Christmas ideas

[king family fan]

Just recently found out,we are having 8 extras guests here in December. My sister and my my nephew. Then about two weeks after that my oldest daughter,son in law and 4 grand children. Needless to say have not planned for Christmas. Therefore, must start planning. We need to make things,which takes time. Buy,trade things. Trying to make this fun and enjoyable. But basically not in my budget.
My first attempt is to trade or sell Some extra King books I have and a few other odds and ends. My son wants anything Lego. So he should be easy. The others well anyone got any general ideas? Cost matters because of all the extra mouths we will be feeding.
Please share your ideas and post pics if you have any. When the time comes we will do lots of decorating.

 

[staropeace]

Children's book at a used bookstore. Some are in almost new condition. For toys, Salvation Army usually offers a bunch that are like new...some with the tags still on. Do you have any friends who knit or crochet. You could offer to do something in return for a pair of lovely socks We have a free store here in Edmonton...all goods are free. People have to pay if they drop off something that can be sold at the store...it is a very popular notion.

 

[king family fan]

Thanks Staro we have an excellent used bookstore. I will certainly be checking out used stores, dollar stores. Iam not sure if we have a Salvation Army store around or not.

 

[Todash]

Pinterest is an amazing source of DIY ideas.

 

[skimom2]

Just recently found out,we are having 8 extras guests here in December. My sister and my my nephew. Then about two weeks after that my oldest daughter,son in law and 4 grand children. Needless to say have not planned for Christmas. Therefore, must start planning. We need to make things,which takes time. Buy,trade things. Trying to make this fun and enjoyable. But basically not in my budget.
My first attempt is to trade or sell Some extra King books I have and a few other odds and ends. My son wants anything Lego. So he should be easy. The others well anyone got any general ideas? Cost matters because of all the extra mouths we will be feeding.
Please share your ideas and post pics if you have any. When the time comes we will do lots of decorating.

We've always had to watch our money, KFF, so I know how you feel. Are you crafty at all? Maybe homemade or inexpensive (they're usually around $5/pr at Old Navy around Christmas)flannel pajama (or lounging) pants for the adults? They're really easy, and I've gotten flannel at a very good price at Wally--I think about $2.50-3.00/yd. I like to make things--last year I did a Doctor Who scarf for my daughter, matching manly aprons for The Man and LilMan; in the past I've done afghans, denim quilts (out of old jeans, with inexpensive fleece as a backing). DD#1 crocheted scarves for all her friends last year; they were beautiful and worked up fast. I'm just starting to plan for this year

I agree with StarO about shopping thrift and secondhand stores. You can find some really nice, brand new or very gently used things! This is really nice for someone who collects things, like pretty plates, etc. Last year I bought a delicate teacup and saucer at the thrift shop to go with one of my daughter's presents (a piece of local artwork, book, perfume, etc), and she loved it.

Most of all, don't drive yourself crazy. The adults in your family know your situation, so talk to them. Maybe they can chip in for food? I'm sure they're just glad you're taking care of your eyes! Maybe they don't have to be an issue at all. And likely the kids will be happy with anything, or nothing. Are there any low cost or free holiday events in your area? As long as there's love, decorating, and cookies/candy (lol), well-brought up kids are usually okay. Remember, they all love you!

 

[king family fan]

We've always had to watch our money, KFF, so I know how you feel. Are you crafty at all? Maybe homemade or inexpensive (they're usually around $5/pr at Old Navy around Christmas)flannel pajama (or lounging) pants for the adults? They're really easy, and I've gotten flannel at a very good price at Wally--I think about $2.50-3.00/yd. I like to make things--last year I did a Doctor Who scarf for my daughter, matching manly aprons for The Man and LilMan; in the past I've done afghans, denim quilts (out of old jeans, with inexpensive fleece as a backing). DD#1 crocheted scarves for all her friends last year; they were beautiful and worked up fast. I'm just starting to plan for this year

I agree with StarO about shopping thrift and secondhand stores. You can find some really nice, brand new or very gently used things! This is really nice for someone who collects things, like pretty plates, etc. Last year I bought a delicate teacup and saucer at the thrift shop to go with one of my daughter's presents (a piece of local artwork, book, perfume, etc), and she loved it.

Most of all, don't drive yourself crazy. The adults in your family know your situation, so talk to them. Maybe they can chip in for food? I'm sure they're just glad you're taking care of your eyes! Maybe they don't have to be an issue at all. And likely the kids will be happy with anything, or nothing. Are there any low cost or free holiday events in your area? As long as there's love, decorating, and cookies/candy (lol), well-brought up kids are usually okay. Remember, they all love you!

It will be great regardless of gifts. We will feed all,just trying to get suggestions and make this a special Christmas for all involved. perhaps a white Elephant exchange for the adults. Perhaps stockings filled with homemade goodies. If anyone has any recipes to share that would be great.

 

[Moderator]

It might be a lot of work or could be fun but as part of the stocking how about giving each of the kids Cowboy cookie mix in a jar and put some sort of Christmas fabric (it wouldn't take much) to decorate it. You could then bake the cookies with each of them if they're old enough and they each get to have their own stash. If you doubled the mix recipe but then put it in pint jars, you'd have one for each of the kids but not as many cookies in each stash to make them sick.

