I have no doubt I’ve ask for help along these lines before,
but I’m doing it again. Maybe we can all help one another. Christmas is looking
us right in the eye. I enjoy Christmas very much. I like decorations (not quite
yet, but soon), I like buying for my loved ones, getting together, hearing
carols – I like it all. My problem is that my brain is completely worn out
trying to think of things to give my loved ones.
I can’t be alone in this. Do you all have problems too? I
have a wonderful husband and a grown son and daughter. Mollie will be easy for
several reasons. One she’ll share a list with me as long as my arm and even
without suggestions she has a new house. But the guys live in the big city in a
tiny apartment and everything will have to fit in their suitcases or I have to
mail it to them.
I’m not expecting you to come up with my Christmas shopping
list – but could you think back over the past five year or so and tell me the
best gift you got for your husband and if you have them, your grown kids. I’m
just trying to get a sea of ideas started. You can leave a comment or if you
have a blog tell me there.
Mine are:
Nick – Kindle, camera
LJ and Collin – toboggans with wireless speaker built in,
Apple TV
Mollie – Apple TV, stuff
(toilet paper, paper towels, dish washing and clothes washing pods, over the
counter medicines, tissue, shampoo, kitty litter) as she says these aren’t
exciting, but they cost a lot. She’s buying the house and has no roommate, so I
guess so.
Now on a slightly different note, I know you aren’t supposed
to buy things for yourself right before Christmas but I needed a new
I found a great one! Best back scratcher ever! But do you
think I should keep this one hidden too?
Don’t forget to give me your best gift ideas and remember to
come by for some questions and answers from Tom and Cal tomorrow at the Reading Room.
And one more thing, there will be a brand new Fantasy Friday this week - and my new friend's arm is only slightly bruised from my twisting it.
Hi PK, ugh, there is so much else going on I can't even begin to think about Christmas yet. I hate the build up and stress, bah humbug lol. Scrappy really raises her head this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with ideas too every year. Wow, can you add me to your list? lol.
Some of the gifts I have given Rick, either for birthday or Christmas range from binoculars, wallets, headphones and speakers.
As for the back scratcher, I guess it depends, it may get Nick's attention :)
Hugs
Roz
Roz, I really like getting ready for Christmas. I used to be all finished around Mollie's birthday in October. I only put money in gifts for Nick and the kids.
DeleteNo idea on the presents, PK. I am at a loss for most of my family this year. I cannot wait for the Fantasy Friday story! That's exciting. Hoping your friend isn't too sore either, lol. I can attest that back scratcher needs to be hidden away. Looks too much likes Bertha to me.
ReplyDelete--Baker
I loved reading the story myself, I know you all will like it.
DeleteI love gift certificates and I know it takes the joy out of opening a package but to me it is the best gift to give and receive. If you have an idea, put a picture in with the gift card. It will be interesting to see if they use it for that purpose.
ReplyDeleteI always do gift cards for birthdays - but I want to get them something real for Christmas even if it only something little.
DeletePK,
ReplyDeleteI vote with Sunny. Gift cards mail easily and family can tuck them into pockets to fly home. I wrap those gift cards knowing that they will enjoy picking out just what they want.
Meredith
See my answer to Sunny above. I love gift cards too, but ... maybe something like a crown to show them I'm thinking of them.
Deletebath brushes are not allowed in my house. Back scratchers, I have the bamboo one and yes it packs quite a sting. I have tried to hide it, but somehow it keeps finding its way back to the bedroom. A small retractable metal one that kind of looks like a fork is also used only for really scratching my back. As for gifts, perhaps for the boys who live in the city, I just noticed that Uber has gift cards, that may work. For Molly how about something fun for the home. A print of a painting she loves, or a plant for outside, a gift certificate for a spring lawn clean up, gift card to IKEA or Wayfair. Love thinking of gifts for others.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it with backscratchers - it's like they can crawl their way out of hiding. Uber might be a good idea for the boys in the city.
DeleteGood morning, PK!
ReplyDeleteI love to really come up with good ideas, and I try to shop all year long when I see something that reminds me of someone I love. Don't do gift cards, but I am doing more "experience" gifts the last few years.
Tickets to a play or concert or sporting event.
A book on hiking the trails in our state.
A magazine subscription about a keen interest.
Framing or a shadow box with a special memory item from childhood.
For Sam, it might be a "play" item for the bedroom. (We open that privately, BTW.) History books are always a winner with him, too. I also got him tickets to see the Glenn Miller Orchestra coming to town.
One son is passionate about a fantasy game he plays with friends. I searched until I found a tee shirt with the logo on it.
Other son is a movie and TV series aficionado. I can always find something at the Cafe Press website.
One DIL is a devout Catholic, and I search resale and antique shops for ceramic figurines of the Virgin Mary. She has her collection displayed prominently and loves new additions.
If I think of something else, I will send you a note, my friend. My present from you is arriving on November 17th. :)
Ella Counting the Days
Hugs From Ella
Thanks Ella, you have some wonderful ideas here. I know the boys like plays better than anything. I may get one of their friends to choose one for me. I can handle Mollie.
DeleteHi Pk, wow Ella is good at this present lark. I was going to suggest experience day vouchers for the boys and I too buy something play orientated for hubby. Girls are easier than boys (and that applies to any age I think). I am enjoying shopping for the grandchildren:)
ReplyDeleteGood luck, love Jan, xx
PS I don't know about hiding that brush I think you should be binning it!
