The Holiday Gift Thread

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

What do you want?

What do you plan to give?

Let's hear it!

 

[princesss]

Fun!

I'm currently trying to figure out what to get my BF. I want to do some kind of 12 days of Christmas thing, but I don't know if it'll work out.

What I want is easier: a nifty fifty lens for my camera and/or bright shiny red Huntress wellies (Hunter brand but wide calf). I really want the lens, but it's a bit pricey for what my family usually does (I want the 50mm/1.4 but it's not like a 1.8 would be awful), and I plan on eventually getting tall wellies and I just love bright, shiny ones!

 

[zoebartlett]

Want: a new comforter for our bed. LL Bean has one I'm eyeing. A pair of shoes or boots and a few shirts. Other than that, I have no idea. I'd love to see Dave Matthews when he comes to my city, but I *think* my parents are giving us tickets to The Book of Mormon instead (That one's on my husband's wish list.).

Giving: Earrings and a scarf for my mom, and maybe new pjs. I have nothing for my sister or my dad. My husband and I don't exchange gifts.

 

[Skippy123]

Want: Mother's pendant, maybe set my oec, a painting. My SIL is an incredible artist so she is making me my favorite church

ugh I hit submit too soon!

Give: probably some GC's to family members, it makes it easier. The boys will get a little kitchen.

I am looking forward to just spending time home with family

 

[Rhea]

I'm giving -
My sister a silver bracelet
My mother I'm not sure yet
My father I'm not sure yet
My husband a book and a watch

I have no idea what I want. There are a few bigger things I want, like a super skinny cartier ring and an antique watch, but now is not the time.

 

[Circe]

I am proud of myself. My husband is impossible to shop for, usually. But this year, when he was talking about looking forward to being able to play with LEGO toys with our baby when he's bigger, I remembered his telling a story about how when he was a kid he loved Star Wars toys ... but never got the AT-AT.

So, he's getting an AT-AT - I just have to decide if I'm going full-on old-school vintage, or getting the LEGO version.

My dad's getting a really pricey bio of Harry Winston: my mom, a beautiful wooden box. My best friend, a Guerlain purse spray.

As for what I want? Hm. There's a guy who makes these beautiful caryatid rings on eBay - I'd love one of those. Or some Love: Don't Be Shy perfume from Kilian. Or a really nice train case/jewelry box from Smythson or the like. I'm easy! (But I ain't cheap.)

 

[Haven]

I am proud of myself. My husband is impossible to shop for, usually. But this year, when he was talking about looking forward to being able to play with LEGO toys with our baby when he's bigger, I remembered his telling a story about how when he was a kid he loved Star Wars toys ... but never got the AT-AT.

So, he's getting an AT-AT - I just have to decide if I'm going full-on old-school vintage, or getting the LEGO version.

My dad's getting a really pricey bio of Harry Winston: my mom, a beautiful wooden box. My best friend, a Guerlain purse spray.

As for what I want? Hm. There's a guy who makes these beautiful caryatid rings on eBay - I'd love one of those. Or some Love: Don't Be Shy perfume from Kilian. Or a really nice train case/jewelry box from Smythson or the like. I'm easy! (But I ain't cheap.)

And my new favorite line was born.

 

[madelise]

Fun!

I'm currently trying to figure out what to get my BF. I want to do some kind of 12 days of Christmas thing, but I don't know if it'll work out.

It can totally work. I did this last year. I got him a variety of socks for one day (I think it was either 12 or 6), a bunch of superhero underwear for another, a bunch of undershirts for another.. Movie ticket certificates from Costco for AMC.. I forget what else. It was stuff he needed to spend $ on anyway, so it was nice for him to have to open up stuff. Day #2, he got a pair (2!) of running shoes.. and Day #1 he got his peacoat. Fluff the 12-10 days with little things that you guys would spend money on anyway… maybe fluffed with some "coupons" for services, like his choice of a home cooked meal delivered to his workplace for lunch, or a half hour massage while he reads the newspaper or watches TV. Then days 3, 2 and 1 are the "real" gifts.

It actually worked out great cus I didn't feel pressured to buy 1 super expensive gift. I bought things we would have had to pay for anyway, and the shoes and his coat cost about $300 total.. and he would have bought them anyway!

