Is it time to talk about Christmas shopping?

[tamawrite]

Post your gift quandaries and ideas here!

I need:
Stocking stuffers/small gifts for skiers (Robyn?)
A source for nice photo frames
Ideas for people who have everything (parents!)
Ideas for people who are addicted to drugs :( (I usually go with something like a Starbucks gift card, b/c it can't really be sold or traded for drugs.)


I have:
A code for Cost Plus World Market discounts Nov 9-12 (25% off) PM me! :)
Lots of gift ideas for horse lovers ;)

[Terri_A]

Tamawrite- My parents have everything as well, but I found a stocking stuffer for my dad - a flashlight that is magnetic and will stick to the side of the refrigerator! I found it at Target with all of the other flashlights. Aside from that, I get my parents wine and g/c to their fave restaurants and the weeone makes them things at the paint your own pottery place or something to that effect, if that helps at all.

For my own dilemmas - I have 2

1- I want to get the weeone a globe. Anyone have a source for a reasonable one that would be child appropriate?

2- Does anyone have one of those sticker/laminator/magnet machines? Would you recommend a particular brand or model? Something under $100 if possible.

Thanks for any and all help!

Great thread idea, tamawrite!

[BlueMoose]

My mom and dad are hard to buy for, too. Last year I got my mom a subscription to The Bark, a really neat dog magazine. She loves it and has made it known that she'd love to get it again this year. I'd definitely recommend it for dog lovers.:)

http://thebark.com/

[RunnerKim]

Terri - on the second thing maybe a Xyron machine would work? I have a couple different sizes - the X and the 510 (I think that's the right number). You can buy different types of cartridges for it. For the bigger one (510) I can get magnetic, double sided lamination, sticker etc. I bought it for scrapbooking but use it for kids things too.

You can find it at most craft stores - Michaels, Joanns or whatever might be near you. They're definitely under $100 - the X is only $6 or $7 if I recall. they're very often on sale (the cartridges anyway) or use the 40% off coupon.

I've sent WSU cheese to people who I can't come up with a gift for. The cheese comes in a can and is quite famous in this part of the country at least. Some great flavors but they do run out so can't wait too long to order.

I haven't seen an Exposures catalog in awhile but they often have nice picture frames. I'm sure they must have a web site too.

Kim

[CompassRose]

Terri, Celestial Products has this awesome beach ball (http://www.celestialproducts.com/Products/Earthball.asp), made from satellite images of the earth from space, that I really want myself. I don't know if that would work?

I need a source for the card game "Tichu", which my brother really wants. He asked for it for his birthday, but I couldn't find it anywhere... even online it was listed as "out of stock" everywhere I checked.

Other than that, I have no idea what to get for anybody. :( Or anything I'd like. I think I have everything I need -- and more than I need of a lot of things.

[gertdog]

Ideas for people who have everything: my go-to is a gift of Amaryllis or flowering bulbs. I give them every year and people LOVE them. They send me photos of the blooming Amaryllis, so I know they are enjoyed.

I try to find consumable stuff that the recipients will enjoy and that they wouldn't buy themselves- teas for my mom, salami for my Dad (I sent him some from Mario Batali's father's salumeria in Seattle last year, and my dad said he'd never had any salami as good). I sent a gift box from Zingerman's to my aunt and uncle, who get together with friends for a weekly card game, and I got an email from one of the friends thanking me for the great food- my aunt brought it all to the card game to share! My DH loves root beer, so I've given him a sampler 24-pack from Pop the Soda Shop- they have other samplers as well (ginger ale, fruit sodas).

This year I'm giving my parents a 6-month Netflix subscription since they recently bought a DVD player.

[SDMomChef]

1- I want to get the weeone a globe. Anyone have a source for a reasonable one that would be child appropriate?



When my kids were in pre-school, I picked up a Leapfrog Globe that had options for showing music, facts, animals and foreign languages. It is the Junior Explorer Globe - I think you can find it at Amazon:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E0P1ADZEL._AA280_.jpg

[Robyn1007]

Tamara - Stocking stuffers for skiers that come to mind are pocket size Dermatone (http://www.dermatone.com/tins.htm), energy bars, hot cocoa/apple cider packets (can be carried in pockets and get hot water/cups at the lodge), Ricola or other cough drops, fun ski socks (http://www.skisocks.com/products.php?cat=6), Warren Miller DVDs.

For hard to buy for parents last year I did gift certificates to Kiva.org. I think for my aunt and uncle I'd like to get them a nice coffee table book on Vail for their Vail home so maybe something like that.

[BlueMoose]

This year I'm giving my parents a 6-month Netflix subscription since they recently bought a DVD player.

Netflix is a great idea!

[Terri_A]

Terri, Celestial Products has this awesome beach ball (http://www.celestialproducts.com/Products/Earthball.asp), made from satellite images of the earth from space, that I really want myself. I don't know if that would work?

I need a source for the card game "Tichu", which my brother really wants. He asked for it for his birthday, but I couldn't find it anywhere... even online it was listed as "out of stock" everywhere I checked.

Other than that, I have no idea what to get for anybody. :( Or anything I'd like. I think I have everything I need -- and more than I need of a lot of things.

That is a VERY cool earth ball!!!

It looks like Amazon has tichu...but there's only 1 left so order NOW!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Abacus-Spiele-ABA08981-Tichu/dp/B0002HY124/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-1839458-2895063?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1194455029&sr=8-1

[CompassRose]

That is a VERY cool earth ball!!!

It looks like Amazon has tichu...but there's only 1 left so order NOW!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Abacus-Spiele-ABA08981-Tichu/dp/B0002HY124/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-1839458-2895063?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1194455029&sr=8-1
O...M...G. :( Shipping and handling, $22. That's insane. I better keep looking round here. SOMEONE'S gotta have it.

[Terri_A]

O...M...G. :( Shipping and handling, $22. That's insane. I better keep looking round here. SOMEONE'S gotta have it.


Sorry, I didn't see that part!!! If I find it anywhere I'll let you know. There's a big gaming shop near my house. I'll stop by later today when I'm out and about. Is there a price limit if I find it? We have 8.25% sales tax if that's a consideration.

[Beth]

Terri, I have seen globes at Target, although I think they are usually in the office supply area and not in toys. This time of year, I'd check both places. I've seen them in other stores too, but it seems to be spotty and not all the time.

[leightx]

I was going to suggest the Leapfrog globe as well. After reading the reviews on Amazon that said the Jr. version was too simplistic (doesn't name the countries, for example), we went with the Odyssey III version (http://www.amazon.com/Talking-Odyssey-III-Interactive-Globe/dp/B0006IWMMU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/105-6903027-6127634?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1194454033&sr=8-2). We all have a blast playing with it! :)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/3175M1NZ2WL._AA280_.jpg

I love the Amaryllis idea - I think I'll add that to the standard teacher gift certificates (and bag of toffee).

[avariell]

I try to find consumable stuff that the recipients will enjoy and that they wouldn't buy themselves- teas for my mom, salami for my Dad (I sent him some from Mario Batali's father's salumeria in Seattle last year, and my dad said he'd never had any salami as good).

did you use a website to buy the salami? i think this would be a fun gift if i can afford it... :)

[mgs]

I need some food gift ideas -

1) for SIL who doesn't cook, loves stinky cheese, is RARELY home. works out of a hotel 80% of the time and I really don't want to spend a lot of $$.

2) IL's who love to eat, cook simply and on occasion try gourmet cooking. I like the idea of Mario's Salami. Can you get it on-line? Maybe salami and cheese??

www.giftcertificates.com is really good b/c you email a gc to the website and then they choose the gc they want to buy. Every year they add more and more to the list. We usually recieve it from DH's aunt/uncle. On the years we don't we assume they sent it to the wrong email address --- bummer.:rolleyes: Happens about every other year.

I am going to send BIL a package of spices from Penzey's.

I would love to get the amaryllis for the aunt/uncle. Thanks!

