Among Friends

[lovesrecess]

We have a friend who adopts an animal at the local zoo in her grandkids name; they get a certificate and a pic of the animal...then she takes them to the zoo to see "their animal". They love it....and her granddaughter got a stuffed elephant since that is what she adopted.

[lovesrecess]

I think monogrammed towels or pillow cases are nice and will be used, just like nice monogrammed handsoaps.....Horchows and Neimans sell them and it is something many don't buy for themselves....but they will enjoy using.

[embgm]

   My parents give about ten of our family members tickets to our local AHL hockey team. My mom even comes to the game. We are hockey lovers and we all go together and have a great time. The gift is great not only for the game night but it's a gift of wonderful fun family memories which is so meaningful to all of us. I also purchase tickets to a game for us all to celebrate two of our birthdays in February! Em

[Calcgirl]

Thank you all for your suggestions.  I really like the idea of a donation to a charity in their name.

[BeccaLou]

Then go with Love.

[Mominohio]

Maybe take them upon what they say. 

I'm starting to listen to and watch what others are doing and saying to me in this area. 

I think some people (many people?) really don't want to give or receive gifts anymore. They have all they want, they aren't interested in all the trappings of the holidays as we once celebrated it. 

You also could give something of a family heirloom type thing. I always think it better to pass many things down while you are alive and can personally give family things that are special/important. 

It could be anything from an antique family Bible, to grandma's tea set, to a special piece of family jewelry. Try to choose something that is suited to the person/couple, or something they have expressed interest in. If applicable, maybe include a written letter containing the history of the item, who it belonged to, how it was acquired, how it came to be in the family etc.

[mcducky]

This is always a difficult question to answer. Would they enjoy things like Harry & David pears, wolferman english muffins or something like that?  How about family pictures, family momento's, or family history?  

How about luminara candles?  I think those are so nice.   

[RetRN]

QVC has some lovely umbrellas, socks, and flashlights. LOL.

[Lilpuddin]

Love the idea of making copies of old family photos & putting them in a frame or photo album.  My Mom put a bunch of old family photos in an album for me for Christmas, and I treasure that gift.  You could also check out Shutterfly and make a photo book or other personalized gift.  (My friend uses the shutterfly app which gives more discounts & flash sales as compared to the website.)

Here are some other gift ideas:

• Make a donation to Toys for Tots in their names
• Write down favorite family recipes & put them in a cute recipe tin
• Buy a few bags of nice coffee & give with two travel mugs (K48111)
• Buy a selection of birthday cards, thank you cards etc., and put them in a box with dividers for each month.  Your family member will appreciate having cards on hand all year long.
• Exchange ornaments rather than gifts. My friend's family tradition is to buy presents for the kids, but the adults each draw names and buy an ornament for one another.  Add the year on the back with a Sharpie.
• Buy them a gift card to the local car wash
• Get a cute calendar & add in the birthdays & anniversaries of all your family members

[jannabelle1]

If they say "no gifts", then go with their wishes. They really don't need anything and have the means to buy what they need and probably prefer to pick out themselves. If you like to bake, make them a special plate of your favorite cookies, or sweet bread (banana or cranberry or similar). Or maybe a favorite momento or photo that you have, and that your son has always loved. Take a bottle of wine with you, or a nice liquer they would like.