 

[EricaR]

Pony
And possibly a kitten.
Then a second pony.

 

[madelise]

What do you want?

What do you plan to give?

Let's hear it!

Want:
- have my grad apps paid for.
- to get accepted into a local grad school. public would be better.
- to get my grad school tuition paid for.
- to have my GPA this quarter be impressive since it's the last *gulp* quarter the grad schools see before making decisions!
- to be engaged. finally.

Those would be Christmas miracles. Realistic? #1, and maybe #2. #3 would be a long shot, but I'd be so happy if SO would offer to pay for a portion of it. #4 I'm hoping will happen, but I'm not sure if it will happen by Christmas. I don't want a Christmas proposal. I usually give SO a Christmas Wishlist to "Santa", so he has a few options in a variety of budgets to buy from.. but he said he didn't want one this year. He has my gift picked out. I hope to god it's not a Christmas proposal.

Giving:
- I bought a few CS's off of colorluvr, and I will probably set one for one of my best girlfriends. Her birthday is also in December, so I think it's a nice little combined gift. It will be her first "real" jewelry piece, since she only ever buys cheapy mall jewelry to lose. I think she'll be very happy.
- Maybe SO and I will take my grandparents out for lunch.
- And maybe I'll bring something by his house, for his parents. Small tokens of my thoughts, nothing of much monetary value.
- I have a boudoir shoot scheduled for some photos for SO. Nothing rated R, just some nice PG13-y ones that won't be too racey for him to have. I can't spend too much $ on him this year, unfortunately.

 

[madelise]

Pony
And possibly a kitten.
Then a second pony.

I want a pony with a pink mane, with tinsel "highlights". I've been wanting one since I was 4, and Santa still hasn't delivered.

 

[Alexiszoe]

Giving:

for him, a leather wallet from Lotuff (hopefully it can be made in time )
Sephora giftcard and JCrew sweaters for my close female friends
Another cat toy for my cat
My folks don't celebrate Christmas so no gifts

Wishlist:

White South Sea pearl studs
Hermes Kelly in Black Box Retourne (yea, not going to get it anytime soon!) or a neutral color

 

[Dandi]

Giving:
Mum - A heap of Sculpey clay (her favourite hobby is making and painting miniature figurines!)
Dad - Gift vouchers to his favourite wine/liquor store, he's a bit of a wine connoiseur
Brothers - iTunes vouchers and tons of socks
Brothers' girlfriends - Books and skincare pamper stuff
In laws - Baked treats
DH's siblings - Money
DH - a baby

Wishlist:
A healthy baby!

 

[vc10um]

As for what I want? Hm. There's a guy who makes these beautiful caryatid rings on eBay - I'd love one of those. Or some Love: Don't Be Shy perfume from Kilian. Or a really nice train case/jewelry box from Smythson or the like. I'm easy! (But I ain't cheap.)

And my new favorite line was born.

Ditto!

DandiAndi, so excited for your Christmas Bean! I will also wish for you that baby arrives happy and healthy! (and that DH likes his present )

On my end...DH and I have set a $50 limit for Christmas, so we won't be buying much! His birthday comes up in 2 weeks, too, so I need to get working on this whole present thing. He's so freaking hard to buy for, though! I think I'm going to ask him for a new pair of TOMS (the ones with the fleece lining...they're $52, but close enough!)...

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I would like IDJ huggie earrings and/or a new kitchen floor (ours is missing several tiles and another one just cracked). Both are not in our budget, but I might get one, the obvious one




hmmm...being that this is PS it might not be so obvious...I'm getting the kitchen floor


DH wants to get DS a ball and glove (he just turned 4 so I think he's a little young, but it's important to DH and he never has opinions on this kind of stuff, so ball and glove it is

We draw names at Thanksgiving, so we'll have on of my family members and one of DH's family members to buy for.

In the event I come across some extra cash or win one of those lovely $1000 PS gift certificates, I would love to get my mom diamond earrings.

