Share your gift ideas, because I am a bit stumped.
Sharing in a peanut butter pie from Costco would be a nice gift.
In the parking lot of course
y’all can borrow my basement if it’s too hot outside.
Thanks bro, that's real nice of you
Where else would one eat pie?!
Just bring your own fork this time. I'm not sharing again.
I saw that post too!
Unsure of the rest of my family but it's become a running gaga to get my mom the cheesiest custom-printed throw blanket we can think of. This year's is a horribly cropped screenshot of a text conversation we had a while ago about buying groceries from Dollar General
Sounds to me like you've got it covered.
The best gift ever is that my family all agreed not to buy unneeded things for each other. The gift of not stressing, not having to go shopping, and not spending money just keeps on giving.
We have a secret santa where the rule is the gift has to be unneeded. We are all adults with jobs who can buy ourselves things we need. The best gifts are things people want but wouldn't buy for themselves. If it's not frivolous, it's something they probably will get themselves.
This^
I love shopping for others...
We stopped doing gift exchanges. We were just getting things we didn't want. Ymmv, that doesn't work in all families.
The joy of my presence.
Yeah that's all I can afford this year !
♡
I don't know, I'm in here to scope ideas.
Bathing salts, a chair cushion, a calendar, a cooking book, slippers and some chocolate.
It all sounds random but what makes them good presents is that I have reason to believe my family actually wants those things.
That said, I think next time I'll be giving less thought into it because apparently half my family would like to stop with the presents cause they feel like they don't need more shit and also don't like being obligated to buy stuff for other people. Fair enough, but if it's small things I still like gifting stuff.
Drugs and alcohol
What kinda drugs tho??
Jones' Soda brand - Mary Jones THC soda.
1 kg of cocaine
I looked up how much that would cost out of curiosity and it really fluctuates based on where you live apparently. $1500-$50000
I did not realize you were made of money! 🤑🤑🤑
I live in Colorado, so generally some unusual form of weed for those who enjoy that. A dispensary near me has THC chocolate truffles, those usually go over well.
Got my husband a light for his desk that is in the shape of the bon fire spawn/save point in the Dark Souls series. It's in one of those clear resin blocks and it glows. Then we're going to a bougie ass resort for a 2 day stay cation where he doesn't have to worry about anything!
Got one of my besties who enjoys D&D a bottle opener called "Tool of Opening", a dunce cap for his dice when they disappoint him, and a t-shirt that says: "Lawful in the Streets; Chaotic in the Sheets". Basically a bunch of little kitschy things based on his interests.
Another bestie is (probably) getting some kinda Critical Role merchandise. Maybe a wooden sign for his room that says "Entering Dave's Dungeon Roll for Initiative". Still deciding on him.
When we sold our house, I opened investment accounts for my niece and 2 nephews, and I just throw money in there for every birthday/Christmas. As infants/toddlers they're going to be too young to appreciate it for a while, but I grew up bouncing between "lower class" and "lower middle class" so I want them to have more opportunities starting out than I did. They'll appreciate it one day. I hope.
Dang, you're good
A friend of mine drives an SUV. I’m getting him a sticker of Jason for the back window, with an “arm” holding a bloody machete that attaches to the back window wiper. When the wiper is on, it looks like Jason is hacking away with his machete.
I think it’s kinda corny, but he loves stuff like that!
For the most part our family has decided to not get gifts this year. We just spend time together, eat something nice and enjoy each other, except for the one child in our family that of course still gets something.
For my wifes side of the family, we decided to do secret santa this year and cap ourselfs at 30.- CHF for value.
Not helpful for gift ideas I guess though^^
Byo food in this case? Lest this causes more than one person to bring potato salad, lol.
Best tip for this is to designate types of foods instead of asking what they'll bring to avoid back and forth. Eg. Someone'll make the salad, someone'll make a pastry, someone'll make dessert, etc.
Smoked cheeses.
I use a strategy for some gifts which I call “luxury consumables”. Get someone something that they will use up (food, cheese, chocolate, olive oil, soap, booze, tea, etc) but that’s a bit nicer than they would get for themselves. If you can afford that!
For instance, flavored oil and vinegar for the chef. Fancy chocolate for… everyone. And in this case, smoked cheese! Sounds tasty AF.
