Since Isabel brought it up… holiday gifts?

[tacokick]

I basically buy for two people. No one has kids and we don’t exchange with our siblings.

Last year I got my dad a customized hoodie with a funny phrase he says on it.

His hobby is making small wood toys for children to color/play with (he donates them to domestic violence shelters) but he does that in a shed that’s too cold to use in the winter. I’m trying to think of another craft he could do. Pot holder loom (like the nice cotton ones)? Teach him how to crochet scarves to donate? He seemed sort of bored last winter without my mom and I think it’s going to be cold this year.

Any suggestions?? He was a jeweler when I was growing up but stopped because he couldn’t do super close, fine work as he got older so I’d think model building would be out. He’s a minimalist so something he can give away or use is best.



I ordered some board/card games I might give my husband or break out if we get bored. Maybe an Apple Watch? He keeps talking about them.

[followyourarrow]

Oct 4, 2021 12:35:59 GMT -5 tacokick said:

I basically buy for two people. No one has kids and we don’t exchange with our siblings.

Last year I got my dad a customized hoodie with a funny phrase he says on it.

His hobby is making small wood toys for children to color/play with (he donates them to domestic violence shelters) but he does that in a shed that’s too cold to use in the winter. I’m trying to think of another craft he could do. Pot holder loom (like the nice cotton ones)? Teach him how to crochet scarves to donate? He seemed sort of bored last winter without my mom and I think it’s going to be cold this year.

Any suggestions?? He was a jeweler when I was growing up but stopped because he couldn’t do super close, fine work as he got older so I’d think model building would be out. He’s a minimalist so something he can give away or use is best.



I ordered some board/card games I might give my husband or break out if we get bored. Maybe an Apple Watch? He keeps talking about them.

Is there a way to safely heat the shed?  Maybe a kerosene heater or tiny pellet stove.

[starburst604]

I'm glad I read this thread because I had zero idea of what to buy for DD (6). This morning I added hair chalk, rainbow loom, digital clock, some pool diving toys and a latern/flashlight to her Amazon wishlist. Maybe Amazon notifies people who have purchased from it before? Because just now my dad texted me that he ordered the entire wish list and it will be shipped to me since he'll be snowbirding by December, and he's heard to buy now because things will take longer.

Now I'm back to square one for ideas for her from Santa and us, thanks Dad lol. Guess I'll be waiting for the arrival of the Target toy catalog for more ideas. 

I think we'll just do cash for our nieces/nephews. They're ages 9-18 so they're at that stage now. 

[christy082]

My daughter who is 6.5 is getting Raya and the Last Dragon Lego sets, books, and a Raya dress up outfit. Not sure what she's going to ask Santa for yet.

My parents are getting her a Wellie Wisher doll she wants and some Wild Kratts figures.

My 94 year old grandmother is the only adult I will be buying for, and I will likely get her a grocery store gift card and make her the holiday biscotti she loves.

I need to figure out something for my niece who will be 9 months old at Christmastime.

[pierogigirl]

Thanks to this thread, I just ordered the stomp rocket race cars. I didn't know they made anything other than rockets. DS2 will love them.

[jamaicam]

Oct 3, 2021 16:13:50 GMT -5 sproctopus said:

Parents (both of ours) got 9x12 photo canvases of kid from Free Prints (they're free this month-- just pay $13 shipping).

I'm looking for this and cant see it - is there a code? 

[sproctopus]

Oct 4, 2021 16:10:17 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

Oct 3, 2021 16:13:50 GMT -5 sproctopus said:

Parents (both of ours) got 9x12 photo canvases of kid from Free Prints (they're free this month-- just pay $13 shipping).

I'm looking for this and cant see it - is there a code? 

Download their Free Prints Gifts app and it should be there.

[jamaicam]

Oct 4, 2021 16:22:02 GMT -5 sproctopus said:

Oct 4, 2021 16:10:17 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

I'm looking for this and cant see it - is there a code? 

Download their Free Prints Gifts app and it should be there.

Thanks. Not officially available in my country.... will need to download when I'm on a VPN!

[dontlook]

I’m glad parents of other 10 year olds are struggling. I thought it was just me. I have quite a few ideas for my 8 and 3 year old but my DD is at the age she doesn’t really want more toys. So far I have:
- a nice soft throw blanket so she can stop stealing mine
- nice fluffy slippers so she can stop stealing mine
- cookbook
- sweater from school
- stocking stuffers: switch gift card, iTunes gift card, gum, chapstick, masks

My MIL is buying all the kids new iPads since theirs are old and slow.

[maudefindlay]

For parents of kids k thru early elementary, here is one of the best gifts we gave our kids. Our almost 9 yr old and 10 yr old still get theirs out from time to time.

A "briefcase" with office supplies. Got the briefcase at a craft store. Sticky notes, pens, paperclips, mini stapler, stamper, small notepad. Sale stickers. An old not in service flip phone. My FIL had one of those printing calculators he no longer used and the kids make businesses and print receipts. Big hit and pretty cheap to put together. Seriously occupied lots of their time and kept them out of my supplies.
Nametags on those retractable cords too.

[ohgillian]

Oct 3, 2021 15:48:40 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I’m very grateful we don’t do outside gifts except for our parents. They’re getting a framed professional shot of our family.

No idea about DH or DS. I want an Apple Watch.

I’m certain we won’t start shopping until after Thanksgiving. I hate sitting on gifts.

Normally I don't start early, but mysteriouswife has scared me enough about supply chain problems that I'm already mostly done. 

[tacokick]

Oct 4, 2021 13:56:28 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

Oct 4, 2021 12:35:59 GMT -5 tacokick said:

I basically buy for two people. No one has kids and we don’t exchange with our siblings.

Last year I got my dad a customized hoodie with a funny phrase he says on it.

His hobby is making small wood toys for children to color/play with (he donates them to domestic violence shelters) but he does that in a shed that’s too cold to use in the winter. I’m trying to think of another craft he could do. Pot holder loom (like the nice cotton ones)? Teach him how to crochet scarves to donate? He seemed sort of bored last winter without my mom and I think it’s going to be cold this year.

Any suggestions?? He was a jeweler when I was growing up but stopped because he couldn’t do super close, fine work as he got older so I’d think model building would be out. He’s a minimalist so something he can give away or use is best.



I ordered some board/card games I might give my husband or break out if we get bored. Maybe an Apple Watch? He keeps talking about them.

Is there a way to safely heat the shed?  Maybe a kerosene heater or tiny pellet stove.

It’s not quite big enough for a heater and he’s nervous doing that, it’s near a wooded area and full of wood lol

I wish it was! He does bundle up and work in there pretty far into the winter but there are some days that are just too cold.

[Bernadine]

Oct 5, 2021 13:39:05 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Oct 4, 2021 13:56:28 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

Is there a way to safely heat the shed?  Maybe a kerosene heater or tiny pellet stove.

It’s not quite big enough for a heater and he’s nervous doing that, it’s near a wooded area and full of wood lol

I wish it was! He does bundle up and work in there pretty far into the winter but there are some days that are just too cold.

What about a heated jacket? I’m pretty sure they exist for hunters.

[picksthemusic]

Oct 3, 2021 15:07:44 GMT -5 expectantsteelerfan said:

Ds is getting a smart watch (probably a samsung galaxy active). At this point I feel like all he wants is new technology or to upgrade something he already has.

I have zero ideas for my 10 year old dd though.

I'm hoping to get them a zipline as a joint gift (we have a ninjaline that gets used daily by both), but I need to make sure we have trees that it will work with.

Does your DD like dolls? Mine is super into Rainbow High (I dislike it, but it makes her happy) and loves the dolls and dressing them up. She will probably get the collection finished for Christmas, haha.

[tacokick]

Oct 5, 2021 13:43:42 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Oct 5, 2021 13:39:05 GMT -5 tacokick said:

It’s not quite big enough for a heater and he’s nervous doing that, it’s near a wooded area and full of wood lol

I wish it was! He does bundle up and work in there pretty far into the winter but there are some days that are just too cold.

What about a heated jacket? I’m pretty sure they exist for hunters.

That might work! I’ll look into it.

[litebright]

I've been placing a number of orders recently, after seeing so many stories about how supply chain issues are going to be as bad or worse than last year.

Getting my 11 and 13YO:

- Comics
- Sheet music and t-shirts from a favorite musical artist
- Books
- Earrings for DD1, who just got her ears pierced about six weeks ago
- Keychains off of Etsy that are based on their semi-obscure book series fandoms. They put these on their school backpacks.
- Clothes
- Maybe one big Lego set each -- DD2 loves the space ones.
- Stocking stuffers

[sadlebred]

My parents just gave me the best, easiest gift request ever. Arbys (fast food) gift cards. and McDonalds. Done. They are older and don't want anymore stuff. They do like going through their favorite drive-throughs.

[Jalapeñomel]

Oct 5, 2021 21:21:54 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

My parents just gave me the best, easiest gift request ever. Arbys (fast food) gift cards. and McDonalds. Done. They are older and don't want anymore stuff. They do like going through their favorite drive-throughs.

I inspire to be your parents lol

[jinkies]

Oct 5, 2021 14:14:31 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Oct 5, 2021 13:43:42 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

What about a heated jacket? I’m pretty sure they exist for hunters.

That might work! I’ll look into it.

My H is an outdoors guy and LOVES his heated jacket.

For indoor winter hobbies, would your dad be into jigsaw puzzles? My parents have gotten into them the last couple years as a winter activity.

[moreace01]

The kids (meaning nieces and nephew) are getting cash. I gave up on the gifts awhile back. I don't have kids so like, wtf do I know to get them? You know?

Parents - got my dad a b-day gift from Goldbelly and that went over really well so I'll likely do the same type of thing for the holidays.

SO - we are taking a trip near the holidays so I might get him an experience gift there (helicopter ride maybe - which I would gladly send him on by himself because I get extremely motion sick).

[acr]

12 yo DS - giant gummy bear, Naruto lunch sack, Hercules jersey (for our WDW trip), Bombas, Japanese mythology book, Nintendo gift card, 3D Pin Art board, maybe a new bike (his 12th bday is a few days before Christmas)

4 yo DD - LOL doll stuff, Magna Tiles house tiles, Lakeshore learning playsets, water bottle, Barbies

[Bernadine]

I just ordered BIL and his girlfriend the adventure challenge book for couples. Also going to get them an Amazon gift card they can use to print pictures of the challenges.

[candreco]

Oct 6, 2021 9:52:52 GMT -5 acr said:

12 yo DS - giant gummy bear, Naruto lunch sack, Hercules jersey (for our WDW trip), Bombas, Japanese mythology book, Nintendo gift card, 3D Pin Art board, maybe a new bike (his 12th bday is a few days before Christmas)

4 yo DD - LOL doll stuff, Magna Tiles house tiles, Lakeshore learning playsets, water bottle, Barbies

Can you link the Japanese mythology book? It sounds like something my DD would like and she's hard to shop for!

[acr]

Oct 7, 2021 6:41:03 GMT -5 candreco said:

Oct 6, 2021 9:52:52 GMT -5 acr said:

12 yo DS - giant gummy bear, Naruto lunch sack, Hercules jersey (for our WDW trip), Bombas, Japanese mythology book, Nintendo gift card, 3D Pin Art board, maybe a new bike (his 12th bday is a few days before Christmas)

4 yo DD - LOL doll stuff, Magna Tiles house tiles, Lakeshore learning playsets, water bottle, Barbies

Can you link the Japanese mythology book? It sounds like something my DD would like and she's hard to shop for!

Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic (Book of Japanese Mythology, Folk Tales from Japan) www.amazon.com/dp/1452174466/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0CAW1J3EGX5TXS1T6GF9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


I have not confirmed this book with DS - but he loves mythology and Japan.

[christy082]

I picked this up for my niece who will be 9 months yesterday. It has 3 levels and, most importantly, VOLUME CONTROL, lol. We have some things of my daughter's in excellent condition that she wants to give her cousin, so she's also getting a pink kids Adirondack chair and the sensory board we made my daughter around that age.