Saturday, November 10, 2018

Kris-Kindle 2018

For the 12th time, it's Kris-Kindle on the blog, and 13 becomes 14 with the coming of age of the next oldest grandchild.

This means we're back to couples, 5 of which are married, 1 engaged and 1 which is, errrr, siblings...

€100 for each couple, which each and every can decide to share or split (something the couple which isn't a couple will most likely do).

We've already decided to split our present, Mrs VL would love a new tooth brush and I'll be happy to get something for whatever is left.

So everyone, get hinting, let's be enthusiastic, energetic, humorous and don't leave it to long to get started.


43 comments:

Lil Sis said...

My brain is not the best these days so no criptic clues here!!

So far the wish list for myself and the Kerry man is as follows:

An audio baby monitor with portable parents side. Keep it simple. We don't overly wish for a camera or to be able to speak back to a crying baby bear.

We would love a large indoor tree for our living room. Ceiling height is 10ft but best keep it well below that!!

I am sure we will remember the other things we were thinking of....eventually!!!

Baby Bear said...

Look at me. I'm so advanced I can make my own present wish list!!

My wishes are like me...small and cute ����

Hanging toys for my playmat, car seat and buggy.

Vests and baby grows in sizes 3-6 months (68cm) and 6-9 months. (72cm)

Sleeping bag for 6 months plus.

Baby books

Bath and fun toys for under 1's.

Thank you
XXX ����

BIL said...

We would rather be together than apart,
Until of course I let off a big fart!

BLS or LBS ....oh feck it, can't remember. I'm the slightly more mature one!!!! said...

By Virginia Wolf there is a quote most famous
That explains what we would most like for Christmas

the slightly more mature sister said...

Would it give us a bit more scope if we increased the amount to €75 each or 150 per couple?
Quick survey please... you can reply anonymously if you wish!

The Newbie said...

Attention! Attention!
Sorry for the late mention
But tomorrow at 3pm Greenwich Mean Time
Begins the biggest sale of all time
70% off at gymshark.com
And the amazing discounts won't last long!
So as part of this year's KK pressie
I would love a new pair (or two) of decent gym leggings
Preferably size small
But that size might not be there at all
So I have attached a few options
In case sizes are a problem
And I hope my KK doesn't have anything better to do at 3pm tomorrow!:)
(also as you may have previously guessed myself and my KK partner will NOT be sharing this present...)

https://ie.gymshark.com/collections/bottoms/products/gymshark-fit-legging-black-white-1
https://ie.gymshark.com/collections/bottoms/products/gymshark-dreamy-leggings-black
https://ie.gymshark.com/products/gymshark-flex-leggings-light-grey-marl-chalk-pink
https://ie.gymshark.com/products/gymshark-flex-leggings-light-grey-marl-indigo
https://ie.gymshark.com/collections/t-shirts-tops/products/gymshark-vital-seamless-long-sleeve-top-pastel-lilac-marl

Mum of 5, MIL to 4, G to 2 and Friend to 1 said...

being in the happy position of not having too many demands on our purse, we would be happy to go to €75. But as that's a 50% increase, Our Father suggest making it €60 each.......

Any views?

The other cold one said...

I haven't consulted with my dear other half (who holds the purse strings in our family), but my first thought is that will our newest kriskindle partakers be ok with the increase in budget (or will their parent's credit card be taking the strain in any case?)?.

If you look at it as a couples shared present 100 is enough, but if two individual presents then 50 is quite a low limit.

Our Father said...

ODE TO A SOLDERING IRON

You'd think as I get older
There'd be no need to solder,
But, as men revert to boys
They play with their old toys.
After years of bashing and bending
These precious toys need mending,
So lead, and iron with hot point
And flux should fix the joint.

I've got a solder station
made by some far foreign nation.
You simply turn the knob.
It does a splendid job
for electrical connections
or work on smaller sections.
But is it really hot?
No I'm afraid its not.

So jobs much bigger and bolder
in need of a spot of solder,
I reach for my trusty old iron,
which I know I can rely on!
It belonged to my dear old Dad,
He had it since he was a lad.
The handle's made of wood,
It really is quite good.

Though sometimes for a lark
The thing sends out a spark
or two, or blows a fuse
which doesn't me amuse.
I think the 'insulation'
is now 'disintegration'
and so reluctantly
I pen a heartfelt plea:

An Antex for a present
would really be most pleasant.
or something like wot I got
At least a 60 watt,
or if they do an 80
that would suit me greatly.
Variable control would be nice
if that's within the price.

If it turns out to be more,
I'll pay the difference for sure.
Just hang on to the docket,
You'll not be out of pocket!
And if the thing's too cheap
Don't lose any sleep,
Just think of something or other
and give it to your mother!!!!

