“Candlesticks make a good gift”.
^why is that in quotes??? I’m sure there is some allusion I am missing.
I second the smoothie maker. My son loves his magic bullet. The cups go right in the dishwasher, so virtually no cleanup.
Gift thread depends on what impact you want to have.
Gift cards are…boring and predictable and hugely practical, SUPER easy for the giver but getting your own gift says nothing about the giver. “We gave up. Here you go.” Suitable for a ton of occasions. Money exchanges always are.
The random appliance is well, …a random appliance. Unless there is an explanation–“You love sushi so you need the perfect rice cooker”… or this cook book because it’s perfect or… You need sharp knives because…(ha, ha) they come in handy when you really need to cut through really tough stuff. And there’s more tough stuff than not now a days…just sayin’…
“Candlesticks make a good gift”.–YES they do. It’s personal, frequently used and relates back to the giver.
(But no, I don’t know why that’s in quotes…)
Does his lease and schedule permit him to have a puppy?
Have you considered nice glasses–a masculine whiskey glass is a good ‘guy’ gift. Or, nice beer mugs that can ‘live’ in the freezer for an on-demand frosted mug. Williams-Sonoma/Crate and Barrel have a nice selection–So easy for gift-giving!
Some of the ideas already mentioned: a nice throw and candles. I think those are things everyone likes and possibly items the guys may not buy for themselves. They would be great items to have when one of them is “entertaining,” if you know what I mean! (Sorry, mom!)
I live in an apartment. A friend who is a great cook recommended this for me, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JT8ZYCS/ref=sxr_rr_xsim_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=9ddc66f6-9fc0-49ff-b2fa-06a39d9859e6&pd_rd_wg=Shr0r&pf_rd_r=67BK5DKXHZSA8YQ76X9T&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhs-carousels&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00JT8ZYCS&pd_rd_w=rbO7J&pf_rd_i=korean+barbecue&pd_rd_r=c1ed16e9-e4c0-452c-aa0c-bb952c0290a5&ie=UTF8&qid=1536616402&sr=1
I grill steak, fish, chicken, bacon on it. I am not a great cook, but my steak always comes out perfect with this. It is really easy to clean. D2 was a bit of a snob about it because it was inexpensive and not cast iron, but she became a believer. It is only $30, but you could get something else for him with extra money.
@3puppies - absolutely not. He will generally be traveling four nights a week.
@oldfort - interesting!
Most apartments do not allow candles. Similar to the upthread comments about apartments that do not allow grills.
Just no to the gift cards. Give him something tangible.
No to the bar cart. I do like the idea of wine glasses.
Wow, the differences in ideas - goes to show, only the gift giver who knows the gift receiver well really can decide what’s appropriate.
I or my kids would be THRILLED with a Target gift card- the chance to go in a store and purchase something I need or want and really like - amazing!!! Of course I’d give it with a note and words that would mean more than any gift I could give - likely full of pride for him starting his own home.
I cannot imagine giving my 26 year old son candlesticks. He might laugh and think it was a joke! For smoothies he’d just use a blender. But that’s him.
OP, what is your son like? What are his hobbies/activities?? Is he into decorating? Or is his sports team throw good enough for him??
Just remember its his apt, his gift to enjoy - think more about him and the gift AFTER he receives it rather than WHEN he receives it (the surprise or not and all that).
I think there is something fun about just opening the door and finding a prize on the doorstep - a blender, cooking stuff, spices from Penzey’s. Towels! This is a present he doesn’t need, isn’t expecting, but is excited to get.
I sent my daughter a baking set last week. She’s in a new apt, really doesn’t have anything, and I saw it and thought it was something she’d like. I could have sent her $25, but this is more fun. I had given her some cookie sheets a few years ago and her roommates ruined them. Now she’s in her own apt and if her boyfriend ruins anything, he’ll be sent to the store immediately to replace it. She wants nice things.
This: all clad D5 stainless steel essential pan.
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-d5-stainless-steel-essential-pan/?catalogId=84&sku=6189690&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Cookware%20%3E%20Saute%20Pans
It’s currently on sale for $119. I was thinking of getting it for my son and his GF. This may be the pan I use the most, and it’s easy to clean.
As I’m making dinner myself right now and reminding myself I need to upgrade, pepper and salt mills. Really good quality ones that will last.
I never would have thought of a bar cart but they might be popular these days. My son and his girlfriend visited recently and said they had bought a bar cart from West Elm. So, I asked them if they wanted the 4 liquer glasses we bought in Scotland (given to grandparents but we got them back when they died). They were thrilled. I would check with your son though to see if he wants brass or wood, etc. if you go in that direction. Anything decorative , especially for a small space, needs to be something that fits the overall decor and taste of the recipients.
A plunger.
Some night he’ll thank you, lol
How about a gift card to HomeGoods or something similar? Even Wayfair?
Empty walls and black, gray, red made me think of this large (55" X 39.25") framed print from Ikea that DD’s used in three locations: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20150946/ (hard to tell from the pic, but the bike’s red). She always gets compliments on it. In fact, I’m going to buy one for the wall it was removed from because I can’t find anything I like better.
Artwork is a very personal thing. I personally wouldn’t buy it for someone without their prior approval.
Agree about artwork unless it is very small and the recipient can just put it on a shelf if they don’t like it and pull it out when you visit! Very personal. We gave my son a large vintage painting that was his paternal grandparent 's originally(watercolor of the city of all 4 grandparents - he visited often when they were alive). Had it professionally framed but asked him first if he wanted it. Also gave him a small Stickley chair but asked him first if he wanted these things for his new apartment. Have given other son family stuff too . He picked out a few things , we mailed them to him. So nice to see them in his house. Raid your vintage, family stuff if you’ve got kids that appreciate family things!
@sevmom - lol. We no longer have family stuff. Downsized to a 2BR/2BA condo, so there is nothing to give him!
Thanks for all the helpful ideas! I agree that it is important to know the recipient! I don’t think he would like candlesticks. I think he might like a bar cart, but he does have a roommate, and I want to be respectful of their shared space. I agree that art is personal. We actually kept a piece that was hanging in his bedroom before we downsized, but it would not be cost efficient to ship it to him. It’s of grand piano (his hobby).
I would really like to get him an Instant Pot, but I am just not convinced he would use it. I could even send him a “recipe of the week” to try! I’m really into my Instant Pot! But that goes back to making sure it is something the recipient would want.
As far as the “niceness”/quality of items, I prefer to wait on that until later in life - if he marries. He may return to grad school at some point which might necessitate a long move. FAR too early to know, but I don’t want to burden him with things he would feel compelled to keep just because they are “nice.”
I’ll report back if I ever figure it out. I’m sure my dh would say not to get him anything. But, yes, it is that surprise/unexpected element that I am going for.
Thanks, again!