 

[king family fan]

It might be a lot of work or could be fun but as part of the stocking how about giving each of the kids Cowboy cookie mix in a jar and put some sort of Christmas fabric (it wouldn't take much) to decorate it. You could then bake the cookies with each of them if they're old enough and they each get to have their own stash. If you doubled the mix recipe but then put it in pint jars, you'd have one for each of the kids but not as many cookies in each stash to make them sick.

Great idea and yes they are all old enough the youngest is 3 and the oldest is 13.

 

[DiO'Bolic]

Perhaps you can start a “Swap Thread” here. We have some generous members here who put added value on SK stuff and other eclectic things.

I have _________ to swap, and am looking for _________.

 

[Moderator]

Great idea and yes they are all old enough the youngest is 3 and the oldest is 13.

Not quite sure how you'd divide up the egg for separate batches--that could be tricky.

 

[king family fan]

Not quite sure how you'd divide up the egg for separate batches--that could be tricky.

Perhaps it could be a sharing experience each bake a batch and take part of there batch and give out at our local nursing home.

 

[king family fan]

Perhaps you can start a “Swap Thread” here. We have some generous members here who put added value on SK stuff and other eclectic things.

I have _________ to swap, and am looking for _________.

That sounds like another great idea. Iam loving everyones ideas. I actually thought of craigslist for trading.But really like your idea.

 

[skimom2]

Not quite sure how you'd divide up the egg for separate batches--that could be tricky.

Powdered egg, maybe? Or if you have access to soy flour, you can use that (as an egg substitution, it's one Tbsp soy flour to 1 Tbsp. water for each egg).

 

[Grandpa]

One year when the kids were tight on cash and gift money was going for their kids, I suggested "help days" for gifts among the adults. We would go over to each others' houses and work on a project for the day - cleaning the house, or cleaning out the garage, or installing new blinds and verticals, and so on.

It worked out well, it was a good showing to the kids of Christmas spirit, and the family got together for three different days. And I got some verticals and blinds installed by young people who knew what they heck they were doing. (Translated: I don't.)

 

[king family fan]

Thats awesome Grandpa. My only problem is none of us live in the same state.

 

[Todash]

It might be a lot of work or could be fun but as part of the stocking how about giving each of the kids Cowboy cookie mix in a jar and put some sort of Christmas fabric (it wouldn't take much) to decorate it. You could then bake the cookies with each of them if they're old enough and they each get to have their own stash. If you doubled the mix recipe but then put it in pint jars, you'd have one for each of the kids but not as many cookies in each stash to make them sick.

What are you even talking about? There is no such thing as too many cookies, and if you become sick from eating cookies, it's a total coincidence and you were actually already getting sick anyway; you just weren't symptomatic yet. I am sure any of our members who happen to be medical professionals would concur.

Sick from cookies. LIKE THAT'S EVEN A THING.

 

[Todash]

Oh. I just saw this today. So cute! (You have to watch the linked video, which I normally find annoying, but it's worth it.) The Pink Peony of Le Jardin: How to make a frilly scarf from a T-SHIRT!!

 

[hipmamajen]

As far as crafty things so, knit or crocheted dishcloths are really easy and always a hit.

Or, something as easy as second-hand mugs (or holiday mugs from the Dollar Store, if you have one) filled with Hershey kisses or small candy canes are always fun.

I have a soup recipe that can go in a jar if you want to add something to the cookie in a jar theme.

Oh, and we've made cinnamon butter that is sooooo flipping good. If they are driving home, you can send it with them. I don't know how well it would do on an airplane....

 

[HollyGolightly]

It sounds like it's going to be a wonderful Christmas king family fan ! Years ago we totally quit doing grown up gifts - the gift for us is just being together and watching the kids. Everyone should pitch in a bit and help with the food - purchasing and preparation. I love that T shirt scarf idea for the women or a teen/tween girl. I like all these ideas. If you all do feel like you want to do grown up gifts - I know a family who does this: they only exchange homemade gifts for the adults. One year I helped my friend make this delicious ice cream sauce - put it in jars, tie some pretty fabric and ribbon around it, it was a lovely gift and so good. What are the kid's genders and ages?

 

[Spideyman]

Spoiler: Home made bath salts

PROJECT
Homemade Bath Salts
After a long, busy day, there's nothing better than a hot bath -- except, of course, a hot bath enriched with fragrant bath salts. It's surprisingly easy to prepare your own blend at home.

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MATERIALS

• Coarse sea salt
• Epsom salts
• Baking soda
• Essential oils
• Food coloring

STEPS

1. STEP 1
   In a large bowl, mix to combine: 6 parts coarse sea salt; 3 parts epsom salts, to soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation; and 1 part baking soda, to soften waters and alleviate skin irritation.
   
   
2. STEP 2
   Add a few drops of essential oils, and combine.
   
   
3. STEP 3
   Add a few drops of food coloring, until you achieve the desired shade. If you intend to present the bath salts as gifts, be sure to store them in a stoppered and labeled container to keep out moisture.