Hoiday Gift Ideas!

[SweetErika]

Yep, I'm on the hunt for gift ideas this year again!

So, what's on your gift wish list?

What are you planning on giving various people in your lives?

Have you seen any gift ideas (like for friends, neighbors, extended family, a toddler's buddies, etc.) that aren't terribly time-consuming or expensive? I have an attention-sucking toddler, long list of housework and projects that never seem to get done and budget, so it's not like I can spend a bunch of time making intricate gifts this year.

 

[fire_breeze]

Yep, I'm on the hunt for gift ideas this year again!

So, what's on your gift wish list?

What are you planning on giving various people in your lives?

Have you seen any gift ideas (like for friends, neighbors, extended family, a toddler's buddies, etc.) that aren't terribly time-consuming or expensive? I have an attention-sucking toddler, long list of housework and projects that never seem to get done and budget, so it's not like I can spend a bunch of time making intricate gifts this year.

gifts.com

It's my go-to for gift ideas. I always get inspired and the ideas keeps me way under budget.

 

[NippleMuncher]

I have always found gift purchase or making to be a hard thing to do. While I love the people in my life, that doesn't make gift ideas easy. That doesn't mean that shopping has to be time consuming or expensive. If you like to thrift shop (second hand stores ), you can usually find something that reminds you of a loved one.

Last year I bought a two coffee mugs at a thrift shop and then made a batch of International Coffee and put that into a decorative bottle (repurposed wine vinegar jar ) and gave that to my best friend and his girlfriend along with a cookbook. They both enjoy drinking and cooking, so the gift was extremely appropriate without breaking the bank or taxing my brain or time trying to figure out something for them. This year they're getting Skipbo cards and a bottle of wine.

It really depends on the person, your connection with them, and how important they are to you (monetary values aside ), what would make an appropriate gift. Of course, it's easy for me, I only have three people I have to buy gifts for. Amongst my immediate family we've all agreed that we do not wish to receive gifts, we'd rather enjoy the day together with a good dinner than get/give each other crap we don't need. We also make it a point to acknowledge the day and what we mean to each other, which in many ways transcends gifts.

 

[bailadora]

Have you seen any gift ideas (like for friends, neighbors, extended family, a toddler's buddies, etc.) that aren't terribly time-consuming or expensive? I have an attention-sucking toddler, long list of housework and projects that never seem to get done and budget, so it's not like I can spend a bunch of time making intricate gifts this year.

Toddlers: Sidewalk chalk, crayons,play doh, inexpensive coloring books from the dollar store. This link gives other ideas on how to make simple gifts on the cheap. I really like #11 - homemade bath paints. And at 15 minutes from start to finish, even the most time crunched mom can make them.

For the adults, I like to give out gifts in a jar, tailored to the individual. There's a host of things you could do, from homemade soup mixes, cookie or brownie mixes, bath salts, or even sugar scrubs. Again, most take minimal time to assemble and the ingredients tend to be very budget friendly. I can find mason jars (or similar containers) fairly cheap at my local Goodwill or Salvation Army thrift shop.

You might also want to check out the dollar spot at Target. I found small, pre-ground packages of Kaluha coffee in a variety of flavors. I'm giving some to a neighbor of mine who is a coffee fiend, along with a pretty mug.

If you want to give a family gift, themed baskets are fun and fairly easy to do. One year, we received a basket with everything we would need for a movie night: pre-wrapped microwaveable popcorn, a few bars/boxes of our favorite candy (think Skittles, Gummies, chocolate bars), a liter of our favorite soda and a gift certificate we could put towards a movie we didn't already have.

 

[heartoftexasgrl]

I'm trying my best to support smaller businesses this year. I saw a segment on GMA last week, and they were showcasing some websites that manufacture in America, etc. and I ordered some really cool personalized notebooks that have canvas covers and sewn bindings. You choose the paper inside- lined, dots, planner, meal planner, etc. Then your cover, and if you want a monogram or anything on the front. I have a couple nieces with unusual names you can't find their name on anything, so I ordered them one to use as a journal. You can look up May Books to order, and the 50% off code was GMA.

Also, I'm making some photo books on MyPublisher. They have a deal going with the GMA thing for ten bucks each. That's a great deal, and a good gift for grandparents, etc.

 

[Boundlife]

you could also make donations. and put in a card what the money will go to.

 

[fire_breeze]

If you want to give a family gift, themed baskets are fun and fairly easy to do. One year, we received a basket with everything we would need for a movie night: pre-wrapped microwaveable popcorn, a few bars/boxes of our favorite candy (think Skittles, Gummies, chocolate bars), a liter of our favorite soda and a gift certificate we could put towards a movie we didn't already have.

