The Official Gift List for 2008

[Tuckins1]

Date: 12/25/2008 6:06:38 PM
Author: katebar
I''ll play I am so lucky that my family really spoilt me.

From DH: Perfume (flower bomb) Ray Ban Aviators and a stunning round Elsa Peretti Pendant which was a BIG surprise but best of all A VEGTABLE Patch

. Our gardener designed planter boxes is a courtyard that we really never ued and has a rain water tanks so I can water my plants in the rain. Xmas morning he took me outside and he had planted carrots and cans of tomatoes and A bottle of wine so funny.

My gorgeous son gave me a goat! Yes that right a goat. But not for us but for my sponsor child village in Tanzania. He is such a thoughtful boy and am so proud of him.

He also gave me some stunning Reidel O series wine glasses that the base is coloured pink and they are for Breast Cancer awareness. He really put a lot of effort into getting me things that matter to me!

DD gave me a gorgeous turquoise bracelet with religious medals on it. So cute

I was spoilt.

That is so kind of your son to think of your sponsor child and his village! True Christmas spirit!

 

[marcy]

Santa was good to me. I got an EW EC garnet ring, a digital photo frame, a pink mouse to match my pink laptop, a green sweater, Snoopy ornaments, a chopper/blender/food processor, pink swiss army knife and a few knick knacks for the office.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/25/2008 10:18:11 PM
Author: Tuckins1

Date: 12/25/2008 6:06:38 PM
Author: katebar
I''ll play I am so lucky that my family really spoilt me.

From DH: Perfume (flower bomb) Ray Ban Aviators and a stunning round Elsa Peretti Pendant which was a BIG surprise but best of all A VEGTABLE Patch

. Our gardener designed planter boxes is a courtyard that we really never ued and has a rain water tanks so I can water my plants in the rain. Xmas morning he took me outside and he had planted carrots and cans of tomatoes and A bottle of wine so funny.

My gorgeous son gave me a goat! Yes that right a goat. But not for us but for my sponsor child village in Tanzania. He is such a thoughtful boy and am so proud of him.

He also gave me some stunning Reidel O series wine glasses that the base is coloured pink and they are for Breast Cancer awareness. He really put a lot of effort into getting me things that matter to me!

DD gave me a gorgeous turquoise bracelet with religious medals on it. So cute

I was spoilt.

That is so kind of your son to think of your sponsor child and his village! True Christmas spirit!

I agree completely

*slight threadjack*

Fi''s family also did this as a gift "to the family" this year - started a sponsorship of a young girl in Africa.
I''m excited that it sounds like sponsorship programs have improved in effectiveness and are more well organized these days - instead of the money just going to one child and one family, it goes into creating and developing infrastructure for the whole village.
In their case, it was going to pay for clean water, teaching farming and fishing skills and buying equipment, and other things like health/medicine and education about HIV/aids. Of course once she''s old enough, it will also help the sponsor child''s school.

I have often been a skeptic in the past about some sponsorship programs, you hear that more money goes to the organization than the actual ppl in need.
But I have alot more confidence in it now, and Fi and I are discussing starting one too in the new year.

Katebar, good for you for raising such a conscientious young man

ok, threadjack over

 

[Mannequin]

FF totally rocked my socks with jewelry this year! I got a colored CZ eternity band, a sterling silver heart tag bracelet, and some bezeled blue topaz earrings. I also received a copy of the SATC movie, some makeup, and a book from him. He did a great job!

We had a family gift exchange with his relatives tonight, and I got a basket filled with Bath and Body Works lotion and body sprays (YUM). We also got a loaf of homemade bread from my aunt, so I''m looking forward to some darn good toast. FF''s mother gave us a very nice Italian-made nativity set - so thoughtful since we don''t have anything like it yet. I am going to set it up tonight.

We still have two more family parties to do tomorrow, so there is more to come. I am enjoying the company most of all, and I can''t wait to give my gifts to my family. I''ll take some jewelry pics soon.

 

[FrekeChild]

Ok, so I started earlier, but that was before I went to the FIL''s and my dad''s...

For me from FI:
1. Blue topaz eternity band
2. Fluxx
3. Zombie Fluxx
4. "The Food of Thailand" cook book
5. Food prepping bowls
6. Gift card to Ann Taylor Loft

Gifts to me from other people:
1. $20 from my aunt (wedding fund!)
2. Liz Claiborne makeup bags
3. 2 Throw pillows from my mom
4. 1 stainless steel and teal lamp from my mom
5. 3 sets of plates from my dad (he tried! I think thats the first present he''s picked out for me himself!)
6. Framed signed print from a famous artist (also from dad)

Joint gifts to FI and I:
1. Gift card to Chili''s, Macaroni Grill
2. Gift card to the movies
3. $40 cash (wedding fund baby!)
4. 14 ounces of mint soap
5. a "Get to know your bride/groom better" book from my bro and SIL
6. Plane tickets and spending money for Vegas

And we''ll probably get some more stuff from my other relatives. I hope it''s more cash to put towards the wedding fund! Maybe we should open a bank account and put it in there...

