An Amy D. Christmas...

[peanut]

Has anyone used any Amy D. ideas for Christmas? How did it go over?

One year I made the blue jean potholders. They were a hit!

I tried some of the coffee mixes for Dad one year. He didn't like them.

I've used her wrapping ideas. I've turned plastic bags into ribbon with success.

One year my sister and I exchanged secondhand items only. That was fun.

I'm working on getting what they need instead of what I think they want. I'm asking ahead and not really giving them any surprises. In fact, after I read Amy D. the first time I had them sit down and write up Christmas wish lists every year. We use them throughout the year for gifting them on special events (eg. birthdays and graduations).

We give expendable items: office supplies, food, gift certificates, etc.

We replace worn out clothing.

We limit our presents to $100 per child. This is more than enough!

We often make gifts.

In tight years we've given service certificates. They were a mixed hit. There was no shortage of getting the 'bake a dozen cookies' ones cashed in! The others were not much use.

We've incorporated some gag gifts in our stocking stuffers. One year it was Chinese puzzles from a kids store. DH and DD had just watched the Star Trek TNG show where Data gets his fingers stuck in one. Another year was small cars about the size of your thumb that whiz across the floor.

What ideas do you use that originated with Amy D.? (as you can tell, I'm looking for more ideas for this year!)

Jean

[erstbrmom]

I remember when my daughter was about 6 or 7 I used Amy's idea to make a dress up box filled with old bridesmaid dresses, purses, etc. The lacier, shinier and in my opinion the uglier the better. She loved it! I cut the long dresses to fit her better. Her friends loved it too. If Christmas was only that easy now - she's 17 and alot pickier about her clothes!

[peanut]

I remember when my daughter was about 6 or 7 I used Amy's idea to make a dress up box filled with old bridesmaid dresses, purses, etc. The lacier, shinier and in my opinion the uglier the better. She loved it! I cut the long dresses to fit her better. Her friends loved it too. If Christmas was only that easy now - she's 17 and alot pickier about her clothes!

LOL! I hear you. Mine are 21 and 24 this year. You should see the wish list this year "Put money on my student loan", "new waterproof, windproof warm jacket", etc. I'm just shaking my head. DH isn't any better. He's got an MP3 player on his mind these days!

Jean