Moxie Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I was wasting time on YouTube and came across this site http://www.gomominc.com/choosing-a-signature-gift-gift-giving . She has some interesting stuff (most of it is pretty common sense). The idea that intrigued me was the "signature gift". My kids get invited to a ton of birthday parties. I'd like to keep some stuff around the house so I don't have to make a last minute trip to the store. I'm thinking maybe some Barnes and Noble gift cards and a big box of candy?? Target gift card? Little bottles of lotion for girls?? Do you have a "signature gift"? Any suggestions on what I can keep around? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I think this would be a perfect idea for kid birthdays - this would eliminate last minute runs to the store the night before a party. I suppose you could say we have a "signature " gift with my mother. We always get her Charles Dickens figurines every Christmas. She has a whole village now with houses and people. As far as gift suggestions go: flashlights, key chains, those "headlamps" that strap around your head and have a bright light in front, Tootsie Rolls, matchbox cars, silly string/colored pipe cleaner for crafts, and gift cards as you mentioned. I have no daughters and will leave the gift suggestions to those who do. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I had a college friend whose parents had a signature wedding gift. It was a hand-scupted/painted chips-and-dip tray, made by an artist in their area. It was BEAUTIFUL. I loved that it was unique and came from their (artsy) hometown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momma2three Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I like to buy a bunch of Dover Fun Kits at a time, and then I give them as birthday presents for kids. I always try to have 4-6 on hand so I can pull them out when needed. I usually give a gift crate of Penzey's spices when people get married and there isn't a registry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomOfOneFunOne Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 AMDG Back in the day . . . I used to always give a basket with film, coupons for developing, and a purse-size photo album for baby showers and new arrivals. Like I said, though, that was back in the day. I don't really think I do, now, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 We buy and keep small lego sets on stock for this purpose-DD gives a small lego set in a theme she believes the birthday child will enjoy, often with something else added (normally cute pencils/erasers, note pads, and stuff like that). I buy on sale and keep on hand. Our go-to gift for weddings without a registry is a small fireproof lockbox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 For baby gifts, I always include a yellow rubber duck with whatever else I give. I have a friend who gives a Raggedy Ann doll to little girls for their 1st Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 My signature gift for weddings is a cast iron skillet with a homemade recipe book. For babies, a book of classic fairy tales. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathnerd Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I always buy Snap Circuit sets and give them as birthday gifts. For very close friends of DS, we add on an accessory set from snap circuits or books to these presents. I have Amazon prime, so I decluttered my "gift storage" closet and now just click and order for 2 day delivery. I followed Flylady for a while and got rid of many things stored in my house because I could not clean easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkermamaof4 Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I love to do gift baskets in themes Here are some other things i do or include: For weddings, one of these: http://uglybowls.wordpress.com For babies, I love to give books. Board books plus collections- For baby boys: http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Scarrys-Storybook-Little-Golden/dp/0307165485/ref=pd_sim_b_3 For baby girls: Madeline collection My girls are getting older and go to young teen parties. I order the jewelry from amazon that is around $1 shipped. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008AQUJM0/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1 and also the jewelry listed on that page as Customers Also Bought... The boys always give legos now. Lego star wars books are awesome. When they were younger I liked giving lincoln logs and the books of how to build with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I always include at least one book with a baby gift. For a wedding I give a roasting pan, turkey baster and gravy separator if the couple isn't vegetarian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 For bridal showers, I always give a betty crocker cook book and a kitchen fire extinguisher. Everybody gets a laugh out of it at first and then later someone always says how handy an idea that is, because they never thought about getting a little fire extinguisher for under the sink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 When my kids were little I had a stack of birthday cards from the dollar store. When toys r us had board games for under $10 I would go stack up. My kids were in class with 20 kids which meant at leat 15 party invites. I also had a supply of tooth fairy gifts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 My signature baby gift is hand sewn baby blankets (large ones that work as nursing covers or as a play mat or can be easily draped over an infant carrier) with a matching bib set and a wooden baby toy (usually Hape). My signature wedding gift is a gift card to a store they have a registry with. My signature kid party gift is a gift card to Target or amazon. It used to be Lauri puzzles and a book when all of our kids were younger. For other gift giving, I utilize amazon prime. My kids used to raid my gift closet before I had a lock put on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 My oldest is 5, but we go to a lot of birthday parties. I have ordered several copies of my kids' favorite books on Amazon and that is what they take to parties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I sew ballet skirts and give them whenever a gift at dance or to a dancer is needed. It's fun to watch a class at our studio and see several of my skirts in action! The girls appreciate them and wear them often. The moms appreciate that it's a gift that will really get used, and will save them some $ in outfitting their dancer. The cost to me is around $6 (plus labor, although they are fairly easy to make), whereas they sell for $25-$30 in the ballet shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 For most adults, it's this wine bottle opener. It's funny because now all of my close friends and family have it, because they got it from me, and have started giving it themselves! For baby showers, this book is always included. