Denisemomof4 Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Last night I started to panic. It TOTALLY didn't occur to me to get ds's gf a gift! I know she's very picky and doesn't like a lot of things, so shopping for her will be hard. I was going to buy her earrings online but obviously it's too late for that. She has very specific taste. I can not be running around now trying to find a gift for her! The malls are 30 - 45 minutes away. I just can't do that. I was thinking about getting "them" a gift certificate to a local restaurant. It's not a nice restaurant, but it has AWESOME food and many vegetarian selections. She's a vegetarian who just started to add some chicken to her diet at her doctor's request. (and we have several vegetarian apps/dishes for Christmas) Does that sound good/acceptable? We've only gotten ds a coat for Christmas as we just had to pay his deductible for an accident, and we're also giving him money. That's what he needs. So he won't have a lot to open while she silently sits by. Last year I got them a gift bag full of movies and books of their interest, and I don't think neither of them appreciated them. I'm not going to try to buy stuff like that again. Would a gift cert. for a restaurant (presumably for both of them) from il's or a your boyfriends' parents offend/bother you? It's not a personal gift........ I just don't see her enough to know her enough to know her taste. If you don't think it's a good idea, do you have another? I will be heading out in the morning tomorrow to get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think that would be just fine. This year I have had fun putting gift cards into fun jars filled with things like M&M's, or candy kisses. Would she/they like somehting like that?? Makes the presentation more fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think the restaurant gift certificate is a good idea. Another would be to go the grocery store, Walmart, Kmart, or drug store (if there is one near you; not 30-45 minutes away) to buy a gift card to Amazon or a department store (Macy's) or to their local chain movie theater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Denise, Bless you heart. It's fine. Now, venture forth into the crowds! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 It is a gift I would have appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think it's a great idea and would appreciate the il's thinking of me. I was that girlfriend once and the il's gave me a couple small gifts. I was truly not expecting a thing and was so touched that they even thought of me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Your gifting her time with your son. I'd say it's acceptable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezrabean2005 Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think it's a great gift idea. It shows you want them to have a nice dinner together and support her lifestyle of being a vegetarian. If I ever hear "hard to buy for" (which describes myself perfectly), think consumable gifts like food, wine, or an experience / time together. Great job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mert Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Would you feel more comfortable if they each had something to open? Give them each their own half of the gc. I think the jar of m&ms sounds fun, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Its a gift I would have appreciated much more than my MIL;s idea of fashion. So I think she will be fine with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Denise, Bless you heart. It's fine. Now, venture forth into the crowds! :lol: :iagree: Yes yes yes, it's a great gift. Someone mentioned putting the card into a container of candies or whatnot. As the stepmom of a vegetarian dsd, might I suggest that if you do that, vegetarian marshmallows are a fun treat for veggies. I think you can find them at Whole Foods and/or Trader Joes. But make sure you let her know they're vegan/veggie! :D I, myself, will be making my first attempt at homemade vegan marshmallows today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 It is thoughtful and I am sure it will be appreciated.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted December 23, 2011 Author Share Posted December 23, 2011 Ok, so it sounds like this will be a great idea. I can also give a jar of candy/treats as she LOVES sweets. Let me ask your opinions on this. And this is exactly why I can't shop locally for her. I told dd last MONTH we needed to buy her earrings online, then I totally forgot about it. Her taste is VERY unique and different. I think she would absolutely LOVE these. (we can all keep our opinions on this style of earrings to ourself, me included, ok?) ;) http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=gothic+earrings&view=detail&id=CFAFDF88EC7772A4F7FF258D321ACD3D831B8E94&first=0&qpvt=gothic+earrings&FORM=IDFRIR Ok, so do I go with the gift certificate, or order these earrings and show her them on my computer screen (price taped over) and apologize for their not getting here on time? Or is that tacky? The idea, not the earrings.:tongue_smilie: Even dd's think she'd love those earrings. They're not something I can just go out to a store to buy. So.......... gift cert the day of Christmas or earrings delayed, something I really think she'd love? (and they can be exchanged or refunded) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma23peas Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think it is very thoughtful and something they could use....great job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted December 23, 2011 Author Share Posted December 23, 2011 ok..... everyone likes the gift cert idea. Maybe I'll order the earrings next year? Nah. I'd NEVER remember.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waa510 Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I'd go with the gift certificate in the jar of candy and save the earrings for her birthday. A nice dinner with her boyfriend at a restaurant that has vegetarian dishes sounds like a great gift to me. I would have loved to get something like that from my bf's mom! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Yes, that sounds like a nice gift, and I like the idea of presenting it in a creative way (unless that would cause you more stress or extra shopping). I don't view gift cards as impersonal as long as some thought has gone into matching them to the recipient's interests, which would definitely be the case here. I wish more people would give them to me, in fact! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 It's not a nice restaurant, but it has AWESOME food and many vegetarian selections. That is my definition of "a nice restaurant"! I think it's a thoughtful gift they will both enjoy. Perhaps you can wrap up a copy of the menu for her? Either from the restaurant or printed from online? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Is her b-day soon? I do like the restaurant dinner gift too. ok..... everyone likes the gift cert idea. Maybe I'll order the earrings next year? Nah. I'd NEVER remember.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acurtis75 Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think that would be just fine. This year I have had fun putting gift cards into fun jars filled with things like M&M's, or candy kisses. Would she/they like somehting like that?? Makes the presentation more fun. I love this idea. I am giving both of my sisters gift cards because I just coudn't think of anything else. Now I just have to figure out what to fill a jar with for th one who is diabetic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think it's a great gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 The year my DH and I were engaged my parents got us a couch -- we could go out and pick it up within a budget they set. My DH's parents got me an expensive purse, with a gift receipt, $5 and a pocket knife inside. I took the purse back and exchanged it for something more to my taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I did knit her a scarf and they yarn was expensive, but I am afraid to her this will seem like almost a non-gift. But I got "them" a gift certificate to a restaurant as well, and I hope they will like that. I think it sort of says "I honor you and your relationship and want the two of you to do something fun together." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 ok..... everyone likes the gift cert idea. Maybe I'll order the earrings next year? Nah. I'd NEVER remember.:tongue_smilie: If you really won't remember, and think the gf will love them, order them, print out a picture of them, and wrap the picture in a box. Explain that you saw those and thought she'd like them, and just had to order them for her, even though they wouldn't get here in time. ;) The earrings are more personal than the gift certificate, and IMO, gifts should be as personal as we can manage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 If you really won't remember, and think the gf will love them, order them, print out a picture of them, and wrap the picture in a box. Explain that you saw those and thought she'd like them, and just had to order them for her, even though they wouldn't get here in time. ;) The earrings are more personal than the gift certificate, and IMO, gifts should be as personal as we can manage. :iagree:, and this is a lovely, thoughtful way to give the earrings that won't be here on time. While the restaurant certificate is nice, it's not personal enough. Denise, I'm curious. Is this the same gf you posted about, oh, almost two years ago who initially seemed so standoffish? If so, has she seemed to warm up, or has your perception of her changed? I remember specifically because she reminded me much of my own dd . . . Blessings to you and your family this Christmas!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plink Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 If you really won't remember, and think the gf will love them, order them, print out a picture of them, and wrap the picture in a box. Explain that you saw those and thought she'd like them, and just had to order them for her, even though they wouldn't get here in time. ;) The earrings are more personal than the gift certificate, and IMO, gifts should be as personal as we can manage. Earrings are more personal, but I know that the delayed delivery would make me feel as if I had been forgotten if I were in the GF's shoes. Weird but true. I would give her the gift card ... And buy the earrings now so that I'd be prepared for the next event. PS: you are a FANTASTIC mom for buying any gift for his girlfriend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted December 23, 2011 Author Share Posted December 23, 2011 :iagree:, and this is a lovely, thoughtful way to give the earrings that won't be here on time. While the restaurant certificate is nice, it's not personal enough. Denise, I'm curious. Is this the same gf you posted about, oh, almost two years ago who initially seemed so standoffish? If so, has she seemed to warm up, or has your perception of her changed? I remember specifically because she reminded me much of my own dd . . . Blessings to you and your family this Christmas!!! yes, same girl. She still doesn't come around much, but she does seem to open up a little more when she's here. At least it's no longer uncomfortable. Ds comes by often without her and is always more talkative. She works on weekends and he oftentimes will stop in to see us before heading back to college. Her family is still the major priority and where they spend most of their time. :sad: I'm accepting it better. I know she has HUGE anxiety issues and I know she's always more comfortable in her own home. She even left college to stay home and go to a local one. Poor kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted December 23, 2011 Author Share Posted December 23, 2011 you all have given me something to think about. Dh feels strongly that the earrings are more personal, that they're just for her, and to go with them. I told him the Hive felt differently.:tongue_smilie: I also thought about them not getting here on time. I'm still so undecided. If she doesn't like the earring, I know I can get a refund. I do know they'll like the restaurant. Siiiiigh. I'll ponder a little more while baking cookies. I called the store and the package won't ship until tomorrow anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrappyhappymama Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I don't think every gift card is impersonal. If one is talking about an email from Amazon saying "You've been gifted an Amazon gift card!"