The Virtual Pub

Come Inside... => Saloon Bar => Topic started by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 06:54:08 AM

Title: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 06:54:08 AM
WTF do you get 2 boys ~ one aged twelve and a half and the other ten years?

They are too old for toys and they have all the Wii's, Mobile Phones, Watches, Digital Cameras, Nintendo Micros, Remote control cars/trucks, MP3s etc that they could ever want. New football boots, sports equipment, clothing etc they soon grow out of and anyway we are forever replacing such stuff throughout the year. They both have bikes, laptops and they are NOT getting TV's in their bedrooms.

OK it is easy to upgrade to iPhones etc but they only do the same things as the stuff they already have but at a much higher cost and I'm not in the business of trying to outdo their friends' parents by buying bigger(smaller) or more fashionable bits of kit that they will only break or have stolen (with resulting upset and cost of replacement)

"Sensible" gifts like Premium Bonds/Insurance policies etc I leave to God-parents and anyway what kid wants to open a present to find it is a Government Savings Bond?

I have asked the boys what they want and they just shrug and say "We've got everything".

Ideas (sensible ones preferred) would be most welcome.

Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 06:58:45 AM
I longed for a new (not hand-me-down) bike at that age...  sad24:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 07:02:45 AM
I longed for a new (not hand-me-down) bike at that age...  sad24:

They got new bikes for their birthdays this year. Had to buy their mother one as well as she is scared to let them go out on their own as the roads are so busy nowadays.
They can peddle faster than my mobility scooter will go!



Oh the THW wants a horse ...... I have said NO!


PS I do take the boys and their bikes in the Land Rover to safe cycle paths along the coast and let them cycle alone there. We try not to be helicopter parents!
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 07:07:18 AM
I have asked the boys what they want and they just shrug and say "We've got everything".

You could knock out their front teeth...  eveilgrin:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 07:12:00 AM
The eldest has his "Grown-up" teeth and the younger has lost both front teeth in the past 6 months and the new ones are half grown.
Anywho ~ I don't think I could take another 6 months of lisping  noooo:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 07:51:26 AM
I am buying The Boy a guitar
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 07:53:15 AM
Lektrik or acoustic?
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 08:04:24 AM
I am buying The Boy a guitar

They have guitars Lektrik and Acoustic ("annalog"!), ukuleles, Bongo drums, one has a cornet, the other a clarinet, the house also boasts an electronic key board, an electronic drum kit, a piano (upright, old fashioned) all of which they can and do use and a Mandolin and a violin (their mother's) which they may not use. Microphones, amplifiers, headphones etc abound  Damned nearly a bloody orchestra!

There is nuffink left. Banghead
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 08:06:34 AM
Time to get a puppy  angel1
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 08:07:57 AM

NOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

(Allergies)
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 08:11:16 AM
Pet snake?
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 08:15:42 AM
A mahoosive snake!  ;D

THW will love it!  whistle:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 08:22:58 AM
 lol: lol: lol:
(And the white mice to feed to it!)




Did I mention the Kazoos, Recorders and Harmonicas?  surrender:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 08:27:17 AM
lol: lol: lol:
(And the white mice to feed to it!)




Did I mention the Kazoos, Recorders and Harmonicas?  surrender:

I don't think you can feed them musical instruments like....  noooo:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 08:27:54 AM
Or a pig


(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.postimage.org%2FmLogJ.jpg&hash=dde4004721ad1ecb220feb7aaf1abb52ef24507e) (http://postimage.org/image/1a75t51s4/)
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 08:32:42 AM
Or a pig


(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.postimage.org%2FmLogJ.jpg&hash=dde4004721ad1ecb220feb7aaf1abb52ef24507e) (http://postimage.org/image/1a75t51s4/)


WTF!?  eeek:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons) on October 28, 2010, 09:12:14 AM
BM check out Youtube for snakes eating huge things. sick2:

Snoops it's nearly time for them to have a Swedish blonde each. eyes: 
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 09:25:13 AM
Only after me!
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 09:28:28 AM
BM check out Youtube for snakes eating huge things. sick2:



 noooo:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 09:31:05 AM
BM check out Youtube for snakes eating huge things. sick2:



 noooo:

BM demonstrates wisdom. (https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-char013.gif&hash=ab7ba2a32be861c3ff1ef9dba7883b2f505e9da7)
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 09:32:56 AM
BM check out Youtube for snakes eating huge things. sick2:



 noooo:

BM demonstrates wisdom. (https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-char013.gif&hash=ab7ba2a32be861c3ff1ef9dba7883b2f505e9da7)

 cloud9:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Demeanour on October 28, 2010, 10:21:25 AM
I am cancelling Christmas  evil:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 10:23:26 AM
I am cancelling Christmas  evil:

Not the buying presents bit tho...?  whistle:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 10:23:57 AM
I am cancelling Christmas  evil:


 rubschin: It's a plan, of sorts, but I can't see us getting away with it
The Grinch didn't!
(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.homevideos.com%2Fmovies-covers%2FTheGrinch.jpg&hash=675d31cac7c08530877db587cd8636573a8fcf33)
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 10:24:26 AM
Ooooh, a new Brat outburst
 Popcorn:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Demeanour on October 28, 2010, 10:25:43 AM
I am cancelling Christmas  evil:

Not the buying presents bit tho...?  whistle:

Have you written your list ?

I will buy a few pressies but I am working through most of it anyway and hiding under the duvet for the rest
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Demeanour on October 28, 2010, 10:26:11 AM
Ooooh, a new Brat outburst
 Popcorn:


It's half term ...they are almost hourly at the moment  noooo:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 10:26:33 AM
I am cancelling Christmas  evil:

Not the buying presents bit tho...?  whistle:

Have you written your list ?

I will buy a few pressies but I am working through most of it anyway and hiding under the duvet for the rest

A mahoosive list... as always...  redface:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 10:27:59 AM
Ooooh, a new Brat outburst
 Popcorn:


It's half term ...they are almost hourly at the moment  noooo:
Popcorn: Popcorn: Popcorn:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 10:28:53 AM
I am cancelling Christmas  evil:

Not the buying presents bit tho...?  whistle:

Have you written your list ?

I will buy a few pressies but I am working through most of it anyway and hiding under the duvet for the rest

A mahoosive list... as always...  redface:


I am not sure that 4 cases of scotch, 6 cases of vodka and a tanker of collapso counts as a pressy list.
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 10:30:27 AM
Ooooh, a new Brat outburst
 Popcorn:


It's half term ...they are almost hourly at the moment  noooo:


Isn't it a amazing how the holiday breaks from School always manage to encompass Teenage Daughters "Having the Painters in"?  Banghead
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 10:44:50 AM
I am cancelling Christmas  evil:

Not the buying presents bit tho...?  whistle:

Have you written your list ?

I will buy a few pressies but I am working through most of it anyway and hiding under the duvet for the rest

A mahoosive list... as always...  redface:


I am not sure that 4 cases of scotch, 6 cases of vodka and a tanker of collapso counts as a pressy list.

 lol: lol: lol:

Generally I just write to Santa and ask for World peace...  angel1
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 10:50:27 AM
 Liar:   Of course you do!
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 10:51:54 AM
Liar:   Of course you do!

 redface:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 11:09:18 AM
I predict LL will get some mini parts (mini parts, geddit?)
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons) on October 28, 2010, 11:10:45 AM
I will be asking for a greenhouse and a Sven to erect it. However as I may be homeless at crimble I may just ask for Sven. eyes:


Miss D and Snoops happy100 happy100
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 11:13:55 AM
I predict LL will get some mini parts (mini parts, geddit?)

 evil:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 11:15:21 AM
I will be asking for a greenhouse and a Sven to erect it. However as I may be homeless at crimble I may just ask for Sven. eyes:




(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthefreshscent.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2008%2F10%2Fmobile_greenhouse.jpg&hash=98c620ce560f345ec6c8aa82689d4d5725f5d043)

 whistle:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 11:16:25 AM
I will be asking for a greenhouse and a Sven to erect it. However as I may be homeless at crimble I may just ask for Sven. eyes:


