Ideas for Holiday Gift Exchange $50

[HopperFan]

My extended family years ago shifted from gift overboard to a gift exchange. We do the whole pulling numbers, pick, unwrap, steal etc until the last gift is picked. The issue is at this point we are:

Grandfather (he's happy with whatever, he'll probably regift anyway)

6 (kids and spouses) who have minimal need in their 60's.

Grandkids & partners:
Male 35, 32, 27, 27, Female 32, 29, 27, 27, 24, 22
2 homeowner, 6 rent apartments, 2 transitioning from college so moving home spring.

I have bought my gift but DH is stumped and so far hasn't liked my ideas. We have male & female, age gaps, home differences. Settled and still living the fun life. Oh and 5 live out of state so traveling with said gift.

ANY IDEAS??? $50 limit. Trying to avoid a gift card.

 

[Southernmiss]

We do a $30 gift like this. I usually pick something I would like to receive and DH does the same.

These are interesting ideas if there are folks who follow the same sports team.
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mlb-ballpark-pint-glasses-set-of-2 You could easily add peanuts, cracker jacks, an IPA beer or other to reach the $ limit.

Our son requested these glasses a few years ago for his small town-they'll print maps of most anywhere
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/urban-map-glass

Other ideas-a box of common items that we all need to buy-toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, aluminum foil, saran wrap, ziplock bags, etc.

Several gift cards grocery stores, door dash, restaurants, home improvement stores. Package these in a fun way-box with a brick, in a jar filled with jelly beans, m&m's, etc. Cash -also packaged in a fun way.

Usually in our house, if someone gets something they really can't use another family member will trade with them so that they are not stuck with a complete dud.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

A few ideas that I can think of:

- A nice throw blanket (or wearable hooded blanket) with a matching throw pillow and/or a candle.

- A basket of nice assorted chocolate items (some of the good gourmet stuff that people wouldn't buy for themselves).

- A movie gift card with an assortment of movie snacks.

- An assortment of fun or unique kitchen items.

- If there are any coffee lovers - A basket with mugs, gourmet coffee beans, flavor syrups, a milk frother, etc.

You can also look at tech items like a bluetooth speaker, iPhone stand, travel chargers, etc.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I find it's always some random gift that gets fought over, usually one that was intended as jokey. IE a coffee table book of fancy roosters, or a tiki statue.

What would he like to receive? Get that.

Or, get something wild or fun, that you'd like to see someone open and inflict on a new victim. Bring the gift that starts stories. Singing Christmas boobies (like a singing bass but, you know, not a fish).

Or bring back whatever you got last year, that can be fun too if it is distinctive. We had a cotton candy machine regifted for 3 years straight. Or get something distinctive to start this tradition, preferably something hideous. 3' tall Barbie doll, etc. Huge stuffed animal (think carnival prize), ideally holding a lotto ticket so it's not a total bust for the victim.

 

[LoveDaisy]

Kitchen items are always really popular in our group.

What about a kit to make something. Bread, cheese, infused alcohol kits have all been really popular when I have done those.

Last year someone gave a really nice Dutch oven, people liked that.

A wooden charcuterie board (I’ve seen some nice handmade one).

A GC for an experience. Museum, zoo, cooking class.

 

[clh2]

We finally upped our price from range of $10-$15 to range of $15-$20. Some of our most popular gifts throughout the years have been: a selection of bungee cords,
an awesome tire gage for car and bike tires, a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream, some nice snacks, like cashews, and food gifts from local companies (in our case it was a bag of granola from a coffee shop), Starbucks cards, chocolate, a kitchen gadget from a local kitchen store.

 

[TCRAIG]

We do a mix of ‘regular’ gifts and lots of gag gifts for our Craig Family Christmas party. This year, my gifts for exchanging will be a portable battery charger/air pressure device for the car, a blanket that looks like a giant tortilla shell, Disney Star Wars Death Star popcorn bucket, a ‘magic 8 ball’ type Darth Vader Hasbro toy. Other years I’ve given Golden Girls Coffee Mugs, pneumonic toilet plunger, a big jar of pickled pigs feet, a baseball hat with a singing fish on it, wine and fancy booze.

 

[_19disnA]

With age range of that group, I doubt that many gifts exist that would satisfy everyone. I think there are many types of more specific gift cards like to a local grocery chain, restaurant or even a gas station that would be suitable for most everyone. Some participants probably put more thought into their gift giving than others.

 

[Magical2017]

My spouse has 10 siblings, all with children, and many with grandchildren. We finally have some great grand-kids in the family. We have done a jingle-type gift exchange since I have known him. I usually wait until I get my names and then contact a spouse or parent to find out what they would like. No one can really answer that except the person or someone close to them.

Last year we pulled a few people who knit, so I did gift baskets with knitting supplies. The kids are always easy. Older kids/teens/young adults usually like hoodies or fast food/movie gift cards, or have something unique I try to find. One niece really loves everything Snoopy so I got her some Snoopy PJs and socks and then a book from an author her mom said she liked. She sent a thank-you pic of her reading the book in her new Snoopy gear.

 

[HopperFan]

With age range of that group, I doubt that many gifts exist that would satisfy everyone. I think there are many types of more specific gift cards like to a local grocery chain, restaurant or even a gas station that would be suitable for most everyone. Some participants probably put more thought into their gift giving than others.

YES! We can't use age, gender, clothing and even home living can be hard, as determining factors. DS#2 wanted to pull names so it is easier to focus on someone's likes but my nieces like the fun of pick/steal. I know gifts will never satisfy everyone but you want it to be wanted by at least half the group ... I personally am tired of taking home crappy gifts that I stole from others so they could have a nice gift. We also use theory of something we would want so if need be we steal it back. Everyone poos on gift cards so that is a bummer but I get it - my in-laws ended up just a gift card exchange so we quit all together (and ultimately quit even seeing each other). I want my family to continue to gather and the gift exchange makes for a fun activity. [The grands and DS#1 who can't participate still receive gifts from multiple people to be involved.]

Thank you for the ideas! Just to give an idea of some of the POPULAR ones ~ wifi Photo Frame, Crate & Barrel crock pancake holder, Coach bag, portable laptop monitor, Sodastream, Spinner suitcase, our MLS team jersey ... love when folks spend the $50 on a great sale bringing a much more valuable item.

We still have time or do we?

 

[Kirby]

I picked up one of those food warmers that keep showing up on Instagram for my Book Club Christmas exchange. My son's MIL has one he says it's pretty nice to have.