Anonymous
Post 09/18/2025 05:20     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
gift cards. Even with my younger kids I am steering them away for anything from Five Below and similar. These little things add up to a lot of junk that no one needs. Gift cards or treats or usable things. Not more plastic junk.
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2025 05:17     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My mom used to do fun little cards with things like "You get to choose tonight's dinner" or "Ice cream out with mom" choices. Even as a teen, I loved them. Also, $1-2 scratch off tickets.


My kids are crazy about those. Their favorite is "get out of dinner free card." They get to have cereal or a sandwich while the rest of us eat dinner. I only give out like 1 a year of that one.


I think it's crazy to control what a teenager eats. If my kid wants to eat cereal, who cares? They don't do it every night, and they get plenty of veggies/fruits. Controlling when they can eat cereal is bonkers.


What if they did want to do it every night and what if they didn’t get enough healthy foods and produce. I bet you would have a different tone.

It’s hard to come home from work and still get a balanced and tasty meal on the table for the family and I would get frustrated if my kids try to opt out for something like cereal. I don’t demand my kids eat it, but I do expect them to try it. Teens with their freedom and socializing end up going out a lot and eating processed and less healthy foods with their friends, they can and should eat healthy foods at home with their family.
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2025 05:13     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:New-ish single/divorced mom here, and I need some help after the disaster that was last two Christmases. I have two teen girls, and I allow them 3-4 “big” gifts, spending around $200 on each girl. I work this into my December budget, but it’s things like smaller little gifts/stocking stuffers that inevitably put me over the edge when paired with the December food budget and gifts for others. I vowed that this year I would start shopping in October for smaller things, a few each month. The thing is, I don’t know what they will want then, and I am afraid if I put cash aside, I will be tempted to spend it on other things. I want tangible things, not side cash.

What are some small, under $10 things that teen girls universally enjoy?



Could you please just try to be a little more inclusive and write “holiday gift” instead next time ?


She celebrates Christmas, so she wrote Christmas gifts. It’s fine. It’s not about you or anyone else, it’s about her family.

—a person who doesn’t celebrate Christmas
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2025 03:29     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Anonymous wrote:New-ish single/divorced mom here, and I need some help after the disaster that was last two Christmases. I have two teen girls, and I allow them 3-4 “big” gifts, spending around $200 on each girl. I work this into my December budget, but it’s things like smaller little gifts/stocking stuffers that inevitably put me over the edge when paired with the December food budget and gifts for others. I vowed that this year I would start shopping in October for smaller things, a few each month. The thing is, I don’t know what they will want then, and I am afraid if I put cash aside, I will be tempted to spend it on other things. I want tangible things, not side cash.

What are some small, under $10 things that teen girls universally enjoy?



Could you please just try to be a little more inclusive and write “holiday gift” instead next time ?
Anonymous
Post 09/17/2025 08:11     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
About foods:

One year I bought my kids a dry goods chocolate wafer melting kit for making chocolate-covered strawberries. There's a similar one for making coated pretzel sticks. They come with drizzle packets.

My older son loves wasabi peas.
Anonymous
Post 09/17/2025 06:13     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My mom used to do fun little cards with things like "You get to choose tonight's dinner" or "Ice cream out with mom" choices. Even as a teen, I loved them. Also, $1-2 scratch off tickets.


My kids are crazy about those. Their favorite is "get out of dinner free card." They get to have cereal or a sandwich while the rest of us eat dinner. I only give out like 1 a year of that one.


I think it's crazy to control what a teenager eats. If my kid wants to eat cereal, who cares? They don't do it every night, and they get plenty of veggies/fruits. Controlling when they can eat cereal is bonkers.


What?? We make dinner and eat as a family. That's not controlling at all.


NP and my teen got home from her HS practice at 8pm yesterday. Many teens have very odd schedules with sports and jobs. We value family time but also their lives. They eat when they can and love food.

I buy different snack things they would like, sometimes looking for unique stuff even on Amazon if I’m short on time. Spicy or sour is always good. They like anything they can eat. Don’t overthink this.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 21:34     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t buy random stuff like the above if you’re trying to save money. If they don’t absolutely need lip balm and socks, it’s a waste and you’ll be out $100 on crap they don’t need. I’d actually save money and get things they really want vs things to open they don’t need.


1000 percent this.


But if your teen does like this stuff, that is easy to get now. My teens love their stocking stuffers full of makeup refills and gift cards and toiletries and nail polish. They also love earrings and bracelets and cute hats.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 20:44     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t buy random stuff like the above if you’re trying to save money. If they don’t absolutely need lip balm and socks, it’s a waste and you’ll be out $100 on crap they don’t need. I’d actually save money and get things they really want vs things to open they don’t need.


1000 percent this.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 20:16     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Pura Vida bracelets
earrings
Mascara
Small scents

I get all these things early!
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 20:12     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
I have a similar budget and agree it’s the little add on gifts that can blow my budget. Small gift cards have always been a hit and I know they won’t go to waste. I do $5-$10 a piece for all their favorite places. Some that we have done over the years are Apple/itunes, Xbox, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Sephora, ulta, Target, Chipotle, Chopt, etc. I also do flannel pj pants and candy most years. Recently I was at a Vera Bradley outlet and they had tons of great little pouches and useful accessories for $10 and under. I made a mental note to go back for DD. I know somebody will chime in with hate for Vera Bradley but you get the idea.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 13:28     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Do they collect anything?
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 13:27     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Gourmet chocolate bars
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 13:26     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I buy some of my kids’ gifts are the thrift store (usually Unique Thrift). Things like board games, books, puzzles, etc. You can often find things in good condition. Also, re: books, some libraries have book sales in the fall. Lots of great stuff at ours for very cheap.


Teens don’t want board games, books or puzzles.


Not sure what kind of kids you're raising but sure they do! Uno is a big hit, so is ticket to ride, as is new books. Games are great!


+1. My kid loves puzzles!


At age 17?


Yes, I give one to my kids every Christmas and Hanukkah. There are many different types: metal, wood, 3D shapes and boxes, books, games. If it has a hidden compartment, I'll put in money or a gift card.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 12:27     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
All they care about at that age is clothes, makeup, phones.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2025 12:26     Subject: Small Christmas gifts I can start purchasing now?
My kid is getting a trio to home goods to redecorate her room