 

[diamondringlover]

I want nothing...really just nothing, dont need anything and I dont want anyone to spend the money, if I really had to pick something then it would be for someone to pay for a new paint job for my Jeep....what I am giving, that is still a tossup, I cant seem to get a answer from my son's on what they want this year...so for the most part it will be gift cards and money. As I get older I realize it gets harder and harder to shop for people, most of my family have everything they want, hubbys family are just too picky so they get gift cards...I guess I am in a bah humbug mood right now..hopefully my spirits will pick up

 

[pandabee]

Fun!

I'm currently trying to figure out what to get my BF. I want to do some kind of 12 days of Christmas thing, but I don't know if it'll work out.

It can totally work. I did this last year. I got him a variety of socks for one day (I think it was either 12 or 6), a bunch of superhero underwear for another, a bunch of undershirts for another.. Movie ticket certificates from Costco for AMC.. I forget what else. It was stuff he needed to spend $ on anyway, so it was nice for him to have to open up stuff. Day #2, he got a pair (2!) of running shoes.. and Day #1 he got his peacoat. Fluff the 12-10 days with little things that you guys would spend money on anyway… maybe fluffed with some "coupons" for services, like his choice of a home cooked meal delivered to his workplace for lunch, or a half hour massage while he reads the newspaper or watches TV. Then days 3, 2 and 1 are the "real" gifts.

It actually worked out great cus I didn't feel pressured to buy 1 super expensive gift. I bought things we would have had to pay for anyway, and the shoes and his coat cost about $300 total.. and he would have bought them anyway!

this is a great idea! I feel like this is totally up our alley haha. I should start thinking of the filler gifts....and the real one for that matter haha

 

[pandabee]

- I have a boudoir shoot scheduled for some photos for SO. Nothing rated R, just some nice PG13-y ones that won't be too racey for him to have. I can't spend too much $ on him this year, unfortunately.

ah HA!!! audball totally called it!!! This is a good idea too...I think I will do this eventually. SO does love his pics

 

[stargurl78]

Fun!

I'm currently trying to figure out what to get my BF. I want to do some kind of 12 days of Christmas thing, but I don't know if it'll work out.

What I want is easier: a nifty fifty lens for my camera and/or bright shiny red Huntress wellies (Hunter brand but wide calf). I really want the lens, but it's a bit pricey for what my family usually does (I want the 50mm/1.4 but it's not like a 1.8 would be awful), and I plan on eventually getting tall wellies and I just love bright, shiny ones!

This is how my husband proposed to me (but he proposed on the 10th day rather than Christmas just in case I suspected it)! Most of the gifts were inexpensive but meaningful gifts (one was a DVD of the first movie we watched, one was a gift card to the restaurant we both used to work at, one was a set of Jim and Pam mugs because we used to love The Office so much, etc etc). I loved it.

This year I am giving:
DH - We have a $100 limit. I bought him a track jacket for $40 and I have no clue what else I'm going to get him.
My parents - I am almost finished making them a quilt. I am also making them a small album of our wedding.
DH's Mom - A set of photo albums that she asked for.
2 nephews and 1 niece - video games, toys, and movies (already done with them)

I also have to figure out what the heck to get for DH's dad and my brother. Guys are always the hardest to shop for!

I want a few things:
-A kettlebell set
-Some new travel coffee mugs
-One of these lunch crock-pot thingamadoos (I am so sick of sandwiches and I'm too cheap to buy lunch out everyday):
http://www.amazon.com/Crock-Pot-SCCPLC200-R-20-Ounce-Lunch-Warmer/dp/B006H5V8US/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=33N3DMXVWW8I0&coliid=I31W6GNHX6YFYL

 

[junebug17]

Normally I really don't want anything for Christmas, but this year I would like to get a diamond band to wear with my solitaire. I'm kind of excited about it!

I'm so glad this thread came up, because it reminded me that I had purchased a cool golf statue for dh during the summer - and I've forgotten where I put it! I'll have to start rummaging around the house. Dh will probably just pick out something he wants and call it a day. Not too exciting that we pick out our own gifts, but at least we know we'll like what we get.

My son asked for a record player and some vinyl records. Apparently they're in again?

Not sure about my daughter yet.

My side of the family doesn't exchange gifts, (kinda thankful about that, TBH) although we get something for my mother. Still need to figure out what to get dh's sister, brothers and sil's. Oy.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

You guys are giving me so many great ideas! I love the 12 days - using movie tickets, socks, etc. is really fun. I feel like we should get a list going

I don't really have anything I need. Maybe warm slippers and an electric blanket?

