All they want for Christmas...

[Jbr]

It's started already "14 weeks to go" a butcher screamed out at my local shopping centre.

Jack wants a Zippy Beanie Baby and some Turkish Delight! And that's it! I should be pleased he's not going on about this and that toy etc, but it seems strange he's being so well sensible.

His dad of course, will try and get him something enormous I suspect. Maybe we should go halfers, I can't just give Jack 2 small things for Christmas, even if that's all he wanted.

Anyone else thinking ahead or just me? Have the kids started screaming about it yet?

It's the point of the thing. I don't know about anyone else but it's just habit. We always take the price off. My parents did it, we all do it. I remember my mum going mad with her mum once because she left all the prices on our Christmas presents.

On a separate note, I could always tell when my Mum had presents from my Nan hidden in the house, because they always smelled of smoke! My Nan has always been a heavy smoker - I am amazed she is still here to be brutally honest - and everything stinks of smoke. We couldn't eat the sweets one year because they had been contaminated; they had a horrible sort of burnt, cigarette taste.

I'd never leave a price visible, either, hence the stickers for book prices etc. In fact, I'm so paranoid about it that unless I've closely watched the person remove the price tag to my satisfaction, I'll even unwrap gift wrapped presents I've purchased, to double check! Sad or wot?

I had to comment on the Woolworths dressing up clothes. We bought the wizard and witch outfits today for our 4 and 6 year olds and they are super. The 6 yr old is very tall and the skirt to the witch outfit is fine - she thinks the top is brilliant because it shows a tiny bit of tummy and is therefore, apparently, seriously cool (she's not allowed "cool" stuff usually as I'm too old fashioned and what for her is cool I see as tarty). The wizard costume is quite long on my average sized 4 yr old. I'd say give them a go, as they are far more reasonably priced than the Disney Shop ones.

message withdrawn

Last year my Dh cousin got my Ds a subscription to the "Tweenies" comic, and has been a fantastic gift that stays for the year! Also this works well for adults too.

Subscriptions are a great idea and some mags. are making it more affordable so you can give a 6 month subscription.

Looks like I've got to start dropping Christmas hints in the summer. Just found out the MIL has already brought DS his Christmas pressie. Yep, you've got it - yet another useless lump of electronic plastic.

Just got the Harrods Christmas catalogue free with Homes & Gardens (I think) magazine. It's brilliant, lots of really affordable stuff starting from about £3.50 and postage is £5 and £10 if you're sending food. They've got little hampers starting at £12.95.

Their order number is 0845 605 1234, if you fancy a catalogue.

Rhiannon, I'll make you laugh, I've just got the Harrods Xmas catalogue too, I'm going to have the Burberry Barbie for my birthday. She looks so cute in her mac and check kilt! Only £89.95!!!

Does anyone know where to buy pokemon figures these days? My 4 years old daughter loves them and seriously thinks shes "gotta catch them all!"...but seems they are no longer in favour with most toys shops! Have cleaned out the supply in Chinatown already!Anyone any ideas????

Uniquelykiki, I saw a range of Pokemon products in our local Poundstretcher shop the other day (whilst routing around for party bag bargains for my ds's Birthday party). Everything was dramatically reduced. Alternatively, I think Big W (or Woolworth's) may have some.