Gift ideas?

[prettylnpink419]

Okay, since so many of you ladies are super creative and artsy I thought I''d ask for some ideas. I''m starting my Christmas shopping and need some ideas for my BF''s parents.

I sometimes paint pottery and last year I painted them each a large hot chocolate mug with their names on it and a holiday scene. I put them in a large wicker basket and filled it with different types of gourmet hot chocolate and coffee. I also added some sugar-free candies for his Dad (since he is diabetic) and 2 hand-painted Christmas tree ornaments that I made as well. Last year was our first Christmas together so I really wanted to do something thoughtful.

I''m kind of drawing a blank this year but I feel like after doing something so personal last year, I can''t just do a gift-card or something like that this year.

Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[sunnyd]

Well...what kind of people are they? What do they like to do?

FF''s whole family is big on movies, so we got his dad the Indiana Jones trilogy. For his mom, we''re getting a movie and a board game. Good family time stuff.

You could do a gift card to a restaurant if they don''t treat themselves often. Give them a nice night out. I don''t know, gifts are hard.

 

[prettylnpink419]

Thanks SunnyD...Gifts are very hard! It's so easy for my family but much harder for his.

They are both retired and get gift cards to restaurant's ALL the time!! They watch movies all the time but already have a netflix subscription.

His Dad loooves crossword puzzles but I never really see his Mom do anything

Since we've been together, him and his brother have gotten their parents a digital camera (which they never use!) and an ipod (which they did ask for but still don't really use).

His mom does love crafty stuff (like decorations from Lancaster, PA...if anyone is familiar) but their house is so cluttered with decorations that there really isn't any room.

They are obsessed with their Christmas tree and Christmas ornaments...so obviously we'll get them a new ornament but I'm really having a tough time coming up with anything else. Maybe like a rainy day type of gift basket full of crossword puzzles and....???

 

[purselover]

How about a nice vase with flowers, or something else decorative for the home? Do you have any nice pics of them you could frame? Maybe you could even find a painting or print for them to hang. Maybe an assortment of nice beers or a nice bottle of wine? Could you get them tickets to a show they want to see, or perhaps museum passes?

Good luck picking something...shopping can be so hard sometimes

 

[purselover]

sorry just saw you mentioned they already have a lot of decorations, could they use something for their kitchen like a coffee maker, I have a keurig machine that I absolutely love

 

[i_heart_cushions]

Can you chip in with your BF to get a joint gift? That way, he can have some input and help with getting a nicer gift you might not be able to bet alone?

I''m thinking this year of getting a snow blower....(do you have snow where you are?) I know it''s a gift that would be appreciated.

Maybe some leather gloves for them? And a purse for the mom and a wallet for the dad?

It''s not personal - but it''s practical - and something they''ll definitely use....

Or see if there is something they need replacing? Or an updated version of?

Last year for my first xmas with the BF''s family, I bought his mom some nice soaps and body products, and a throw from Pottery Barn. That stuff can always be used...and for his dad, I got him a few sweaters.

Man, do my gifts sound boring or what? haha. it''s always harder to buy for HIS parents. For my parents, I have no problem because I know waht they like and need......(concert tickets, tennis re-stringer, etc).

 

[megster84]

Just a few ideas that I have been bouncing around for myself to pass along:

a collage of the family wedding pictures (SO parents, sets of grandparents etc) nicely framed
a small lap quilt made by me (simple quilts are really easy if you have a machine and some time)
embroidered pillow with a prayer she likes for her - giants blanket for him
some sort of indoor fancy-pants plant - this is if the season gets super busy and I run out of time to get crafty
another idea SO and I had was to paint their living room for them - they have been wanting to do it for ages but cant seem to find the time, maybe your SO''s parents have a similar project?

Just some thoughts...good luck! Shopping for the Future In-Laws is tricky business!

 

[sunnyd]

Ooh do they like wine? You could get them a membership to a wine club. This might be a joint gift, they can be pricey.