D was specifically thinking of the girls who would be there and thought (correctly) that at least two of them would like a fountain pen with ink and journal. None of the girls were interested in the knife block and set but D took it to be polite.
@NEPatsGirl …DH and I just don’t gift give at Xmas to each other. When younger we agreed to buy something we both wanted fir the household…big screen TV, etc. we don’t even do that anymore. It’s so much easier and just takes that pressure off.
I’m very much not artistic, but now I know it’s purpose!
We are also big on lists but the best gift-giving help I ever gave my husband was giving him a daughter. He had a nasty cold that hung on for a couple of weeks this year but his gifts were great because he and DD shopped online.
I was very impressed with DS’s gifts for everyone as well. I suspect he has gotten the gift giving bug from his GF but I see that as a good thing. For a college freshman to spend money on anyone but themselves is remarkable, I think.
That’s it! Thanks - now I know it’s purpose, even if we aren’t artistic it’s fun to play with.
Several years ago, my SIL gave my grandson and his cousin (age 4 at the time) lego sets for 8 year olds and size 8 t-shirts. This woman had teen sons so I was surprised that she was so off about the gifts. Well, this year (boys are now 7 years old) she gave them both board books- the kind you give toddlers. Thankfully, the boys just kind of looked at them and set them aside.
My odd gift was from my niece which came in the mail thankfully. It was a hand knit tunic and in my dh’s words, “You look like you are ready to join the Klingon army.” I can’t even tell you how we all fell over laughing when I put it on. It really looked like I was wearing armor with a massive turtleneck. I am really glad she lives far away and will never know what I look like in it. I am also very glad that we weren’t at her house when I opened it.