Last year for all the neices/nephews I got comic book subscriptions. The younger ones got Scooby Doo, the older one's got American Girl or Superman. they LOVE getting mail. they were ages 3-10 last year.

this year for DS (will be 2.5) I want to get him a tricycle.

[sneezles]

Need to know what cologne/after shave guys in their 20s are wearing.

Got:

DH a driveway alarm since he doesn't hear the doorbell when we're watching tv or he thinks the one on the show is ours:p . It has to be one that is buried since we have livestock on either side of the driveway. And it came with 2 thingies (one for his office and one for the tv room).

MIL-bought her a collection of Arran Aromatics while visiting the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Now just need a loofah, a nice towel and basket to put it all in.

The boys have been fairly good giving me ideas except for #2.

[gertdog]

I did buy the salami through a website, sort of. It's a pretty low-tech business- you select products from the website, but you email them your actual order, and they send you instructions for calling in your cc# (in other words, you can't actually order or pay online). Note that shipping can almost double the cost, though. The website is http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/

Other sources- Michael Chiarello's catalog, NapaStyle, has a nice salami gift pack, and Zingerman's also has a good selection. Fine Cooking magazine recently featured a salami from Niman Ranch which can be ordered from the NR website, and it is quite inexpensive. (Can you tell my dad likes salami? I'm not sure yet if I'm going to try more from the same place as last year, or try a different kind for him).

[Bawstinn]

My DH loves root beer, so I've given him a sampler 24-pack from Pop the Soda Shop- they have other samplers as well (ginger ale, fruit sodas).


I have a root beer lover as well and was cheking out the website (thanks!). I found a 24 sampler, but it said it was 24 different sodas from around the world. If I read your post right, did you actually get a sampler that was root beer only??

[slknight]

I have a root beer lover as well and was cheking out the website (thanks!). I found a 24 sampler, but it said it was 24 different sodas from around the world. If I read your post right, did you actually get a sampler that was root beer only??

http://popsoda.com/rootbeergifp.html

[Bawstinn]

Thank you slknight! I was searching on the word 'sampler' and that description doesn't have that word in it.

[avariell]

Need to know what cologne/after shave guys in their 20s are wearing.



my bf wears "of a man" from the body shop:
http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/browse/product_detail.jsp?productId=prod170414&categoryId=cat5260013
i lovvvvvvvvvvvvvve it. mmmmmm.
if he is into baseball, derek jeter's cologne actually smells pretty freaking good too. i am sure there are lots of hip calvin klein or polo or tommy scents out there too :)

[clairea]

Terri, we have the globe Leigh posted. It is fabulous. My kids still use it (DD is the only one who really plays with it, but DS has used it for school reference).

[CompassRose]

Sorry, I didn't see that part!!! If I find it anywhere I'll let you know. There's a big gaming shop near my house. I'll stop by later today when I'm out and about. Is there a price limit if I find it? We have 8.25% sales tax if that's a consideration.
We have 13% tax with PST and GST. I don't know... I was expecting it to cost about twenty dollars total.

I guess I'm being kinda silly. I should probably just go for the thirty dollars. Canadian dollar, all time high and all that.

[TraditionsGirl]

I haven't gotten too far on my list yet, but I did get some ideas in this thread.

Terri _A I like the magnetic flashlight idea for FIL.

Tamawrite, I just bought a photo frame at Kohl's and it was a very nice
8 X 10 one for only $8.99. They usually have a good selection and sometimes you can find % off coupons to use for the day.

I'm planning on getting my SIL, BIL and 4 kids a family gift. There are 2 teens and 2 college age. I was going to pick up a few board games, gourmet candy, popcorn (maybe from Dale and Thomas), Christmas CD and hot chocolate mix. I have to send this out of town so I don't want anything too heavy. Any other ideas on what I could add? I'd like to spend around $120. since there are six of them.

[sneezles]

my bf wears "of a man" from the body shop:
http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/browse/product_detail.jsp?productId=prod170414&categoryId=cat5260013
i lovvvvvvvvvvvvvve it. mmmmmm.
if he is into baseball, derek jeter's cologne actually smells pretty freaking good too. i am sure there are lots of hip calvin klein or polo or tommy scents out there too :)

Thanks for the link and info!

[Blissful_in_TX]

this year for DS (will be 2.5) I want to get him a tricycle.


Are you getting the Kettler Trike type with a push bar? At that age most kids can't ride the tricycles by themselves yet......my son who is at 100% for his height started using his on his own after 3 years of age and still struggles at 3.5 yrs, especially over hills. The push bar has been helpful!


For your sister, this is not a food related gift, but for people who travel I like to give a set of the medium sized packing cubes from ebags...love them!

[sneezles]

We have 13% tax with PST and GST. I don't know... I was expecting it to cost about twenty dollars total.

I guess I'm being kinda silly. I should probably just go for the thirty dollars. Canadian dollar, all time high and all that.

OK, House Full of Games (http://housefullofgames.com/title.php?id=60) lists it for $7.95 and it's $9 shipping (doesn't appear they ship to Canada. I can have it sent to me and send it on to you but they're out of stock for 2 weeks.

[Blissful_in_TX]

I'll throw some random ideas out there for nobody in particular:


Sun Jar $35 from Thinkgeek.com - never seen it in real life, but it looks cool!

Suede Insulated Lunch Cooler $27.50 at shoploveme.com

Tea Forte Sampler $22

www.perpetualkid.com is great for fun gifts. I love the "You are Here" doormat, and for an older nephew I got a Robot Calculator Galactic Edition, executive crayon, etc

For the cooks, I think the Jessie Steele aprons are sooo pretty.

If you have kids, pull out the watercolors, have them paint a neat picture, and frame it for the grandparents.

If you have older grandparents or those who live far away, I've seen talking photo albums where you can put pics of the kiddos and have them record a message.

The printed photo books from shutterfly, snapfish, etc are always a huge hit with our relatives.



Now the two gifts I'm stumped over:
- DH's Nurse and PA. I don't know if he should give a bonus, gift certificate or something more personal? I know the PA said she recently took up interest in painting.

[misskitty100]

When my kids were in pre-school, I picked up a Leapfrog Globe that had options for showing music, facts, animals and foreign languages. It is the Junior Explorer Globe - I think you can find it at Amazon:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E0P1ADZEL._AA280_.jpg

We have this and LOVE it!

[gertdog]

http://popsoda.com/rootbeergifp.html

Thanks Susan! Maria, that's the one I've gotten. It doesn't exactly come ready to be gift-wrapped, so I just hid it in the basement and put a single bottle under the tree with a note telling him where to go look for the rest of the gift. :)

[misskitty100]

I need some food gift ideas -

1) for SIL who doesn't cook, loves stinky cheese, is RARELY home. works out of a hotel 80% of the time and I really don't want to spend a lot of $$.

2) IL's who love to eat, cook simply and on occasion try gourmet cooking. I like the idea of Mario's Salami. Can you get it on-line? Maybe salami and cheese??

www.giftcertificates.com is really good b/c you email a gc to the website and then they choose the gc they want to buy. Every year they add more and more to the list. We usually recieve it from DH's aunt/uncle. On the years we don't we assume they sent it to the wrong email address --- bummer.:rolleyes: Happens about every other year.

I am going to send BIL a package of spices from Penzey's.

I would love to get the amaryllis for the aunt/uncle. Thanks!

Last year for all the neices/nephews I got comic book subscriptions. The younger ones got Scooby Doo, the older one's got American Girl or Superman. they LOVE getting mail. they were ages 3-10 last year.

this year for DS (will be 2.5) I want to get him a tricycle.


As RunnerKim suggested, WSU Creamery makes delicious cheese and if your SIL isn't home a lot - she can cut it into smaller pieces and freeze it.
http://www.wsu.edu/creamery/ I like the Cougar Gold the best but all of the flavors are super yummy.

