Shopping for Christmas is exhausting

My husband complains about being tired because he works about 45 hours per week, and commutes a half an hour each way to work. Pfft, tired? I wish I only had to do that, come home, pitch in here and there around the house and take out the trash. I work full time -- from home, which makes it harder to concentrate and focus and get work done. I have two children, a lively girl who is four, and an autistic, in-the-throes-of-the-terrible-two's two year old. And then there is the everyday housework to keep up with.

Christmas has just been crazy this year! It has been the best in terms of having the money we need to buy presents for family members and friends, but it has been very tiring because we have a lot of people to shop for.

Are you doing most of your shopping online or offline?

I want those clothes for my son!

When I was pregnant with my son, before I knew that he would be a boy, I really wanted a girl. I convinced myself that things would be so much easier with a girl, particularly with clothing. I have two school-aged brothers, and I see the hassle my mom goes through year after year, trying to find suitable boys clothing that isn't so dark, dreary and/or sports or camouflage oriented.

Well, I know that I'm going to be shopping for European kids clothes for my son! Unlike regular boys clothing, which is either bright, dark, sports oriented, camouflage covered, or just plain tacky with huge cartoons and such, European designer clothing is more traditional. Plaids, pastels, stripes, checks... the kinds of things I want to dress my sweet baby boy in!

Baby clothing shopping: boys vs. girls

The best part of having a daughter is being able to dress her up in all of the great little girls clothing! I have a son as well, and I must admit that the selection of boys outfits is never as nice as what I can find for girls! Don't get me wrong, I can find nice childrens clothes for both of my kids, but the good boy stuff is few and far between. My biggest complaint with boys clothing is that everything is dark and dreary, camouflage or sports themed, or plastered with tacky illustrations and television and movie characters. Is it so wrong to want to dress your little boy is nice, sweet little boy apparel?

Now girls clothes on the other hand... a walk in the park! Last week alone I was able to find my daughter a pair of metallic silver jeans, dark blue denim jeans with silver sparkles all over them, and some great tights in the baby clothes section at Babies 'r Us.

Where do you shop for clothing for your children? I know that Gymboree and The Children's Place are often recommended, but there have to be some other nice stores as well! I love Carters clothing, but sadly their sizes don't go beyond babies!