Forum Moderators: open
So far I've gotten them some nice food-stuffs and junk.
Generally, this is not a problem. I find a cool book or something for their kitchen, or some gadget. But, this year, nothing is coming to mind.
* Scrapbook
* Blank (undated) journal
* Anatomical skull
* Box of chocolates
* Selection of fine beers
* Box set of DVDs
Matt
Apart from being very personal and unique it is a gift that they will probably keep forever, which is more than you can say for a bottle of after shave or perfume. ;)
Frankly, I love to read. I have a particular series of 18 books that I've read at least 4 or 5 times.
You can't curl up on the sofa or in your bed with a PC ;)
I would suggest a book or a CD. There are some interesting and amusing books out there.
Ya know, the perfume is not a bad idea. A bit odd from us, but that makes it fun. My wife will likely not go for it, however.
I've given them "executive desk" stuff over the years--they have all of that. Last year everyone got personal stationary. They liked it ok, but it wasn't the hit that I thought it would be.
The scrapbook idea reminds me when my wife framed up old pictures of them she had taken. (I'm the oldest of the kids.) I thought it was a so-so idea, but instead it was a big winner. They still talk about it. (My wife is a very good photographer.)
Look, I'm not seeking anything "wow," just SOMETHING. (Everyone is getting too old for the fun stuff. I think that's the problem.)
Hitchhikers Guide--all have gotten a copy from me for birthdays, etc. GREAT book. (Do NOT go off topic here, as tempting as it is....)
No wait...socks.
I don't remember when I got to the age when socks started becoming a good present, but to me there's nothing like a pair of fresh socks.
I'm easy to please though
[edited by: Murdoch at 3:05 am (utc) on Dec. 12, 2006]
I don't remember when I got to the age when socks started becoming a good present...
Hmm, this year, for the first time ever, I actually put down socks on my Christmas list. Guess I must be at 'that age'...
Books are always a great idea - the possibilities are as great as the number of books written. And I'll go along with the antiquarian books suggestion, too - they are especially wonderful gifts to give.
Syzygy
Anyone seen or heard of something I could get a guy (uk) a small gift for exactly or under £5. Like a rubix cube idea or something?
A painting could be nice, as long as you know what they like.
David Attenborough's Natural history collection of DVDs. I think his new one is called Planet Earth and this could be a great Christmas present if they have the time to invest in his interesting explorations.
A painting could be nice, as long as you know what they like.
I'm thinking something like a Monty Python DVD collection.
They actually grew the Chia Pets
I usually do firstnamelastname.com. Most of the time they are available. If not, then I have to get somewhat creative.
It's an unexpected gift and people just don't realize the value of having theirname.com. YET! ;)
Why not get on to eBay and look for old books on subects they are interested in?
Or better still, get on Abebooks which has thousands of antiquarian booksellers world wide. As a book collector I use it all the time, I have no financial connections!
Matt
I often see books in there that are cheaper than the eBay prices although I must say that the condition of the books is generally clearer in eBay.
The organization wolfadeus speaks of is Heifer International. I wrote an article on them when they first got going, years ago. It was one of those things that, when you heard about it, you thought, "Yeah, that is going to work!" And, it did. The web has boosted their effectiveness. Very good organization. I think my family will be moving to donations in the near future, but my mom likes that we all give gifts to one another.
Books are not working for my gang, but what about a magazine subscription? And a bottle of good wine, except for my youngest brother who does not drink or eat candy. I'll get him some fine nuts. (The temptation is to push them out of their comfort zone here with something like a subscription to Harper's magazine or The Economist. But, I'll likely go with a shelter book or cooking.)
