A group text I just sent to the family.

last month

last modified: last month

Dear all, I received a text today from an executive assistant to Mr. Claus. Apparently, they are in receipt of a Christmas List from one of you (you know who you are) with 34 items. It was pointed out to me that there are more than 2.2 billion children on Earth. You can imagine the administrative burden of 34 items each. In the future, there will be a hard limit of 18 items. Thank you.

PS Oh and he did say you were all very good this year, FWIW.

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Comments (26)

Olychick
last month
Wow, Santa's still very generous. Does she pick and choose from that list or is there an expectation that all will be received?
bpath
last month
Said list-maker must be including one of my progeny in their list, because so far the list is “I need some socks. And some pants.” Okay, so literally, socks for Christmas? “Well, actually, I need them now, I only have a couple without holes.” so even that, um, gift, is already aquired and given (festive wrapping, white with red concentric circles, provided free by the retailer, and since repurposed as a wastebasket liner).
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terezosa / terriks
last month
I have the opposite problem with my adult kids - they don't really need much.
nini804
last month
😂 Hey...if a fat man in a red suit is taking requests, might as well put it all out there and hope for the best.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month
No, not all of them! I was even forewarned that it is to pick and choose from,and for bday too (upcoming). And to be fair some items are like $7. Most of it is under $50... but even so its in the form of links and I have to go click on 34 link!? I think 18 is enough for picking and choosing.

My other kids gave me a list with about a dozen things (two items were under $5).

My middle kid wants a pair of Nikes and special non-toxic nail polish.
4kids4us
last month
last modified: last month
In my case, I would have been happy to have a lot to choose from - so many things on my kids’ lists are out of stock! Even a few things I managed to order, I later got an email that the orders were canceled b/c the items were no longer in stock.

i then had to go back and get more ideas from them (bear in mind, I shop not just for gifts from us, but also for both sets of grandparents).

I think next year I might create a family Google doc and ask for each kid to add their links there, and then they can update whenever they think of new things. I can’t tell you how many text messages and emails I had to funnel through, from four kids, to find the links, which they sent here and there over time.
Sueb20
last month
Each of my kids asked for 1-2 things this year. I think I’ve actually purchased 34 things.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month
I pretty much just started shopping. If I start too soon I forget what i have.

So far, it wasn't so bad after all because like a dozen links were Urban Outfitters and all of it cheap, bless their heart. Feeling calmer now.

It was supposed to be the year of no gifts or decorating; we were going to rent a place in Austria and get everything there, even a lil tree. Maybe next yr. : (

ETA - yes 4kids, a few things were NA. I warned one kid just today to get me some ideas since so much is out of stock this yr! The 34 item list was google docs, but it is cumbersome. You have to open all of the links to look at them because you don't want to buy the first 10 things and then get to item 11 and see it is pricey but you want to buy that anyway. I'm mindful of keeping spending on all three kids ~even so it can get tricky.

I can't find last year's l tracking spreadsheet, but Excel has some pretty good templates.
daisychain01
last month
4kids4us, we had the same experience and I was peeved. I am a last minute shopper and I was so proud of myself for sitting down to order in mid-November only to find everything I clicked on was gone. Most of it was Urban Outfitters, so I hope you have better luck than I did, mtn.

I only gave DH a one item list for me, but I've probably bought myself 5 things as I complete everyone else's lists. I'm deciding those count on their lists not mine ;-)
bbstx
last month
DD sat down with the 4 y/o twins to write letters to Santa. DGS decided he would write the letters P and F. Mr. Literal! 🤦🏻‍♀️
Tina Marie
last month
Not having children, this is greek to me! There are 3 children we buy for, but I just ask the moms (they are still young). I guess it gets tricky when they get older. Terri, I'm like your kids.