The Rogue Creamery (in Southern Oregon) has delicious cheese too.
http://www.roguecreamery.com/


For your DS's tricycle, as mentioned above be sure to get him one that comes with a handle so you can push him around. We have a classic Red Flyer tricycle and it came with a handle which is wonderful -- the handle can be removed easily too.

[Robyn1007]

Tamara, I just found this at Title 9 which I would LOVE to have for skiing.

http://www.titlenine.com/images/us/local/products/detail/718604_dt.jpg

[Luckyfeather]

What a great idea starting this thread! For TraitionsGirl, you could always throw in a DVD or two, or Blockbuster/movie gift certificates for the "family" gift.

This website has really cool "insulated" bags. They look like regular purses or carryalls, but hold ice/beverages really well. www.keepyourcooler.com

[Deechef]

Great Thread!

For those hard to buy for I usually get XXX of the month from Amazing Clubs. You don't have to do 12 months as that can get expensive but they have all sort of options, wine OTM, cheeseOTH, pastaOTM, etc.

My problem is my 84yo Mom. but I think I will get some sort of flower OTM for her.

My other problem is my DBF. I bought him pasta of the month last year and he enjoyed that. He pretty much buys what he needs and doesn't need anything. He is Italian (100%), loves golf (needs nothing golf related). I can find all sorts of little things to stuff a stocking with but the Main present I am struggling over. He is super frugal so I have to be careful.

[mgs]

thanks for the tips on the cheese and the trike for ds. I was looking at the type with the handle. I really should look at reviews. They range in price from $34.99-$99.99 (on amazon) but I really can't tell the difference between them all..

Another idea I forgot to mention for MY parents I got them tickets to a broadway show. They live in MI so the show is at the Wharton Center (at MSU) I hope it is good. In the past they have gone to Toronto to see shows. I got the idea from Canice on a BB gift thread...

New request for ideas: DH nixed the salami idea for his parents:o Is there anyone out there who knows what the theater is in the DC area that has the broadway shows? I can't seem to come up with anything w/ a simple google search. They live in Gaithersburg, MD and could go the the Round House theater but nothing they would want to see is going to be playing there in the next few months.

these ideas are wonderful! in fact I might go for that lunch bag instead of 'stinky cheese' for SIL...

Meg

[misskitty100]

My other problem is my DBF. I bought him pasta of the month last year and he enjoyed that. He pretty much buys what he needs and doesn't need anything. He is Italian (100%), loves golf (needs nothing golf related). I can find all sorts of little things to stuff a stocking with but the Main present I am struggling over. He is super frugal so I have to be careful.

I like mgs suggestion (below your post) for tickets to a show. Maybe your DBF would enjoy something like that or a concert?

[avariell]

New request for ideas: DH nixed the salami idea for his parents:o Is there anyone out there who knows what the theater is in the DC area that has the broadway shows? I can't seem to come up with anything w/ a simple google search. They live in Gaithersburg, MD and could go the the Round House theater but nothing they would want to see is going to be playing there in the next few months.

these ideas are wonderful! in fact I might go for that lunch bag instead of 'stinky cheese' for SIL...

Meg

ok this might sound dumb, but the theatre where abe lincoln was shot still has shows - or at least it did 15 years ago :) i know i saw a christmas carol there! buuut i don't really remember much else about the theatre :)

found it : http://www.fordstheatre.org/
it is gorgeous...

[mightyh]

Check out what is coming to the Kennedy Center in D.C.

[Hoodone]

For coffee drinkers, how about some nice Kona coffee? I ordered my IL's some from Greenwell farms, but I'm sure there are a lot of sources. www.greenwellfarms.com

And of course, for tea drinkers, Upton has some nice gift sets: www.uptontea.com

Penzey's has gift boxes, too!

Of course, I have to mention my pet favorite Canadian chocolate: www.bernardcallebaut.com. They do have a U.S. shipping outlet. For bakers the cocoa powder is divine. Also the nut nibble is a personal favorite (dark, please!).

Love the amaryllis idea. I always grow them for myself and it is also my standard gift to bring to one of those gift exchange parties. I should give them to teachers, too!!

You could always put together your own gift basket of gourmet food items which would be a lot of fun shopping. I love the idea of consumable Christmas gifts, particularly for those who "have everything". Especially really expensive, luxurious consumables that most normal folks would never buy.

[gertdog]

Here's my dilemma- small, inexpensive gifts for under the tree. We'll have relatives with us at Christmas, and despite our efforts to keep things under control I'm sure there will be far more stuff under the tree for DS than anyone else. I'd like to find a few fun things for everyone else to open that are 1) not food (got that covered already); 2) easily taken home in luggage (airplane); and 3) useful and/or fun- e.g. not gadgets that will just get stuffed in a drawer and forgotten two days after Christmas. Example- for one of the male relatives I found a packet of cedar grilling papers. Any other ideas for that kind of gift?

[ajowen]

For small things under the tree:

Crayons and coloring books
Card games (Target usually has a $5 display that has a variety near the games section)
Mini magna doodle and etch-a-sketch ($6 or so)

marbles
yo yos
jacks


I might do some of these even for grown ups as a nostalgia kind of thing.

[mightyh]

For small inexpensive gifts, what about:
- tea sampler
- book light/book mark
- set of notecards/stationery
- small lithium flashlight
- hammer that unscrews to have all sizes/types of screwdrivers inside
- luggage identifiers--fun tags or straps
- board game you can play later in the day
- down ice scraper mitt
- nice tire pressure gauge
- hex key set

[tamawrite]

Tamara, I just found this at Title 9 which I would LOVE to have for skiing.

http://www.titlenine.com/images/us/local/products/detail/718604_dt.jpg

Ooooh, cool. Good idea for DH. Thanks!

Here's an idea that I think I'll use for my mom and her husband: Tickets (or gift cert, so they can choose the date) for the local outdoor Shakespeare theatre, plus a menu for a picnic supper I'll prepare for them to take along.

What do you all think of a gift that can't be delivered on or around Christmas? DH and I raise organic lamb, and I'm thinking of giving my dad and his wife some meat...but they live 300 miles away and we won't be travelling there this holiday season. Is a smaller "token" gift plus an "to be delivered later" acceptable in your opinion?

Or, is there a good, reasonably priced way to ship frozen meat?

[Robyn1007]

Ooooh, cool. Good idea for DH. Thanks!

They have green and orange, just don't tell him it's from a women's athletic store! ;)

[Robyn1007]

Tamara! You're confusing me by going back and editing your post. ;) :p

If your dad doesn't want the meat I'll gladly take it off his hands! :p But, kidding aside, you could do a gift basket of goodies he can use with the meat, like condiments to go with it, maybe some cooking utensils etc? I think a now and later gift is fine.

[donleyk]

I
I am going to send BIL a package of spices from Penzey's.

I.

They offer gift cards now if that is any more convenient.

[ChristineVA]

Is there anyone out there who knows what the theater is in the DC area that has the broadway shows? I can't seem to come up with anything w/ a simple google search. They live in Gaithersburg, MD and could go the the Round House theater but nothing they would want to see is going to be playing there in the next few months.
Meg

Kennedy Center and the National Theater. IMO, the National Theater is GREAT place to see a show. Kennedy Center is nice too *if* you get good seats. I got upper tier seats to Wicked at the Kennedy Center and was terribly disappointed and will probably never see a show there again unless I get orchestra seating. At the National, there are no bad seats.

[tamawrite]

Tamara! You're confusing me by going back and editing your post. ;) :p



LOL Just trying to keep you on your toes. :p

[mgs]

I guess the problem I am having with the theater's in DC is that they are not putting their 2008 season on line yet. Every other city tries to sell season tickets, but for some reason the theaters in DC don't have a show listed past Jan6th!(except HS Musical until feb 6th and I don't know that they would be into that) Grr. they go out of town for Jan and Fed this year so I was hoping to get something for March. If they lived in a different city I would be in luck.

