Christmas Gift Brainstorming
Nov 18th 2009
Madeline HunterMadeline Hunter & My Life As A Plebe
You may think that I am jumping the gun with a Christmas post, but I really am not. For me gift buying season is not only underway already, it is almost over. I have nail this down early because I have to mail the gifts. So right about now every year I get antsy and nervous, and hear time ticking.
My dream is to come up with clever gifts. Distinctive. Something the BIL will think is cool but he would not have thought to buy himself. This is hard, and I have had more misses than hits over the years. Even the hits might have only been hits in MY mind. The giftees may have only been polite when they squeed over my brilliance. Despite my spotty success with this, I do try.
For example, one year I gave my siblings archival photograph albums. I bought them from a company that sells stuff to museums, and sent along a note to each sibling explaining that a selection of the best memories should be stored in this album for preservation for future generations. I was very pleased with myself that year. Who knows if they ever used them.
Years ago I tracked down a lap desk before it was even clear anyone made them. I watched DH writing on the couch, his paper on a book, and envisioned a lap desk. I did find one (they are easy to find now, but not then) and he did use it, so I felt quite pleased with myself. And last year I got my oldest son a fountain pen. He is a writer and journal keeper, and it struck me that he had probably never written with “real” pens and ink. I think he liked it. If not, at least I felt smugly clever.
So I am working on my list for this year now. I will probably get one sister a soft ruana. DH bought me one a few years ago and I live in it in the house now during the winter. It is cozy when needed and easy to cast off if the temperature rises. It can be worn over a coat if it is really cold outside. I think my sister will find its flexible warmth as appealing as I do.
Other than that, though, time is passing and I have no idea what gifts I will give. I have not had any “aha” moments when a great gift solution pops into my head. And since I have at best three weeks to do this now, I am looking to steal your ideas.
What was the most clever gift you have received?
What gift have you given that was perfect for the giftee?
Have you seen anything in the stores recently and thought “That is cool. I’ll have to think of someone to give it to.”
What is the oddest or funniest gift you have received?
What is on your “want” list this year? (I want a timer that does not make noise until it dings. I am going to use it to cut down on internet play time. Set the timer and
when it dings, back to work! That is the theory at least.)
51 Comments »
51 Responses to “Christmas Gift Brainstorming”
Kathy on 18 Nov 2009 at 5:08 am #
I have a few of those kinds of timers! they clip on an apron and have a magnet for the fridge. dollar store !!!
one year for Christmas, I gave all my siblings dvd slideshows of our family slides. I scanned the 600+ and made covers and such. I’ve since gotten better at musical montages and want to go back a-la George Lucas and “fix” them though!
This year I’m working on family home movies. my landlord has graciously loaned me his dvd recorder a few times, so I am slowly editing it all together.
the most clever gift was last year. my sister Debbie gave me a wind up radio/flashlight. we live in the land of hurricanes, Nor’ Easters, and extreme blizzards- Oh Maritime Canada, how I love you!- so every bit helps.
So far I haven’t seen anything that has popped out at me, other than the lovely Godiva gift basket I saw yesterday.
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 18 Nov 2009 at 6:01 am #
I’m so far behind, I’ll soon lap myself, but I’m trying.
Last year, I bought our son the yellow camero Transformer. It does everything except tap dance and sing Swanee River. Nothing major about this—except the boy is 32 now.
He had a ton of Transformers growing up—I still run across one every now and again—so while he and his dad played with the new toy, the girls and I set the table for Christmas Dinner and laughed.
Just a wee step back in time, but so much fun.
Karen Rose on 18 Nov 2009 at 6:33 am #
Last year I gave DH a ninja deely-bopper thing for the dash of his car. It sticks there and two ninjas on springs have it out with every bump in the road. He loved it! I also gave him a very large computer monitor as he watches all kinds of movies via Netflix feed. I felt satisfied over this.
This year, I have to think a bit more. I totally suck at gift giving. Last year was an aberation and now I have to do one better! THe pressure is mounting…
The most clever gift? Hmmm, will need to think on that for a while. Must have coffee to startle my brain into movement.
Sabrina Jeffries on 18 Nov 2009 at 7:08 am #
Ooh, ooh, Kathy, I gave hubby the wind-up flashlights last year! We haven’t had a chance to use them, but he was thrilled. He’s always accumulating hurricane/ice storm stuff for when we have a real disaster.