Hell yeah this has been my tactic too. My family had stopped making the habit of gifting because of the unnecessary gifts, and so this is a great way to ensure they'll actually use the gift.
I found plantable paper stars/snowflakes that can be used as gift tags or tree ornaments. The paper contains wildflower seeds so you can plant this paper star into the ground in spring and it will sprout flowers.
Get them a nicer version of things they already get. Fancy coffee, hot sauces, soap, candles, pens, that sort of thing. It loses some of its charm, but that could also mean a gift card to a nicer restaurant. Just make sure it's enough to cover the meal.
This works especially well if they're pretty cheap and wouldn't get things like that, simply because they're too expensive.
You can also go for some very pseudo-luxury items. Vermont Maple syrup (or Maple candies - seriously, it's just crystalized sugar, but it seems so rich), sausage and cheese sets, chocolate oranges...
Finally, here's the biggest tip - Don't wait until December to think about it. Pay attention through the year. They will almost certainly mention something offhand to you. A passing comment like "we never have enough -----" or "---- never works right" are perfect opportunities. Just make a note on your phone. Feel free to ask probing questions and even tell them that's what you're doing- if it's before Halloween, they'll almost certainly forget by Xmas anyway.
Have you considered getting them copies of the Barbie movie on Blu-Ray? I heard it's a good movie.
My in-laws are in Arizona where there are scorpions. I’m giving them a powerful blacklight flashlight so we can go look for them when it gets dark out.
They are also great for spotting certain mushrooms/lichens! Try pointing it at a tree to see the blotches of natural sunscreen growing on them
Be aware that powerful UV flashlights (especially the no-name Chinese ones) can also damage your eyes quickly without you noticing. Better ones will come with protective glasses.
To be clear UV flashlights are NOT the same as blacklight flashlights. However I totally agree if you are getting a UV light source for some reason, eye and possibly skin protection is a fantastic idea
I mean, black light (aka wood's light when fitted with a special filter) is UV-A. Hence it is important to educate people.
Wow, I had no idea they glow under black light. That's a cool gift!
Socks, fucking shit loads of socks, I had 42 pairs arrive the other day. I have a weird thing for socks (no not like that) and have bought everyone a pack of my favourite socks that don't seem to ever die (I have a 12year old pack that are still in great condition despite wearing them regularly).
Everyone gets a 5pack of my favourite, 1 pair of merino wool socks, and a box of sweets or chocolate depending on their taste.
Except for the children, they get toys and games too.
It's clichéd as fuck, but made my life easier and we all prefer focusing on the kids as it's their day really.
Check out Darn Tough.
Life time warranty
I too am an avid sock wearer...
Omg I would love a gift like that! What is this mythical brand of socks?
It's ueither but specifically ueither with horizontal patterns, any intricate designs don't last as long.
I bought a pack of 5 while at uni in 2011 and they're still going strong today, I have 10 others since then which are as good, but the one time I bought picture designs rather than straightforward stripes they lasted maybe 3-4 years, which still isn't horrible tbf.
There's nothing particularly special about them, they're 80% cotton, 17% polyester, 3% elastane. They just seem to last forever and feel great.
Awesome, thank you for the recommendations and the heads up! I'll definitely have to try some. Lately all my socks have been springing holes, so I'm excited to try some more durable ones
I just googled them and the first thing that pops up is their Amazon page saying they are a clothing company founded in 2016...
Potentially acquired the company I bought the first socks from at some point then. I found the exact socks I'd bought years later and ordered more pairs, might just be idemtical patterns and still good quality but the first set I had were definitely at university, which I graduated in 2012.
Stepdad is a pain in the ass to shop for and last year the wire cheese cutter didn't do so hot on meat so this year is a guillotine cutter and a big summer sausage box.
Brother is getting a sports team hoodie.
Nephew is starting reading and a huge pokemon fan so hes getting the most recent Ninja Turtles game on Switch (previously hed get Kirby games. Coop means dad can help.) and Pokemon chapter books. Probably a trip to the bookstore as well a bit later.
Niece is teenaged, getting her a book as well since I encourage them to read, along with a nice blanket robe.
Grandpa is a vet and so this year we got a framed print of the ship he served on.
Uncle is a D&D nerd so hes getting a D&D book he wants.
Other folks will prob get candies, alcohol, and the like, as the situation and kinship merits.