Our Father said...

Ode attrib. to Willy S.
Also known as Silly Willy

the slightly older sister!!! said...

Well, the results are in and the general consensus is to increase the amount to €150 per couple. To be fair, that's the first raise since time (well, the KK) began!!! So even more thinking is required... and Mum of sum, you may be able to get a present this year!

Mum of Sum said...

Yes, maybe I will after all, The older solder saga was threatening to be the only lonely pressie to our gaff. I better start thinking........

The slightly more mature one said...

A couple of ideas for my 2 younger ones!
The pandemic board game as a joint present.
3rd born could badly do with a new onesie as his gorilla one is giving him wedgies now...don't go expensive, one from penneys will do him grand, mens size small!
Gifts of money will also be apppreciated as he's looking to get a new phone!
4th born would love a book about facts, David Walliams the ice monster, anything nerf, or a phone case for a sony z3 experia compact clear ringke fusion as he's inheriting PJ's phone!

Anonymous said...

anon says
to whom it may concern
google gives 93 pages of quotes from Virginia Woolf
Give us another clue please!!!!!!!

Lil Sis said...

I dibs the gorilla suit and David walliams book.....

However we really need the hints from Scandinavia please....

The slightly more mature one said...

The quote is the one that refers to food! We would like 2/3rds of our pressie to be spent on that and ideas for the other 1/3rd will follow shortly!!

Mrs The Other Cold One said...

Somebody was requesting hints for Scandinavians...

I know this sounds a terribly boring KK wish, but I would really love to combine all my Christmas presents this year and get myself a decent hiking rucksack (my current one has lasted nearly 30 years and all the waterproofing has gone, the zips are failing etc). So a 75e contribution towards a new one would be greatly appreciated (the total cost for a decent hiking rucksack will be considerably more). Would this be acceptable?

As regard to our juniors... Some possible ideas here:

-Anything in the theme of football would be appreciated by the boys (hats, socks, cups, towels... maybe with the logo of some team)
- A 3D Harry Potter theme puzzle could be appreciated by all the kids
- Girls: the younger one would appreciate any HP Hufflepuff theme Primark gear(she's got a jumper and a scarf already), and hair accessories (preferably stylish, not childish (!) ones...
The older girl could do with some beautiful hair accessories, too. Maybe some recently released young adults book? Or maybe you should ask her directly...

I hope this helps...

The slightly more mature one said...

I hope by now you've all worked out our first clue,
It really shouldn't put you into too much of a stew.
Somewhere in Cork would be rather alright
But maybe not Strasbourg Goose, as we ate there last night!

As for the rest of our present
this shouldn't cause too much dissent.
Without it becoming too much of a saga
it's something we can use on or in the Aga.

One or two large saucepans suitable for oven and hob
would definitely be perfect for the job
of feeding this ever growing family
that always seem to be so hungr(il)y!

Ikea do some that would be perfect
and wouldn't break the bank, I suspect!
Failing that, we could badly do with new glasses
for Sherry or for prosecco (champagne for us is too classy!)

The other cold one said...

I know where I'm going, but I don't know where I've been...
It would be nice to now how fast, how far and with how much effort,
and get it averaged out.
At the moment I can hear it, but not see it.
If you call I can't answer because my hands are full and working hard.
I may also be a goner if I answer.
I'd use it all the year round if i could, but it's more likely in the summer...

Here's my hint, and I'm also in the same boat as my wife, in wanting for something more expensive than the limit but something that will also last and be of genuine use.

Anonymous said...

So perhaps the best thing for the other cold ones is to receive cash but maybe their giver could get them a small surprise as well! Otherwise it's just too easy!!!!!

The Newbie said...

My camera takes pictures
But not of the digital kind
And when it runs out
I start to lose my mind
As I cannot take the photos I want anymore
And without these photos
Life becomes a bore
Dear my KK, please help me keep my camera fuelled,
As my camera needs film
Like we all need food!!!

Hint: my camera is a Fujifilm Instax mini 9

Grandchild no.1 said...

There was once a fella named Dan
Whose studies turned his brain into jam
He tried to rhyme for his present
But found rhyming words to be absent
So sent a link to the Kris Kindle clan:

https://www.asos.com/reebok/reebok-classics-sweatshirt-in-grey-dw9518/prd/9975440?clr=grey&SearchQuery=&cid=5227&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=1&gridsize=4&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=11

P.S. Medium is the size I need but stocks are low so please hurry!

Lil Sis representing the All Oirish Family said...

Here are some more ideas for the all Irish Family....