I bought a ton of stuff for gifts in England (though still not enough), so I have some of mine squared away.
One cool gift that Caren Crane Helms gave me was a CD I’ve been wanting for years that I never could find (the soundtrack to the movie Melody, done by the Bee Gees). She had to track it down in South America somewhere! I was thrilled. But that doesn’t help you.
Personally, I’m a big fan of catalogs. I find all kinds of interesting stuff in them. Like, I have the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog, and I just opened it to find a Cassette to MP3 Converter. Might get that for my dad. He has tons of cassettes he wants transferred. How cool is that?
kay on 18 Nov 2009 at 7:17 am #
The oddest gift I ever received was a box with a bouquet of turnips in it. It was given to me on a first date, and struck me as so funny that my interest in my date increased. We didn’t end up together, but, that gift is something I will always remember with fond memories.
LoriHandeland on 18 Nov 2009 at 7:21 am #
My nephew was always in love with Ghostbusters–the movie and the cartoon–and when he was little (he’s now 24) he used to have tiny toys from the show that he’d carry with him everywhere. Last year I found a T-shirt with the Ghostbusters logo on the front and “Who you gonna call?” on the back. I was pretty proud of myself.
I can’t think of any clever gifts I received and haven’t been in a store in so long it’s sad so I haven’t seen anything new either.
I once received an entire set of china pasta dishes. I thought that was odd considering I don’t cook and rarely use china. They’re still in the box in the basement.
As for what I want–the Edward and Bella, Ken and Barbie set.
Kathy on 18 Nov 2009 at 7:29 am #
I’m a Hammacher Schlemer fiend! I pour through the catalogs then call everyone I think of who should buy certain things for their loved ones.
I have all kinds of flashlights. Friends laughed at me for buying a headlamp when I don’t camp ,but I used it constantly during a week long power outtage. They bought their own. my friend finds all kinds of neat things while she travels and picked me up baseball cap brim lights for my BIL and nephew a few yrs back. She’ll pick me the stuff upo, but won’t tell me where she finds this stuff, for fear of losing her unique shopping place.
Alicia on 18 Nov 2009 at 7:43 am #
The Weirdest-Gift-Ever Award goes to my Grandmother. It was one she received, not me. She got a giant box of Saran Wrap, and NO it was not a gag gift!
As for shopping, I did most of mine online for the kiddos in the family last weekend and I will finish them up this week and then I’ll be finishing up all of the adults the weekend of the 4th! Yay me!
As for what I want….my mom is the coolest and she is having my wedding set fixed for me! It has been broken for a little while, so she is having it fixed, welded together, sized, and polished! I’m so freakin excited!
My husband just wants a new phone, so he made it easy. Usually we don’t even exchange anymore b/c we have no children ourselves so we usually just buy what we want when we want it……not big stuff…..just normal, ya know?
Freshechelle on 18 Nov 2009 at 8:34 am #
Last year managed to find “Girls on Top” DVD (an early French & Saunders show with bits of Hugh Laurie). Don’t know if it was any good, have to ask that friend.
A colleague and I try to “out clever” each other with the gifts each year. I’ve gotten him books like “Stuff White People Like” and he’s sent me “Boeing Boeing” DVDs.
I know I’ve received some clever gifts but drawing a blank because I should be getting ready for work. I’ll check back in later.
Claudia Dain on 18 Nov 2009 at 8:47 am #
The best gift Big D ever got, based upon how much he constantly raves about it, is a super duper flashlight. (Don’t ask me what it is about this flashlight that makes it so special–something about the intensity of the light?) He goes into a sort of panic when he can’t find this flashlight. I simply do not understand this. Needless to say, he got The Flashlight from Number Two Son. I would never think of buying a flashlight as a gift. Shame on me.
The best gift I ever got was an extra power cord for my computer. That was two Christmases ago. Now I can carry my notebook computer around the house and not have to drag the cord along with me. This is not something I would have purchased for myself, considering it too frivolous, but I love the convenience of it every day. I got this from Number One Son.
Last year was the year we went as a family to England. That was the Best Gift Ever, and the kids knew it and fully appreciated it. Making a colossal family memory might rank as the ideal gift, though it does take a lot of time to plan, like a year.