- yeah that's impersonal (although I'd love it :lol:). But a gift card to a restaurant that comfortably accommodates HER is not impersonal at all, IMO. I'd get the gift card so she has something tangible to open and go ahead and buy the earrings now and save them for her birthday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 It does sound like a very thoughtful gift. You're specifically finding a restaurant with food that she can enjoy. But I wouldn't give it to them, I'd give it to her. That way it's Her Gift. If she wants to have a girlfriend's night out, she can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 A gift card is NOT impersonal. It says you value experiences over stuff. I love it :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think it's fine. It also says you expect her to stay around longer ;) and share it with your son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 you all have given me something to think about. Dh feels strongly that the earrings are more personal, that they're just for her, and to go with them. I told him the Hive felt differently.:tongue_smilie: . Yes and we're girls so our opinion counts more! If you were asking a month ago, yeah, the earrings might have been a better choice, but since they'd be late, and she could be hurt by that, I would go with the gift certificate and make the presentation really nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Jessica* Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think the earrings are really cool and thoughtful, so a wrapped picture of them would make me very happy. I can see, however, that some people might feel that their gift was an unimportant afterthought in this case. You have put a lot of thought into the perfect gift card for her, also, and I doubt that would go unappreciated. Can you afford both? That is what I would do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 (edited) I honestly don't get how a print-out of a photo of promised earrings is any more personal than a gift card. A gift card to a restaurant is essentially a "photo" of a promised meal. Why are things seen as more personal than experiences? I suppose that would be a better question for a spin-off thread. Edited December 23, 2011 by WordGirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littleWMN Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I would definitely go with the gift card! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbmom Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I would go with the gift card/candy and order the earrings now for her birthday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted December 23, 2011 Author Share Posted December 23, 2011 Yes and we're girls so our opinion counts more! well...... duh! Obviously!!! But I'm not going to tell HIM that until I get MY gift. :lol::lol::lol::lol: (KIDDING!) Since I'm SO undecided, I'm thinking of shorting the money we were going to give ds by $50, (remember, we're paying for his insurance deductible, which is more than we'd spend on Christmas for him anyway! but he definitely can't do it) give the gift card to the restaurant AND some movie tickets to her to open, but it would be addressed to both of them, only because I'd still be getting her the earring. Then I'd also give her a wrapped jewelry box and tell her how sorry I am that her earring didn't arrive on time. I can ask her then if she likes it, because if she'd rather have something different, she can look at the earrings online and pick out another, just for her, and I could just exchange it when they came in. I know she will be honest as she has been about our cooking, good AND bad. WHICH I LIKE!!! I LOVE honesty!!! That way I'll cover all our bases. Although ds is getting the coat, he's wanting money so we'll be giving him that. Besides, he's in college so next time he runs short, more money. Ya know. So maybe that will solve all problems. Something for him, something for her, even though it's late, something for both of them, and the money I give him will be spent on her anyway. ;) So ......... Yeah...... I've made my mind up. I'm going to do it all. Thanks everyone! Your input is what made me decide on this. In the end the amount spent will be the same, and I'm sure that part will make dh happy. I think I've pleased everyone here.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAMom Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Yeah...... I've made my mind up. I'm going to do it all. Thanks everyone! Your input is what made me decide on this. In the end the amount spent will be the same, and I'm sure that part will make dh happy. I think I've pleased everyone here.:D You're a very thoughtful mom, Denise.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I love this idea. I am giving both of my sisters gift cards because I just coudn't think of anything else. Now I just have to figure out what to fill a jar with for th one who is diabetic. Does she do her nails? Maybe a bottle of nail polish, a small bottle of polish remover and a whole load of cotton balls to fill in all the spaces. Or if you want something more colorful, sugar free gumballs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Dh feels strongly that the earrings are more personal, that they're just for her, and to go with them. I told him the Hive felt differently.:tongue_smilie: I think the Hive is only saying that because you don't have the earrings! :lol::lol: (Yes, yes, I'm being a bit silly, and I might be wrong, but you'll never really convince me. :D) Bethany's idea was perfect, to wrap a picture of the earrings in a small earring box, so it's almost like having the real thing. That does make it seem more "real" than printing out an 8x11 web page and folding it into an envelope--what I'd probably do in desperation if I didn't think to ask for advice. With the gift certificate, it really is another gift for your son to enjoy also and would be better if it had both of their names on it. (((Denise))), I'm sorry you don't have the warm relationship with her that I know you'd like to enjoy. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbrother Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I think the earrings are really cool and thoughtful, so a wrapped picture of them would make me very happy. I can see, however, that some people might feel that their gift was an unimportant afterthought in this case. You have put a lot of thought into the perfect gift card for her, also, and I doubt that would go unappreciated. Can you afford both? That is what I would do. :iagree: I also really like to get gift cards because it's something we wouldn't otherwise do. My MIL used to do that all the time and it would take us all year to use them all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHowell Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I'm glad you were able to do both! I'm sure she'll love the thought! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 I am also buying for ds's gf this year but she seems easier than your ds's gf. We filled a stocking with girl stuff (was kind of fun since I never had a girl) and then they are getting a gift certificate for Trader Joe's LOL. Food is always welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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