Girls sure are easier then boys! They were so easy when they were little.
DeleteThis is going to sound ridiculous, I know. I have the exact same bath brush. It is way too soft for a good scratch so it is kept in a drawer in the bedroom for a "different" use. I was in the market and saw--now this is the ridiculous part--a toilet cleaning brush. I felt the bristles and thought it would make a great back scratcher. I bought it for less than $2.00 . It's great! I keep it in a pretty box on the shelf of my night stand where I keep powder etc. so it's handy but not out for anyone to see. I seem to frequently have an itchy back and this will scratch as hard or soft as I need.
ReplyDeleteGifts. They're so hard. I hate to give something that they have to find room for. Foods are good(fruit of the month, dinner ingredients and recipes that are delivered, etc) , towels almost everyone can use more of or replacements. For Mollie, maybe spices and herbs from nice specialty stores if she cooks. Cookbooks. Massages, pedicures. Gift certificate for a nursery for next Spring? I find any gift certificate is good so they can get what they really need/want. I recently made hot pepper jelly and gave it to friends and family with cream cheese and nice crackers. But I like to cook. I'm seeing from many of your posts that you--not so much. Hope this gets you thinking.
I'll admit this backscratcher is a little on the soft side, but I did like it's looks. I might give your suggestion a try.
DeleteFood might be good for the boys. Collin does love to cook.
PK,
ReplyDeleteI don't want to think about Christmas yet. P is the hardest to buy for. Past presents have been kindle, phone, magazine subscription, wallets, jumpers and shirts. This year I have no idea.
Neices/nephews are easy as they love gift cards or Itune cards.
I tend to buy son and girlfriend theatre/concert tickets, lottery tickets and some silly bits and pieces.
Love,
Ronnie
xx
Hmm... theater tickets might be good for all the kids. I do go with gift cards for the nieces and nephews.
DeleteHey PK...I have a similar back scratcher and it works much better than the traditional kind and unless you would like it used on your tush, I would keep it hidden.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...got no ideas for Nick. I have sent my kiddos a selection from Omaha Steaks for Christmas, Birthdays, etc. You can get a large or small selection depending on the amount of freezer space they have. I have also sent Amazon gift certificates which they love and I don't have to worry about shipping. :)
Hugs and blessings...Cat
I wish I could send the boys Omaha Steaks, but Collin is a vegetarian. Still there is a lot of food I can send.
DeleteI have a similar back scratcher and bath brush. Yikes! I don't have any real good ideas for gifts for you at the moment but if I remember anything, I will comment again. I find it much easier to shop for my daughter than I do the boys. I know Ty likes gift certificates.
ReplyDeletePlease do holler if you think of anything. Yep, girls are way easier.
DeletePuzzle rooms are popular where I live. That might be am experience gift they would like. EL
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea. I know both my kids have done it and love it.
DeleteI agree with Ella. When everyone is grown living their own lives I think an experience gift is the way to go. Concert or theatre tickets, a museum membership, dinner and a show, a lovely brunch, who doesn’t love a special time away from the everyday.
ReplyDeleteI do love these ideas but not completely knowing their taste in concerts and such I'm not sure the best way to do it other than just handing them money.
DeleteHi PK -
ReplyDeleteI'm with the others. An experience is something the grown kids remember much longer than an item. In particular, I like to get them tickets to something they would love but can't afford or wouldn't spend money on.
As for Eric, he truly loves it when I make things for him. I took a picture of all of our implements and turned it into a puzzle. I also made him a calendar of ME is all kinds of positions that he loves. I've also written him our love story. He likes the personal touch.
Good luck!
Amy... who also has that bath brush. LOL
I love your gifts for Eric! Very creative. I know my boys would love tickets to something.
DeleteBackstcratchers should always remain hidden! I have problems with gifts too. Especially the guys. One year i got everyone vitamin C supplements. Another year it was tickets to the theatre (if they like that sort of thing). Good luck.
ReplyDeleteIt's hidden at the moment. I do remember one year we gave emergency supplies, flashlights and crank recharging radios.
DeleteHi PK, Over the last few years we started giving gift certificates, as they can be posted inside a Christmas card. Also the Grands became too fussy with what we gave them, so this way they can choose their own gift. Before this I made a hamper for each family with movie vouchers, filled it with munchies to take to the movies, a scrabble game also several other bits and pieces. They were all thrilled.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read the FF.
Hugs Lindy xx
I do so much better buying for little kids than I do these independent adults. Can you take your own food into the theater where you are? We have to do some major sneaking to do it here.
DeleteHi PK, :) You got tons of great ideas. I'm starting to think about Christmas gifts too...
ReplyDeleteLast year I gave Rob and Apple watch for his birthday. I knew that it was something that he would hem and haw about, and he did a bit. He never feels the need to have the newest technology. He ended up loving it. So that was a good one. He does have an iphone so they work together.
I was talking to our oldest daughter about gifts recently, and she told me about a poem, which I liked:
Something they want,
Something they need,
Something to wear,
Something to read.
I'm going to focus on that this year, I think. Is that helpful? I found some cool lists of recommended best books, last year, and gave them each two books, along with some other things. I need to get busy too! Many hugs,
<3 Katie xoxo