Alicia on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:09 am #
What is it with men and Flashlights?? My husband has this one that he straps on to his head and you would almost think he loves that flashlight more than me!?!?
Michelle B on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:17 am #
I just bought DD#1 a flashlight! It’s more of a stocking stuffer as it is a small one that you wind up, no batteries needed. She lives and works on a farm that is very “green” so I thought she would appreciate the greeness of it.
I love the small gifts like coffee mugs, calendars, pens, scrapbooking supplies. I collect teapots and one of my favorites is a King Henry VIII shaped one that DH bought me in London on a business trip.
My Mom was known to give socks, funky ones. I do PJ’s and calendars. My Great Aunt says every girl should have one expensive perfume. Mine is Channel 5, and I keep the DD’s supplied with their favorites.
DH likes leather bound journals, all different sizes.
Claudia Dain on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:21 am #
Whatever it is, Alicia, I’m glad I’m not alone!!
Oh, and on the weird gift…I once got a seersucker blouse in a lime green and pale pink plaid, with puff sleeves, with ruffles around each puff. I got it from my new mother-in-law. And it was a size too small.
This is when I knew she hated me.
amy1242 on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:23 am #
My dh too, loves flashlights. They are all around our house, so he never has to search too far to find one. We also have a drawer in the kitchen Just For Batteries, for them. He also has the ones you clip to your baseball cap bill. I think this is a fun, easy guy thing. Rechecking my list now.
Kim on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:30 am #
Madeline-you are an over acheiver! I haven’t even thought about Thanksgiving yet.
What was the most clever gift you have received? That would be the Kitchen-Aid mixer that Santa gave me. I still owe her anything and everything she ever wants!
What gift have you given that was perfect for the giftee? Years ago I tracked down some photos of my dad and I when I was a baby that my mom didn’t destroy. I had them put in beautiful frames and gave them to my dad. They weren’t that perfect because I’ve never seen them again. But for me it was the thought that counted.
Have you seen anything in the stores recently and thought “That is cool. I’ll have to think of someone to give it to.” HA! Gil says we’re giving everyone Snuggies this year.
What is the oddest or funniest gift you have received? a horrible gargoyle from my sil. That’s when I knew she hated me!
What is on your “want” list this year? it was nice kitchen stuff but now its stuff for moving!! A new sofa, a dyson vacuum…
Kim on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:32 am #
Flashlights aren’t just a guy thing. LOL. I love having those really bright rechargable ones. I’m afraid of the dark so I always like to have one next to my bed and one at my desk. Need one in the kitchen too.
Pesky on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:38 am #
The Most Clever Gift: My brother found a flourescent plaid shirt for me when I was going through my new wave phase. I wore it until it literally fell apart. It was perfect.
Perfect giftee gift: Anything I get for my BIL, because he writes a list, and you might as well buy from it because he returns everything.
I got my brother a solid wood chess set that he loves and uses.
Anything In Stores: ACK! Stores! Hate em! Unless it’s a book, grocery or computer store I do not venture forth unless forced to. Perfect gifts are what I find when I do my two day holiday shopping spree.
Oddest Gift:
My nephew bought me a collection of porcelain cats from the dollar store. They were cute and are loved but unexpected from a 7 year old.
Want List: A sharpening steel for my knives and a tea kettle. I have small wants.
Julia London on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:40 am #
My mother got a scale for Christmas once, the kind they have in a doctor’s office. My stepfather heard her say she wanted a good scale, and there it was…
I want a WII. And a tiffany’s charm bracelet. This is the first year in a long time I could even think of something I wanted. I usually have everything I need.
Gifts I have given, hmmm….can’t think of any that really stand out. I hope that’s just faulty memory.
Most clever gift I have ever received? A boyfriend made an action figure of me one year. it really looked like me!
Kathleen on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:40 am #
I have received so many lovely gifts over the years, but then I have received some gifts that I had to be an award winning actress to accept..
One of my fav gift was given to me a couple of years ago.. My neice made me a beautiful Christmas centre piece and I will cherish that always.. She finds the most unique things.
I received a picture frame of an elephant. It was kind of like a 3D effect. It wasn’t gaudy, or anything. I thought it an odd thing to give me, espeically since pictures are a personal taste. It was given in the office gift exchange and I hope I showed the giver how much I appriciated her thoughtfullness.. even if this picture would never see the light of day in my house.. I think I regifted it..
