"Celebrate!"

Photo by mommyoftwoboys

As hard as we try, it's hard to distance the holidays from the consumerism that accompanies them. Moms around CafeMom want to know how much everyone spent on their kids this year. I found numerous threads in several groups.

I did notice at least one trend -- moms tend to spend more the older their kids get. In one discussion, moms who spend $1,000 on each child were detailing their gifts, which included iPods, music and accessories, scooters, and bicycles.

I must admit, I'd have a hard time trying to spend that much money on my toddler and kindergartner even if I had it. It's not that they don't want want want -- they do. But it's usually for little stuff, like toy cars and dolls. I think I managed to keep the Christmas tab this year at about $50 per child -- not including the gifts from grandma and grandpa and relatives, of course.

Photo by 3lilmonsters411

While a lot of moms on tight budgets had to cut back on gifts this year, a number of mommies are still worried that their toddlers are getting way too much stuff -- from Santa, grandparents, friends, etc.

Even celebrities that can afford to shower their kiddies in gifts are choosing not to do so. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie buy a few new toys for their six children, but they put way more emphasis on homemade presents. Even actress Keri Russell limits the number of gifts her son River Deary receives from family.

The holidays are upon us now, and if you're still going at it, here are the last of my 10 under $10 stocking stuffer ideas for your toddler. If you haven't yet, be sure to pop on over to the CafeMom Holiday Party -- it's going on right now. And by the way, did you see our holiday gift to you yet?

Flip-a-Face Animal Set by SAMi

 Why I Love It: Older toddlers will have fun interchanging the pieces to create a dog or a cat, or something in between. For ages 3 and up.

Get It: Fao.com; $10

If you're planning to give your toddler that cool toothbrush I suggested yesterday, go ahead and stick a few of these in the stockings as well. These treats are as good-for-you as the sweet stuff gets.

Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops

Why I Love It: It's the best lollipop I've ever tasted. Oh, and your kids will just adore them. Plus you'll feel a little less guilty because they contain no chemical colors, artificial flavors or corn syrup. Handcrafted, delicious flavors from real fruit extracts, including Tango Mango and my personal fave, Pomegranate Pucker.

Get It: yummyearth.com; $8 per bag (free shipping)

Here are two more of my 10 under $10 stocking stuffer ideas -- today, goodies that will make your toddlers WANT to get ready for bed.

FireFly Blinking Toothbrush

Why I Love It: It actually gets my son to brush his teeth for duration of the one-minute flashing light, the recommended scrubbing time for little ones.

Get It: Walmart; Target; $1

Still searching for ideas on what to stick in  your toddler's Christmas stocking or holiday grab bag? All this week in Toddler Buzz I'll give you 10 gifts under $10. Be sure to check the other Daily Buzz blogs for great ideas for everyone else.

smencils.com

Smencils

Why I Love It: Made with recycled newspapers, the pencils soaked in gourmet scents will inspire your older toddler to practice writing his name.

Get It: smencils.com; 5 for $6 (scents are randomly selected)

Photo by jencalkins

Here's a great holiday project to do this weekend with your toddler -- handprint holiday wrapping paper, courtesy of lilsugar.com. The slide show features step-by-step instructions on how to make four different holiday paper designs: Christmas Trees, Holly Berries, Fanned Hand Wreaths, and Santa Hats. It starts with all the paints, pens, paper and other materials you'll need.

I'd much rather unwrap a gift that was wrapped in such a sweet, special gesture. Plus, it's cheaper than tossing those expensive rolls of wrapping paper in your shopping cart.

If you try it, let me know how it goes!

Photo by roxysmommy

Yesterday, I shared some ideas for cheap but unique babysitter holiday gifts, as well as some suggestions for tipping full-time or long-term babysitters. Today let's talk gift ideas for your child's preschool or pre-K teacher.

Of course -- as teachers and day care workers around CafeMom will tell you -- you don't need to buy them anything.

"I used to be a preschool teacher, and I loved it when the kids made stuff for me, so if you really can't afford to buy anything, that would be a good idea. I also understood if the children didn't bring me anything at all. Times are hard, and sometimes a Merry Christmas is good enough!" tiffy1985

Photo by bigmama759

Unless you're the last-minute type, all those toys and goodies you ordered online should start arriving in the mail any day now. So, for those moms with little ones who either still believe in Santa or can't resist the temptation to peek, where do you hide their holiday gifts?

Have your children ever found Santa's stash over the years?

Hope you enjoyed window shopping through our CafeMom Holiday Gift Guide all this week in Daily Buzz. In case you missed it, here are some of my toddler present picks for the Transportation Addict, Artiste, Brainiac and Outdoor Lover. I'm finishing up the Toddler Buzz  Guide with the Domestic Dude or Diva, the tyke who likes to whip up a meal, design a home, make a repair, or love a dolly.

Magneatos Jumbo Building Set

Cost: $32

Where to Buy: happyhentoys.com, toysrus.com

Extras: Having an architect in the family will be a huge plus someday when it comes time to design your future vacation home. 

Why I Love It: These 36 magnetic pieces are a lot bigger and chunkier than regular Magneatos, perfect for smaller hands.