I completely forgot gift baskets! They're fun, simple and easy to make - and never breaks the bank. Plus, you're guaranteed to give a unique gift.

Thank you Baila I was banging my head what to give Father this year. Now I got it.

And by the way, I also make homemade calendars. It goes over very well.

 

[bailadora]

I completely forgot gift baskets! They're fun, simple and easy to make - and never breaks the bank. Plus, you're guaranteed to give a unique gift.

Thank you Baila I was banging my head what to give Father this year. Now I got it.

In the words of the great Andrew Martin: One is happy to be of service.

 

[Loverskitten]

Toddlers/kids I have given power toothbrushes with characters on them (mermaids, superheros, etc) it's a great way of hiding a need in toy-form. Also yummy chapsticks, even coke for boys. They loved em.

I'll share my all time favorite gift. I got a charm bracelet from my sister, with new and vintage charms all depicting moments from our crazy trips. I laughed so hard when I went through all the charms and memories. My niece said she was an eBay charm fiend for a long time. She has since given me more charms and I have also added to it.

 

[Loverskitten]

Parents, have you seen this?
http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/01/the-5-best-toys-of-all-time/all/1

I love the saying "put someone's eye out"

 

[pplwatching]

you could also make donations. and put in a card what the money will go to.

Seconded! My wife and I always go to the "Giving Tree" at the mall, and pick out something for someone in need. We buy the items the needy individual needs and/or wants. Our gift to each other is the time that we spend shopping, and the pleasure of giving together.

 

[amofiga]

Seconded! My wife and I always go to the "Giving Tree" at the mall, and pick out something for someone in need. We buy the items the needy individual needs and/or wants. Our gift to each other is the time that we spend shopping, and the pleasure of giving together.

Good idea. We do the same sort of thing with the "Christmas Angel" program around here. We have reached the age where we don't need more "stuff" and don't really want more "stuff" around here. We often just give gift certificates to good restaurants (not the generic chains) that we truly like going to. Gift cards for golf lessons or massages are also nice. One of daughter's standards is gift cards for the movies. Gift cards to the liquor store are always welcomed because it helps to keep the wine supply well stocked.

If you know someone likes a particular book or author, that can show them that you understand them and appreciate their tastes. I once went to a book signing by an author my daughter likes to get a book autographed. It's not just the book, it's hopefully that she'll remember that I cared enough to drive 80 miles to get it for her. Even (maybe especially) homemade gifts are especially appreciated. My wife likes to bake various kinds of breads and unusual cookies for presents.

Bottles of good wine or scotch if you know someone appreciates that sort of thing.

The best gifts are those that show that you know someting about the person receiving it. Some gifts can be pretty personal that way. This year, after all the regular gifts are opened, and after other people have left, I intend to give my wife the Hitachi Magic Wand. Maybe I'll get to join in while it's appreciated.

 

[Mr.G]

If ya got a dawg

... especially a working dog take a look at these.

http://www.auroralites.com/


Look here too : http://www.auroralites.com/users.asp

 

[bambikiller]

Pair of flip flops & a dildo for the wife.




It's an old joke, if you're wondering

 

[literalwife]

A personalized erotic story works.

 

[SweetErika]

A personalized erotic story works.

For some reason, I'm thinking that'd freak out my friends and family members.

Anyway, thank you all for the awesome ideas! I researched and shopped, and in the end, I came up with:

- A good digital picture frame for my mom, plus the other stuff on her list. We wanted to get her a better (but still inexpensive) camera, but she said no because of the cost, so I'm going to have to force it on her as a gift for her bday in a couple of months and the next few holidays.

-Hardcover photo books of our munchkin's first year for 4 family members who are likely to appreciate such a thing. I used Shutterfly's new custom creating feature, several coupon codes to offset the cost, and while I haven't seen them yet, they should be pretty good and something we can do yearly if they're received well.

For friends, neighbors and coworkers:
-Ribbon jingle bell doorknob hangers for friends, including those with toddlers (I'm thinking the shiny and jingly stuff will go over well with the kidlets since ours can't keep his little hands off of them!)

-Really yummy, authentic (definitely spicy, but not mouth-burning) gingerbread cookies that I still have to decorate in the wee hours of this morning.

-Cranberry biscotti dipped in chocolate (nearly everyone drinks coffee or tea, right?)

-Other cookies for the kidlet's holiday party this morning

And Santa's been bringing our little guy inexpensive gifts every few days for good behavior and as a potty-training motivator. And I'll be damned...it's actually working!

 

[EllaPure]

For my best friend and his girlfriend - A couples massage

My nephew - Legos

 

[nakdsub]

I know what I want for Christmas

Some mistletoe I can hang from my belt buckle for the NEW YEAR EVE's party.