I have got four presents bought and I still have five more to buy.. The kids are now getting to that stage where gift certificates are what they want.. So I buy some little thing for them to go along with the GC..My mom is the hardest now for me to buy for.. But I always find her something she will like..
B on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:54 am #
I’m not one to care about ‘clever’ gifts. I mean, I like useful, cute gifts. Of course, if I can give someone something really interesting, great, but if they’re SO HARD like me dad and when you ask what they want they just say “socks”, they’ll get their darn socks and I’ll be happy for giving them what they wanted. Same go for me. I actually don’t like ‘creative’ gifts, unless they’re from my parents, who ACTUALLY know me. There’s nothing worse than my grandmother and her ‘creative’ gifts. I end up with something I’ll never wear or use, thinking: “I could have gotten money instead if she just didn’t think she knew me.”
So, I’m not famous for my creativity. I give what I know people like, and I ask for specific gifts as much as possible. Both my parents have gotten awesomely creative before, and I appreciate it. But it’s easier to both of us if I just say what I want.
I can’t remember any specifics of funny or odd.
This year, my dad is giving me a KINDLE (Yay!) and I don’t know what I want from my mom, probably Bones’ season 3 and 4 dvd if we can find them here. Maybe some cute stuff from a cute store. Or maybe a bunch of new books for my new Kindle
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 10:12 am #
Okay, it is clear that I need to look into flashlights in all their glorious variety! Do the wind up ones really work? I have always been skeptical on that. And I am going to look into the ones you wear on your head. Seriously. That would be a “what the . . . ?” gift to get, but also very practical here because we tend to lose power several times a year. At night.
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 10:18 am #
Gwynlyn, I may steal the Transformers idea. I have a son who was a kid during their first popularity, and it would make a good nostalgia gift. Actually, I think he would play with it now too.
kay, I don’t think anyone will beat your turnips for an odd gift! However, it has a whimsical humor and I think I would have looked more favorably on the guy after that too.
Lori, the perfect T shirt is always a great gift. My DH once gave me the one that says “She Who Must be Obeyed.” I loved it.
Alicia, you are almost done!? See, that is the kind of thing that makes me nervous. As for the saran wrap, I may have to make Kay’s turnips a tie with that. Maybe the giver heard her complain about her own saran wrap and how it doesn’t cling right and they got her the professional stuff? Otherwise, it is just odd
Lisa H on 18 Nov 2009 at 10:22 am #
Ooooooo this just in….. JOHNNY DEPP NAMED BY PEOPLE MAGAZINE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE…. not that I’m surprised!
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 10:22 am #
Claudia, your extra power cord is my idea of clever. Someone noticed you grumbling about the inconvenience of moving yours, remembered, and used that to find you the perfect gift. When I score a hit, it is because I have noticed something like that. Only it doesn’t happen often enough.
One problem I have is that at this time of year, for some reason, DH gets into gifting himself mode. It is a pattern and it drives me crazy. Like he just went out and bought himself a GPS system last week. I keep telling him to not buy himself stuff right before Christmas, but does he listen to me? When we were first married my clever gift was this long velour robe. Darn if he did not come home with one for himself like two weeks before Christmas. I almost strangled him. Anyone else have family members who get into the spirit of giving a tad too much around now, with themselves being the the peopls they buy for?
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 10:23 am #
Lisa H, I’m not surprised either. He just keeps getting better.
Rachel Gibson on 18 Nov 2009 at 10:26 am #
The weirdest gift I ever got was a coconut monkey. I’ve had lots of good gifts, but the best was last year when Mr. G had all my book covers made into tree ornaments.
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 10:26 am #
Michelle, someone who collects is wonderful to buy gifts for. I could do tea pots. Lots of potential there.
Claudia, there is nothing worse than a gift of clothing that is just not you. I only buy clothes for people whom I know really well, and know what they would want. Otherwise, clothing is more miss than hit. I have received many, many misses, even from relatives.
Janae on 18 Nov 2009 at 11:11 am #
Oddest gift had to be the one my fil and his witchy wife gave us two years in a row. It was this hideously handpainted thing, segmented into 3 parts and tied together with twine, with the letter I, followed by a heart painted with sheep, and then a sheep – you know – I love ewe. No doubt whomever painted spent some time doing it, but they weren’t very talented. The sentiment wasn’t really appreciated either since the witchy wife doesn’t really allow contact between my fil and any of his 4 children, except a few times a year.