A digital ear thermometer.
Nice white table linens.

If our kk is still struggling to reach the limit I (lil sis) would love a treat of a spa treatment, preferably a massage ��

The Kerry Man would like one of these if there is room in the budget:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/8Bitdo-Bluetooth-Wireless-Controller-Receiver-x/dp/B075WRBK7Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1544131175&sr=8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=8bitdo+snes

Thank you KK

Banbury Boy said...

Hello all and apologies for our late arrival to the party!

As we will be in Ireland over Christmas (from the 19th), I will leave a selection of possibilities, some which can be sent to the UK and some which can fit in our luggage. Links in blue lead straight to the website page.

Firstly some nice boots for my bride to be (size 5). She really would like these so they are top of the list!

Other options include bed sheets. King Size please, and if you don't like the ones in the link then any brushed cotton sheets/pillow cases would be great!

Couple options for me:

Shin Pads (Inspired by my older brother, I'm about to embrace the world's silliest form of transport).

An cheapo indoor rc plane.

A VR headset which will hold an iPhone X (similar to what Big Sis's youngest has)

Hive Smart Bulb or if budget stretches the Hive Colour Changing Smart Bulb

Don't worry about trying to balance the spend between the two of us! Any of the above, as long as Bride-to-Be gets her boots, is fine!

The Newbie said...


As I haven't run out of ideas yet
And if my budget hasn't been met
I would love something to save me from groans
when I find out I've left my last pair of earphones
In the pocket of my jeans
Which ended up in the washing machine!!!

(anything cheap and cheerful will do as this could easily happen again!)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-MDREX110LPB-AE-Deep-Earphones-Black/dp/B00I3LUTBI/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1544306974&sr=1-5&keywords=sony%2Bearphones&th=1

Anonymous said...

Could Mum of Sum please think harder about what she wants.

Mum of 5, MIL to 4, G to 2 and Friend to 1 said...

Mum of Sum etc is extremely apologetic and really grovelling now. She has been trying to get to the blog for days and everytime she tries Our Father is busy on computer, or the phone rings, or the dogs want out or any other number of occurences get in the way.

So under this extreme time pressure, with out any frills or fancy rhymes, here goes:-

1. A pair of leather or suede mitts black brown or blue, you choose.
Size 7 1/2
2. Now I'm into running, a running hat and gloves in whatever the fine
material is that Banbury Boy has.
3. a cheap and cheerful step counter fitbitty sort of thing. Nothing too
complicated.
4. DVD of the new Mama Mia musical.

I hope that its possible to get Our Father's Soldering Iron and one or two of the above within the agreed sum.

Again I apologise for being the most tardy of bloggers. Normally its me shouting for you all to get a move on.

Best wishes to my Kris Kingle/Kindler and HAPPY SHOPPING

Anonymous said...

To those who have not blogged yet, they run a grave risk of missing the boat (or parcel delivery), if they do not get the finger out!

Mrs VL said...

Finally week-end and the husband is managing the extremely 'helpful' youngest boy....at least for the moment. Lets hope I manage to list a few wishes before some arguments start or the Nicholls boys become to hungry. And, apologies to Anonymous. I do feel that message was meant for me, and are aware of the risk of missing the boat.

Here are some ideas:
- I still have not managed to get hold of a new 'Torky on the go' so anyone that is able to get that is extremely clever (see last years wishes).
- I need a new screen for my camera: Canon PowerShot G5
- The bag of the same camera is also worn-out, the zip do not close. The present one is a Lowpro with a front little pocket for memory cards etc., that has been very useful. But, it is not necessary to buy exactly the same one again.
-A bedside alarm clock that projects the time onto the ceiling.
-A charger station for mobiles that at the same time is a reasonable nice piece of furniture. Either to mount on the wall or to stand on top of a chest of drawers. The function is to make a point of placing all mobiles outside of bedrooms at night time - we need some more discipline on this in our family.
-The chargeable bike light that London son got hold of last year has been very good. It would be great with another as a back-up. Maybe London son still has the details of where he ordered from?
-A 100% wool cycle hat to wear under my helmet when biking to work in in the freezing cold would be greatly appreciated. My synthetic fleece one is just good down to around minus 2 degrees C.
- Otherwise just be creative, anything everyday useful in the kitchen or garden is likely to be successful :-)

P.S. In the middle of writing all this we did have a crisis when the youngest boy got all upset because he was not allowed to sit on my lap and play on the toy computer. Happy again now preparing lunch with his Dad....just the Dad was a bit unhappy too as he could not finish his coffee in peace...….

Viking Longship said...

