The Holiday Gift Thread

[JewelFreak]

Oh gosh, Christmas gets harder every year for my siblings; I never know what to get them. Everybody's either on a diet or into major healthy eating, so can't send food -- my sister already hogged the boxed fruit concession, sends us stuff from Florida. The last thing they need is more STUFF, all their houses are crammed to the gills. I wouldn't dream of making a charitable contribution in their names because 1. I don't know what they support & 2. if I did, I probably wouldn't want to give to it -- we have very different outlooks. Since they are all gardeners of one stripe or another, will possibly send amaryllis or something. Last year I gave my sister a bird-edible bird house that was a big hit -- may do that for them all.

DH is a total pain at Christmas!! It is not a big holiday in Holland where he grew up, just another day off work. He has never understood the Christmas spirit & hates surprises. So I'm allowed to give him only things he specifically asks for. He's diabetic, so I can't even slip him an unexpected pack of cool beef jerky, arrrgh.

Good thing I can get all in the mood by myself without help!!

--- Laurie

 

[MichelleCarmen]

What do you want?

What do you plan to give?

Let's hear it!

I would love a .40 ACA pendant, a new car, and two rugs for my downstairs.

Not sure what I'm giving this year, yet! I am just now preparing to pick out holiday cards (only sending about 10 of them this year).

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Madelise - those are great ideas, thanks!

I'm still debating between that, or ponying up for skis, which I know he wants and needs (and combining Xmas and birthday - his birthday is in Jan. anyway). Or something. Thankfully I have lots of time to decide!


Justginger - you should combine those Xmas limits and take a trip somewhere!

 

[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.

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

Yeah, I love the idea...I just don't think the logistics are in my favour. I guess I'll have to save this plan for when we live together.

 

[Dee*Jay]

As some of you might recall from my recent "non-stuff" gift thread, I wish the people in my life would stop the gift thing, but to answer this thread:

- I am asking for an emergency car kit (for the car I can't tell my family I bought... )

- I am giving all sorts of things (that's just our way), but the most significant thing I'm giving is that when I was in Cuba last fall I took a zillion pics of old cars and I made some of them into a coffee table book on blurb. Originally it was for my dad, but I think I will end up giving out about half a dozen of these.

- The Chicago boyfriend and I have somehow managed to ixnay the gift gifting for Christmas, birthdays, etc., so I'm thankful for that!


OH! I almost forgot! I am also giving a 6 foot tall sock monkey to one of my best friends. He will either love it or be totally horrified by it. Maybe both!!!

 

[Dee*Jay]

I also found an... um... *anatomically correct* 6' sock monkey, but I try to keep my replies PG so I'm skipping a post on that one!

 

[madelise]

I also found an... um... *anatomically correct* 6' sock monkey, but I try to keep my replies PG so I'm skipping a post on that one!

LOL! Are you getting your friend this more PG version, or your anatomically correct one? I think this PG version is actually pretty darn cute! I love giant things. There's this HUGE HUGE HUGE teddy bear at Costco, and I wish I could get myself one. I just have no space to store stuff!

 

[madelise]

Yeah, I love the idea...I just don't think the logistics are in my favour. I guess I'll have to save this plan for when we live together.

If you really want to do a 12 days thing, you still can. Bake a dozen homemade, scratch chocolate chip cookies for the first day, and have a few days with just cards, expression feelings that people don't express often enough. Send LITTLE things, small American snacks or whatever, and skip the # matching the day detail. Just 12 separate, individual small gifts. I bet he'd really, really like some home made, made-from-scratch cookies from you.. Some days have just the "gift" with a note, and other days have just a card. Each day is wrapped separately, though, with an obvious # on it, for the day to open. Half of the Christmas gift receiving joy is the fact that there's festive colors and papers, and things to open and unwrap. Actually, I'd even say it's ALL of the receiving joy… since I can just buy the stuff myself

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

I also found an... um... *anatomically correct* 6' sock monkey, but I try to keep my replies PG so I'm skipping a post on that one!

LOL! Are you getting your friend this more PG version, or your anatomically correct one? I think this PG version is actually pretty darn cute! I love giant things. There's this HUGE HUGE HUGE teddy bear at Costco, and I wish I could get myself one. I just have no space to store stuff!

My friend has this! And it's at her parents' house in NY, and since it would cost about as much to ship it out, she bought another one at the Costco here. She loves that thing!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Want...a 2.5ct RB..
Give...Nothing..

 

[amc80]

I want an iPad. Also a new camera lens, but I think I'm buying that soon so we can use it for our Christmas card picture (same lens someone else mentioned, the 1.. DH wants an Oregon Ducks jersey. He's pretty easy to shop for. I'm getting my mom a beauty box subscription. I had never heard of it until the recent thread here on PS. She is a habitual gift returner, so this is perfect. Not sure what I'm getting anyone else.