Just a heads up, books are a very personal gift to give. I've never had it work out. Not saying you don't know your family, but it's hard to guess exactly what types of books they like. Especially if the only goal is encouraging her to read, that book will prob end up not being touched or given away.
I've had family I know really well gift me many books over the years, since I was a kid who liked to read, and it was always something I would never be interested in.
Now a Barnes and Noble/Books a Million gift card? Those are always awesome! Even though I know it feels lame to give gift cards. That could encourage her to get into a bookstore to shop for exactly something that catches her interest, and maybe shows her a whole series or author she can come back for, even!
Anyways, I hope you and your family have a happy and smooth holiday!
I got a system in place. Been giving niece age appropriate books for years along with other gifts. I also take her to the bookstore after Xmas to let her pick whatever.
Nephew is a new reader and a pokemon fiend so I'm pretty sure if a Pikachu is on the cover he'll give it a go.
Stainless steel wine glasses. My SO keeps breaking her glass ones.
Get something personalised, like a chalice made from the skulls of her enemies.
Or one better, a chalice made from her own skull
What's the difference?
Get gold ones
#loveisblind
When I'm struggling to come up with a gift idea I usually resort to something nice that can be eaten or drank. Some nice chocolates, coffee or liquor can be a great gift that won't leave someone with something they never use.
For my sister, compression socks (she's a runner), a box of toilet paper (how is she always running out?!), and some shirts with her business logo on them
For my niece, we're going to see the Nutcracker and going ice skating
For my dad, books
Nice socks are a banger gift. I’ve gifted Smartwool socks, and also some hand knit thick cozy ones. Always a hit.
(she's a runner)
toilet paper (how is she always running out?!)
You included a question mark, but I feel like you already answered your question...
I do secret Santa with my family so I only have to get my cousin a gift. He built a race car in the past year so I had a guy on fiverr make artwork of it and then had it printed and framed
A few months ago, my brother and I were playing online but we communicated through chat instead of talking because he didn't have a headset. I'm hoping he still doesn't have a headset because that's what I got him.
Bougie chocolate blocks / boxes
My family asked for a pocket knife, guitar strings and picks, a pastry blender, shoe trees and shoe care items, and a hammock.
Pocket knives are a nice gift all around!
I am thinking about getting dad an Airspy stick and a Raspberry pi, we both love Flightradar24, and he has spoken about setting up a node in the network for them.
That’s a really interesting idea; my kid wants to be a pilot and just discovered flight tracker… I’m going to check out Airspy’s “how to” stuff and see about this as a gift idea too!
If you do get that and start submitting data to Flightradar24, you'll get a free top level account, at least that was true when I checked last time.
Just remember that you need an antenna as well...
I'm getting my mom a rowing machine because she wants one to help her exercise more. I'm getting my SO a Chromebook because his old one is like 7 years old now.
I don't have a "family" in a common sense of understanding like parents, wife, kids and stuff, but I have a girlfriend of 7 years living together and that's pretty much it. Gonna be rather simple as we don't generally bind giving presents to certain dates, and we usually discuss specifics prior so nobody gets something one doesn't need or want.
I offered her a catalogue of some interesting jewelry and cool watch but she is kinda reluctant, "doesn't look too practical" to her. So we just agreed that she's gonna look into some new mobile phone in January whenever something interesting is out, and if she likes it (she likes doing random photography so a good phone camera is a good idea), I'm gonna buy it for her. That's why I love her - straight to the point and considers usefulness in daily routines.
Apologies.
too expensive for my cheap self
If you know what their interests and hobbies are at the moment, then get equipment and other stuff related to those. Books and craft supplies are often good ideas. A giftcard to a store they often visit is always nice. A nice mug is a good gift for many people, because it's useful and beautiful. For kids, you can ask them what's their favorite animal, and then get them a plushie of that animal. They'll probably love it. Getting them a trendy toy (such as a Squishmallow rn) can also be good. If you still have no idea what someone wants, then you can get them a nice card with some cash and maybe some candy.
Trust me on this.
Children under 5 get a giant Christmas card, the kind the whole office is supposed to sign. Little kids never get mail, so you'll make their Christmas. Give parents cash to get whatever the kid actually needs.
Children 5 to 10 get a GI Joe or a Barbie. Doesn't matter if the kid likes that toy, what matters is that they can trade it in the school yard. It's like sending someone in jail a carton of Newports.
