I know it’s only October but I’m starting to think about holiday gifts. I guess I’m becoming my mother and starting early.
I see this thread as a place we can give ideas and also ask for suggestions. In the past I’ve gotten some great ideas from CCers.
A few years ago I gave all my kids Thermapen cooking thermometers. They were a big hit. This year I’ve already ordered silicone spoons from Thermaworks https://www.thermoworks.com/Mini-Spatula-Set?quantity=1&color=7
when they had a sale. I will put them in the stockings.
First question- my son in law likes to dive and spear fish. My D suggested we get him a knife for filleting fish. Suggestions?
The knife idea is a good one. One year, my daughter who is a diver asked for a specific knife. Hehehe, never thought I would be buying a knife for my daughter.
Just saying, all my friends are railing against the Christmas in October thing.
Just saying, I like to make note of what someone might like and need when I hear about it. If I don’t by the time December rolls around I’ve totally forgotten.
As far as Christmas in October I’m not a fan of the decorations in the stores. I actually don’t own a single Christmas decoration nor have I had a tree since marrying my non Christmas celebrating spouse 30 plus years ago.
I was glass-etching DD’s high school mascot on a few ornaments earlier today. (Yes, for real. And I do have a life (and a job), I just happen to enjoy crafting.) These were more of an experiment than anything, and I’m not even sure of what I will do with them yet. So far they’re looking good. Still work to be done, though.
I’m not a fan of Christmas in October either, but Thanksgiving through New Years is always stressful and rushed to me. Planning early helps me avoid overspending too. I’ll be following this thread for some good gift ideas!
I ask my kids what they’d like for the holidays in October so they can take some time to think about it. Then on black Friday and Cyber Monday, I watch the sales and get the majority of what’s on the list as well as the items I’ve thought of on my own. By that following Tuesday, I’m often close to done. Not sure if this qualifies as (in my case) Hanukah in October but I really hate paying more for something than I have to so my system works for me.
In terms of gifts, we all have iphone 5 and 6s so I think the big splurge/treat will be new phones. Not sure what else will come up yet.
I already got two Christmas presents. We have a microbrewery in town here. They brew every single day. I asked if I could buy a day brewing for my husband and son. They said, sure, and we agreed the money would be a donation to a local charity. Win win.
I know they will have fun!!
Experiences make great gifts. Your H and S will enjoy the brewing but they also will be doing it together which is priceless.
With xmas and 3 fall bdays in our house, I have to start early to preserve my sanity. I’ve been asking S19 for suggestions, but he’s not come up w/ anything yet. The only thing my 12 yo has asked for is a super expensive gaming PC. He already has 2 laptops (1 is school issued) and a PS4, so I just don’t know if I’m willing to shell out that kind of money.
To quote Phoebe from Friends… “I don’t even have a pla-”
I’m stumped with how to give gifts to celebrate Christmas and Birthdays with my daughter & son in law who live in Amsterdam. Depositing money into their account doesn’t seem very special. Daughter’s grad school schedule doesn’t work for them to fly here or us to visit there over Christmas this year. We were able to take them on vacation this summer but it’s going to be at least 9 months before she completes her thesis and course work.
@TexasCollegeMom Do restaurants/museums and such have gift cards or memberships like they do here?
Can you treat them to a weekend away in some part of Europe?
Is she planning to live in Amsterdam beyond grad school where the couple might have items they need for their place that you could order over there and have shipped?
Send them a box of American goodies they miss. Even simple, commonplace things like Oreos or a favorite moisturizer can be hard to find abroad, so make for a nice treat.
Check Amazon’s European site for 'Merican goodies. When my DD lived abroad I would find brand name things to send, once I sent a case of gold fish individual packets to her work, other amusing things like that.
We still do stockings, so I’m always on the hunt for great stocking stuffers.
Last year I found insulated YETI insulated travel mugs on super sale at our local family owned hardware store and bought one for everyone. They were a unanimous hit.
Last week I found YETI insulated wine tumblers in multiple colors and guess what’ll be in every stocking?
I make at least one Shutterfly book every year for whoever went on a big vacation trip with us that year (or for whatever big family event happened that year).
I used to give LLBean wool socks to everyone, but lately high quality running socks have been more appreciated.
Last year my husband gave me a 128 GB iXpand Flash Drive to automatically back up photos and videos from my phone. I think we’ll get those for our kids this year. It’s been a great gizmo.
The last few years, my kids and their spouses / SO have wanted money for trips, and for setting up adult homes. I’m very happy to do that for them instead of tons of gifts.
^^^ @eastcoascrazy you must be the YETI champion! If you see any deals online please let us know!