I could get them tickets to "A Christmas Carol" at Fords Theater for the day AFTER christmas but DH seems to be nixing that idea. Pretty soon I may just buy them anyway. Since when do I listen to him?? haha:D

For traveler's I have found a few fun things at Magellan's catalog/website

Meg

[2HUNGRY!]

I thought I heard somewhere that Ford's Theatre was closed for renovations this year and A Christmas Carol would be done somewhere else. Are you finding tickets for Ford's? DH and I went on New Year's Eve one year and loved it (we go every year) . That might be an option if the day after Christmas is no good.

[mgs]

yes,you are right, it is at another theater, don't remember the name of it. I did get the info from the Ford's Theater website.

So you enjoyed the show? Hummm, New Years Eve sounds like a good idea, actually.

[TKay]

Great idea for a thread! I'm picking up some good tips here. Man, I need to start shopping!
I was just going to throw this out there as an option. I just found Method brand hand soaps in wonderful new scents when I was at Target the other day. I'd love to get a selection of different soaps (and coordinating candles, btw) for the holidays--especially since there will likely be guests around to experience all the yummy scents. Vanilla-cinnamon was a particular fave.

For kids, a new favorite gift is an ant farm. The kids send away for the ants. There are also butterfly farms. I love seed packets as stocking stuffers (though I'm not sure what seeds are appropriate for various climates--it's always mild here). I've also forced my own bulbs and given those as gifts. Cheaper than buying the already-forced ones. Kind of a strange stocking stuffer, but my kids love getting scotch tape and band-aids in their stockings! They burn through the stuff if I give them permission. If they have their own, they can use it whenever they want. Also, fake tattooes are big with them.

I'll post anything clever I think of. I love Zingerman's bread of the month too.

Thanks for all the ideas!

[2HUNGRY!]

yes,you are right, it is at another theater, don't remember the name of it. I did get the info from the Ford's Theater website.

So you enjoyed the show? Hummm, New Years Eve sounds like a good idea, actually.

Yeah, we like it. The actors really do a good job.

[crackers]

I love this thread! Some really fabulous ideas here.

My siblings & I exchange small "family" gifts at our Christmas get-together (even though all our families are now grown and out of the house for the most part). I used to go with the home-baked cookies, but now I have one brother who is diabetic, and another who is recovering from a heart attack ( :eek: ), not to mention the rest of us who are eating thoughtfully now, so there are dietary restrictions/considerations.

My DH is the bread baker (we tend to go with as much whole grain as possible, there), so I was considering a loaf of bread and pb & j. Well, not peanut, but other nut butters and all-fruit jams. Would this be appropriate, do you think? And does anyone have any recommendations for really great nut butters or jams?

I really appreciate ALL the great ideas on this thread!

[TKay]

I forgot about this one. I gave these little escape tools to everyone in my family last year. There was a girl in the area who died because she'd been trapped in her car and drowned. I don't know if this tool would have saved her or not, but it made us all feel better to have one.
http://www.resqme.com/

Crackers, yes, I think the bread and spreads sounds good. You could do sugar-free jams and jellies. And the non-peanut butter butters sound fun. Are you considering making your own jams? A neighbor of mine used to always do this and I thought it made a wonderful gift.

[Bawstinn]

For those hard to buy for I usually get XXX of the month from Amazing Clubs. You don't have to do 12 months as that can get expensive but they have all sort of options, wine OTM, cheeseOTH, pastaOTM, etc.

My problem is my 84yo Mom. but I think I will get some sort of flower OTM for her.


Thank you for that link - I think the Beer of the Month club would be perfect for my brother!

I did a plant of the month club one year for my mom and it worked out really well. She liked it better than flowers since the plants lasted much longer than flowers would.

[Robyn1007]

And does anyone have any recommendations for really great nut butters or jams?

I really appreciate ALL the great ideas on this thread!

Are you looking to buy or make? If you're looking to buy nut butters I HIGHLY recommend Justin's Nut Butters (http://www.justinsnutbutter.com).

[RunnerKim]

I just had some hazelnut butter on a banana (yeast) bread that I make. It was a fabulous combination. My hazelnut butter came from Kettle Foods which I believe you can order from their web site (I know you can get their chips). I also have some cashew butter. They have unsalted nutbutters which might be of interest since you mentioned health concerns.

The gift I give my Inlaws that they absolutely rave about is a digital picture receiver. It's from Ceiva (http://www.ceiva.com) and I upload photos to their web site and every night my inlaw's picture frame dials-in and downloads the new pictures (or cycles through the existing ones). It's a not an inexpensive gift because you have to buy the digital picture frame and then a service for it. But it has the great benefit of being something we do every year! My MIL makes sure I know how much she appreciates it. (I ended up buying one for myself too). Someone on the boards here posted about it a couple of years ago.

nieces & nephews are just starting on my DH's side of the family and my plan is to give a different Christmas book each year. There's so many great ones and new ones.

Kim

[crackers]

TKay and Robyn,


I think I will very probably purchase, rather than make. I have made jams/preserves in the past, but all my recipes require copious amounts of sugar. At this point, I'm not sure I'll have time to experiment with sugar free (and I have a SIL who is can't tolerate Splenda), so buying is the way to go.

Robyn, thanks for the Nut Butter suggestion! (Coincidentally, Justin is my DS's name! :D ) Perfect!

[crackers]

I just had some hazelnut butter on a banana (yeast) bread that I make. It was a fabulous combination. My hazelnut butter came from Kettle Foods which I believe you can order from their web site (I know you can get their chips). I also have some cashew butter. They have unsalted nutbutters which might be of interest since you mentioned health concerns.

Kim, that sounds like a great combination! And hazelnut butter ....yummmmmmmmm!
I'll check out that site, as well. Thanks for the suggestion. :)

[Terri_A]

OMG!!!!! If you are buying for ANY kids this year and need a pretty inexpensive gift, the Snoopy Sno-cone Machine is back! I found it at Target, and it was only $9.99!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51H44Ic4SLL._AA280_.jpg

I LOVED this thing as a kid!!!!

[Laura]

Thanks Susan! Maria, that's the one I've gotten. It doesn't exactly come ready to be gift-wrapped, so I just hid it in the basement and put a single bottle under the tree with a note telling him where to go look for the rest of the gift. :)

For gift wrapping ease you also to a liquor store and ask them for a wine box that has the cardboard dividers in it.

[leightx]

I just bought some board games for my kids (well, for the entire family, but their names will be on the wrapping). I've been perusing www.boardgamegeek.com[/URL] and bought these to go under the tree (descriptions are from Board Game Geek):

[URL="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/150"]Pitchcar (http://www.boardgamegeek.com): PitchCar and Carabande are dexterity games where large, wooden, puzzle-like pieces are used to construct a race track that looks very similar to an electric car track when finished. But instead of using electrons, players use finger-flicks to send little round pucks around the track, a la Carrom.


Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/4390): Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers is a game in the Carcassonne series set in the stone age. Players build a prehistoric landscape with tiles depicting forests, rivers, lakes and grasslands. They then send out members of their tribe to hunt, gather, fish and establish fishing camps. It includes many of the familiar mechanics from Carcassonne with a few new options.

Ticket to Ride (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/9209): With elegantly simple gameplay, Ticket to Ride can be learned in 3 minutes, while providing players with intense strategic and tactical decisions every turn. Players collect cards of various types of train cars they then use to claim railway routes in North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who fulfill Destination Tickets – goal cards that connect distant cities; and to the player who builds the longest continuous route.

These aren't kid games per se, but from the reviews, I think my kids (7 & 8) will enjoy them.

[avariell]

Ticket to Ride (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/9209): With elegantly simple gameplay, Ticket to Ride can be learned in 3 minutes, while providing players with intense strategic and tactical decisions every turn. Players collect cards of various types of train cars they then use to claim railway routes in North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who fulfill Destination Tickets – goal cards that connect distant cities; and to the player who builds the longest continuous route.