One year I found the perfect frame to put both of my children’s pictures into it. There was a problem with the pictures that I wanted to use. The scale was off on one. Without me knowing it, my dh took the picture, fixed it, and put both pictures in the frame. They’re still some of my favorite pictures of my children.
The perfect gift was the year I bought my dh the first 2 volumes in a 3 volume set of the comic book hero, Spirit, by Will Eisner. They were autographed, too. When the 3rd volume was released, I got it, but it wasn’t autographed, and Eisner has since passed away.
Suzanne Enoch on 18 Nov 2009 at 11:12 am #
A few years ago my uncle asked what I wanted for Christmas, and I mentioned that I loved the composer John Williams among other things. Christmas day I opened my present from my uncle, and it was a Paul Williams album. He was so proud of himself that I couldn’t say anything, and Paul Williams has his place — but believe you me, there is a HUGE difference between the composer of Star Wars and the guy who wrote the score for the Muppet movies. *g*
Nicole Jordan on 18 Nov 2009 at 11:14 am #
I admit, I’m the world’s worst at gift giving! But I have a bunch of silent timers, Madline. Drives dh nuts since I set timers for a lot of tasks.
Some of the best recent gifts I’ve gotten are a digital picture frame, and an iPod Nano which we plug into our greatroom stero system.
And I’m giving my trainer an engraved iPod this weekend at the awards banquet as a thank you gift… she showed my young mare this year and won 2009 Utah champion for the Baby Green Hunter divison.
TrishD on 18 Nov 2009 at 11:37 am #
I am one of those late Christmas shoppers. You’ll see me in the store the week before Christmas trying to get everything and I’ll be up until the wee hours of Christmas morning wrapping presents. It’s become tradition now and I take vacation the week of Christmas to get the last minute things done… which is everything.
Last year’s gift from hubby wasn’t clever but did show that he knows me and what I like. He bought me Red Wings lounge pants and T-shirt and a fuzzy robe. I’m a casual type of gal, who loves the Wings. And the best part? I had no idea I was getting them… none! My gift suggestions to him consisted of jewelry and books.
This is not the oddest gift I’ve ever received but the worst… one year the guy I was dating gave me a frying pan and a gas can. Can you say “ex-boyfriend”??
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 11:53 am #
Janae, it is hilarious that they gave that to you 2 years in a row! They must have gone to an outlet store and bought a case of them, then neglected to keep a list of who got them. I had a sister do that once, actually. Only her gift wasn’t so “ewe.”
TrishD— a periodic gift from my dh is fuzzy bedroom slippers. Sherling, I guess they are. He keeps an eye on the current pair and when they look ready to be tossed, a new set shows up that Christmas. Comfy, snuggly things are always nice gifts. Now, about the frying pan and gas can. It is is the gas can that floors me. I envision this clueless guy walking around a store, trying to figure out what to buy, passing up the perfume and jewelry, his gaze lighting on that gas can in the automotive section and the light bulb dimly going off. I would have loved to see your face when you got it.
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 11:59 am #
Rachel, your monkey goes on the list of very oddest gifts.
B, you can give socks. My mother always gave underwear (as one of several gifts). It was a tradition, getting that package of underwear each year. It started when we were little and she just wanted to add wrapped gifts to the pile for us, so we felt we got a lot of gifts. Last year, the first year she was gone, one of my sisters sent it instead, I guess in memory of mom.
Pesky, I have people who make lists and I guess using them is smart. I always feel like I am cheating, though. Hence my quest for gifts that work but are unexpected.
Books, DVDs, etc can really work that way even though in themselves they are not clever. I try to buy associated titles. So DH likes western history and I found a collection of old western movies. DH was into screenwriting so I got him a collection of old classic films. BIL reads Patrick O’Brian novels so I try to find a book that relates to the British navy in Napoleonic times.
Remembering some of this is provoking some brainstorming thoughts in my head.
B on 18 Nov 2009 at 12:06 pm #
Madeline, I’m sooo sorry for the loss of your mom! It must be so hard. *huge hugs* I guess getting the underwear would have been bittersweet.