Miss D and Snoops happy100 happy100

I hear from Miss D that Sven is an expert at erections. I have a spare bed  angel1
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 11:17:13 AM
I will be asking for a greenhouse and a Sven to erect it. However as I may be homeless at crimble I may just ask for Sven. eyes:


Miss D and Snoops happy100 happy100

I hear from Miss D that Sven is an expert at erections. I have a spare bed  angel1

Mr. Thread... etc.
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons) on October 28, 2010, 11:19:11 AM
I will be asking for a greenhouse and a Sven to erect it. However as I may be homeless at crimble I may just ask for Sven. eyes:




(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthefreshscent.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2008%2F10%2Fmobile_greenhouse.jpg&hash=98c620ce560f345ec6c8aa82689d4d5725f5d043)

 whistle:

That looks perfik. cloud9:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Nick on October 28, 2010, 11:25:23 AM
I will be asking for a greenhouse and a Sven to erect it. However as I may be homeless at crimble I may just ask for Sven. eyes:


Miss D and Snoops happy100 happy100

I hear from Miss D that Sven is an expert at erections. I have a spare bed  angel1

Mr. Thread... etc.

Wot  whacky115
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 11:26:34 AM
I will be asking for a greenhouse and a Sven to erect it. However as I may be homeless at crimble I may just ask for Sven. eyes:




(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthefreshscent.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2008%2F10%2Fmobile_greenhouse.jpg&hash=98c620ce560f345ec6c8aa82689d4d5725f5d043)

 whistle:

That looks perfik. cloud9:

Shall I gift-wrap it or will you drive it home...?
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons) on October 28, 2010, 11:46:51 AM
Oooo gift wrap please, then it will be a surprise like.
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 12:02:08 PM

(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthefreshscent.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2008%2F10%2Fmobile_greenhouse.jpg&hash=98c620ce560f345ec6c8aa82689d4d5725f5d043)



People who live in Glass Houses shouldn't!  whistle:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons) on October 28, 2010, 12:29:27 PM
I didn't, nor did I knock down the walls of Jericho, the 'big boys' did it. angel1
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Darwins Selection on October 28, 2010, 01:16:29 PM
I didn't, nor did I knock down the walls of Jericho, the 'big boys' did it. angel1
Sodom?  Or was that someone else as well?
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons) on October 28, 2010, 01:52:56 PM
Not me DS I was far to busy dealing with gonorrhoea. whistle:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Barman on October 28, 2010, 02:02:17 PM
Not me DS I was far to busy dealing with gonorrhoea. whistle:

 lol: lol: lol:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 02:19:01 PM
Sodom?  Or was that someone else as well?


Sod 'em all, sod 'em all
The long and the short and the tall
Sod all the Sergeants and W.O. Ones
Sod all the Corporals and their b@st'rd sons
'Cos we're saying good bye to them all
The long and the short and the tall
We'll get no promotion
This side of the ocean
So cheer up my lads .... Sod 'em all!

 redface:

By 'eck that took me back!
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: tel on October 28, 2010, 03:34:37 PM
Er, we have set a new record by not exchanging pressies with SIL and family yet!
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Pastis on October 28, 2010, 04:11:16 PM
I was thinking of getting my two nephews iTunes vouchers instead of cash. The elder one then told me that they download their music from, er... other places, so there wasn't much point. It'll prolly be £££ again then  ::)
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 05:14:00 PM
I do so hate giving money or vouchers.

Receiving money is always much appreciated by nephews, grandchildren etc BUT I feel that I have not put any thought or effort into the present giving. Giving cash/cheque/vouchers robs me of the pleasure of gift giving!

