What gifts are you getting for your friends and family members?
What gifts are you getting for your friends and family members?
Share your gift ideas, because I am a bit stumped.
We stopped doing gift exchanges. We were just getting things we didn't want. Ymmv, that doesn't work in all families.
I don't know, I'm in here to scope ideas.
Bathing salts, a chair cushion, a calendar, a cooking book, slippers and some chocolate.
It all sounds random but what makes them good presents is that I have reason to believe my family actually wants those things.
That said, I think next time I'll be giving less thought into it because apparently half my family would like to stop with the presents cause they feel like they don't need more shit and also don't like being obligated to buy stuff for other people. Fair enough, but if it's small things I still like gifting stuff.
Got my husband a light for his desk that is in the shape of the bon fire spawn/save point in the Dark Souls series. It's in one of those clear resin blocks and it glows. Then we're going to a bougie ass resort for a 2 day stay cation where he doesn't have to worry about anything!
Got one of my besties who enjoys D&D a bottle opener called "Tool of Opening", a dunce cap for his dice when they disappoint him, and a t-shirt that says: "Lawful in the Streets; Chaotic in the Sheets". Basically a bunch of little kitschy things based on his interests.
Another bestie is (probably) getting some kinda Critical Role merchandise. Maybe a wooden sign for his room that says "Entering Dave's Dungeon Roll for Initiative". Still deciding on him.
When we sold our house, I opened investment accounts for my niece and 2 nephews, and I just throw money in there for every birthday/Christmas. As infants/toddlers they're going to be too young to appreciate it for a while, but I grew up bouncing between "lower class" and "lower middle class" so I want them to have more opportunities starting out than I did. They'll appreciate it one day. I hope.
For the most part our family has decided to not get gifts this year. We just spend time together, eat something nice and enjoy each other, except for the one child in our family that of course still gets something.
For my wifes side of the family, we decided to do secret santa this year and cap ourselfs at 30.- CHF for value.
Not helpful for gift ideas I guess though^^
I found plantable paper stars/snowflakes that can be used as gift tags or tree ornaments. The paper contains wildflower seeds so you can plant this paper star into the ground in spring and it will sprout flowers.
Get them a nicer version of things they already get. Fancy coffee, hot sauces, soap, candles, pens, that sort of thing. It loses some of its charm, but that could also mean a gift card to a nicer restaurant. Just make sure it's enough to cover the meal.
This works especially well if they're pretty cheap and wouldn't get things like that, simply because they're too expensive.
You can also go for some very pseudo-luxury items. Vermont Maple syrup (or Maple candies - seriously, it's just crystalized sugar, but it seems so rich), sausage and cheese sets, chocolate oranges...
Finally, here's the biggest tip - Don't wait until December to think about it. Pay attention through the year. They will almost certainly mention something offhand to you. A passing comment like "we never have enough -----" or "---- never works right" are perfect opportunities. Just make a note on your phone. Feel free to ask probing questions and even tell them that's what you're doing- if it's before Halloween, they'll almost certainly forget by Xmas anyway.
Have you considered getting them copies of the Barbie movie on Blu-Ray? I heard it's a good movie.
Stepdad is a pain in the ass to shop for and last year the wire cheese cutter didn't do so hot on meat so this year is a guillotine cutter and a big summer sausage box.
Brother is getting a sports team hoodie.
Nephew is starting reading and a huge pokemon fan so hes getting the most recent Ninja Turtles game on Switch (previously hed get Kirby games. Coop means dad can help.) and Pokemon chapter books. Probably a trip to the bookstore as well a bit later.
Niece is teenaged, getting her a book as well since I encourage them to read, along with a nice blanket robe.
Grandpa is a vet and so this year we got a framed print of the ship he served on.
Uncle is a D&D nerd so hes getting a D&D book he wants.
Other folks will prob get candies, alcohol, and the like, as the situation and kinship merits.
Socks, fucking shit loads of socks, I had 42 pairs arrive the other day. I have a weird thing for socks (no not like that) and have bought everyone a pack of my favourite socks that don't seem to ever die (I have a 12year old pack that are still in great condition despite wearing them regularly).
Everyone gets a 5pack of my favourite, 1 pair of merino wool socks, and a box of sweets or chocolate depending on their taste.
Except for the children, they get toys and games too.
It's clichéd as fuck, but made my life easier and we all prefer focusing on the kids as it's their day really.
When I'm struggling to come up with a gift idea I usually resort to something nice that can be eaten or drank. Some nice chocolates, coffee or liquor can be a great gift that won't leave someone with something they never use.
I do secret Santa with my family so I only have to get my cousin a gift. He built a race car in the past year so I had a guy on fiverr make artwork of it and then had it printed and framed
A few months ago, my brother and I were playing online but we communicated through chat instead of talking because he didn't have a headset. I'm hoping he still doesn't have a headset because that's what I got him.
Bougie chocolate blocks / boxes
If you know what their interests and hobbies are at the moment, then get equipment and other stuff related to those. Books and craft supplies are often good ideas. A giftcard to a store they often visit is always nice. A nice mug is a good gift for many people, because it's useful and beautiful. For kids, you can ask them what's their favorite animal, and then get them a plushie of that animal. They'll probably love it. Getting them a trendy toy (such as a Squishmallow rn) can also be good. If you still have no idea what someone wants, then you can get them a nice card with some cash and maybe some candy.
I don't have a "family" in a common sense of understanding like parents, wife, kids and stuff, but I have a girlfriend of 7 years living together and that's pretty much it. Gonna be rather simple as we don't generally bind giving presents to certain dates, and we usually discuss specifics prior so nobody gets something one doesn't need or want.
I offered her a catalogue of some interesting jewelry and cool watch but she is kinda reluctant, "doesn't look too practical" to her. So we just agreed that she's gonna look into some new mobile phone in January whenever something interesting is out, and if she likes it (she likes doing random photography so a good phone camera is a good idea), I'm gonna buy it for her. That's why I love her - straight to the point and considers usefulness in daily routines.
I'm getting my mom a rowing machine because she wants one to help her exercise more. I'm getting my SO a Chromebook because his old one is like 7 years old now.
Trust me on this.
Children under 5 get a giant Christmas card, the kind the whole office is supposed to sign. Little kids never get mail, so you'll make their Christmas. Give parents cash to get whatever the kid actually needs.
Children 5 to 10 get a GI Joe or a Barbie. Doesn't matter if the kid likes that toy, what matters is that they can trade it in the school yard. It's like sending someone in jail a carton of Newports.
Ages 10 to 20 get cash.
Over 20 gets a nice bottle of booze. Even if they don't drink, they can regift it easily.
Mostly getting my wife and kids "experience" gifts this year, rather than physical things. Nobody needs or wants much, so instead I'm getting tickets to concerts, plays, musicals, comedy shows, etc.
"Elements" by Euclid. Together with a mug printed with the graphics from the title page.
2 ceramics from anna collete hunt
Colouring books! The wife, mother, and mother-in-law all find it therapeutic so they get that. Father and father-IL get booze. Brother gets a happy Xmas text as we stopped exchanging gifts years ago.
Olive oil with trums, about 10$ for a bottle and you onley need so little to make any dish more exciting
Hori Hori knife for any gardeners that you know.
Fossil watch, they have some nice minimal deaigns
Socks because most people like socks.
Electric toothbrush