 

[Dee*Jay]

I also found an... um... *anatomically correct* 6' sock monkey, but I try to keep my replies PG so I'm skipping a post on that one!

LOL! Are you getting your friend this more PG version, or your anatomically correct one? I think this PG version is actually pretty darn cute! I love giant things. There's this HUGE HUGE HUGE teddy bear at Costco, and I wish I could get myself one. I just have no space to store stuff!

Ha! I'm getting him just the regular (neutered!) monkey because the anatomically correct one isn't actually for sale. But if it was I would SO SO SO get that one!

Giant stuffed animals are the best! Every time one of my friends or real estate clients has a baby I go to Costco and get whatever big stuffed animal they have. The Bernese Mountain Dogs were a HUGE hit a few years ago!

 

[Sakuracherry]

The holiday season is very hectic for me! My husband is half Jewish and half Christian, so his family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. I'm from Japan and new years is a big deal for us.

I want - nothing. My husband just let me purchase a new engagement ring.

For husband - nice electric shaver. He's been wanting one.

For mother - some American candies and a Coach bag.

For mother's dogs - toys and clothes.

For nephew - candies, books and a toy.

For MIL - nice warm underwear and pearl earrings.

For SIL and BIL - candies and something else.

For friends in Japan - lipsticks and hand cream tubes.

For neighbors in Japan - candies from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.


When does everyone start shopping gifts? I don't know when to start

 

[justginger]

Justginger - you should combine those Xmas limits and take a trip somewhere!

That's a really good idea - a nice week away would be lovely, if we could manage to secure the leave from work. I suspect that we may just do a charitable donation this year though, getting time off work can be more trouble that it's worth.

 

[LittleRiver]

My family exchanged stocking stuffers only last year, so I'm hoping we'll do the same this year and stick to small items and donations to charity. We will also give framed wedding photographs to our parents and grandparents.

On my wish list:
Subscription to Martha Stewart Living
Sweatpants from my alma mater
LL Bean tote bag with my new monogram
And, because this is PS, a Jewel Jet

 

[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

OOOpppsss, I forgot I bought my DH a Cartier alarm clock. He is SO done!

cheers--Sharon

 

[audball]

- 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

I KNEW it! I totally want to do this to, at some point, but I think I'll be saving it for a wedding gift! I know Andrew would LOVE it.

 

[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

I KNEW it! I totally want to do this to, at some point, but I think I'll be saving it for a wedding gift! I know Andrew would LOVE it.

Girlllll. Don't wait until then. Do one in normal stuff (I chose more conservative/covered up, vintage-y looking pieces that I wouldn't feel embarrassed if his mom found), and another one in white +veil for the wedding. YOU've done an amazing job these last few months, and you look fantastic. DO IT FOR YOU! Giving Andrew a few pics is just an extra bonus

 

[audball]

Girlllll. Don't wait until then. Do one in normal stuff (I chose more conservative/covered up, vintage-y looking pieces that I wouldn't feel embarrassed if his mom found), and another one in white +veil for the wedding. YOU've done an amazing job these last few months, and you look fantastic. DO IT FOR YOU! Giving Andrew a few pics is just an extra bonus

Haha...maybe. I have lots of work left to do!

 

[Haven]

We always get awesome little gifts for the kids in our family from Restoration Hardware. They have items they call "Stocking Stuffers" and they're unusual and fun. We just picked up a bunch, and the kids always like them.
http://www.restorationhardware.com/...-dynamic_menu_item-_-NA&categoryId=cat1630018

 

[JaneSmith]

- 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

I KNEW it! I totally want to do this to, at some point, but I think I'll be saving it for a wedding gift! I know Andrew would LOVE it.

Good on you ladies! I wish I had done this when I was young and slim and pretty.

I'm getting my husband whatever electronic jobby he wants this year, plus some clothes and golf stuff.
I am forgoing a present from him because I'm saving up my ABC (Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas) presents to get something big next year.

 

[Missy]

We bought my nieces holiday dresses as part of the holiday gift giving..We gave it to them today during Thanksgiving so they can wear it during this holiday season. Here are a few pics of them trying the dresses on for us.

 

[tuffyluvr]

I got this little warthog figurine from Patrick Mavros as a bday/Xmas pressie for my sister.
http://www.patrickmavros.com/store/index-c1-s2-i42.php

I can't wait for her to get it. She loves things that are small and metal and she spend a semester abroad in Kenya, so i think she will love it.

When she was on safari she took so many photos of the warthogs and described how hilarious they were with their flowing blond mane and tail poking straight up in the air.

Since she loves Africa, and these things are so tiny (4cm!) I figure that these will be an awesome collectible for her.

I can't find the post, but I found out about patrick mavros form a PSer's thread. I'm sorry I can't remember who it was, but thank you! This is the second gift I have bought from him. Such cool stuff!

