HeWillSoar Posted November 7, 2015 Share Posted November 7, 2015 What are you getting for parents, in-laws and such? Last year my in-laws really liked the spice sampler set we ordered from Savory Spice Shop. This year, I haven't a clue what to get for anyone other than the kids. I'm sure I'm not the only one who could use some ideas so please share your ideas! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Ivy Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 We play around with how we do gifts and have themes. It helps us narrow down our ideas for each other. Last year, the theme was "something warm". I got my sister a monogrammed scarf/headband; bil got some Sriracha snacks; Dad got a snuggie since he is always freezing and bundling in blankets; Mom got some infinity scarves. This year, we drew names and then drew a letter of the alphabet. We got my brother-in-law (letter H) and my mom (letter B). For bil, we got him a hands-free headset for his phone. He's got a decent commute, so we thought it would be nice. For mom, I got her body butter. I had to buy it on Ebay, since Bath and Body Works no longer sells it. (and just random info...due to budget constraints within parts of the family, we usually have a cap of $40 per person.) ETA: My mil and sil are impossibly hard to buy for. They typically get money, unless they tell DH what they want or are interested in. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeWillSoar Posted November 8, 2015 Author Share Posted November 8, 2015 That is such a cute idea! Your family sounds fun. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 I'm making soup and freezing it for my parents and MIL. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto10blessings Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 Calendars (personalized with pictures and special dates) Edible gifts That's all they want. Anything else we give them in put into a closet for years until they give it away... Subscription to Netflix? My parents never used any gift cards we gave them 😒 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalex Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 My father seems to really like the edible (aka. candy/chocolate/chips/popcorn) gifts. He gets a whole box of that stuff from us. For my mother, she has mentioned wanting to try a light therapy lamps...so I'm tempted to get her that. I was going to get her more sock yarn but I don't think she's used up the yarn I got her for her birthday yet. MIL usually gives us a few ideas. Last year, it was a new hairdryer (we got her a pink one). She also only uses Oil of Olay skin products, so we'll get her some of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 Shutterfly books Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 All great ideas so far. I never heard of a sagebrush wreath and that sounds awesome! Normally we do something edible also. My IL's love to go out to eat but cannot afford to so we always do a Red Lobster gift certificate for them. I can't stand Red Lobster, but they love it, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Ivy Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 That is such a cute idea! Your family sounds fun. I think we are. :) My sister, mom, and I were all at a consignment sale yesterday. The ladies checking us out kept talking about how funny we were and how they wanted to go home with us. We were just having our usual banter, so who knows. We enjoy the holidays and gifts, but try to make it more meaningful than just 'here's your present, rip into it'. My mom has always tried to change it up a bit, so she throws out ideas and we tag along. lol 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Ivy Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 Calendars (personalized with pictures and special dates) Edible gifts That's all they want. Anything else we give them in put into a closet for years until they give it away... Subscription to Netflix? My parents never used any gift cards we gave them 😒 My aunt used to make those for her mom and dad. They always loved it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alicia64 Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 I'm giving my best friend a subcription to Simple Living. People love Mental Floss. It's just fun to read "smart" things that people over 40 find cool. I bet a subscription would be welcomed. Alley 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Marmalade Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Bacon. Last year we sent local cheeses to the IL's. They liked it, and appreciated it, but a few months later DH heard all about how they missed the bacon last year. So we'll just make it easy and keep ordering premium meat. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 The past few years we've done photo calendars (with pictures of the kids throughout the past year on each page). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Gift certificate for a car wash 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reflections Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 My father in law loves to read, but he won't go out and find books on his own. So this year I'm sending him a box of books. I bought my mother in law new slippers and plan to stuff them with some smelly bath stuff. I also got her a cardigan and plan to add a scarf and shirt. She doesn't generally buy herself clothes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Not totally decided yet, but here's where I am right now: Nuts which I have to sell [aka buy] for my kids' scout fundraiser. Maybe some other obligatory fundraiser purchases. Gift cards. Possibly some small things like Christmas ornaments, fun gifty tools.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chocolate Rose Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 This year I'm getting a couple of people usb slippers. They plug into your computer or laptop and warm up. Think Geek has a couple of styles available. I bought myself a pair because starting this time of year my feet get cold. On the weekend I oftentimes spend some time sitting with my laptop and this way I have warm feet. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeWillSoar Posted November 9, 2015 Author Share Posted November 9, 2015 I'm giving my best friend a subcription to Simple Living. People love Mental Floss. It's just fun to read "smart" things that people over 40 find cool. I bet a subscription would be welcomed. Alley This sounds great for my inlaws--they have everything and are hard to buy for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucy the Valiant Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 We like to give little practical things - glow sticks (for power outages), food gifts (even just "fancy" type stuff from our grocery, things that those people wouldn't necessarily buy themselves; these are well-received), music CD's, small stuff like that. (We do not do big gifts, but like to show love at the holidays.) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsuga Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Gift certificate for a car wash :drool: I would love that! What a great idea! I never wash my car except myself, but wish I could justify the expense. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Last year I bought my mom and stepdad a one year zoo membership. Mom was thrilled. It's the perfect place to get in some walking exercise that isn't boring. I don't know how I'm going to top that one. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 My dad likes online games that he has to pay for. My parents are on a limited budget so I'll get a gift card for that. In the past on moms suggestions, a heavier coat, Stafford t-shirts(dad does not like mom spending money on him so maybe a boring gift but saved them money kwim), a bag of snickers, wool socks. My mom buys nothing nice for herself so I usually buy her a nice mature skin day cream, perfume, her favorite chocolates, a purse, nicer tops, pajamas. I usually send them a card separately with a gift card to their favorite lunch place again may be boring or impersonal but if I lived there I'd treat them to lunch and since I don't they can have a few lunches on me. Plus they go there on Wednesdays and get free pie and I always get call telling me what they got and what kind of pie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mbelle Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Please keep the ideas coming! I have gotten tickets to a show for them attend. Gift certificates to nice restaurant. I'm thinking about gift certificate for my parents to have photographs made with all their grandchildren. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Ivy Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I'm currently looking at a fruit of the month club for my MIL and SIL. They live together, so it would be an easy joint gift. They are SO hard to buy for, but they always have a ton of fruit at their house. I'm hoping DH will agree, but I'm always hesitant to do gifts like that. I tend to feel like they are impersonal, but if they love fruit, I guess it works, right? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Marmalade Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I'm currently looking at a fruit of the month club for my MIL and SIL. They live together, so it would be an easy joint gift. They are SO hard to buy for, but they always have a ton of fruit at their house. I'm hoping DH will agree, but I'm always hesitant to do gifts like that. I tend to feel like they are impersonal, but if they love fruit, I guess it works, right? I would LOVE a fruit of the month club. I don't think that's impersonal at all, and every month when the fruit arrives it would make me happy and make me think fondly of the person who gave me such a fun gift. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Are they conservative? If so, the following suggestion will NOT work. These are on my holiday wish list ~ The Tom Lehrer Collection (includes CD and DVD) That Was the Year That Was (CD) Regards, Kareni 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Ivy Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I would LOVE a fruit of the month club. I don't think that's impersonal at all, and every month when the fruit arrives it would make me happy and make me think fondly of the person who gave me such a fun gift. Good to know. :) We have had an iffy relationship with them in the past, too many miscommunications and dealing with a mil who has the beginnings of dementia. I try to be careful to not make that wedge bigger. We can't afford a full year, but I found one that let's me choose how many months and which months. I think I may do that so it "keeps on giving", even if we can only afford a few months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I just thought of something else. Last year I got my grandmother a rice pack that you microwave. I have one and use it frequently. Mine is homemade though, so it's bigger than what I found in the stores. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeWillSoar Posted November 9, 2015 Author Share Posted November 9, 2015 Are they conservative? If so, the following suggestion will NOT work. These are on my holiday wish list ~ The Tom Lehrer Collection (includes CD and DVD) That Was the Year That Was (CD) Regards, Kareni May not work for them, but may be great for someone else reading. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeWillSoar Posted November 9, 2015 Author Share Posted November 9, 2015 For my mom and her husband, I might get a movie theater gift card. I happened to find the last gift I got them, a food gift, sitting in a room they use to store their junk! They both like to go to the movies so they will at least use this. For my sister in law, I'm getting her an Express GC since that is her favorite store. My siblings and I just buy for the kids but sometimes I'll send them a little something or even a gag gift. Nothing exciting but at least these will be used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Christmas Forest wreaths - I like to send these to relatives as it is something that most families like and will get 'used up' and not sit around gathering dust after the holidays(although I had mine up until February last year - oops). They do seem to have gotten a little pricier than last year, though. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlsdMama Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 What are you getting for parents, in-laws and such? Last year my in-laws really liked the spice sampler set we ordered from Savory Spice Shop. This year, I haven't a clue what to get for anyone other than the kids. I'm sure I'm not the only one who could use some ideas so please share your ideas! Do they grill? We have a local farm store that carries the MOST insane collection of seasonings ever - from Traeger to off the wall funny. My dad loved getting them last year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Food picked up at World of Disney in Orlando. Everyone is well into geriatric age with little enjoyment other than a good movie and a cup of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Christmas Forest wreaths - I like to send these to relatives as it is something that most families like and will get 'used up' and not sit around gathering dust after the holidays(although I had mine up until February last year - oops). They do seem to have gotten a little pricier than last year, though. I did this one year with LL Bean wreaths; all of the grandparent units we would not see at Christmas got wreaths. It was great because I ordered them a week or so before Thanksgiving and then was finished. They got to enjoy them the entire Christmas season. Another year, I sent centerpieces for Thanksgiving. I love wreaths and have one on my front door all year long (I rotate with the seasons; I even had the florist put one on the church door when I got married--in August), so, naturally, I assume everyone else does as well. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto10blessings Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Last year I bought my mom and stepdad a one year zoo membership. Mom was thrilled. It's the perfect place to get in some walking exercise that isn't boring. I don't know how I'm going to top that one.Renew it! If you've found something that works, stick with it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momacacia Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 I got SIL a food chopper. I have the pampered chef one that I love. I got her and Oxo one because I could ship it via Amazon without any trouble. Hope it works as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeWillSoar Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 I did this one year with LL Bean wreaths; all of the grandparent units we would not see at Christmas got wreaths. It was great because I ordered them a week or so before Thanksgiving and then was finished. They got to enjoy them the entire Christmas season. Another year, I sent centerpieces for Thanksgiving. I love wreaths and have one on my front door all year long (I rotate with the seasons; I even had the florist put one on the church door when I got married--in August), so, naturally, I assume everyone else does as well. I really love the centerpiece and wreath ideas. Those would be great for the person who has everything. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyLittleBears Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 There is not much my mil can get use out of. She is elderly, has end stage emphysema, and is nearly blind but she has always loved to pamper herself with creams and lotions. She loves kit naturals orange dream cream so I'm getting her that and some body lotion and soap from 100%pure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 I'm listening in for ideas. Last year, we gave coffee beans to the coffee lovers, wine, and chocolate. We went with consumables. This year, I'm not sure. I have one relative who does not like consumables, and sees them as a waste of money (??), same for flowers, etc. She is also the one who has *everything* and what she doesn't have - she buys. She is not easy! We've done the wreaths, and I love giving those, but somehow always feel that I need a gift for people to open on the Big Morning, so we end up spending extra due to that little hang up. :) Just a heads up for anyone with similar feelings re: opening something in the morning. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockhopper Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 We play around with how we do gifts and have themes. It helps us narrow down our ideas for each other. Last year, the theme was "something warm". I got my sister a monogrammed scarf/headband; bil got some Sriracha snacks; Dad got a snuggie since he is always freezing and bundling in blankets; Mom got some infinity scarves. This year, we drew names and then drew a letter of the alphabet. We got my brother-in-law (letter H) and my mom (letter B). For bil, we got him a hands-free headset for his phone. He's got a decent commute, so we thought it would be nice. For mom, I got her body butter. I had to buy it on Ebay, since Bath and Body Works no longer sells it. (and just random info...due to budget constraints within parts of the family, we usually have a cap of $40 per person.) ETA: My mil and sil are impossibly hard to buy for. They typically get money, unless they tell DH what they want or are interested in. What a great way to up the fun factor! Since I lack imagination, and since they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, would you share some themes from previous years so I can shamelessly rip them off? :-) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AppleGreen Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 We give the ILs a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. They love it and it does not take up any space in their home. I love giving consumable gifts. We do not exchange gifts with the siblings on my DH's side. We decided that years ago. We just don't really need or want anything, and for us, it seems silly to give gifts just because it is a holiday. That is what works for our family, not a statement on other family's choices. We do send a family gift (usually consumable) to one (one) sibling's family. I am not really much help I guess. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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