Just ordered some wolmer mans breakfast goodies for the other son. Had a free S&H code and also 7% back through mrrebates.
Our scheduling is now messed up, but D2 wants Beats (we had to break the surprise part and I’d picked her name) and we’ll shop for them together, mid-month, when she’s here for an overnight.
With D1 traveling to BF’s parents and D2 and spouse’s work schedules, we can’t find a date when all of us can be together before Xmas. But the latter two will be here Xmas eve and a bit of Xmas day and D2 suggested we just proceed as we wish.
My blessing: thinking back to when D2 was so unpredictable and downright difficult, her new strengths are wonderful and heart warming.
That was supposed to say wolfermans. In the midst of all this I almost forgot to order an engagement gift for a friend’s daughter. Did it off their registry on BB&B. Only able to use their 20% off coupons and the discount through mrrebates.
Haven’t gotten a thing. I have a couple of ideas of things to get and a couple of things to give. The hardest in younger son’s girlfriend. She doesn’t wear make up or jewelry. She’s got some skin issues so I would never get her lotions or anything like that. I’ve given her books and gloves in the past. A scarf is probably safe, but she’s got a lot of them! Ditto cute hats. I also need stocking stuffers for her as well as our boys. She’s a grad student so I was thinking possibly restaurant gift certificate.
In the past, rather than one large-ish GC that covers one expensive meal, I’ve split the amount in two, for 2 different places. If they exceed the amount, it’s still less out of their pockets. And they have 2 dinners out. Like, $50 each.
@mathmom , how about an Alex and Ani bracelet? They’re ballpark $30, and each has a different meaning. All you would need to know is whether she prefers silver or gold.
Or, if she has a Pandora bracelet, you could get her a charm… something pretty neutral, like a snowman.
H decided (and I agreed) to buy a boat. Nothing extravagant, mostly for fishing, crabbing, and good-weather cruising. Of course, it was after I’d bought him something. It can’t be used til spring, so the kitchenaid for the weekend place will fulfill the winter requirement. Such is life.
Trying to get the small things for the 2Ds. A few cosmetic items, Penzeys spices, etc. the big things will be taken care of later this week. Hoping to finish it all by week’s end.
@mathmom Does the girlfriend have any hobbies that would help?
I think jewelry is hard, even if she was a jewelry wearer. It’s so personal. My daughter would definitely not wear Alex and Ani, for example.
For young people with limited funds for entertainment, experience gifts like concert tickets if you know her and son’s music preferences, museum membership passes, etc. are often well received. Movie ticket passes make good stocking stuffers.
I ordered headlamps for the stockings. They aren’t super fancy but they were on sale at REI for 9.99. You can never have enough flashlights. They might be good for the car glove box. I also picked up a gift assortment of fancy salts from Trader Joe’s. They will get broken up and put in the stockings. I also got a pack of lip balms from Costco that I’ll break up for the stockings.
H has a December birthday and says he doesn’t want anything
I got D1 tickets to the King Singers a capella group (yes, my kids are geeks, they love that kind of music). I’ve asked for a headlamp, I hope one of my Santa’s comes through! I went hiking in a local cave this fall and had to borrow one, and want to go back next year.
Headlamps and small flashlights are definitely good stocking stuffers - even though cell phones can be flashlights it drains the battery shockingly quickly. I have a nice flashlight with a solar charger that lives on a kitchen window sill. One issue with movie tickets or museum passes is that my kid has been doing a long distance relationship for quite a while. She’s got at least one more year in NY, he’s stationed in Maryland and then she starts doing thesis research mostly overseas. So while I get the impression they are thinking marriage, I haven’t heard a peep yet about when. (They’ve been a couple for four years now.)
Anyone have any ideas for my aunt in assisted living? She has more throw blankets/pillows, scarves, jewelry slippers etc than you can imagine, and no room for house items.
Would food items work for her, @melvin123, or a nice orchid or other flowering plant?
Thanks for the suggestion @doschicos. Food items are limited because she eats in the communal dining room. Maybe a fruit basket, but that would be a lot for 1 person. An orchid might be nice. Thanks!
For the person in assisted living - something activity related - book, puzzle book (crossword, Sudoku, etc.), jigsaw puzzle.
Received the best gift this weekend. SisIL talked with other SisIL and we are dispensing gifts for everyone this Christmas. Great cause there is nothing my in-laws want that they can’t buy and we were still doing cash for nieces/nephews - many are now married and mid 20s-30s. We were just trading money around. I am looking forward to a nice family get together, catching up with all the family news and playing with the adorable next generation. So much stress gone all at once!
@melvin123 my mom enjoyed orchids, the chocolates of the world jar from Costco, heated throw (also Costco), lunch out, boxes of her favorite tea, coloring, “easy Monday” NYT crosswords
Not even begun. Not one gift. And have no idea what, whatsoever, to buy. I feel stressed to say the least.
I sort of wish tomorrow was Cyber Monday 2.0. I have a couple of things that I still am looking for that weren’t on my mind/list last week. I need some more deals!!!
Just finished! I just ordered 10 remaining gifts I wanted to get on Amazon for less than $200 altogether, free shipping. My husband likes to get stuff for the stockings so I’ll leave that to him!