lynn Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 (edited) 1. What gift to bring to gift exchange that's all women $15 limit. No candles or scented anything a couple are highly allergic to scents. What gift would you like to receive in this case? I do not know which lady will receive this gift. 2. I think we may be having my sons friend over the holidays. I know she's part guatamalen. Any christmas food traditions I could consider making for her?. Also some good sides I can make that do no containt dairy at all. 3. What to get a sailor who will be underway less than 6 months. Ones on a ship the other somewhere in on earth. TIA Edited October 30, 2019 by lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 (edited) 1. A book, or a gift certificate, or food item. Nothing decorative or cutesy. Is the exchange blind, or is the gift targeted to one specific person? If specific, target to person's interest. Craft supplies, small outdoor item, something for the yard - if you know what they like Never mind, Missed that in the OP. Edited October 31, 2019 by regentrude 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 29 minutes ago, lynn said: What gift would you like to receive in this case? I do not know which lady will receive this gift. I won’t mind an insulated mug that would fit into a car’s cup holder. Even if I already have one, it would be nice to have extras for guests. 23 minutes ago, regentrude said: Is the exchange blind, or is the gift targeted to one specific person? I assume OP won’t know who the gift would go to as she said that in her post. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoraBora Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 (edited) 1. I love consumable things: Chipotle or Corner Bakery-type restaurant gift card, a set of nice greeting cards and the same number of Forever stamps, coffee house or movie house gift card, a couple of packages of gourmet soup starter (the add chicken stock kind) and crackers or croutons to accompany. A few current magazines A book or two that you love (with a note about why you love them) An Amazon gift card to purchase a month or two of Hallmark movies for the Christmas season ($4.99 a month after 7 day free trial), with a jar/package of homemade hot chocolate mix and some marshmallows to accompany it 2. I think Guatemalans eat tamales at Christmas. Last year I made oven fries with sweet potatoes for my dairy-free dd. Most veggies can easily be dairy free, though until dd cut dairy I hadn't realized how much cheese we use here! 3. I will have to think about stuff for the sailor... Edited October 30, 2019 by DoraBora 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 The very best gift I got last year was a set of hot sauces. Mmm. But since you don't know the taste preferences of the people in the first group you should probably stick with something like a blank journal, or a gift certificate to B&N, or one of those cutesy stuffed animals that you can heat up in the microwave to stay warm. (An unscented one.) Something useful for a wide variety of people, WITH the gift receipt included. Do not get food items for people you don't know. For example, upthread somebody suggests hot chocolate mix - well, I don't eat most chocolates because they're produced with slave labor. What am I gonna do with hot chocolate mix, then? Sit there and tell everybody about child slavery while at the Christmas party? I mean, I *will*, but that might be why nobody invites me to Christmas parties in the first place. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matrips Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 Last time I went to one, these were the popular items: rudolf ears and nose for your car, fleecy throw, and adult coloring book. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WendyLady Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 (edited) 1 - I like a new big warm throw blanket. Insulated mug with starbucks gift card. Fancy Carmel Apple and box of truffles. Silly Holiday earrings or socks 2 - no idea, just help her feel comfortable and welcome in your home. 3 - Not really sure what is allowed when on a ship, but here are things I have sent to dh when deployed: a variety of interesting beef jerky. Small packages of healthy snacks - nuts with fruit, etc. Funny t-shirt/socks. Deodorant. Magazines about favorite topic, or National Geographic. Audible Credit. Noise Cancelling Earphones. Fancy earphones like EarPods. If it is family, a little personalized calendar with family photos. New socks for running at the gym (those get lost easily.) New running shoes if needed. 12 days of Christmas items - something fun to open for a few days. Lego Christmas Advent. Chocolate Christmas Advent. A stocking full of travel bathroom items and little fun things. A santa hat - this was a big hit for dh last year - wore it in his office for a couple days... This is making me excited for Christmas!! yay! Dh will be home!!!!! Edited October 30, 2019 by WendyLady 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 Oh, wait, about your party. I remember posting this last year, I read somewhere that at one person's party they had a white elephant sort of game, joke gifts only, and the most popular gift BY FAR turned out to be a 36-roll box of toilet paper. Useful AND funny! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 15 minutes ago, Tanaqui said: Oh, wait, about your party. I remember posting this last year, I read somewhere that at one person's party they had a white elephant sort of game, joke gifts only, and the most popular gift BY FAR turned out to be a 36-roll box of toilet paper. Useful AND funny! I would totally love to get that! I'm not a gift person and would be so happy to get something so practical! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 Our favorite sides with no dairy (other than grilled veggies and fruit salad): deviled eggs broccoli salad - chopped broccoli, diced red onion, diced bacon, cashews, raisins, 1 cup mayo and 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tsp cider vinegar (mixed for dressing) Skinny mashed potatoes - boil potatoes in chicken broth then mash using broth Sauteed apples with coconut oil instead of butter: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21672/sauteed-apples/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vmsurbat1 Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 When I attended a gift exchange where you could "grab" other gifts, the most desired items were cute apron (not too frilly but with a sprightly print) and cute 1 hr timer (ladybug, I think). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 For the gift exchange, either B&N or Books-a-Million (probably both) have boxes of very pretty blank note cards for about $10. I love keeping those on hand, as they can be used for thank-yous, birthdays, or thinking-of-yous. Also, nice pens, etc., are something I always like to have. So maybe a pen and note cards? But I'm not a girly girl, so there are things that many women like that I don't care for a whole lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 For #2 the traditional dish is tamales. Making them from scratch is fun but a bit of an undertaking. You may wish to buy them instead. On the plus side, tamales can be dairy free. Some have cheese but many do not. I don't know about gifts for a sailor. If they are a young adult, I default to money attached to something like a book to unwrap and enjoy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 Tamales are traditional. Can you find out if they want to experience a traditional white American Christmas? Just asking as when I attended a bilingual church the people there asked for a traditional holiday meal....or just add tamales to your foods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyhwkmama Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 #1-- a pretty frame or some thirsty coasters #2--no idea, but the raw cooked at home TortillaLand tortillas or similar brand they have at Costco are AMAZING #3--Amazon gift card Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 On 10/30/2019 at 6:29 PM, Tanaqui said: Do not get food items for people you don't know. For example, upthread somebody suggests hot chocolate mix - well, I don't eat most chocolates because they're produced with slave labor. Okay, but the cutesy stuffed animal you suggested might be produced using unfair labor practices as well, or might be produced by a company that donates to hate groups, or whatever. Knocking out food items makes a $15 gift for a stranger much harder. They may not like the food item, they may not like the stuffed animal. If you get something you don't like, give it to someone who does like it or donate it. The profit has already been made, so I generally don't hesitate to pass on something that can be used unless I think the item itself is harmful. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted November 1, 2019 Share Posted November 1, 2019 (edited) 4 hours ago, katilac said: Okay, but the cutesy stuffed animal you suggested might be produced using unfair labor practices as well, or might be produced by a company that donates to hate groups, or whatever. Knocking out food items makes a $15 gift for a stranger much harder. They may not like the food item, they may not like the stuffed animal. If you get something you don't like, give it to someone who does like it or donate it. The profit has already been made, so I generally don't hesitate to pass on something that can be used unless I think the item itself is harmful. That is true, though for my own sanity I draw a line between 'unethical labor practices that aren't out-and-out slavery' and 'yup, that's slavery', but at least you can trust that the person you're giving it to probably isn't allergic to the stuffed animal and doesn't have a religious or prohibition against keeping it. This isn't something you can say about food. The only safe food on that front is bottles of water. A surprising number of people in this world are allergic to chocolate, gelatin is frequently made with pork bones (not kosher, not halal, definitely not vegan), many people have health reasons for not consuming sugar at all.... I gave my reason for not being thrilled if somebody gave me something with chocolate, but there are lots more common reasons for that. And if everybody goes "LOL, just give a food treat!" then the person with serious dietary restrictions is going to have to expect to have to give away their gift to somebody else. That's not fair to them. It's one thing if it just happens, but it's quite another when everybody's go-to gift is always going to be something that they might have wanted but actually can't have. Getting something non-food rather than navigating the social minefield that is food is a lot safer. Sure, it's a little harder to come up with a non-food item, but it's not impossible. It's not even all that difficult, really. There are LOTS of impersonal gifts you can get for Secret Santa and the like that aren't food. Edited November 1, 2019 by Tanaqui Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sallie Mae Posted November 1, 2019 Share Posted November 1, 2019 I think the idea of a pretty Hot Water Bottle with a Knitted Cover would appeal to some people. If you search Amazon for "Hot Water Bottle with Knitted Cover", there are many lovely colors in the bottles and the covers for about $10.00 with 4-5 stars. I would work hard in a game to end up with that gift. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hippiemamato3 Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 I think a super soft, warm blanket is the best gift ever. Seriously. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 On 10/30/2019 at 3:09 PM, lynn said: 1. What gift to bring to gift exchange that's all women $15 limit. No candles or scented anything a couple are highly allergic to scents. What gift would you like to receive in this case? I do not know which lady will receive this gift. I would bring a plush fleece throw to the gift exchange. Either a Christmas/winter themed throw, or a more neutral option if you think that would be better. Last year I saw various sizes of these at several different stores for $15 or under. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 2 hours ago, TrixieB said: I would bring a plush fleece throw to the gift exchange. Either a Christmas/winter themed throw, or a more neutral option if you think that would be better. Last year I saw various sizes of these at several different stores for $15 or under. I bought a $15 dancing/singing Snoopy for a similar gift exchange this Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet2ndchance Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 On 10/31/2019 at 11:33 PM, Tanaqui said: at least you can trust that the person you're giving it to probably isn't allergic to the stuffed animal Actually, I'm allergic to dust and dust mites and since I'm not a child anymore and I don't play with stuff animals, they collect dust and then either become something I have to clean constantly to keep dust down or they become an asthma/allergy hazard for me. I have 3 or 4 stuffed animals that I kept from my childhood but they are special to me because of who gave them to me. And they have to live in a storage box to keep dusting and dust to a minimum for my health. I'm not likely to have a fond memory of a gift I received from a blind gift exchange so I'm very unlikely to keep a stuffed animal that I received that way. Generic gift cards to a grocery store or big box store would be pretty safe in my opinion. Even something like Home Depot or Lowes would be much appreciated at my house but even Walmart or Target or any other big box store would be useful. In truth, without knowing who is going to receive the gift, it is impossible to please everyone who might receive the item(s). Cash is going to be about the only thing that would be safe for just about anyone but I would imagine it would be seen as "no fun" or "impersonal" to some so like I said, you can't please everyone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 Fair enough. I just think that bringing food is exactly akin to bringing alcohol to any gift exchange that isn't actually at a beer or wine club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabelen Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 Guatemalans eat their main Christmas meal on Christmas Eve like people in so may other Spanish speaking countries, so you may want to make it a little special, perhaps by serving tamales? Then I would do a traditional American Christmas meal on Christmas Day itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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