The Gift Suggestion Thread

[ladyboy]

I like that. It kind of symbolizes how you're this orchid who needed constant tending to thrive... KIDDING! Really just kidding, don't get paranoid! It's an elegant gift. It's tough to buy something for someone you like but don't know very well.

Sometimes I like the gifts that give throughout the year, or you can use later. I feel overwhelmed with gifts/stuff at the holidays (not that I am receiving that many gifts tbh) but it's nice to get something at some random time. But they can be hard to find beyond a gift card and/or pricey.

[riosamba]

Dec 16, 2017 22:12:28 GMT -4 Ginger said:

Dec 16, 2017 21:31:10 GMT -4 chonies said:

Is she in the same city as you? I know gift cards might be kind of tacky, but I'd recommend something specific to wherever she is, like an indie bookstore or a parks pass or whatever; maybe there's a food-selling place that's gluten safe and also vegan, just in case. At least it would have currency if she wanted to pass it along.

Orrrrrr...this could be a bit too precious, but if you could find something like a historical book of wherever she is, and a note with something like, "thank you for helping me find my." Maybe a print or historical map from Etsy? Is there something specific to your shared job or industry?

This *is* hard. Worst case, you could always think of buying something that you would appreciate, and find a literary way to make it relevant--binoculars? a somewhat upscale planter and plant? The Harry and David pear box?

That said, the other day I picked up a $7 christmas cactus for a friend's birthday--nothing special, I got it at the supermarket and I chose a bright pink one. I thought it was a nice thing to do. She was totally into it for reasons I didn't know about (grandma memories), and kept talking about it. I felt kind of bad, because someone else put together an elaborate balloon display, and the cactus got far more attention.

I don't even know where she's from, only where she works! Obviously I'm going to have to make a real effort this year to find out more about her.

I bit the bullet: live orchid from Amazon, delivering to her office this week. No gift options, unfortunately, so the stupid receipt will be in it. Heartfelt card sent separately with a little drawing of an orchid saying it's from me.

That sounds beautiful. Try not to worry about the receipt; Amazon makes so many mistakes this close to Christmas that she'll assume it's them, not you.

[Ginger]

Thanks, guys. I feel better about it now.

People are so bombarded by chocolate and cookies this time of year that I didn't want to contribute any more sweets to the mix, so that eliminated a lot of gift baskets.

I think I got a pretty good gift for my 20-year-old nephew: Jedi Bathrobe. He's an engineering student and a big Star Wars fan.

[mrspickles]

I think by now you all know that my son is a bit of an odd 'un. Delightfully twisted sense of humor but not a mean bone in his body. He will be getting NOT ONLY a Bob Ross Chia, but also a Bob Ross jigsaw puzzle. As goofy as they sound, I know he will love them and will probably insist on wearing his Bob Ross t-shirt to work the puzzle.

I love my boy.

Ginger, I think the orchid was a very wonderful gift.

[chonies]

Dec 17, 2017 15:33:36 GMT -4 mrspickles said:

I think by now you all know that my son is a bit of an odd 'un. Delightfully twisted sense of humor but not a mean bone in his body. He will be getting NOT ONLY a Bob Ross Chia, but also a Bob Ross jigsaw puzzle. As goofy as they sound, I know he will love them and will probably insist on wearing his Bob Ross t-shirt to work the puzzle.

I love my boy.

*clears throat* and socks?

[Ginger]

What about Bob Ross the Art of Chill boardgame?

I might get that for my friend and her husband. Bob Ross was very comforting to him growing up.

[mrspickles]

Thank you ladies- I have requested notification when the socks are back in stock, and will be taking a stroll through the game section at Target!

I found the puzzles when I saw the lady checking out in front of me had them at Target. "Where did you FIND THOSE!!!" and a detour back out of the checkstands and we got the last 2 from the clearance shelf. The boxes are a little banged up, but who cares, amirite?

[chonies]

Uggghh--this is just a gripe. Mr Chonies' birthday is inconveniently very close to Christmas, so I have to put extra effort into making sure Xmas is Xmas and Birthday is Birthday. The big gift for his birthday was backordered--after I placed the order. Luckily, I have a few other little gifts that can cover that gap (literally little--a coozy and a glass), but still. Annoying! Also, for Xmas I only have the big gift (a guitar case), and a set of matching tee shirts I bought for both of us. I can't think of anything else I can get in a jiffy, other than something like a brisket or a 1 lb Reese's cup.

[CyberCathy]

Dec 6, 2017 13:59:35 GMT -4 Ladybug said:

I have decided to get Mr. Ladybug a pasta-maker for Xmas. Any suggestions for models you like, brands to stay away from, etc? I have seen several choices on Amazon, but I can't decide if I should go with a manual or electric.

Last year I received a three piece pasta set for my Kitchen Aid mixer, if you have that option. It included the roller, spaghetti cutter, and fettuccine cutter. I really enjoy it and homemade pasta is so yummy. I eventually got a ravioli press, so I made the sheets in the roller and then made the ravioli.

Even if you don't have the Kitchen Aid option, I'd still recommend electric. I know a couple of people with manual rollers, and the pasta turns out great, but it does require some decent manpower to make large quantities - they take turns.

[ladyboy]

We had manual growing up and it was work. It didn't get used all that often.