My dad’s the HARDEST PERSON EVER to buy gifts for. It drives us *crazy*. He doesn’t read, doesn’t watch movies, doesn’t wear perfume. His wife always gives him watches or sneakers, so, my mom and I never know what to give that isn’t too repetitive. Then, we ask him and he says “Socks.” We call him “Dobby” (from Harry Potter), because Dobby has a thing for socks. Geez. Men are so much harder to buy for. My mom will get thrilled with books, clothes or some decoration stuff she likes.
TrishD, I like these odd gifts like frying pans and gas can. Once I went with a friend to buy a gift to her boyfriend and she was crazy trying to think of something creative, that he never got before: I said ‘a broomstick’. I bet no one ever gave him that. It’s kinda cute and original (though annoying if you’re hoping for something else). I think I’d dig something like that!
TrishD on 18 Nov 2009 at 12:10 pm #
Madeline, I am not an actress so everyone knew how I felt about that gift. I think he finally realized how terrible the gift was when his sister asked him what he gave me. I had just told her that I gave him a top of the line portable CD player… she gushed, saying she knew how much he wanted one and it was so sweet of me. After all these years I still remember the look of horror on his face when he had to admit to her what he gave me.
One night not too long after that I found the newest CD from my favorite band in my jewelry box.
On the bright side, I still have the gas can. I think hubby uses it for the gas for the lawn mower.
TrishD on 18 Nov 2009 at 12:15 pm #
B, I think he was into odd gifts. His standard wedding gifts for friends was a plunger.
Pesky on 18 Nov 2009 at 12:26 pm #
Pesky on 18 Nov 2009 at 12:28 pm #
Trish, I gotta tell you, I love the plunger idea. My standard is a nice wall clock in their decorating style. Now I can get a bride and groom gift.
Claudia Dain on 18 Nov 2009 at 1:21 pm #
Madeline, it’s so true. You should never buy clothing for people unless you know them really, really well. And even then, you should probably abstain. *G* I feel the same way about purses and wallets. You just can’t predict what will work for someone else.
Although…one year I bought Only Girl a purse and it was her favorite purse ever. It was royal purple tweed with a black patent leather strap with hot pink paisley lining! Just adorable and smart and fun. She got compliments on it everywhere. That might have been my most successful, creative purchase.
And you’re so right. The power cord was a very clever gift. I use it every day and love it every day!
Kathy on 18 Nov 2009 at 1:44 pm #
Suzanne! Songs About Rainbows popped into my head as i read your post..mwuhahahahaha!
“why a e there..so many…songs about rainbows…and what’s on the oth..er side ”
This year my sister is giving me a new thermometer. mine bit the dust last yr and it’s not something I’d get right now. bills and groceries are my priority pays at this point.
I do love my flashlights. and headset ones are helpful- no carrying them around. your light shines where you look. what’s not to like?
Mine tilts down, so I use it as a reading light too. I’m gonna stop talking about flashlights now. other than to say yes the crank ones are excellent! Lee Valley carries the best one.
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 2:34 pm #
Pesky, I wish I were crafty and could make gifts like you. I think the gift of your time to your friend was lovely, too. (She makes fudge? Is it good? Does she sell it?)
Kathy, I am fascinated that two women on this list, and one husband of another, own the flashlights that you wear on your head. I think I am going to get dh one now. Maybe one BIL too.
Claudia, I once bought a piece of jewelry for—– my agent! Talk about risky. It was inexpensive and natural stones in fall colors. I scored a hit with it, fortunately. She still wears it. So when it works with clothing and jewelry and purses, it can really hit well.
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 2:37 pm #
Ok, Trish D, this guy is a riot. Plungers. And it sounds as if he is not someone with a quirky sense of humor and these are not gifts reflecting that. He really does see gas cans and plungers and thinks “Ah, finally, the perfect gift!”
Nicole, it sounds as if your timers are effective. I am wondering if I will ignore the beep. It would be like me to do that, unfortunately.
Suzanne—- it is sweet that the gift was just what you wanted—sort of. It is the thought that counts!
Madeline Hunter on 18 Nov 2009 at 2:41 pm #
Kim, memory gifts are so great. The effort is special and they have meaning.