Ages 10 to 20 get cash.
Over 20 gets a nice bottle of booze. Even if they don't drink, they can regift it easily.
I bet that 8 year old would have an easier time trading a nice bottle of booze.
Seriously, though, my parents would have been pissed if I traded away a gift someone gave me. We did trade stuff all the time (mostly matchbox cars and baseball cards) but "I got this for Christmas" meant that it was off limits for trading.
Mostly getting my wife and kids "experience" gifts this year, rather than physical things. Nobody needs or wants much, so instead I'm getting tickets to concerts, plays, musicals, comedy shows, etc.
"Elements" by Euclid. Together with a mug printed with the graphics from the title page.
They're so far away I probably won't, sadly.
In lieu of sending gifts, sometimes I donate to charities that remind me of the recipient. For instance, for the bird lover, I donated in their name to Audubon. Etc.
I do this sometimes. I have to pick carefully though, I've come to learn a large number of them aren't trustworthy.
Sure, CharityNavigator is good for research.
You can order them food from a distance.
Wait, really? How?
2 ceramics from anna collete hunt
Olive oil with trums, about 10$ for a bottle and you onley need so little to make any dish more exciting
Socks because most people like socks.
Try with home decor, a plant or a good lamp is always a good gift.
Home decor may depend on your recipient. Some people like a certain style and want their decor to fit it. You may think that it is the type of lamp they like but it might mess with their ambiance.
Colouring books! The wife, mother, and mother-in-law all find it therapeutic so they get that. Father and father-IL get booze. Brother gets a happy Xmas text as we stopped exchanging gifts years ago.
Hori Hori knife for any gardeners that you know.
Fossil watch, they have some nice minimal deaigns
Dad - a planer and bacon of the month club.
Mom - athletic clothes and reservations for afternoon tea.
I'm also buying tickets to an escape room for all of us to do together.
Trying to give fewer gifts and spend more on activities that will bring us all together
This is what my wife and I do. We don't buy presents. We go do an experience together!
Electric toothbrush
If you're crowdsourcing gift ideas, you're already losing. Gifts should be personal.
Sharing in a peanut butter pie from Costco would be a nice gift.
In the parking lot of course
y’all can borrow my basement if it’s too hot outside.
Thanks bro, that's real nice of you
Where else would one eat pie?!
Just bring your own fork this time. I'm not sharing again.
I saw that post too!
Unsure of the rest of my family but it's become a running gaga to get my mom the cheesiest custom-printed throw blanket we can think of. This year's is a horribly cropped screenshot of a text conversation we had a while ago about buying groceries from Dollar General
Sounds to me like you've got it covered.
The best gift ever is that my family all agreed not to buy unneeded things for each other. The gift of not stressing, not having to go shopping, and not spending money just keeps on giving.
We have a secret santa where the rule is the gift has to be unneeded. We are all adults with jobs who can buy ourselves things we need. The best gifts are things people want but wouldn't buy for themselves. If it's not frivolous, it's something they probably will get themselves.
This^
I love shopping for others...
We stopped doing gift exchanges. We were just getting things we didn't want. Ymmv, that doesn't work in all families.
The joy of my presence.
Yeah that's all I can afford this year !
♡
I don't know, I'm in here to scope ideas.
Bathing salts, a chair cushion, a calendar, a cooking book, slippers and some chocolate.
It all sounds random but what makes them good presents is that I have reason to believe my family actually wants those things.
That said, I think next time I'll be giving less thought into it because apparently half my family would like to stop with the presents cause they feel like they don't need more shit and also don't like being obligated to buy stuff for other people. Fair enough, but if it's small things I still like gifting stuff.
Drugs and alcohol
What kinda drugs tho??
Jones' Soda brand - Mary Jones THC soda.
1 kg of cocaine
I looked up how much that would cost out of curiosity and it really fluctuates based on where you live apparently. $1500-$50000
I did not realize you were made of money! 🤑🤑🤑
I live in Colorado, so generally some unusual form of weed for those who enjoy that. A dispensary near me has THC chocolate truffles, those usually go over well.
Got my husband a light for his desk that is in the shape of the bon fire spawn/save point in the Dark Souls series. It's in one of those clear resin blocks and it glows. Then we're going to a bougie ass resort for a 2 day stay cation where he doesn't have to worry about anything!
