I'm putting on my Grandma shoes today - going To Toys R Us

[Tink]

Judy, I'm so glad you're getting to do gifts for the grandkids this year.
I always enjoy that part of being a grandma.

My oldest Granddd is a horse lover, and knows I used to have horses, so she assigned me the task of finding horse related items for her. I got her a wooden stable that fits Breyer horses for her birthday which is in 2 weeks, and for Christmas I got her a pretty throw with horses on, a James Herriot book with horse stories, and a silver bracelet with horses on.

My youngest granddd is a Dora fanatic. So I got her a really cute 3 piece denim pants, jacket and shirt set; panties; and pajamas; all with Dora on.

The girls have 7 grandmas and 4 grandpas in total, so have more toys than they can possibly play with or have room for. So I see no point in adding to the pile but get a few more practical items that match their current interests instead.

[judy]

That's nice Tink. I don't know if I'm going to be able to make waves about Christmas and birthdays. We do have to choose our battles, but I really would love to start a new tradition about gifts for the children.

I do not enjoy just throwing money down at Toys R Us for gifts that are meaningless.

Maybe by summer, when they all have their birthdays, I'll be able to make a change.
However, like I said, I'm going to be careful about which battles I choose - it's not important enough to start any real trouble over.

I have lots of Grandma stuff, Kate. When I retired, I "gifted" myself with wonderful science books, a real microscope, and all kinds of lovely things. I knew the Dept. of Ed. would want me to have them, so I just didn't discuss it with them!

I'm going to go through the huge carton they're sitting in tomorrow. It weighs a ton,
but I'll get it upstate.

[DianaB]

Tink, it sounds like you have your Christmas shopping about done! Boy, I wish that I had an idea where to even start with mine!!!

Judy, I'm glad that you were able to get all the toys that were on your list. Sometime in the future you can put in a few creative ideas of your own to get them instead. Like you said, choose your battles carefully! You're going to have so much fun these holidays that I can't wait to hear all about them!!!!

[katepoet]

Don't you love it, Judy! I have a microscope and slides and a planetarium projector and other goodies that I kept, too. I am all set for the kids that come to visit. There is always something interesting they can do here that they can't do at home.

I learned with one relative not to ask the kids or mom as they always had to rich a list for me. I just did my best and I think they liked it anyway!

[rivermom]

Judy - I bet it's just been a blast shopping!! I'm thrilled for you. It will be such fun to sit down and wrap those gifts and smile. Even bigger smiles when they open all the goodies.