I'm planning a SURPRISE WDW vacation for my family next year. What should I do for B-day & Christmas presents?

I'm planning on taking my parents, brother, sister-in-law, 3 nephews, and of course me to Walt Disney World in mid to late 2009. That's 8 people total. 8 people for a week at Walt Disney World will be expensive, but I want to do it and I'm so excited about it!! I would like some suggestions on how to handle birthdays (as everyone's coincidentally falls in this time frame) & Christmas. Since I'm saving money for the trip, I won't have a lot left for gifts.
1). I'd like suggestions on how to keep the trip a secret and still be able to "give" some sort of gifts. (Ideas for cheap gifts??)
2) I'd like suggestions on how to tell about the trip, and let everyone know that this is their b-day & Christmas presents! (But I don't think my nephews would like this option, as they are all under the age of 7)
3) I'd like suggestions on how to keep the trip a secret, but give some sort of "Disney Hints" for presents. (Disney related hints, crafts, etc.)

I really like option 3 the best, but will take and appreciate any and all suggestions!!! Thanks so much!!

MInnie12008-08-08T07:01:54Z

Favorite Answer

HERE YOU GO. FOR CHRISTMAS GIVE EVERYONE A GIFT INCLUDING A DISNEY T SHIRT WITH THEIR NAME, A VACATION DVD (YOU CAN GET FREE) AND SOME DISNEY DOLLARS.

THAT IS IT A CHEAP XMAS GIFT OR JUST GET THE DVDS AND SKIP THE T SHIRTS AS i AM SURE YOU ARE SPENDING ENOUGH ON THE TRIP. HOW GENEROUS YOUR GIFT IS YOU REALLY DON'T NEED TO GIVE THEM A GIFT NOR WOULD THEY EXPECT IT. MAYBE DURING CHRISTMAS DINNER MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT EVERYONE WILL BE WONDERING WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY. i THINK IT WOULD BE COOL.

tELL THEM FOR CHRISTMAS SO THEY ALSO HAVE TIME TO PLAN FOR THE TIP IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES AND THAT WILL COVER THE BDAYS AND CHRISTMAS THEY WOULDN;T EXPECT ANYTHING MORE. THAT IS VERY GENEROUS.

GOOD JOB, NICE THOUGHTS GREAT PERSON

HAVE A GREAT TIME.

Anonymous2016-05-25T12:29:11Z

WOW! You are going to spoil her and that is great! I am going to suggest this: Give her the coach purse for her birthday, or the necklace. I don't know how old you both are, a ring is a great idea, but sometimes can mean more than you are ready for. If this is the first piece of Jewelry then I would start out with a necklace. The thought process I have is this: Buy the Itouch and accessories, wrap each one separately and then count the gift boxes. How ever many boxes, start that many days before Christmas giving a box each day and the itouch box on Christmas Eve or day depending when you are going to celebrate. Another fun way of doing it would be to wrap the Itouch in a box just it's size. Put that box in another box add an accessory and wrap that box. Then repeat, adding the gift wrapped box and one accessory into a bigger box. Count the days, give her one great big box that has everything in it wrapped nesting style, allow her to open the box take out the next box and remove the accessory. Take the box then place under tree until next day, and repeat. If I just confused you, let me know and I can try and explain it better. I wanted to add that if and when you give her a ring, look up the Irish Claddaugh ring. Read the story and meanings, it is pretty cool. And don't have to be Irish, I am a little Irish but mostly German and I have one. It is also my tattoo on the lower back. I just love the meaning and such behind it. I hope that I have helped you, I know that these things are sometimes stressful. I am 42 and my better half and I have been together for 3 years and I still stress over what to get him. And he would love whatever I bought or made for him, simply because we love each other and we know that it is coming from the heart. Good Luck and God Bless!

Anonymous2008-08-05T16:07:01Z

What a wonderful and thoughtful gift! They will love it. Give the trip to them at Christmas. I recommend you stop by a local craft store and pick out some fun Disney stickers, Disney-themed paper, and other fun scrapbooking supplies. Create a hand-made card for each person going on the trip. Let them know that they are going to Disney and list the approximate dates so your family can plan to take time off work, work around school schedules, and plan to get flights, etc... In the card, be sure to list that this is a birthday gift as well. OR, once you are all together at Disney, take everyone to Ohana's for their character breakfast. Be sure to tell the server that you are celebrating birthdays and let that special breakfast be their gift! They will never forget it and it will be truly special.
Be sure to visit http://www.easybreezyplanning.com to help guide you through planning for this very special vacation. Have a great time!

Joel D2008-08-08T11:20:13Z

You could them Disney pins to trade while they are at Disney World. You can purchase them cheaper ahead of time from web sites such as www.mousepinsonline.com. You can get them for as little as $1.00 a piece and they are great fun to trade. If your relatives have particular characters they like they can try to collect that character.

Another idea would be to have shirts made up for everybody in your party so that when you go to the parks everybody knows you are together. We would see large groups like this quite frequently when we were at the parks.

Don't forget to get "Birthday" buttons for all the birthday people while at the park. Just go to guest services when enter the front gate and they'll give you the buttons for free. Cast members will treat you special when you are wearing one.

Finally, you should check into the special Magical Gatherings offerings that Disney has. When you have a large group there are some opportunities for dinners and such that are available to you that are not available when you go in smaller groups.

Have fun!

Patricia C2008-08-05T17:31:01Z

I agree with others, let them know so they can be in on the countdown fun.. Go to the disney store ( online is best, you can get some real good prices) and order the adults tee shirts to wear on the vacation. Give the nephews Disney Dollars, it works good as a gift and then they have their own spending money at WDW.

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