Got one of my besties who enjoys D&D a bottle opener called "Tool of Opening", a dunce cap for his dice when they disappoint him, and a t-shirt that says: "Lawful in the Streets; Chaotic in the Sheets". Basically a bunch of little kitschy things based on his interests.
Another bestie is (probably) getting some kinda Critical Role merchandise. Maybe a wooden sign for his room that says "Entering Dave's Dungeon Roll for Initiative". Still deciding on him.
When we sold our house, I opened investment accounts for my niece and 2 nephews, and I just throw money in there for every birthday/Christmas. As infants/toddlers they're going to be too young to appreciate it for a while, but I grew up bouncing between "lower class" and "lower middle class" so I want them to have more opportunities starting out than I did. They'll appreciate it one day. I hope.
Dang, you're good
A friend of mine drives an SUV. I’m getting him a sticker of Jason for the back window, with an “arm” holding a bloody machete that attaches to the back window wiper. When the wiper is on, it looks like Jason is hacking away with his machete.
I think it’s kinda corny, but he loves stuff like that!
I have that. It's a wiper tag.
For the most part our family has decided to not get gifts this year. We just spend time together, eat something nice and enjoy each other, except for the one child in our family that of course still gets something.
For my wifes side of the family, we decided to do secret santa this year and cap ourselfs at 30.- CHF for value.
Not helpful for gift ideas I guess though^^
Byo food in this case? Lest this causes more than one person to bring potato salad, lol.
Best tip for this is to designate types of foods instead of asking what they'll bring to avoid back and forth. Eg. Someone'll make the salad, someone'll make a pastry, someone'll make dessert, etc.
Smoked cheeses.
I use a strategy for some gifts which I call “luxury consumables”. Get someone something that they will use up (food, cheese, chocolate, olive oil, soap, booze, tea, etc) but that’s a bit nicer than they would get for themselves. If you can afford that!
For instance, flavored oil and vinegar for the chef. Fancy chocolate for… everyone. And in this case, smoked cheese! Sounds tasty AF.
Hell yeah this has been my tactic too. My family had stopped making the habit of gifting because of the unnecessary gifts, and so this is a great way to ensure they'll actually use the gift.
I found plantable paper stars/snowflakes that can be used as gift tags or tree ornaments. The paper contains wildflower seeds so you can plant this paper star into the ground in spring and it will sprout flowers.
Get them a nicer version of things they already get. Fancy coffee, hot sauces, soap, candles, pens, that sort of thing. It loses some of its charm, but that could also mean a gift card to a nicer restaurant. Just make sure it's enough to cover the meal.
This works especially well if they're pretty cheap and wouldn't get things like that, simply because they're too expensive.
You can also go for some very pseudo-luxury items. Vermont Maple syrup (or Maple candies - seriously, it's just crystalized sugar, but it seems so rich), sausage and cheese sets, chocolate oranges...
Finally, here's the biggest tip - Don't wait until December to think about it. Pay attention through the year. They will almost certainly mention something offhand to you. A passing comment like "we never have enough -----" or "---- never works right" are perfect opportunities. Just make a note on your phone. Feel free to ask probing questions and even tell them that's what you're doing- if it's before Halloween, they'll almost certainly forget by Xmas anyway.
Have you considered getting them copies of the Barbie movie on Blu-Ray? I heard it's a good movie.
My in-laws are in Arizona where there are scorpions. I’m giving them a powerful blacklight flashlight so we can go look for them when it gets dark out.
They are also great for spotting certain mushrooms/lichens! Try pointing it at a tree to see the blotches of natural sunscreen growing on them
Be aware that powerful UV flashlights (especially the no-name Chinese ones) can also damage your eyes quickly without you noticing. Better ones will come with protective glasses.
To be clear UV flashlights are NOT the same as blacklight flashlights. However I totally agree if you are getting a UV light source for some reason, eye and possibly skin protection is a fantastic idea
I mean, black light (aka wood's light when fitted with a special filter) is UV-A. Hence it is important to educate people.
Wow, I had no idea they glow under black light. That's a cool gift!
Socks, fucking shit loads of socks, I had 42 pairs arrive the other day. I have a weird thing for socks (no not like that) and have bought everyone a pack of my favourite socks that don't seem to ever die (I have a 12year old pack that are still in great condition despite wearing them regularly).