I'm giving gift cards or cash to parents (my family is very pragmatic).

Cat toys to the spotted kitty terrors.

Not sure yet for BFFs.

Definitely not sure yet for BF. BF is difficult to shop for. I can categorize my boy's material interests into the following categories: 1) video games (except he buys whatever he wants anyway); 2) skiing (but he just bought everything he needs except for skis and boots, and skis he'll wait on until next season, and boots are going to be way out of my budget); 3) computers (he builds his own, but he already has two desktops, and doesn't need any parts); and 4) tennis (but he already has gear, including a nice racket).

I'm thinking of gift cards for the site he buys video games from, nice ski goggles (he has a really cheap pair right now) + boot bag, contributing money to ski boots. Keep the ideas coming!

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Pony
And possibly a kitten.
Then a second pony.

This!!! Except no more kittens. Puppies?

 

[pandabee]

I am not very good at gifts. Also because my family doesn't make a big deal out of gifts...usually we buy stuff if it is needed or wanted, and don't save it for special occasions! I like the idea of having a little bit of restraint and surprise though so I am trying to change my gifting habits!!

My wishlist:
- Toms fleece lined boots, wool wedges, or classics (either the great love or herringbone)
- small dbty necklace
- to have a JOB offer for next year!!!

To give:
- brother: probably clothes at american eagle or whatever is on his wishlist
- mom: will probably just want me to donate money to her charity...still thinking of creative "non material" things to give her
- dad: always hard, never really wants or uses anything we give him haha. still up in the air but I'm sneaking to see if there's anything he needs
- SO: iphone 5 if he still hasn't gotten it by then...if not, then something creative. maybe i'll steal madelise's photo idea

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I usually think of a jewelry item to be a combined Christmas/anniversary gift. But other than that, I have a very hard time telling anyone what I want! I usually ask for a mani/pedi gift certificate because I can always use that, but that is about all I can think of!

I have zero ideas for DH, the 17 year old has given me a list, and the older kids probably want money or will tell me what to get. Thankfully we only give Christmas gifts to our parents and they are at the age where they don't need any more "stuff", so that usually means clothes or something edible. We do give $20 gift cards to nieces, though.

I very much enjoy the holidays, but I am not so much into all the materialism part.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Instead of the usual socks and underwear I normally get DH, I bought him two scents: Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford and Sushi Imperiale by Bois.

For my DS, I bought him a Filson toiletry bag and some silly XBox game he wanted.

Cash for my Mom and an assortment of cash and GC's for nephews--all requested.

My list is short thank goodness.

In regards to my MIL--my DH is on his own!

cheers--Shaorn

 

[manderz]

We're skipping Christmas this year (at least officially) because we're getting married two days before Christmas. However, FI will be getting an iPad mini for a wedding/anniversary/Christmas gift. Family is all getting wedding-related presents, typical thank-you's and such.

All I'd like for the holidays is for everything to go smoothly. I always host the holiday dinners, which will include Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, we're planning the wedding, and FI and I are both going to school full time. Needless to say, the next few weeks are going to be pretty intense. I'm a touch nervous about getting all of my coursework done.

 

[madelise]

As for what I want? Hm. There's a guy who makes these beautiful caryatid rings on eBay - I'd love one of those. Or some Love: Don't Be Shy perfume from Kilian. Or a really nice train case/jewelry box from Smythson or the like. I'm easy! (But I ain't cheap.)

And my new favorite line was born.

Ditto!

DandiAndi, so excited for your Christmas Bean! I will also wish for you that baby arrives happy and healthy! (and that DH likes his present )

On my end...DH and I have set a $50 limit for Christmas, so we won't be buying much! His birthday comes up in 2 weeks, too, so I need to get working on this whole present thing. He's so freaking hard to buy for, though! I think I'm going to ask him for a new pair of TOMS (the ones with the fleece lining...they're $52, but close enough!)...

YES, DITTO, CONGRATS ON THE BABY! That's the best present you can ever give him!!