It may seem a little strange
That it's so hard to arrange
For two putting up one wish
But there's barely time to kiss

Two wishes from two is better
Whilst watches one the Chitter
The other can be writing
What ever they be wanting

Of this and that I have got
More than could be called a lot
And the things I want and need
to buy, not and easy deed

One thing I want more than all
But it is not so very small
And one for seventy five
Will not be good when played live

Of these I only have three
and I can but assure thee
That a forth will make complete
So I can play any sheet

Late in the day it is too
So posting far will not do
A gift card which can be used
Locally is what I've mused


What I really really want and have wanted for a long time is an Electro Acoustic Guitar. Now a decent one will cost too much for a single present so I have already wished for gift cards from my Mother and sister in law (for birthday and Christmas) and I wish for the same from my KK. That way I should be able to get one that will be more than good enough that it is my (lack of) ability that will be the limiting factor and it should last me for a long time if not for ever.

I have chosen 4sound (https://www.4sound.no/). They have a very good selection on the internet and also have a shop in Tønsberg with a pretty good stock. They also do Gift cards (on the net) which can be used in shop and online. To get you started Gift card is Gavekort in Norwegian. You could also probably ring the shop and they may be able to help you.

We both trust our KK's to balance the books between the two of us as closely as they can but a few euros this way or that is not a problem.

Anonymous said...

Could the Lil Sis representing the all Oirish family please give us some rough table linen measurements please!

Anonymous said...

To Mrs VL,
Do any of your family own an iphone and is it a problem if your present comes with a 3 pin plug? Or are there any Norwegian stores that you can recommend?

Viking Longship said...

An answer to anonymous,

No i-phones in the house.

If it's a plug that can be changed then fine but we would prefer not to have to use an adapter long term, we've recently experienced one that started to get hot!

komplett.no is the biggest electronics website in Norway.

You also have power.no, elkjop.no and others.

And if you know the name or part number then prisjakt.no (lit. Price hunt!) will probably show you all the websites that stock what you want and how much it costs.

Hope that helps...

Anonymous said...

There will be a delivery to Banbury boys house in about 1 hr and 45 mins time addressed to his bride to be..... Hopefully one of them is at home. If not alternative arrangements can be made.

Could someone, if anyone who sees this, please inform of this on whatsapp. If one of the Banbury residence sees this then please confirm on whatsapp.

This sort of thing is a little challenging annonymously, but as long as someone writes something on whatsapp then all should be good...

Anonymous said...

Banbury boy, Which Neighbour???? or Any???

House number will do.

Anonymous said...

BB and BTB

The parcel has been delivered to "Justina at 44". Can I please request that BTB (bride to be) picks it up, wraps it and makes an educated evaluation, according to the current circumstances, as to whether or not part or all of it, should be opened early, perhaps to avoid carrying it to Ireland or for some other reason...

Anonymous said...

BB and BTB

Hopefully you've been to visit "Justina at 44". There's another parcel on it's way to you with attempted delivery between 15:00 and 19:00 today.....

This one is addressed to BB. If he doesn't mind wrapping it and writing Love KK on it that would be great...

Anonymous said...

BB,

Your parcel is shown as being signed for by customer at 18:03 but no info about neighbours.

Lil Sis said...

Is it too late for rough table measurements???
I am going to say 120cm by 200cm. It's a rectangular table at full extension. Anything bigger than that should be fine. Or to fit it when the flaps are in the 120cm square.
Thank you x

Anonymous said...

Urgent!!! Could Lil sis send measurements for table linen soon please or she might not end up with any!

Anonymous said...

Apologies lil sis I didn't see your message! That's perfect thank you!

The other cold one said...

To my dear kriskindle, whoever you are...

I'm afraid it was love at first sight,
and the price was just about right,
and I hope you won't think it a sin,
that I went and bought a garmin...
35 sports watch and heart rate monitor,
for, when my a**e is sore,
I'd like to know the score,
(from sitting on the seat,
and paddling in the heat)
and the cold,
although I'm not so bold,
and keep me up to pace,
while competing in a race,
with my marathon kayak,
and bouyancy aid by Yak,
so in a bit of a bind,
I really hope you won't mind
too much, for it was such a find,
but of course over the sum,
agreed with all (and mum),
so please could you place,
(and do so at your own pace)
some money in our bank,
and I will thank
you very much.

(Yes, so I went way over the budget and combined my kriskindle with my wife's and mother-in-law's present and bought a garmin 35 sports watch and an additional heart rate monitor, because when the watch is in front of me on the kayak it can't read my heart beat from my wrist. This is a long-term present that will get a lot of use, and most definitely help me to go faster and further than ever before. Did I mention that I paddled 1200 km this season...)


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