These aren't kid games per se, but from the reviews, I think my kids (7 & 8) will enjoy them.

my mom is completely freaking obsesssssssssed with Ticket to Ride. It brings out the competitive beast! I am sure my sister could offer tons of game opinions - she and her dh are big fans of board games (starting to rub off on me). If you need a game suggestion for a slightly older crowd, check out Settlers of Catan. BEST. GAME. EVER.

i stole this from the website you linked:
In Settlers of Catan, players try to be the dominant force on the island of Catan by building settlements, cities, and roads. On each turn dice are rolled to determine the current production on the island. Players collect raw materials to build up their civilizations to gain enough victory points to win the game. This game is a Spiel des Jahres (German game of the year, 1995) winner, primarily because of its amazing ability to appeal to non-gamers and gamers alike.

From Mayfair's web-site:
"For 3-4 players ages 10 and up."

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/13

[mightyh]

One other stocking-stuffer gift I've thought of (and would like to receive) is a set of the reuseable grocery bags. We've had several threads on them lately and there were some great ideas on where to get good ones.

[SusanMac]

I need ideas for a nonprofit donation.

I've been wanting to do this for dad for several years. He lives in a retirement home, so his space for 'stuff' is limited. I typically give food-related gifts or books for each holiday. But really like the idea of a donation. My problem is....I have no idea what nonprofits would fit his interests! He's not into animals, saving the earth, curing cancer, educating kids, Special Olympics, etc.

How do you pick a nonprofit donation gift for someone when you have absolutely no idea what they're passionate about??

[armel]

How do you pick a nonprofit donation gift for someone when you have absolutely no idea what they're passionate about??

That's really tough. I once had somebody make a donation in my name to a charity that is absolutely nothing I was interested in supporting. So I think unless you know, I would hold off on that for now.

[mbrogier]

How do you pick a nonprofit donation gift for someone when you have absolutely no idea what they're passionate about??

Maybe his nursing home has a pet charity... or if he has a certain medical condition, you could give a donation towards research. I know I'd love it if someone gifted me a donation towards the diseases I have/had.



Now the two gifts I'm stumped over:
- DH's Nurse and PA. I don't know if he should give a bonus, gift certificate or something more personal? I know the PA said she recently took up interest in painting.

A gift certificate towards a local art store would be a delightful addition to a cash bonus. I think most people would rather have cash than a gift certificate or food from their employer.

Rob and I have appreciated all the gifts we've received from his bosses, but cash was what was needed the most. Since people travel and entertain so much more during the holidays, budgets get tight.

Food can be good if you're 100% certain they'll like/not be allergic to said food or not go out of town the morning after a huge cheesecake is delivered--that they can't take with them since they are flying. (it hurt giving a $100 cheesecake to the mediocre apartment office staff only because it was too big for the freezer and wouldn't last the 2 weeks we were going to be away.)


Photo frames: Pottery Barn has some beautiful smaller silverplate photo frames that aren't that expensive.

Ornaments: Cost Plus World Market has a ton of gorgeous ornaments, even glass blown ones. Pottery Barn has a ton more ornaments than they did before.

For the person that is hard to buy for: I found the illustrated copy of 1776 by avid McCullough at Costco for $35. My dad reads a lot of books, and he is a huge history buff. The illustrated copy includes a folder in the book that contains reproductions of documents and letters from the book. I thought that was really cool and would be a neat coffee table book.

For a joint gift for him and my stepmom, I get them something from an antique store or such for the house they are building on their horse farm. I was thinking about a nice Pendleton throw or blanket this year... there's a great outlet here, and I've gotten really fabulous things there, including a leather blazer for $80.

For Games: Phase 10. It's a cheap card game that can be played by 2-6 people. It is really addicting, and the person that gets ahead at the beginning of the game doesn't necessarily stay ahead or even come close to being the winner. Here's a wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_10

Table Topics. I'm getting this one for my in-laws. They like to have someone after dinner during dessert ask a thought provoking question that everyone debates. It's been quite interesting, but sometimes it's hard to come up with a good question. This game has preprinted cards with cool questions like the example question in the Pottery Barn ad: Which is better, intelligence or common sense? The question set that Pottery Barn sells comes in a clear lurex box that looks pretty enough for the holiday table. It's $25. I saw TT earlier this year at an independent store for the same price, but I was dealing with Rob's surgery then and didn't want to drag the game around all week.

Stocking stuffers: Rob bought a small led light/keychain from Sharper Image. It broke within the year, so SI gave him a better one in exchange. People that have seen this light love them. I think we'll be getting a couple for presents.

I also love picking up little things like this teensy tiny notebook with tiny pen for my mom's hand bag. She's always looking for something to write on. She'll love this.

My favorite place to look for items for stockings is the kid's section of stores like Discovery place or Rainbow Cafe. Adults love stress balls and slinkys just as much as kids do. Rob loves the Cat-a-pult toy I got at Borders. It fires little plastic cats via rubber band across the room. His work team had a blast with that toy, even realizing how anatomically correct the cats were and going from there...:o :rolleyes:

[ACooper]

I have a group of teen/pre-teen girls that I need to buy for. I was thinking of giving them a gift of ladies handkerchiefs with handmade soap or lotion. Does anyone have a good source for ladies handkerchiefs?

[SusanMac]

Ooooh -- Table Topics sounds like a game our family would love! I'll need to look for it. Just last week I bought a 'game' called Talking Sticks that is somewhat similar. They look like chopsticks, and each one has a question on it. So, you pick a stick & use it to start a conversation.

For the donation, I'm leaning toward PBS. Dad likes the programming, and with a donation, you get their monthly TV Guide.

I've found that I love shopping for videos on PBS. They have a lot of really cool programming that fits the interest of most everyone in our family (concerts, biographies, history, science, etc). Their website is really easy to search & surf for ideas.

[CompassRose]

If you need a game suggestion for a slightly older crowd, check out Settlers of Catan. BEST. GAME. EVER.
OH YEAH! Settlers is awesome!

There's a Settlers of Catan card game too, and it's also very good. Last time I drove home, I got in about one thirty in the morning -- and then stayed up till four playing it with my nocturnal brother. (The one who wants the Tichu game. He's a dealer -- casino dealer -- and loves all kinds of games. Another one he really likes, also for older kids/adults, is Wizard -- it's a game of tricks, with extra cards (the Wizards). It's really good, and fast-moving, and there are Wizard tournaments all over the world for the true geek...)

[mgs]

For the teen/pre-teen set---

while I was looking for the "Table Topics" (THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!!!) I saw they have small terry cloth cosmetic bags or jewlery rolls. They are $19 and you can get them monogrammed for $6. don't know how much you wanted to spend.

also found on PB a cast iron bulldog bottle opener for $12 for the guy who you need a little something for. I have to get a gift for BIL's partner and I know he is a fun guy, but don't really know him.

I am having a little bit of a problem... all of my gifts need to be mailed. I like to wrap them myself. I am quickly closing in on all the in-law gifts. Dare I send them home with the IL's when they come to visit first week of December? Is that rude? :confused:

Meg

[TKay]

For the donation, I'm leaning toward PBS. Dad likes the programming, and with a donation, you get their monthly TV Guide.

I've found that I love shopping for videos on PBS. They have a lot of really cool programming that fits the interest of most everyone in our family (concerts, biographies, history, science, etc). Their website is really easy to search & surf for ideas.

PBS is a great idea. I was also going to mention The Red Cross as a charity to use for you dad's donation. What a nice gift.

[avariell]

I am having a little bit of a problem... all of my gifts need to be mailed. I like to wrap them myself. I am quickly closing in on all the in-law gifts. Dare I send them home with the IL's when they come to visit first week of December? Is that rude? :confused:

Meg

i don't think that is rude at all - especially with the cost of shipping and packaging supplies. heck, it is a lot better for the environment too :) good idea!

[TieKitty]

There are some great ideas on this thread!

