The hard to buy for person thread

[pilotwife_02]

My SIL and her husband are hard for me to shop for. It may be because I don't really like them all that much. My SIL is silly and foolish and is about as deep as lilypad. Her husband isn't much better. He's germophobic, intense, and obsessed with complete cleanliness. SIL is diabetic and BIL is just fanatical about his healthy diet.

So no candy or other food. No scents, soaps or lotions(too germy for BIL). They drink wine, but they are incredibly picky. They don't like gift cards. They rarely eat out or go to movies. They have no hobbies. They make about 4 times the money we make and they expect nice gifts. I'm just at a loss.

See, in my extended family we don't give gifts to each other. We do charitable works, either giving cash or volunteering. Half the fun of Christmas is finding out what my siblings did for other people in my name. I don't need any more junk. I don't need another popcorn tin, box of chocolate turtles, scented candle, paperweight, or cutesy angel with inane saying inscribed on its feet. I just want to scream "Please! let's stop buying junk for each other!" We have talked with them about giving to charity and they were horrified. They want gifts!

How about one of those wineries where you can go and make your own wine? I'm not sure what your budget is for them but it was a big hit for my SIL and BIL.

 

[golfgal]

get him an aero garden.

dh got me one a couple of years ago and it is facinating to watch that sucker produce plants. as someone who likes to cook it was also great to have a fresh source of herbs during the long cold winter months. you can get a variety of different types of seed packets, and now they have a package that assists in starting plants for outside gardening.

if he likes to cook and does'nt have one already-a ceramic knife. they are amazing and once you've tried one there's no going back. another item if he does'nt have one-a clay pot and a clay pot cookbook. an interesting and delicious way to cook.

We got him a chef's knife and a paring knife My sister picked them up and she asked "what brand, what kind"? I told her I have no idea I got the idea from someone off a website

I second Penzey's as a gift for the person who loves to cook. The quality of these spices is AMAZING.

I'm not sure what your budget is but we had a friend, also diabetic, for whom we used to get the fruit of the month club from Harry and David. The fruit is just amazing and they replace any fruit that's bruised.

For the PP whose father is a gardener might I recommend getting some antique bulbs. The kind that you can't get at your local garden center. Old House Gardens sells some amazing varieties of lilies and tulips and and and... They are all really unique and just beautiful. I got my mother some Hyacinths a few years ago and they had the most amazing smells and some really unique colors. So much nicer than modern hybrids. Some of the bulbs date from plant stock that's over 300 years old.

We also got Dad some antique bulbs. I had my sister pick some out because she does more gardening then I do. She is getting some for herself too.

Thanks for the ideas!!

 

[FINFAN]

well, I am making money trees for all the tough to buy for people in our lives. I bought the $1 ones and get a bunch of $1's, $5's and $10's....going to roll up the bills and paper clip them onto the tree branches. Cash is good everywhere and so far no expiration date, all ages like/need it and the tree can be replenished if they so ask..each year. They just have to give the tree back to me! I pretty much top out at $50 for a VERY special tree... most will be 25 or 30. I made pipe cleaner stars for each tree and some little ornaments from the dollar store. I may put them in crazy size boxes just to add to the fun of guessing what it may be. sorry if this idea was mentioned already, I did not read all the posts

 

[golfgal]

well, I am making money trees for all the tough to buy for people in our lives. I bought the $1 ones and get a bunch of $1's, $5's and $10's....going to roll up the bills and paper clip them onto the tree branches. Cash is good everywhere and so far no expiration date, all ages like/need it and the tree can be replenished if they so ask..each year. They just have to give the tree back to me! I pretty much top out at $50 for a VERY special tree... most will be 25 or 30. I made pipe cleaner stars for each tree and some little ornaments from the dollar store. I may put them in crazy size boxes just to add to the fun of guessing what it may be. sorry if this idea was mentioned already, I did not read all the posts

Cool idea. Can you post a picture of one of your trees?

 

[FINFAN]

lol..I haven't made them yet, just have the supplies...on my "to do" list..basically, the trees are the kind whose branches are like a heavy duty pipe cleaner, some are tinsel, some are normal green. Target has/had them for $2.50, I found some at the Dollar Tree for $1. I think Target has others that were 2.50 with lights on them, but they were REALLY tiny..but easier for shipping I guess. Anyway, roll up the bills and slide a paper clip in the inside of the bill, and then clip the other side to a tree branch, or you can slide the rolled up bill onto the branch and just bend the branch tip to hold it from sliding off. If you REALY want ot surprise the person, wrap each rolled bill in tissue paper or sunday comics..that way they have to unwrap each bill...kinda keeps the thrill going a bit longer. Home Depot has some REALLY nice trees, 4.99 but they are very sturdy and can hold small ornaments, thin garland, lights etc. Those trees have a very nice burlap wrapped base as well. I bought one to take along on our trip/ OH, Target dollar spot also has Donald and Mickey tins, like the size of a deck of cards...I picked up one for each of the younger tree receivers to put their money in after taking it off the tree...so it does not get lost. You may want to look for something similar to go with the tree if you make one. I plan on givig each of my kids one so if I can sneak posting a pic I will...I wish I still had Disney Dollars as that woudl be great for anyone taking a trip. Anyway, just get creative..and have fun! You can theme the trees by adding any little touch that the recipient may like, Johnny Depp images , skulls, cars...anything, you can print out and stick on paper and then hang on the tree. I cut out logos of the stores at the mall, fast food places,gas stations... you get the idea. All I know is that everyone likes to get money but it is boring to give it, so I created a way to make myself feel better about giving it. Glad you like the idea

 

[CourtasanSatine]

Where can you find the Edward life size cutouts again?

 

[golfgal]

Where can you find the Edward life size cutouts again?

I have seen them at Best Buy and other video game/movie stores at the mall.