Everyone gets a 5pack of my favourite, 1 pair of merino wool socks, and a box of sweets or chocolate depending on their taste.
Except for the children, they get toys and games too.
It's clichéd as fuck, but made my life easier and we all prefer focusing on the kids as it's their day really.
Check out Darn Tough. Life time warranty
I too am an avid sock wearer...
Omg I would love a gift like that! What is this mythical brand of socks?
It's ueither but specifically ueither with horizontal patterns, any intricate designs don't last as long.
I bought a pack of 5 while at uni in 2011 and they're still going strong today, I have 10 others since then which are as good, but the one time I bought picture designs rather than straightforward stripes they lasted maybe 3-4 years, which still isn't horrible tbf.
There's nothing particularly special about them, they're 80% cotton, 17% polyester, 3% elastane. They just seem to last forever and feel great.
Awesome, thank you for the recommendations and the heads up! I'll definitely have to try some. Lately all my socks have been springing holes, so I'm excited to try some more durable ones
I just googled them and the first thing that pops up is their Amazon page saying they are a clothing company founded in 2016...
Potentially acquired the company I bought the first socks from at some point then. I found the exact socks I'd bought years later and ordered more pairs, might just be idemtical patterns and still good quality but the first set I had were definitely at university, which I graduated in 2012.
Stepdad is a pain in the ass to shop for and last year the wire cheese cutter didn't do so hot on meat so this year is a guillotine cutter and a big summer sausage box.
Brother is getting a sports team hoodie.
Nephew is starting reading and a huge pokemon fan so hes getting the most recent Ninja Turtles game on Switch (previously hed get Kirby games. Coop means dad can help.) and Pokemon chapter books. Probably a trip to the bookstore as well a bit later.
Niece is teenaged, getting her a book as well since I encourage them to read, along with a nice blanket robe.
Grandpa is a vet and so this year we got a framed print of the ship he served on.
Uncle is a D&D nerd so hes getting a D&D book he wants.
Other folks will prob get candies, alcohol, and the like, as the situation and kinship merits.
Just a heads up, books are a very personal gift to give. I've never had it work out. Not saying you don't know your family, but it's hard to guess exactly what types of books they like. Especially if the only goal is encouraging her to read, that book will prob end up not being touched or given away.
I've had family I know really well gift me many books over the years, since I was a kid who liked to read, and it was always something I would never be interested in.
Now a Barnes and Noble/Books a Million gift card? Those are always awesome! Even though I know it feels lame to give gift cards. That could encourage her to get into a bookstore to shop for exactly something that catches her interest, and maybe shows her a whole series or author she can come back for, even!
Anyways, I hope you and your family have a happy and smooth holiday!
I got a system in place. Been giving niece age appropriate books for years along with other gifts. I also take her to the bookstore after Xmas to let her pick whatever.
Nephew is a new reader and a pokemon fiend so I'm pretty sure if a Pikachu is on the cover he'll give it a go.
Stainless steel wine glasses. My SO keeps breaking her glass ones.
Get something personalised, like a chalice made from the skulls of her enemies.
Or one better, a chalice made from her own skull
What's the difference?
Get gold ones #loveisblind
When I'm struggling to come up with a gift idea I usually resort to something nice that can be eaten or drank. Some nice chocolates, coffee or liquor can be a great gift that won't leave someone with something they never use.
For my sister, compression socks (she's a runner), a box of toilet paper (how is she always running out?!), and some shirts with her business logo on them For my niece, we're going to see the Nutcracker and going ice skating For my dad, books
Nice socks are a banger gift. I’ve gifted Smartwool socks, and also some hand knit thick cozy ones. Always a hit.
You included a question mark, but I feel like you already answered your question...
I do secret Santa with my family so I only have to get my cousin a gift. He built a race car in the past year so I had a guy on fiverr make artwork of it and then had it printed and framed
A few months ago, my brother and I were playing online but we communicated through chat instead of talking because he didn't have a headset. I'm hoping he still doesn't have a headset because that's what I got him.
Bougie chocolate blocks / boxes
My family asked for a pocket knife, guitar strings and picks, a pastry blender, shoe trees and shoe care items, and a hammock.
Pocket knives are a nice gift all around!
I am thinking about getting dad an Airspy stick and a Raspberry pi, we both love Flightradar24, and he has spoken about setting up a node in the network for them.
That’s a really interesting idea; my kid wants to be a pilot and just discovered flight tracker… I’m going to check out Airspy’s “how to” stuff and see about this as a gift idea too!
If you do get that and start submitting data to Flightradar24, you'll get a free top level account, at least that was true when I checked last time.
Just remember that you need an antenna as well...
I'm getting my mom a rowing machine because she wants one to help her exercise more. I'm getting my SO a Chromebook because his old one is like 7 years old now.
I don't have a "family" in a common sense of understanding like parents, wife, kids and stuff, but I have a girlfriend of 7 years living together and that's pretty much it. Gonna be rather simple as we don't generally bind giving presents to certain dates, and we usually discuss specifics prior so nobody gets something one doesn't need or want.
I offered her a catalogue of some interesting jewelry and cool watch but she is kinda reluctant, "doesn't look too practical" to her. So we just agreed that she's gonna look into some new mobile phone in January whenever something interesting is out, and if she likes it (she likes doing random photography so a good phone camera is a good idea), I'm gonna buy it for her. That's why I love her - straight to the point and considers usefulness in daily routines.
Apologies.
too expensive for my cheap self
If you know what their interests and hobbies are at the moment, then get equipment and other stuff related to those. Books and craft supplies are often good ideas. A giftcard to a store they often visit is always nice. A nice mug is a good gift for many people, because it's useful and beautiful. For kids, you can ask them what's their favorite animal, and then get them a plushie of that animal. They'll probably love it. Getting them a trendy toy (such as a Squishmallow rn) can also be good. If you still have no idea what someone wants, then you can get them a nice card with some cash and maybe some candy.
Trust me on this.
Children under 5 get a giant Christmas card, the kind the whole office is supposed to sign. Little kids never get mail, so you'll make their Christmas. Give parents cash to get whatever the kid actually needs.
Children 5 to 10 get a GI Joe or a Barbie. Doesn't matter if the kid likes that toy, what matters is that they can trade it in the school yard. It's like sending someone in jail a carton of Newports.
Ages 10 to 20 get cash.
Over 20 gets a nice bottle of booze. Even if they don't drink, they can regift it easily.
I bet that 8 year old would have an easier time trading a nice bottle of booze.
Seriously, though, my parents would have been pissed if I traded away a gift someone gave me. We did trade stuff all the time (mostly matchbox cars and baseball cards) but "I got this for Christmas" meant that it was off limits for trading.
Mostly getting my wife and kids "experience" gifts this year, rather than physical things. Nobody needs or wants much, so instead I'm getting tickets to concerts, plays, musicals, comedy shows, etc.
"Elements" by Euclid. Together with a mug printed with the graphics from the title page.
They're so far away I probably won't, sadly.
In lieu of sending gifts, sometimes I donate to charities that remind me of the recipient. For instance, for the bird lover, I donated in their name to Audubon. Etc.
I do this sometimes. I have to pick carefully though, I've come to learn a large number of them aren't trustworthy.
Sure, CharityNavigator is good for research.
You can order them food from a distance.
Wait, really? How?
2 ceramics from anna collete hunt
Olive oil with trums, about 10$ for a bottle and you onley need so little to make any dish more exciting
Socks because most people like socks.
Try with home decor, a plant or a good lamp is always a good gift.
Home decor may depend on your recipient. Some people like a certain style and want their decor to fit it. You may think that it is the type of lamp they like but it might mess with their ambiance.
Colouring books! The wife, mother, and mother-in-law all find it therapeutic so they get that. Father and father-IL get booze. Brother gets a happy Xmas text as we stopped exchanging gifts years ago.
Hori Hori knife for any gardeners that you know.
Fossil watch, they have some nice minimal deaigns
Dad - a planer and bacon of the month club. Mom - athletic clothes and reservations for afternoon tea. I'm also buying tickets to an escape room for all of us to do together. Trying to give fewer gifts and spend more on activities that will bring us all together
This is what my wife and I do. We don't buy presents. We go do an experience together!
Electric toothbrush
If you're crowdsourcing gift ideas, you're already losing. Gifts should be personal.
No reason you can't look for some inspiration.