My mom and dad always had their family pictures in shoe boxes so one year I sneaked them out their house and put them in picture albums. We had a wonderful time Christmas day looking through them and remembering the "old days".

One Christmas I gave each of my DSs and their wives very nice recipe files with recipes handed down from their grandmothers and their favorites from my collection.

My problem is my DM. She is confined to a wheelchair and is in failing health. She doesn't read, listen to music, etc. Just pretty much sleeps and watches TV. I've given her an electric throw, thermal underclothes (she's always freezing), an electric blanket and sweat suits.

I've thought of sending her some southern pralines, but don't know how long they hold up. She has a wicked sweet tooth.

Are there any of you with aging parents with the same predicament?

[Robyn1007]

TieKitty, what about some DVDs of her favorite shows? Or can she operate a DVD player?

mgs, just make sure they're planning on having enough space to take gifts back with them other than that I don't think sending them back is rude at all.

[mgs]

One year I sent my Grandmother (who was in a nursing home) an assortment of gourmet hard candies. I can't remember the exact source, but there were many on the web. They were a big hit HOWEVER the staff gobbled them up, which is fine except I would have liked her to have a few.......:mad:

about sending the gifts home on the plane: I was thinking about sending a box with all the goodies in it. As long as it doesn't exceed the weight limit or the # of bags limit, they could take it with them. I hadn't thought of the going green aspect of it. and I will use that as my main concern from now on!! ha ha

also for those shipping and who are concerned with the environment, you can package things up with popcorn. I works great but you have to pop a lot of popcorn. I usually do this. Or recycle the newspapers. don't use those styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap please!! (off soap box now)

FINALLY I convinced DH to go with tickets to A Christmas Carol for his parents. He wants to have them go the week before Christmas so they will have to open the gift early. I think it is a wonderful gift.

[SusanMac]

mgs - I've sent family home w/Xmas packages several times, and they've done it to me, as well. As long as it's not the year where all the gifts are large and heavy, you're OK.

I typically pack shipping boxes w/either newspaper or stuff from our shredder. Be aware that the cost of shipping boxes shot up in a big way after the last postage hike. So, I'm planning on shipping mine extra early this year so I can send them via the slow route (which will still be expensive) It usually costs around $50 to ship holiday packages each year. Oi!

[TieKitty]

TieKitty, what about some DVDs of her favorite shows? Or can she operate a DVD player?



Robyn, that is a great idea!! I think she could operate a DVD player, especially with a remote. Thanks!:)

[mightyh]

I wanted to add that The Container Store (www.containerstore.com) has a great stocking stuffer section and good gift ideas sections.

Some ideas I got from there:
a book light ($10)
a keyboard vacuum ($5)
toothbrush sanitizer--use UV light ($30)
deodorant stain removers ($10)
luggage handle ID ($7)

Also, we picked one of these hammer/screwdriver combos up at Restoration Hardware on a whim 10 years ago and we use it CONSTANTLY:

http://www.gammfg.com/osc/eshop/product_info.php?products_id=5

It's no longer available at Restoration Hardware, but it's an awesome stocking stuffer!

[leightx]

The Container Store (http://www.containerstore.com/browse/index.jhtml?CATID=62523&howMany=999&viewAll=true) also had the ResQ Me keychain that was mentioned earlier in the thread. That would be a great stocking stuffer.
http://images.containerstore.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/97843/RESQMEKeychain_l.jpg

Oh - and they had a cool invisible ink pen set (there is a black light in each of the caps) for $5 - those are going in the kids stockings for sure.
http://images.containerstore.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/97835/SecretMessageWritingSet_l.jpg

I'll have to check out Settlers of Catan. DH and I don't usually play without the kids, but it might be fun to have game night with just the 2 of us every once in a while.

[avariell]

I'll have to check out Settlers of Catan. DH and I don't usually play without the kids, but it might be fun to have game night with just the 2 of us every once in a while.

the full size game needs at least 3 players. the card game works for two people. i don't know how old your kids are, but i think a smart/game-oriented 8 year old could start to pick up on it pretty quickly (especially if the adults weren't super cutthroat :)).

[Blissful_in_TX]

For older senior citizens:

I saw this realistic cat at Wal-Mart and thought it was so neat I wanted to get one for the kiddos. But first I wanted to check the reviews (which so far are all positive), and an older woman said she loves hers and thought it would be great for seniors:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5934007

[cocoa'smom]

I try to find consumable stuff that the recipients will enjoy and that they wouldn't buy themselves- teas for my mom, salami for my Dad (I sent him some from Mario Batali's father's salumeria in Seattle last year, and my dad said he'd never had any salami as good). I sent a gift box from Zingerman's to my aunt and uncle, who get together with friends for a weekly card game, and I got an email from one of the friends thanking me for the great food- my aunt brought it all to the card game to share! My DH loves root beer, so I've given him a sampler 24-pack from Pop the Soda Shop- they have other samplers as well (ginger ale, fruit sodas).

Great website. My dad loves all kinds of sodas so I'm definitely getting an assortment for him. Also, I saw your posts about salamis....my dad loves salami, too, but he had a stroke a couple of years ago and he never regained use of one of his arms. He would have a really hard time cutting the salami. Do you know if any of your sources/websites sell it sliced? Probably not...:(
Thanks!

[SusanMac]

I recently ran across the toothbrush sanitizers in a Hammacher Schlemmer catalog (omg, we get too many catalogs! where did this come from?!) and it looked really cool. We don't have a Container Store. Any other ideas who might carry them?? Maybe BB&B?

[tamawrite]

I am having a little bit of a problem... all of my gifts need to be mailed. I like to wrap them myself. I am quickly closing in on all the in-law gifts. Dare I send them home with the IL's when they come to visit first week of December? Is that rude? :confused:

Meg

I think it's sensible, not rude. (Well, it might be rude if the gifts are bulky and they're flying, but if they'll have a car with them, why not?)

[tamawrite]

My problem is my DM. She is confined to a wheelchair and is in failing health. She doesn't read, listen to music, etc. Just pretty much sleeps and watches TV. I've given her an electric throw, thermal underclothes (she's always freezing), an electric blanket and sweat suits.



Slippers? I also like the homemade sweets idea -- candied nuts should hold up well, or fudge unless you're shipping to/from a warm part of the country.

[LakeMartinGal]

Robyn, that is a great idea!! I think she could operate a DVD player, especially with a remote. Thanks!:)
Maybe a TiVo? At least she could decide what shows to watch, and rerun them when she falls asleep!;)

[TwinMom]

I recently ran across the toothbrush sanitizers in a Hammacher Schlemmer catalog (omg, we get too many catalogs! where did this come from?!) and it looked really cool. We don't have a Container Store. Any other ideas who might carry them?? Maybe BB&B?

I'm pretty sure I saw something like that at Sharper Image. Did you try there?

[zackaboo]

I am having a little bit of a problem... all of my gifts need to be mailed. I like to wrap them myself. I am quickly closing in on all the in-law gifts. Dare I send them home with the IL's when they come to visit first week of December? Is that rude? :confused:


I don't think this is rude either but keep in mind that based on the intensity of the security at the airport that they are checking their luggage at, wrapped packages could be unwrapped as part of the screening process - even in checked luggage. The recommendation last year was not to pack any wrapped gifts. That could be a bummer if they had to unwrap their gifts in the airport.

[BeachBum]

And does anyone have any recommendations for really great nut butters or jams?
We get most of our jams at American Spoon (spoon.com). They have many things with no added sugar. I use a lot of their products and just love them.


My contribution is to suggest a solar powered/hand crank radio. I've purchased them for my husband and for my mom. My mom likes to be able to take it out in the yard when she is gardening, and to take to the beach. My hubby loves to have his for doing home projects. It can sit in the sun and run or he can drag it room to room if he is doing something inside. You don't have to worry about cords or batteries. I bought them for an "in case of emergency" situation (we live in a hurricane area), but they get weekly use! I don't recall where I purchased them, but have seen them at LL Bean and Restoration Hardware lately.

