The Gift Suggestion Thread

[batmom]

I got this Robert Munsch CD for Batgirl. It's a recording of Robert Munsch telling some of his stories. It makes both Batgirl (2) and Batboy (10) giggle.

[mrpancake]

What would you guys recommend I get for my friend for her birthday. I want it to be special and unique, because she means a lot to me. She's a vegan and really into Children's Literature. I think I'm going to get her a copy of "El Arbol Generoso" (The Giving Tree) by Shel Silverstein. She's a native speaker and has a collection of books, and I really like that one, regardless of whether or not people think it gives a message of codependency! She's always there for me, so in some ways, she's like my giving tree and I'm hers too. What other little small thing(s) can I get for her to wrap up with this? Any suggestions?

[Deleted]

Mr. Pancake, that book will be a great and thoughtful gift. If you have any pictures of the two of you together, a framed photo would be a nice addition. And/or some homemade vegan brownies or muffins.

[mrpancake]

Excellent idea! I just bought her the perfect frame. I think I'm also going to surprise her a bit before her birthday. She could use a little pick me up, and we're both going to be here for spring break. I think she'll like it...I hope

[bossyboots]

Sleepy, my nephews (2 and 4) both loved the Charlotte Diamond CDs I got them, and so do my sisters. The songs are happy but not saccharine, and most of her CDs have some French on them as an added bonus.

[marywebgirl]

So what's everyone getting their mom? I have no idea myself.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on what to get an older college graduate? My brother is 40 and is getting his associate's degree in a couple weeks. He's not going into a professional setting or anything, so clothes or a briefcase or something like that are out, but I get the impression that he's really happy about his accomplishment so I'd like to get him something.

[kafka]

marywebgirl said:

So what's everyone getting their mom? I have no idea myself.

I'm cooking for my Mommy, because that's what she's asked for and what makes her happy. I tried out a recipe which Splendagirl gave me recently and I think I'll use that for one of the courses.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on what to get an older college graduate? My brother is 40 and is getting his associate's degree in a couple weeks. He's not going into a professional setting or anything, so clothes or a briefcase or something like that are out, but I get the impression that he's really happy about his accomplishment so I'd like to get him something.

Can you get any of his early essays, tests or stuff from him (or his GF/wife/SO/Partner)? If so, perhaps you can do him a scrap book of his time from beginning to end, including photos, university stickers, notes, test results and more. If you know any of his friends from school, that's when it will really mean something because perhaps you can get a few notes from them to add in the scrapbook. Even if it's just emails printed out and cut up so they look pretty, it will be a nice surprise. All leading up to a photo of him at graduation.

[dwanollah]

I'm getting Mommy and Gramma new bedstuffs for their bedrooms. They're easy this year. My MiL, however, is impossible! I've told her that a couple times, and she looks puzzled and says, "I'm easy to shop for! There are lots of things I need. Like two paint brushes, round, size 3/0. And phlox seeds or seedlings, in red or pink. And candy, as long as it's sugar-free and doesn't have any artificial colors or dyes-"

See? Impossible!

[laconicchick]

I'm giving my mother a cross-stitched lighthouse picture to match the maps and lighthouse pictures they already have on the wall. In a way it's sort of a crappy gift, because she will have to frame it, but I can't afford $70 for framing. It might not be quite that much; it's small.

At least I know she'll like it; she came to visit last week and brought me the exact same kit so I could make it for her. *facepalm* I showed her the one that was almost finished and she said she would return the new one. Oops! She even called me from the store when she was buying it to ask if I wanted a kit to make something for myself, and I said yes, and then said something like, "But maybe you should just wait and see about something for yourself... WAIT AND SEE." I swear she has a memory like a sieve because she must have forgotten as soon as she hung up.

[mrpancake]

So what's everyone getting their mom? I have no idea myself.

Aw, fuck. I totally forgot. I have no clue. Both of my parents are the worst people to buy gifts for, and I they get pissed when I say "I don't know" to their queries about what I want. They're the same way, and say something like, "You don't have to get me anything." That is such crap! Everyone always wants some material good! Throw me a bone! Anyway, I have no clue whatsoever as to what I'll get her. What day is Mother's Day? Next Sunday? I swear to you, I am so trapped in this insular bubble. I have no clue what's going on in the outside world. I don't have a TV, so internet news and this site are basically how I keep in touch. I'd get her flowers or something, but it's such a wasted gift. She won't take care of them. Shit, I have no ideas! ARGH![/Annoying Cathy-style outburst]

ETA: I just ordered her something on Amazon. Wastefully, I had it shipped here first so I could add a card and some other things to it. I got her the Betty Broderick movie that always airs on Lifetime. It's sort of an inside joke, but basically my mom and one of her sister are suckers for Lifetime movies. They could sit all day and watch Lifetime movies. I don't know why they get into them, but I've actually seen the Betty Broderick one, and it's decent. They're really into murder/mayhem CourtTV stuff, so I'll send it with some Junior Mints and a card and they can knock themselves out. Lame, I know, but there's actually a chance I could get it there by Sunday.