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 My default teacher/coach's gift is an Amazon gift card because they are available for any amount and you can print them right at home at the last minute after you have remembered it's THAT DAY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 For kids, often Mighty Mind or books. For adults, booze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 For Babies - I used to give a set of socks. They came in a set of 5 in different colors said "boy" or "girl". But they don't sell them at the store where I used to buy them. I guess I should have stocked up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 For weddings, one of these: http://uglybowls.wordpress.com Those bowls are wonderful! For a baby shower, I like to give a copy of The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Dance/choir teachers get "a donation has been made in your name" cards from the county food bank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 For kids, no. Kids are way too varied. For adults, yes. I always have a nice deep lasagna size baking dish on hand or a Denby 9x13 pan. If I give the deep baking dish, it is with a lasagna recipe and Italian spices from Penzys. If I give the 9x13 it is with a brownie recipe and baking spices from Penzys. I stop and grab the spices fresh from the store, so they don't go bad in my cupboard. If it is for a wedding or other larger celebration, I tell the person if they send the deep dish pan home with me at some time in the year, I will fill it and return it full of lasagna when ever they want as long as I have about a weeks notice. I have had two different people take me up on it. :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delighted3 Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 We are known for a "King size chocolate bar." We give a card with a gift card to Game Stop or Target depending on the interests of the birthday child and the chocolate bar. Sometimes I will change it up and buy a gift if I know what the child would like, but I always include the chocolate bar. I figure it gives the child something to enjoy now and a chance to buy something they really want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 I have signature gifts for Baby showers and weddings. I made a hooded towel out of a large towel and half a hand towel for all baby gifts. For weddings I crochet afghans. I always make the same one and if I have time to make one in a color they prefer I do, otherwise I try to always have an off white/cream colored one going. Some years when I have 4-5 nieces and nephews getting married ( Yup, it happens) they get a lovely card and promise of their afghan by their lst anniversary. Haven't missed an anniversay yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancingmama Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 I always include a book of some sort for any child gift, from babies to teens. I pick up books at the scholastic warehouse sales or other sales they have throughout the year. For birthdays I often go to science gifts. They have so many different kinds now from the bouncy ball kit to the perfume making kits to the candy kits. For my nieces and nephew for Xmas I always buy them pjs and books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkermamaof4 Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Those bowls are wonderful! For a baby shower, I like to give a copy of The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. Regards, Kareni I give this book often too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momofkhm Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Not me but a friend of mine with kids my kids' ages. She of course would have to get a new one every year. The one I remember is that she would buy white pillow cases and then a piece flannel. She would sew the flannel to cover the folded back part of the pillow case. Found this picture: http://www.hingeleyroadquilting.com/flannelhoffmanpenguinspillowcasekit.aspx?gclid=CNHqib-m1boCFU8V7AodJBkAJw The yellow part would be where she sewed the flannel. Then she used fabric paint and wrote the person's name on the pillow. My kids still use them. We had a family from church go on a one year mission experience. (They filled in for someone on furlough.) She made these for the entire family and everyone at church signed the cases. The family has been back for years and they still use these! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 New parents get the read aloud handbook and a children's book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinchick Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 For my nieces and nephew for Xmas I always buy them pjs and books. Me too! I try to match them. For instance right now Gymboree has a sale on their PJs and there's a pair with llamas on it. I'll add a copy of Llama Llama Red Pajama. I love that gift! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 I used to be big on baskets and filling them with whatever the occasion was.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 We like to give new parents rechargeable batteries and a charger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 When dh's neices turned 21 we would fill a small fabric bag with twenty-one $2 coins + $8 in scratchy lotto tickets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wabi Sabi Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 My go-to baby gift is a nice Haba rattle and a few classic children's books. For children's birthday parties I like to keep a bunch of blank books and markers/colored pencils (purchased at the beginning of the school year when they're really cheap, of course) to give as last-minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 We like to give new parents rechargeable batteries and a charger. AWESOME! I forgot to mention Gyo Fujikawa board books for 1st birthdays -- there's a whole generation of new parents who never read these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeacherZee Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 Books. :D My mom makes small quilts for every baby and a large quilt for every wedding. The couple gets to choose the colours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 Books (I always buy Madeline for appendicitis!) Card or Boardgames Coffee/tea/soup mugs or wine glasses. (These can be personalized really easily with ceramic paint pens and you can use any cute whatever you find at goodwill to do it.) Something handmade, crochet, knitting, needlepoint. (We're always making something, but not always for anyone in particular. For example, if I find a pattern for a beautiful baby blanket, I go ahead and make it. "Worst" case scenario I'll donate it to the hospital or Madonna house or something.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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