I've thought of sending her some southern pralines, but don't know how long they hold up. She has a wicked sweet tooth.
Keeping them airtight helps, but they travel well overall. The "problem" is that they dry out a bit. But in the scheme of problems they will still be tasty. And for a "wicked sweet tooth" I'm not sure you can do much better! :)

[mgs]

uh, ok, I admit it. I am done my shopping except for DH and DS.

I still have to order the gift pack of spices from Penzey's for BIL but I know what I am getting. I am just trying to decide if I should hold off and have it mailed right to his place or have is sent here and then send it back out there again so I can wrap it. Seems like a big waste of gasoline to me.

I decided i won't be sending the gifts back with the IL's b/c they are flying and I can't wrap them! I also decided to buy a pack of re-useable grocery bags as a gift and also another pack to use as 'gift bags' ! I am really happy with that idea. :cool:

I do need a few other ideas for DS who will be 2.5 and all I can think of is a few items which is FINE except the relatives INSIST I tell them exactly what to give him which I think is so boring. Takes the fun out of Christmas and makes it all about the stuff instead of the sentiment, imho. So the few things I want him to hav will all be given by the relatives. Last year I barely got him anything. This year he will be so young it won't really matter,either I suppose. We don't have a large family, but even with every one sending him a gift that is an additional 8 things for him which I think is completely overwhelming! and Usually the grandparents get more than 1 item...

Meg

[Terri_A]

Meg- For your DS, try ttgo.com - it's the toy retailer related to Lakeshore Learning. Their website is broken down by age range, so you may find some things that you wouldn't necessarily think of. Another option is to tell family that what DS really wants for Christmas is to be debt-free after college, so a donation to his college fund would help out! My mom writes me a check for the weeone at Christmas. She asks that I have at least 2 things for her to unwrap and the rest of the check can go into her college account. It's great because I get control of the toys that come into the house and her college fund gets padded a bit.

[zackaboo]

I have read most of this thread and don't recall seeing this (doesn't mean I didn't miss it :) ), but does anyone have a good source for great coffee beans? Personally, I don't drink which makes it sort of hard for me to evaluate.

[Robyn1007]

I have read most of this thread and don't recall seeing this (doesn't mean I didn't miss it :) ), but does anyone have a good source for great coffee beans? Personally, I don't drink which makes it sort of hard for me to evaluate.

I was fortunate enough to get some beans from MaryH in the last swap from Looney Bean (http://www.looneybean.com/) that are really yummy.

[jlo_of_hotlanta]

OMG!!!!! If you are buying for ANY kids this year and need a pretty inexpensive gift, the Snoopy Sno-cone Machine is back! I found it at Target, and it was only $9.99!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51H44Ic4SLL._AA280_.jpg

I LOVED this thing as a kid!!!!


I had one as a kid too! We loved it, but I'm not sure my parents did; it "disappeared" sometime around the age of 6 for me. :p

[RebelsLGB]

Post your gift quandaries and ideas here!

I need:
Stocking stuffers/small gifts for skiers (Robyn?)
A source for nice photo frames
Ideas for people who have everything (parents!)
Ideas for people who are addicted to drugs :( (I usually go with something like a Starbucks gift card, b/c it can't really be sold or traded for drugs.)


I have:
A code for Cost Plus World Market discounts Nov 9-12 (25% off) PM me! :)
Lots of gift ideas for horse lovers ;)


My fiance's friend is addicted to drugs and his birthday just passed...he's trying to sober up so we bought him a few self help books, a bible, a journal, and some candy (sugar is now his drug of choice).

[Barrie]

I got this game for my DH as one of his Hanukkah gifts, from Sur La Table. http://images.surlatable.com/surlatable/images/en_US//local/products/detail/570739.jpg "Foodie Fight: A Trivia Game For Serious Food Lovers. Match wits against fellow food-lovers with over 1000 questions covering everything from culinary science to celebrity chefs." Very appropriate for all the foodies on this board!

Based on the suggestions on this thread, I picked up the Leapfrog Explorer Smart Globe for DS. I found it online for $30 cheaper than amazon -- woo hoo!

[applecrisp]

Such great ideas, so glad I popped on this thread.

Mgs -- I know you mentioned that you feel its a bummer that you have to give your relatives a specific list. Coincidentally enough, I was just speaking with a friend whose daughter just turned two and she said she got a bunch of duplicating gifts, stuff that she already had, or things that were a bit too old. She compared it to a wedding shower and getting three toasters and two blenders. I know for many (especially older folks) they find shopping for kids so overwhelming. When my niece and nephew were little, I would spend hours picking out books but I loved it. A list might be boring, but at least you'll get what you want and need, rather than a bunch of stuff that will take up space. Just mentioning it, since my friend just brought it up.

My tough person to buy for is my almost 16 year old niece. Don't have a clue.

[RebelsLGB]

Such great ideas, so glad I popped on this thread.

Mgs -- I know you mentioned that you feel its a bummer that you have to give your relatives a specific list. Coincidentally enough, I was just speaking with a friend whose daughter just turned two and she said she got a bunch of duplicating gifts, stuff that she already had, or things that were a bit too old. She compared it to a wedding shower and getting three toasters and two blenders. I know for many (especially older folks) they find shopping for kids so overwhelming. When my niece and nephew were little, I would spend hours picking out books but I loved it. A list might be boring, but at least you'll get what you want and need, rather than a bunch of stuff that will take up space. Just mentioning it, since my friend just brought it up.

My tough person to buy for is my almost 16 year old niece. Don't have a clue.

I think most 16 year olds have ipods these days. You could always get her an itunes gift card. Thats my go to gift for my fiances cousins who are in college.

[Lauren]

What to buy for my Mom that doesn't need a thing! :eek: At this point in her life she should begin getting rid of stuff! Oy!

[barbara-cook]

Thanks for the post on the Snoopy Snow Cone maker. I had one as a kid too and I did like it. So I think I will get one for my younger great-niece. I haven't really started shopping yet, so I'm making notes. Saw a new John Sandford book for my husband and have come up with ideas for the adult grab bag gifts (those are usually so tough!). I've almost given up on things for my parents. They don't need anything, and could afford to buy it if they did want it more easily than I could!

My tough one one is my son who will be 16 this month. Does not have an ipod (says he doesn't want one), he has a set of golf clubs so a few golf items will go in his stocking, is picky about his clothes and doesn't like getting them as gifts. His main interests are sports, sports and more sports. He's asked for Serios (sp?) radio so he can listen to all the games not on TV, but it's too much $$$. I'm sure my husband and I will figure something out though. We usually do!

The toughest part of the holidays? Is giving ideas to people for me. I never know what to ask for! My husband asks me, my step daughters ask me, my parents ask me, my MIL asks me. Guess I'd better make a list so I'm ready this year.

What a great thread. I'm going to check a few of those web sites out for ideas as well.

Oh - one more thing - I saw a neat little thing at Bed Bath & Beyond last week. It's a fold up trivet! It looks like plastic or rubber tubes, but if you pull them apart, it becomes a trivet. I just thought it was cool. I think it was around $6. Be nice in a newlywed/new apartment renter/new homeowner's stocking.

[buffygirl]

I think I will mail order some wines from some of the wineries we visited last month. A couple of them sell only at the winery or via mail (V Sattui and Bella come to mind) so I think that makes them great gifts for wine lovers.

Also for stocking stuffers, I love all of the little OXO kitchen gadgets. Chef'n makes a really cool "palm peeler" that you "wear" on your finger. Palm Peeler (http://www.spacesavers.com/palmpeeler.html)And the silicon basting brushes are always good.

At the nutcracker market here in Houston last weekend, sipping chocolates were very popular. Many come in pretty tins. I bought the Bellagio brand, it was delicious: Bellagio Sipping Chocolate (http://www.chocolateatlas.com/L2NewP/Bellagio/Sipping_Chocolate.htm)

Great ideas everyone, keep 'em coming!