Also it is so hard to judge the amount ..... is it too much or too little (meaning do their parents now see me as a show-off or a skinflint)? What is the right amount? No I'm afraid those who expect cash etc will be disappointed again. They will get a present even if it is gloves and a scarf! At least I will know that I have put thought into it, will the gloves fit, do the scarf colours suit, is it this year's style etc. If they don't like my selections then they can give them to someone else next year and spend the money they save by not buying that someone a gift towards something they personally want!!
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Pastis on October 28, 2010, 05:38:33 PM
I do so hate giving money or vouchers.

Receiving money is always much appreciated by nephews, grandchildren etc BUT I feel that I have not put any thought or effort into the present giving. Giving cash/cheque/vouchers robs me of the pleasure of gift giving!

Also it is so hard to judge the amount ..... is it too much or too little (meaning do their parents now see me as a show-off or a skinflint)? What is the right amount? No I'm afraid those who expect cash etc will be disappointed again. They will get a present even if it is gloves and a scarf! At least I will know that I have put thought into it, will the gloves fit, do the scarf colours suit, is it this year's style etc. If they don't like my selections then they can give them to someone else next year and spend the money they save by not buying that someone a gift towards something they personally want!!

I do agree with you; it's not something I favour but up to this point there's been little point in buying something which will be discarded in days. However, they're reaching the age when things might change. There might be something I can bring back from me travels that would go down well as a pressie ...  rubschin:
As long as it's not yet another pair of the latest Oakley shades (counterfeit) from HK  ::)
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Baldy on October 28, 2010, 07:14:39 PM
When we moved over here, we were able to tell all that pressies are a thing of the past.

Very few shops except 'kiss me quick' tourist rubbish. So just a card and a meal out if you are around that day.

My ex wife then was able to get about two months of her life back per year not shopping for expensive shite that got chucked into the corner a few days later.
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Pirate on October 28, 2010, 07:55:40 PM
WTF do you get 2 boys ~ one aged twelve and a half and the other ten years?

They are too old for toys and they have all the Wii's, Mobile Phones, Watches, Digital Cameras, Nintendo Micros, Remote control cars/trucks, MP3s etc that they could ever want. New football boots, sports equipment, clothing etc they soon grow out of and anyway we are forever replacing such stuff throughout the year. They both have bikes, laptops and they are NOT getting TV's in their bedrooms.

OK it is easy to upgrade to iPhones etc but they only do the same things as the stuff they already have but at a much higher cost and I'm not in the business of trying to outdo their friends' parents by buying bigger(smaller) or more fashionable bits of kit that they will only break or have stolen (with resulting upset and cost of replacement)

"Sensible" gifts like Premium Bonds/Insurance policies etc I leave to God-parents and anyway what kid wants to open a present to find it is a Government Savings Bond?

I have asked the boys what they want and they just shrug and say "We've got everything".

Ideas (sensible ones preferred) would be most welcome.



Pack the whole family up and take 'em to Orlando, Florida...Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, Sea World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Discovery Cove, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Epcot centre...It is truly a magical experience... The kids'll love you, and you're never too old...There's something for everyone...and it's not all theme parks...Your ride will start momentarily...

Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 07:59:52 PM
Nice idea Pirate but beyond my means I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Pirate on October 28, 2010, 08:03:07 PM
You'd need to check it out...there are some good deals out there, flights and attraction tickets, maybe next year...I've been twice, last time in 2002...I'd love to go back
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Demeanour on October 28, 2010, 08:15:44 PM
Italian Job Scalextric ?

http://www.childrenspace.co.uk/buy.asp?Scalextric-C2921A-Italian-Job-3-x-Classic-Mini-1-32-Scale-Limited-Edition-Cars-High-Detail-from-Scalextric,B001DXGXOK (http://www.childrenspace.co.uk/buy.asp?Scalextric-C2921A-Italian-Job-3-x-Classic-Mini-1-32-Scale-Limited-Edition-Cars-High-Detail-from-Scalextric,B001DXGXOK)
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Snoopy on October 28, 2010, 08:17:57 PM


I want that!  Drool:
Title: Re: Christmas Presents
Post by: Miss Demeanour on October 28, 2010, 08:18:57 PM
 lol: lol: lol:

Seems bit difficult to get hold of cos it is a collector's edition and stuff though  noooo: