The Gift Suggestion Thread

[satellite]

jessba said:

Any suggestions for a gift exchange? We're doing a random gift exchange, so this has to be a pretty generic gift, something aimed at 20-35 year old women. The Christmas party for this job is on Sunday and I haven't gotten anything in mind yet.

So far I've thought of chocolates or a journal, those are the big ideas. Oh yeah, and the limit is $15.

Suggestions for anything slightly interesting?

Already? I thought you guys just have an earlier Thanksgiving? ;D

People at my job often give alcohol, but it's probably not always appropriate. I was thinking of giving flavored coffees and teas this year. Maybe bath stuff?

[batmom]

One of the paperwhites or narcisus plant kits (you, the ones that let you force the bulb indoors) usually run about $15 are really nice to have around.

Batgirl just turned three and was given (at the suggestion of deadduck, who had seen her play it at a friend's house) the game Cariboo (by the makers of Cranium). She just loves it and it's educational (they have to match colours, shapes, and letters and count). And it has two levels. I highly recommend it for the preschooler on your gift list.

[satellite]

I'm doing Secret Santa at work. So I got this guy whom I don't know, but he has allergies and is known for very loud sneezes. He has a sign that says "Achoo!" above his desk so I assume that he has a sense of humor about it. Would it be insulting to get him some nice Brooks Brothers handkercheifs? I know everyone doesn't share my sense of humor.
Hmmm... I guess it is treading the line of good taste. Any suggestions?

[india7]

Brooks Brothers handkerchiefs would be NICE! That would be a nice gift for any man, even one who doesn't have a sneezing problem. Not insulting at all, IMHO.

[Deleted]

Does anyone have any ideas along this line: for my one sister-in-law, I'm going to get her a travel manicure kit, since she likes to do her nails and also travels several times a year. I want to get something along those lines for my other sister-in-law: something travel related that is also convenient since she's coming across the country with two kids. I want to get something for her, not for her as a mom. She actually gets her nails and waxing done professionally, so I figure manicure kit/travel razor is out.

[satellite]

If you want to spend the dough, those Bose noise-blocking headphones might be nice for air travel, or something along those lines. For car travel I have these really comfy washable leather Rockport driving mocassins that she might like.

[fairfox]

Does anyone know anything about...wallets? I want to get my boyfriend a wallet for Christmas, but I don't have $800 to blow at Asprey. I'd say $250 is the max.

Also, what is the deal with bill sizes? My boyfriend lives on London. If I buy and Italian wallet (I was thinking of Pineider) will it be sized for Euros? Will US wallets be sized for US $ and not for pounds? Pounds are an awkward shape, shorter and fatter than dollars (Canadian or American).

This is complicated. Why can't I just buy him comedy underwear?

[littleblacksheep]

Hey fairfox. A wallet will be a lovely present! I never thought about the size dilemma though until you brought it up - I never remember having any issues with notes when I was in the US & UK, as I have euros normally. Eluxury.com have a number of wallets on there - you shouldn't have to spend anywhere near $800 for a wallet. $250, which is your max is more than enough to get a really nice one. There is a Dior one there that is $230 that looks good, and a Paul Smith one for $250. They are both the same width at 4.25". What looks like a lovely present is a Hugo Boss billfold (5" across) & money clip set for $99, or their separate billfold wallet with stripe for $129. If you go to eluxury.com and go to men's essentials at the top, then scroll down the left hand side to 'Small Leather Goods' they should all come up.

Smythson have some lovely wallets, and they are a UK brand so pounds should definitely fit. However, the $/£ rate has got pretty bad, so you probably will be better off buying something in the US if you can.

[whatever]

Library of Congress

This is the address of the Library of Congress website where you can order archival, exhibition quality photographs of just about any subject, town, and interest imaginable in the US. A lot of photos from the Farm Security Aid Administration, ranging in date from 1900-1950.

I'm buying my dad 2 vintage photos (1930s era) of Jersey City for Christmas, because it's where he grew up, and he still works there. Of course, I will not actually get them delivered by Christmas at this point. But, 'tis the thought that counts. I will be wrapping up 2 computer printed pages depicting what he can expect in January.

They have amazing shots of a lot of towns, even my mother's tiny 1-square mile hometown. So, if you ever want a cool gift for someone, check this site out.

And they are not outrageously pricy either. You can get an 11 x 14 photo plus shipping for around $100.

[batmom]

That is awesome, whatever. I hope I remember it in time for my Dad's birthday. He's big on tracing his family's roots (which happen to be in the States).