FI wants a Glock...not sure if I will get it for him... :/ I want a pair of baby bezel diamond earrings. Low color, yellow or rose gold. I think they will make perfect "starter/training wheel studs" Also on my list... Kai dry oil spray, peter Roth SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, and a pair of black closed-toe Mary Jane pumps with a lower heel (or a gift cert to nordstroms to get them myself) I always feel sort of guilty and frivolous asking for gifts. I don't reeeally need anything. That guilt is easily pacified by donating, "adopting" a family, etc... Spending more money in order to feel ok about exchanging frivolous and somewhat extravagant gifts... Sick, no?

My dad gives me a check for $500 every year to buy myself what I want. After many years of getting Laura Ashley clothes, a palm pilot, or some similarly lame gift that I didn't want or need he started giving me money. It's usually not even in a card or envelope. He just tears off the check and hands it to me. Thoughtful gift? No. But well-appreciated, and he's always happy when I show him what I bought. I got 900 fill coat from Patagonia last year. fits great, looks pretty good and SO warm! "Just what I wanted dad, thanks! "

 

[Octavia]

My DH doesn't really celebrate Christmas, but he plays along for me. His birthday is right after, though, so I usually keep his "Christmas" gift small and splurge on a big b-day one. This year, I'm making him a pair of knitted felt slippers and getting him a rally driving lesson at a local track. I think he's going to flip out about that! My parents want to take a vacation together with DH, me, and my younger brother at some point this spring/summer instead of doing gifts. So I'll probably just get each of them some kind of token gift to unwrap on the day. No need to worry about presents for DH's family, and I haven't exchanged gifts with my girl friends in years.

As for me...not much. A couple warm flannel nightshirts and/or robe, maybe, as our new house is a bit chillier than the places we've lived in the past. But otherwise, there's really nothing I need or want right now.

 

[iLander]

We bought my nieces holiday dresses as part of the holiday gift giving..We gave it to them today during Thanksgiving so they can wear it during this holiday season. Here are a few pics of them trying the dresses on for us.

Those are so beautiful, Missy!

You're one of my favorite Pser's Missy, I wish I could just give you a big hug!

 

[iLander]

Double post, see below

 

[iLander]

I am starting to wonder if we're doing the holidays all wrong!

Everyone has so few items on their lists! My DH and I aren't happy until each person has a big pile, at least 15-20 items. Not all big, of course, but still. . .

Is everyone just listing the "big" gift or does everyone really open only one or two things?

 

[Missy]

We bought my nieces holiday dresses as part of the holiday gift giving..We gave it to them today during Thanksgiving so they can wear it during this holiday season. Here are a few pics of them trying the dresses on for us.

Those are so beautiful, Missy!

You're one of my favorite Pser's Missy, I wish I could just give you a big hug!

Awww iLander, you just made my day!!! Huge ditto back at ya and big virtual hugs being sent your way!

 

[tuffyluvr]

I am starting to wonder if we're doing the holidays all wrong!

Everyone has so few items on their lists! My DH and I aren't happy until each person has a big pile, at least 15-20 items. Not all big, of course, but still. . .

Is everyone just listing the "big" gift or does everyone really open only one or two things?

You're so cute! I am imagining you and your DH running downstairs on Christmas morning to mountains of gifts. I don't think youre doing it wrong at all. Your Christmas sounds super fun! FI's family goes all-out on gifts. Each of the kids always has a mountain of presents. And there is always a sizeable pile for me too. I think FMIL starts shopping in February

My family is not big on gifts. I get a check from my dad and a small gift from his wife's parents. I give my dad a nice bottle of bourbon, i give his wife something small--fancy scented candle or Laura Mercier lotion, her parents get a bottle of wine and a candle, and then I spend the most money and effort on my little half-sister.

My full sister and I only sometimes do gifts. She's not into "stuff" and she lives in a rural area of Maui with no mail service, so shipping can be tricky. Last year I managed to send her a box (carefully packed) with her favorite beer, which isn't sold in HI. She. Was. Ecstatic. The shipping cost more than the beer, tho! :O

FI and I exchange 1 big gift. That's it.

 

[zoebartlett]

iLander, here's how we do it:


My family: My parents give us (my sister, my husband, and then my husband and I combined) several gifts. My husband and I might get tickets to a show or something on the larger side, and then we each (separately) get clothes, socks, books, etc. My husband and I give each of my parents something individually, and then usually a larger gift for both of them, like tickets to a show, an overnight somewhere they want to go, etc. My husband and I also get my sister something (either a larger gift or a couple smaller ones). She does the same for us.

My husband's family: We do a Yankee swap every year, so we buy (or regift) one thing for that. We also buy his parents something. Sometimes my husband's siblings go in on a big gift for their parents. One year they got a family portrait done and everyone chipped in.