No “stuff” for gifts this year. A week in Germany instead.
GF was trying to figure out what to give her baby’s caregivers. We decided that all 3 would get a $35 card to Sephora’s. Even the non make up wearing one can buy some hair products and such.
$50 gift certificate and a small amount of a nice chocolate sounds right to me.
My D arrived today and mentioned that her BF (and most likely our future SIL) does not want anything
but $ to help with his ticket from the East Coast on Christmas Day. We know him fairly well and really like him and enjoy our time with him. Still, I think this was a tacky request. However, as I had pretty much no discretionary money at his age I will give him a pass. That said, I have no idea, nor does H , how we would give him such a gift. I have already bought him a nice gift but it can be returned or go to our S (who I have exactly nothing for so far). Thoughts?
Buy a wallet or small box that can be used for something else and put some cash in it?
I agree too, which is why I still haven’t gotten her anything. I have also talked to my son. I actually found something that would have been great, but it turns out he already got her almost the same thing! Rats. If I get any sort of clothing it will definitely be easily returnable. I have paid some attention to what she wears, but I’m not sure I can replicate her style.
I wear both knitted and leather gloves and mittens depending on what I’m up to or my mood. She’s got no objection to leather - more worried about allergies so I’d probably get silk or fleece lined ones.
Small boxes in tiny NY apartments? I don’t think so.
sorry mathmom, the last suggestion was for me.
basket, perfect and thank you.
The girlfriend just asked my son if we’ll eat panettone. LOL. Yes, we will!
@Mathmom, the girlfriend may enjoy gift certificates to some eateries/delis around Columbia. BTW, it’s nice she will bring panettone, and nice she asked. She sounds… nice 
Love panettone!
As far as I am concerned the girlfriend’s a keeper. She’s fun to be around, has no obvious vices and shares lots of the same interests. Gift certificates for Columbia area food is definitely a possibility.
We still give gifts to our kids and each other. We gave up on nieces , nephews and their families if they have any.
I got a couple of gift cards for eateries in my daughter’s college town so she can take herself and a friend out.
For the first time in years, none of our older daughters are getting any cooking tools. Just a few articles of clothing, a kindle and basic doo dads…nothing extravagant for anyone at all
Just in case anyone else is thinking about getting a VR set…
One gift I “gave” Mr R is that I bought him a new phone on Black Friday when we finally moved him over to my phone contract. (We had been waiting for his contract to expire on another plan… no point in paying for two phones.) The Samsung phone we bought came with the VR for “free.” It arrived yesterday and I must say, it is WAY more fun than I would’ve thought. I was skeptical but it’s awesome.
One of the apps is a 3D google maps where you’re street level and can maneuver any place that’s been captured on google street view. I’m so excited for my mom to get here and try it. She hasn’t seen England, where she grew up, in over 20 years and I have a feeling she’ll cry once she gets to “see” home that vividly.
@nottelling Thank you so much for the Atlas Obscura idea. I drew my brother’s name this year and he’s notoriously difficult to buy for, but I have a feeling he’ll like this.
For my mom, a couple of bottles of Bath & Body Works shower gel. For DH, the usual Harry & David pears. Other than that, nothing but gift cards. I don’t like to do that, but I have not been able to get into the Christmas spirit this year, at all.
I thought about the Atlas Obsura but found the reviews discouraging so opted not to get it. Please let me know how it is received by your loved one.
I would like to know about Atlas Obsura too as I am thinking of it as a January birthday present.
For all the suggestions on nice gloves, may I point out that mittens can be lovely to own if it is really cold. I wear mittens more and more as my hands stay so much warmer and there are some cute ones out there. I just bought my girls some that are shaped like hedgehogs and very soft and warm.
I’m confused by your comment, @himom. What reviews of the Atlas Obscura book did you find discouraging, @HImom ? It has 4.6 stars on Amazon,
And positive reviews in the press:
http://www.ew.com/article/2016/09/23/atlas-obscura-book
http://m.startribune.com/review-atlas-obscura-by-joshua-foer-dylan-thuras-and-ella-morton/401781945/
The New York Times includes it in its round up of the best travel books of the year.
I’m curious about what negative reviews you found.
It’s not for everyone, but I really like it and if you like to find unusual, out of the way places, you might like it, too.
I was stumped on what to get S until I read this thread today. AAA membership struck a cord so thanks! He is very into cooking now so I’ll fill a basket with some fancy olive oil/vinegars/ etc and maybe a nice pot or pan from fancy cooking store.
Our gift to ourselves is both bathrooms remodeled. Work starts in late March early April.
Books. Lots of books.
…and a Massage Envy gift card for my wife.
Interesting analysis why people return gifts.
You’re right–there are a lot of positive reviews. I just read the negative ones.