BB - that is too cute! My shopping is done - every bit of it on-line. I do have to get some candy for a little girl on my list - to add to her bag. She is m & m crazy!!
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
last month
awwww, BBSTX!!!
Oakley
last month
I finally finished my shopping and now it's time to wrap. I can't wait to wrap DGS's Manly Man box, and DGD's Girlie Girl box. They'll be getting other things but I thoroughly enjoyed doing these boxes. Thanks, Mom!
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
last month
okay, i missed something ---- what's a Manly Man box, and a Girlie Girl box!?
suero
last month
I've got the opposite problem, if you can call it a problem. I finally got the birthday request from my DGD, whose birthday is in July.
cawaps
last month
My daughter has only mentioned underwear (!?) and lounge pants for remote learning days around the house.
Funkyart
last month
This is too funny-- in years past, i received long lists of links from each of the younger kids (then 15-22ish). This year i didn't get anything from the younger 2.. I finally sent out a group text saying that anyone without a list would be getting underwear and an ugly christmas sweater!

Luckily for me, one of them fell in love with a necklace i had been looking at for her mom-- and also a pair of beyond yoga leggings when i was also shopping for her mom (this year all the women are getting Beyond Yoga leggings because this is the year *I* discovered leggings!)

Finally, yesterday, my nephew texted that he needed new Air Force 1s.. great-- after black friday/cyber monday, they were all sold out everywhere! (I did find them on the Nike site). These along with a shoe cleaning kit, and the dopp kit/Duke Cannon items makes a nice package.

I am mostly done shopping -- i need to place an order at the state store yet and select a few book gifts. I overbought this year but it ended up being a little more fun than I had thought it would be. Now i have to start wrapping and getting packages in the mail!
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
last month
I looked on Amazon for ideas for the guys, and ended up buying a lined flannel shirt from LL Bean.

LOL, Funky, I know what a "state store"is! Off to check out Beyond Yoga. I was trying to remember that name, I recalled you recommending a brand, you can only imagine how badly I butchered it. Without Yoga? Beyond leggings?

I need ideas for games?

I also am looking for a bracelet with an arrow.

I got each of the girls a piece of luggage; the Steamline brand that Robo turned me onto long ago. They've coveted mine ever since, and their luggage has bit the dust;broken handles and the like. They only had little things on their wish list so this will be their big surprise. I'm tempted to wrap the little things and put them inside ....
daisychain01
last month
I was looking for bluetooth speakers for my classroom and came across these cute little JBL personal, waterproof ones. I got one for DH who loves to sit in a drizzling rain on the deck and listen to podcasts. They were $30 off at Best Buy and I couldn't resist.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month
those are great, Daisy! i just got one too

Im looking for something globe-related but this is sold out boo hoo

NatGeo has some nice stuff:
Funkyart
last month
I NEVER liked leggings until i received a pair of beyond yoga leggings in my trunk club. Now i love them!!

There is a globe basketball on amazon but it's not a recognizable brand so it may be crappy as an actual basketball. Did you try calling a store? You may be able to get one locally (I wish i had seen them-- I'd have gotten at least 1!)

Arrows are in-- there are so many arrow bracelet options from Tiffany to Ani & Alex. I saw this engraveable arrow signet ring at the same place where i purchased my niece's necklace (actually necklaceS.. because she wanted to double up the chain lol). I thought it was an interesting take on a signet ring-- but of course, it isn't a bracelet. Also, it is gold plate which i generally hate to buy.

This is the necklace i bought-- gold for niece, silver for sis.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked Funkyart
bbstx
last month
last modified: last month
Mtn,

This one from Tiffany is gorgeous, if you are looking for silver.

Kendra Scott has some with arrowhead shape charms
mtnrdredux_gw thanked bbstx
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month
Thanks BBSTX, that is just perfect, but i know she prefers yellow gold.

A charm is not a bad idea. BTW the arrow has a significance but its not an Indian arrow.

FUnky, where is the ring from? I want to see it from another angle. thx
jill302
last month
Funky, Would you mind sharing where you found the padlock pendant?
Funkyart
last month
Sure.. I bought my pieces in a local shop but now that I've seen them, i wouldn't hesitate to buy online.

Thatch Jewelry - Hand

If you are looking for all gold-- i believe saks had one?
mtnrdredux_gw thanked Funkyart
bbstx
last month
I, too, prefer yellow gold. My sister bought my niece a 14 kt arrow necklace several years ago, but can't remember where. My niece's sorority emblem is the arrow, so Sister has bought several arrow items.