Anyone have suggestions for someone who is a serious home cook (my H). He has almost every gadget in the world and sometimes several (like meat thermometers) and many cook books. I was going to go to the local kitchen store (where he buys lots of stuff and the owner knows him) and see if she could point to things he’s looked at but didn’t buy. I’m stumped. Oldest D got him a great gift–it’s a Himalayan Salt plate (for cooking and serving). I am hoping there’s something that goes with that. Otherwise, I might get him cooking lessons at the Milk Street Kitchen. It’s in our area and we went there before Thanksgiving to take a cooking class. We both enjoyed it and there are classes this winter that he might enjoy. Any suggestions for unusual kitchen items or cookbooks appreciated.
@Bromfield2 If not a cooking class, how about dinner at the Chef’s Table at a fancy restaurant. He can watch techniques in action.
Or a molecular gastronomy set.
My son and his girlfriend really like movies. I got her three older movies that I like (Heaven Can Wait, To Sir with Love, and Brian’s Song) along with a popcorn bucket and a box of popcorn. They can both enjoy the movies (or not). My daughter had never heard of any of these movies so I’m hoping I’m safe in saying she’s never seen them 
Bro field, I think you answered your question. Talk to the salesperson. The lessons sound great.
I had lunch with my g/f today. I mentioned how we had agreed no gifts, but she still came with an expensive liquor. We were near my favorite candy store, Hoffmans, and she agreed to walk in with me for “ideas”. Instead , let her pick her favorite candies for 2#. I wrote down her favs for future reference. Worked out perfectly.
@bhs1978 Along those lines, a gift I’ve given often is a Fandango gift card. Almost everyone loves to go to the movies once in a while, and I don’t have to try to figure out what they want to see, or when and where they want to see it.
@Bromfield2 , I’m doing the sous vide collection this year - circulator, foodsaver, and cookbook.
@Bromfield2 Cooking lessons at Milk Street Kitchen sound great. How about a chef’s coat with his name on it? A spice grinder?
Giving some of my personal favorite things this year:
Yaktrax Pro. Judging from the sheets of ice yesterday on roads and in parking lots, I’m afraid we’re in for a long rough winter. Bought these last year and they were amazing for hiking through January and February when the trails were very icy. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_1_6?k=yaktrax+pro&sprefix=yaktra
Bath and Body Works white tea and ginger body lotion and shower gel.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002G7CPS0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482088943&sr=8-1&keywords=bath+and+body+works+white+tea+and+ginger&pi=SY200_QL40
EOS lip balm.
Turbie twist towels.
Can anyone relate?
I’ve been hoarding presents in a spare closet to keep it out of sight from the family. I took them out today to start wrapping and holy cow I got my mom way more stuff than I remember buying. My mom is making out like a bandit this Christmas lol
Oh yea, when I would buy things as I came across them, it would sometimes get very lopsided and one person (often D) would get the lion’s share of the purchases. It was always a surprise.
@romanigypsyeyes, lol. I start buying for Hanukah early and, as I wrap and tag, I put a # on each tag for each person so I know what to give each year (keeping a spreadsheet). I always end up with more than 8 for each of my kids and this year is no exception!
A spreadsheet? @collage1, now that’s being a gift pro!
I told myself this year that I would keep a list because I always end up over buying for someone. This year though, I outdid myself…
@katliamom, I don’t start right away, though. At some point I go through the closet where I store the gifts I’ve bought and start organizing via a spreadsheet and that’s when I discover how many things I’ve purchased! DH and I are down to 4 but, with 8 gifts for 3 kids and (in the past) 8 more for dh, I needed a spreadsheet to keep track of it all!
@romanigypsyeyes Save a few aside for her birthday and mother’s day.
I keep track for the kids but I make it even on $ amount spent not # of gifts. I can always throw a few items together in one package to even out the number of gifts each has to open.
This year, as in the recent past, I solicit lists from the kids (my 3 and their 2 spouses, 1 fiance’). i spend half of my gift amount on something(s) from the list and give the other half in cash. So there is an expensive make-up collection, a pressure cooker, dress slacks, running shoes, custom tailored shirt, and a book in the mix. This is in addition to the obligatory toothbrush, lottery ticket, candy and whatever I find for stockings. My dad, MIL, and 2 aunts are getting books; nieces and nephew get Visa gift cards. I picked up cute Christmas table runners as hostess gifts for where I’ll spend the Eve and the Day.
Bill Gates did a good job on his gift giving. How great is this story?!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11769751&ref=NZH_fb
Traditional stocking stuffer here is discount movie ticket packs via AAA. I had to sneakily learn where D2 goes to see films (now lives an hour away) and my AAA does sell them. She’ll be surprised.
I got myself a seal-a-meal, so, among other things, they’re each getting a box of ingredients I can freeze and they can cook later. Plus a few portions of favorite meals and side dishes I’ll make. They’ll like the convenience.
I found some super cool resin necklaces that look like vintage Bakelite for several of the young women on my list. Don’t think my daughter would wear them, unfortunately.
Sounds like your necklaces are lovely!