Small Christmas Gifts for the family?

[stich1fan]

Hello All,

We normally do a grab bag in our family, but not this year. Some of my sisters are taking a vacation instead so they are oping out. Which is fine, but I would still like to get everyone a little something from 5-10 dollars each. Last year I did scratch off lottery tickers. The group includes; parents, siblings and brother in laws.

Any ideas?

 

[daddyof2]

not sure of ages but 20.00 for a tank of helium @ walmart plus what erver will really make little ones happy I took about 15 balloons to my brouthers house for his 3 little ones along with some prety nice gifts aroud 30.00 each and all they saw and wanted was the balloons around 3-7 years

 

[ArthurIhde]

i have not bought any gift yet

 

[mommykds]

How about $10 giftcard to Panera, then they can have a lunch on you.

 

[luvmy3]

GC for the movie theater for the adults, GC to McDonalds for the kids. For a family- a board game and GC for a pizza place, or a DVD and a bucket of popcorn.

 

[scrapquitler]

Small first aid kits for the car for adults, ice cream cone gift certificates for the kids.

 

[auralia]

if you see this today www.woot.com has bucky balls at 2 for 30 usually 30 a piece and people LOVE them i ordered a few to keep for "emergency gifts".

 

[kinghorse]

We were on a tight budget and had to give a gift to some children that had everything and I didn't want to do junky gifts something that was easily broken, something children would tire of easily or maybe the parent would not approve of. I ended up buying a share of stock in McDonalds because they were a company that gives back (Ronald Mcdonald house), only cost a few dollars, purchased online myself right from compnays website and had a nice certificate printed. This was something they would have into adult years and it did go up in value plus taught the kids something and will always be remembered.

 

[DisneyScraps]

I would buy an ornament for each person, find ones that match their interests or persoanalities. Wrap each one beautifully. It's a thoughtful sentimental gift.

Lisa

 

[stich1fan]

Thanks for the ideas.

here are the ages.....

parents in their late 60's

sisters & brother in laws in their 30's

 

[Shagley]

Do they like to play games? My favorite game right now is Farkle http://www.amazon.com/Farkle-6911/dp/B001EZ02HG/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i

It is a lot of fun and is totally based on luck rather than skill and is fun for all ages. You can get it at Walmart or Target for around $5.00. You could put it in a small basket with some card games and some munchies or something.

 

[RangerPooh]

Everyone has had good suggestions. I'm thinking of doing gift cards this year, but they can easily be paired with a bottle of sparkling cider (for the non wine drinkers), or ornaments. As a teacher, last year I received a gift card to the local movie theater, that was a wonderful gift IMO.

 

[Hannathy]

What about movies for each? you can get them for $5- $10 (not new releases) but fun ones like oldies but goodies or classics for the kids, something from when the BIL's were kids or teens.

another would be gloves for everyone or slippers.

travel mugs

books, if you watch like Barnes and Nobles clearance racks you can find something for every interest.

coffee or teas or hot chocolate, depending on who likes what

gourmet cookies or candy or nuts.

 

[MikeinBoston]

Right now at Bath and Body works, they have those holiday scented soaps in peppermint and what not for 6 for $20. I believe they have candles for a similar price. So maybe a soap and candle for $5-10 each person

 

[need2cruise]

Starbucks gift cards--some people won't pay the high prices on their own, but a gift certificate would be a nice treat for them.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

Gift giving can be tricky. If your sisters said they want to opt out, do you really want to still give them something? Will that irritate them? Or will they find it really kind and sweet of you? Will they say something like, "We SAID," or "WE all AGREED not to do gifts?"

Sometimes people are really firm when it is decided not to do gifts, and they really prefer no gifts.

Sometimes people feel caught off guard as in, "Ohhhh, you got me something. I didn't get you anything," and that makes them upset.

You know your sisters best. I would stick with something small, homemade and edible. It doesn't have to be fancy. You could make some kind of quick bread (banana bread, pumpkin bread....) in mini loaf pans, wrap them up in clear plastic and tie on a pretty bow. That way if they don't want to eat it right away they can toss it in the freezer. (You could buy the bread in a ready made mix, or make it from scratch.)

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I agree with the PP about making something edible. This year we are on a really tight budget so we are going to give out small "treat" bags instead of spending $5 on someone. I made cookies last year but this year I'm making it even easier. I'm going to make fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, and melt white chocolate chips and add crushed oreos and spread it out on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and make my own "bark".

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

I really like the idea of making candy for gifts- I make it anyway, and that would so help with our situation of being told to give small gifts to people we don't even know-long story, lol. Its a step in law thing-ridiculous!

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

I buy movie tickets at costco (but you could get a GC at the theater) and tape them to theater sized candy boxes. You could also include a CG to a restraunt or fast food place or one for an ice cream or frozen yogurt for after the show. It makes for a fun evening out.

I also got all the women in my family purse hooks one year for Christmas. They keep your purse off the floor when you're eating out. Thay are usually around $7 - $10.

http://www.amazon.com/Zookhooks-Tree-Purse-Hanger/dp/B000U43Z2Q/ref=pd_sim_k_3

This year we are giving these:
http://www.shopfitandfresh.com/detail/TCL+141FF

 

[ENSOCK]

I like the edible idea. What about a nice ham or turkey? You can get them for around 10-12 bucks and just keep them in your freezer until they get back from vacation. Then they could have a nice dinner on you.

For the kids, since you know they will be traveling maybe some things to play in the car with.