As for my being ahead of you— this is the story of my life this time of year. I don’t know how I did it in years past, when I even had more people to shop for. Prior to last year we went to my family for Thanksgiving and there was some pressure to get all their gifts bought before so I could bring them and not pay for shipping (which has only gotten worse now). Now we don’t do that so I am getting behind. This is what happens when there is no deadline!
TrishD on 18 Nov 2009 at 3:24 pm #
I think he did think that about gifts Madeline. I asked him why he always got plungers and he replied, “Everyone needs a plunger.”
Diane on 18 Nov 2009 at 4:11 pm #
I’ve been reading for quite awhile, but this one I just had to reply to. When I was little I drew my oldest cousin’s name in the family gift exchange, he was a teenager at the time. The only thing on his list was COLD HARD CASH!!!. My dad had the idea of freezing coins in a coffee can. He used a large metal coffee can (do they still make those) and added an inch of water and froze it over night. He got $10 in quarters (our limit at the time) and every night after dinner we got the can out and added quarters and another inch of water till it was full. He was surprised when he had a card under the tree telling him his gift was in the freezer. He spent the rest of the afternoon thawing the can in a pan on the stove. Don’t know if he enjoyed getting $10 in quarters, but I sure remember the gift.
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 18 Nov 2009 at 5:02 pm #
Please feel free to steal! They say the bigger the boys, the bigger the toys, but boys like toys no matter what. If you do buy one, let me know how it goes. I’ll wager it’s a hit!
Kathy on 18 Nov 2009 at 5:16 pm #
I forgot! the coolest gift I saw someone else get was 2 Christmases ago. My nephew arrives with his family Christmas day, and he brings in a large box in for his mom, and a smallish one for his dad. They open at the same time. All his dad kept repeating was ” that’s not what’s inside, right?” it was a shower facet set. we are notorious for the fake out box. but nope! James had bought his parents a new bathroom: a shower tub combo and new toilet. That was in Debbie’s box. lol
last year he gave them a 42″ flat screen.
and the new bathroom set was in a spare room waiting for them to have the time to install it. so the tub was filled with blankets and stuff and used as storage.
evlqn on 18 Nov 2009 at 7:13 pm #
One year my youngest son gave everyone their own flashlight, we all loved them because we were living in the country and prone to power outages. We all got to use them before the end of the Holidays. My sons are easy to buy for; books (Stephen King or comparable), sketch book for #1, gift card to Walmart for #2. This year #1 and dil are getting a set of Noritaki china and a zoo membership. #2 will get a Haunted Heraldry tablecloth to go with the rest of his haunted decor and gift card to Borders. Year before last I made him a pirate captains coat in a fawn colored micro-suede and lined in silk. He was a total hit in the French”Quarter.
My sister will get music, because she loves it so.
Anyone who knows me will get me books, music or dragons. And I love gadgets, can’t help myself.
Madeline Hunter on 19 Nov 2009 at 1:13 am #
Well all the talk of flashlights was timely. Or else it jinxed me. I lost power today around 5 pm and it lasted at least 5 hours. I was mumbling about needing wind up flashlights and could have really used the ones you put on your head!
Leslie on 25 Nov 2009 at 12:43 pm #
I love the agonizing trip through gift giving each holiday. I hate how Christmas has become so material but I love giving gifts so much I just can’t help myself. LOL
My DH loves to cook as much as I do and he likes spicy food so a few years ago I got him a Hot Sauce of the Month club. I LOVE giving monthly gift clubs because you get gifts all year round. It is so much fun to see his face light up when there is a package on the porch.
Gift clubs I have given: Coffee, Neck Tie, Hot Sauce, Olive Oil, Chocolate. I have never done the Flowers or cookies but if someone in my family would catch on they would get me a Flower of the month club but I am the thoughtful one in this fam. LOL
I have an ongoing wish list on Amazon for friends and family that never know what to get me. It includes dozens of movies, music and books and of course Amazon has everything so it might have a pair of shoes or two. LOL It makes it nice and easy for my family to find something and because my list is 10+ pages long I often forget I put things on there. I just set a reminder to update it a few weeks before any major gift giving event.
GiftEveryone.com on 11 Dec 2009 at 4:14 am #
At Gifteveryone.com you can find a category for Gifts where Gift Suppliers supply Ideas for occasional Gifts. Here you can choose something a Little Different that really shows you have made an effort for your loved one.