 

[madelise]

- I have a boudoir shoot scheduled for some photos for SO. Nothing rated R, just some nice PG13-y ones that won't be too racey for him to have. I can't spend too much $ on him this year, unfortunately.

ah HA!!! audball totally called it!!! This is a good idea too...I think I will do this eventually. SO does love his pics

Check your local LivingSocial and Groupon for deals. I think I told you about my 1 hour photoshoot I bought on LS for $59? Well, that lady was shady, and it took a few months, but I got my refund from LS. This time, I made sure to speak with the photographer before purchasing the coupon. $99 for an hour photoshoot, with 10 photos edited, and a few prints + all the photos, unedited, on a CD. Not bad!

I figures we're only young once. Every year, I look back at old photos, and wish I had taken more photos of my "younger, better self". Every year of school = 10 more pounds of jiggle. I think it'll be a good present not just for him, but for myself It's always good to embrace your body, and love it for every stretch mark, scar, or cellulite dimple. I wanna be 80 years old, and showing and embarrassing my teenage grandkids with those photos!! LOL!

 

[madelise]

You guys are giving me so many great ideas! I love the 12 days - using movie tickets, socks, etc. is really fun. I feel like we should get a list going

I'm more of a practical person, especially if you're buying TWELVE gifts, so.. here are some practical ideas:
- a year's supply of his shaver heads if he uses a razor with changeable heads. 12? 10? 9? If it comes in a box of, say, 10, and you need it for you Day #8, buy two boxes, and put 8 inside.. and just give him the other portion later, after the holidays
- cologne, if he's running short on his current bottle.
- a year's supply of his deodorant. It's always a PITA to go buy more. That should be what.. 3?
- you can do a "theme" day, where it's a theme of stuff. I think I did a "movie day in" theme day, where I filled a stocking with a box of Swiss Miss hot cocoa, a bag of Jet Puff mini marshmallows, and a few other movie snacks, + a rental DVD from the Red Box. Choose as many items as you want for that "# day".
- another theme day idea: cold weather accessories. Day #4 = a pair of gloves, a pair of cashmere socks or warm fuzzy around-the-house socks, ear muffs, and scarf.


I tried to come up with some "more holiday gift-y" ideas, but yeah, I'm blanking out. I seriously don't know what men want. That's why I'm cheating, and just getting photos. I'm horrible at this gift giving business! If he's a car person, maybe a certificate to get his car detailed with a couple of just regular car wash certificates?


OOH! I just remembered about these! These samplers from Sephora are great for giving "numbers". You pay for the sampler kit, he tries a variety, and takes the box in to get a full sized version of whichever of the set he liked most:

8 different colognes for day #8:
http://www.sephora.com/collector-s-edition-fragrance-sampler-for-him-P299441?skuId=1369503
7 different fine shaving products for day #7:
http://www.sephora.com/the-finest-shave-deluxe-sampler-for-him-P309106?skuId=1402304
12 different colognes for day #12:
http://www.sephora.com/fragrance-sampler-for-him-P376779?skuId=1457258
5 different colognes for day #5:
http://www.sephora.com/the-leading-man-deluxe-fragrance-sampler-for-him-P308600?skuId=1402296


OH, and you can totally squeeze in desserts/baked goods in #'s, too. I remember now. Day #6 for us last year was a half dozen of mini cupcakes from Sprinkles, and day # I forgot what was a full dozen of 'Lette macarons, with a few pieces eaten by me, so that the # matched the day.

 

[justginger]

DH and I are scaling down Christmas this year. We're so...bad. We just never know what the other person wants, but we set ridiculously high limits (like $500ish). It results in spending just to be spending. Books, CDs, movies, gift certificates, candles, stuff - stuff that neither of us particularly needs or wants, but we want lots of gifts under the tree to unwrap so we buy it all regardless. It's such a waste and I refuse to get sucked into it again this year.

Thankfully we've got our 4 nieces/nephews in town this December, so we can focus on their gifts. I've purchased a slew of Berenstain Bears books for the 7 year old, a box set of Dr. Seuss beginner books for the 5 year old, and am still working on ideas for the 3.5 and 1 year olds. I'm considering sponsoring a child in their names, so the kids can write to him/her and learn about life in another part of the world. Buying presents for children (especially these - so well behaved and appreciative) is SO much fun.