[misskitty100]

Meg- For your DS, try ttgo.com - it's the toy retailer related to Lakeshore Learning. Their website is broken down by age range, so you may find some things that you wouldn't necessarily think of. Another option is to tell family that what DS really wants for Christmas is to be debt-free after college, so a donation to his college fund would help out! My mom writes me a check for the weeone at Christmas. She asks that I have at least 2 things for her to unwrap and the rest of the check can go into her college account. It's great because I get control of the toys that come into the house and her college fund gets padded a bit.

What a great website! Thanks for the info on it as I had never heard of it but love Lakeshore!!

I saw the Snoopy snocone maker the other day at Target and remembered how much I loved it!! I guess I need to pick one up for DS.;)

[Kiwismommy]

Great thread! I've written down a few great ideas and now I will share a few.

My in-laws are in their 90's and still live in the family home. They really don't like us giving them gifts, and many have gone unused over the years. For the last few years I have done up a food basket and include things that they wouldn'y buy themselves....frozen lasagna, Imperial Cheese, Baby Bell cheese, Apricot Brandy etc. Now, nothing gets shoved in the back of the closet!

There is a hand held game called 20Q (Twenty Questions). It is battery operated and is such fun. It cost $15 at Walmart (Canada) a few years ago and everybody we've given it to has gone out and purchased more as gifts.

I belong to a group of friends that draw names for each other at Christmas. Last year I drew Sandy's name and knowing how much she loves to entertain, I made her a cookbook with all of my favourite recipes suitable for entertaining. I use Master Cook and scaled a few of them for 2, 6 and 12. I generally do the cookbooks in a binder, but I knew Sandy wouldn't be adding to this so I had it bound....she loves it!

[TKay]

Can I resurrect this thread? I've done most of my shopping (yay!). But I still need a couple of smallish items ($15 or less) for two of my nieces (ages 10 and almost 12). I got them each a board game, but would like to give them something else as well. I've thought about little purses or girlie accessories, but truthfully, I have boys. I'm at a complete loss as to what they'd like. (Their mom is going through a tough situation in that her father is in the last stages of a serious illness. I don't feel comfortable pressing her for suggestions at the moment.)
Any thoughts for girls ages 10 and 12?

[TravelingJ]

We are doing a lot of iTunes gift cards for nephews and nieces this year. It seems every child over the age of 8, in our family, has one of those things.

For the cologne question-as a guy in my twenties, I currently use Burberry Touch. For a long time I used Mary Kay's Velocity. That was a scent that nobody could ever figure out, but they all enjoyed it.

[BucknellAlum]

\)
Any thoughts for girls ages 10 and 12?

Claire's - for hair accessories, costume jewelry (I personally hate this store, but my DD loves it!)

Bath Body Works has the American Girl line of bath foam, shower gel, etc.

Small handbag/jewelry box - Kohl's, target,etc are good sources for these

Staples - my DD would love a nice box of new markers, pencils, erasers, highlighters, etc. Not every kid would, but a lot of them love those kinds of things

A nice basket with all the (non-perishable) ingredients to make cookies or quick breads, etc.

[Cookin4Love]

I need ideas for a nonprofit donation.

I've been wanting to do this for dad for several years. He lives in a retirement home, so his space for 'stuff' is limited. I typically give food-related gifts or books for each holiday. But really like the idea of a donation. My problem is....I have no idea what nonprofits would fit his interests! He's not into animals, saving the earth, curing cancer, educating kids, Special Olympics, etc.

How do you pick a nonprofit donation gift for someone when you have absolutely no idea what they're passionate about??

What about adopting a child from Angel Tree and giving in his name? I'm guessing he likes children--at least a little bit. ;) You could take pictures of the purchases to share with him.

[Blissful_in_TX]

Claire's - for hair accessories, costume jewelry (I personally hate this store, but my DD loves it!)


Claires or the related Icing do have some cute girl stuff. I even picked up some headband type scarves for myself and some other hair things there (like those little sticks when I wear my hair in a bun), and it's all really cute. Or are they at the age where their mom would let them have a little lip gloss or nail polish kit?


My remaining dilemmas:

- Where do I shop for a reasonably priced but nice quality men’s black v-neck sweater? Our selection isn’t good here, so it’d almost have to be online.

- Our builder, who bless his heart is doing a stellar job and handling our constant changes like a champ! I don’t know…..like a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant with a bottle of wine? Or too impersonal? They’re really into country, cowboy, western type stuff.

[TKay]

Ooh, thanks for the Claire's idea. I've never even heard of that place, but I'll check it out. I know the girls have American Girl dolls, so I think that's a great suggestion too. I don't think they have iPods, but I could find out. Thanks!
Blissful, I think the wine and gift certificate are a nice choice. Another option might be the plant/bulb options mentioned earlier. But I don't think your idea is impersonal at all.

[Laura]

My remaining dilemmas:

- Where do I shop for a reasonably priced but nice quality men’s black v-neck sweater? Our selection isn’t good here, so it’d almost have to be online.



Here is one from Eddie Bauer for $40 with free shipping if you buy today or tomorrow.
http://images.eddiebauer.com/is/image/EB/EB07IO_0043228_414C1?wid=300&hei=300&fmt=jpeg&qlt=75,0&op_sharpen=1&resMode=trilin&op_usm=0.5,1.0,0.0,0

Hmm... the picture isn't showing, but the link is good.

[SusanMac]

Cookin4Love - Thx for the idea. It's very thoughtful. Actually, he doesn't like kids much...except for his grandkids. You can see why my task is so difficult! I looked into HoustonPBS...and they only make their TVguide available online. Oh great. Thanks. Only for people w/their own PCs & Net access. oi! I'll still do it, tho.

Senior Adults - I also found this, for the people asking about older relatives or people in assisted living: www.sitandbefit.org

TKay - I started a thread recently looking for magazine subscriptions for kids. You might want to look through that for ideas. I love magazines for kids b/c they get something each month of the year (I also have fond memories of my aunt getting me magazines). I typically get an issue at the bookstore & wrap it so they have something to open.

[Blissful_in_TX]

Here is one from Eddie Bauer for $40 with free shipping if you buy today or tomorrow.


Wahoo, thanks! I just ordered it :D

[aggie94]

Our builder, who bless his heart is doing a stellar job and handling our constant changes like a champ! I don’t know…..like a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant with a bottle of wine? Or too impersonal? They’re really into country, cowboy, western type stuff.


If you know he (and/or spouse) drinks, I definitely do not think that would be impersonal at all. In his profession, he probably rarely gets gifts from clients and I'm sure any gesture like that would be greatly appreciated. I recently had occasion to gift a nice bottle of wine to someone I had hired to do some work for me, and afterwards, I got a very nice email from him telling me that gestures like that are what make the job worthwhile for him, so I could tell that it was appreciated.

[ellery]

Can I resurrect this thread again? ;)

I got such great gift ideas from it the first go round. Someone had mentioned a solar powered radio, and I want to get this for DH but didn't see them on LLBean or Restoration Hardware as was recommended. I looked on Amazon, but wasn't sure what to get. Any recommendations? DH spends a lot of time outside, either on the beach/at the pool in the summer, washing cars, etc. and listening to the radio, and the solar powered one sounds like a good idea in being able to save on batteries. He's impossible to buy Christmas gifts for as he wants nothing so I struggle every year. :o

Thanks!

Leah

[Sarah428]

Leah - I think the one on LL Bean is a crank radio (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=43034&sc1=Search&feat=sr), I don't recall seeing a solar powered one in their catalog.

[ellery]

Hi Sarah. :)

Yeah, I didn't see one either on their site. I found one on a camping site by Coleman, but wasn't sure what people's opinions of these radios were.

Ugh. I love giving gifts but I hate coming up with what to give for difficult-to-shop-for people. ;)