 

[katebar]

Aww Tukins1 and arjunajane thanks so much for your kind words about my boy. Of course i can't pass them on as he would be mortified that I am sharing things with you but *shrug* I can brag here can't I. He is a lovely boy naughty but lovely and about leave us for 6 months to live in Copenhagen

. He also got his sister the most stunning Mimco black bow bangle (AJ you know how nice mimco stuff is) and she cried and cried

.
We love sponsoring our child Ayesha. She writes to us now and we get photos and updates. Once her father wrote me the most beautiful letter in the most perfect copperplate handwriting.
I now send her a gift fro her birthday. A puzzle, pens or even the most adorable koala bear! World Vision is awesome they always give them a gift for xmas and their birthday and it is a nominal donation.
It certainly is a 'feel good gift' that's for sure.

 

[Tuckins1]

Forgive me Katebar... I referred to your sponsor child as a "he". Not sure why I thought it was a boy, but I just assumed I guess... What a lucky little girl!

 

[diamondringlover]

My birthday is at the end of this month so I always get my birthday and christmas presents all at the same time

so here is what I got

DH-nothing, lol, I went to Chicago to see my son at the end of November, so that was my gift
Sons''s-oldest one that lives in Chicago is BROKE so he got me a card, youngest son got me a Kohl''s gift card
Everyone else: 3 new shirts, a really cute jacket, a new nylon jogging type suit (it has to go back it doesnt fit), a new Big & Rich DVD, 2009 Tim McGraw calendar, a really nice set of candals, new socks, reg and Christmas, a set of Christmas wine glasses and a couple of other misc stuff for the house.
The best present of all was to see all of my family and to have my son home safe and sound

 

[Pandora II]

DH was VERY naughty. We had agreed not to give each other presents this year until my employment legal battle is over and we know if we have any money.

However, he sinned and I must admit I'm over the moon.

I've wanted a really nice jewellery box for years and have never found the 'right' one.

There is a very famous craftsman in the UK who specialises in box-making. His waiting list is at least a year and his work is just incredible.

DH gave me a book of his work and inside was a voucher for a day of one-to-one tuition with him to learn specialist marquetry and woodworking techniques.

I then have the option of taking further classes to make my own box or of designing the box of my dreams and having this guy make it (which is more likely). DH wants it to be a box that will become a family piece and be passed down.

I am so excited - and feel incredibly spoilt!

I haven't seen my side of the family yet, but I know my parents are buying me an espalier apple tree (I asked for one) which we will all go and choose together in the Spring.

We were given some great baby stuff - a top of the range baby monitor, clothes and MIL knitted the most beautiful matinee jacket.

DH's gift from me will eventually be a handmade set of mokume gane steak knives.

 

[Ellen]

Pandora, what an utterly thoughtful gift, what a sweetheart your hubby is.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 12/26/2008 10:45:31 AM
Author: Ellen
Pandora, what an utterly thoughtful gift, what a sweetheart your hubby is.

Ditto! That''s so sweet!

 

[Harriet]

The holiday haul:
Five French cut diamonds;
A budget for the Tucson show;
A Canon Rebel Eos;
Several books (two on swearing);
A limited edition print;
And we're still working on the Paraiba.

 

[Mara]

ooooh i love reading about everyone's holiday booty...we had a leaner 'giftie' xmas this year as we are giving each other a huge gift ... a new house. it's been a pretty painful process due to the state of the economy and how the banks are working, but it looks like FINALLY we will sign on Monday......happy christmas, new year and every other holiday for the next 5 years haha!! we are really excited though... i will have a garden, portia will have a yard, and greg will have lots of projects...

it will be sad leaving our first home together but it served us well for 5 years.

we still got each other small gifts...mostly clothes, some kitchen items...and i will get Greg an iphone and he will get me a new digital camera come Jan. happy holidays all... !

 

[Harriet]

SDL,
Your hubby surprised you!

Marcy,
Your collection is growing and growing.

Katebar,
You have a wonderful family. I hope to meet the kids someday.

P,
The box sounds lovely. Who's the craftsman, if I may?

 

[wannaBMrsH]

I started a thread about gifts on BWW, but since this is the official one and I got the motherload of gifts this year. I will play too.

My birthday is on December 23, so my b-day gift was a Jewel Jet Steam cleaner from FI (love him!).

Christmas Presents:

Ugg boots (Classic Tall in Chestnut) from FI
Macy''s GC - from my boss
Barnes & Noble GC - from my FMIL
Godiva Chocolate Truffles - from the CEO of my company
Picture Frame (for like 9 pics) - from FBIL
Fleece Blanket Throw - from office mate
Starbucks GC - from office mate
Pasta Cooking Set - from FM/FIL
Digital Picture Frame - from us

I got FI a Heritage Professional Stainless Steel BBQ Tools Set from Brookstone which he loved!

But the best gift was today''s after Christmas gift from FI and the boys. We had a pretty dampened Christmas over some stunt the kids'' BM pulled and my FI said that it made him realize that I really do put up with so much just to be with him. We could have planned to go to my family''s (because they adore him and the boys), but instead he appreciated that we stayed and just rode out the horrible holiday. So today, he and the boys picked me up from work for lunch and then they took me to Neiman Marcus. And I got the BEST.CHRISTMAS.GIFT.EVER! The Hot Pink Manolo Blahnik Nefasta stilettos!!! I found this picture of them online, but will post more when I get these puppies home tonight!

 

[Peepa]

We weren''t going to get each other anything as our present this year was Petrie''s(min pin) knee surgery. It cost a pretty penny and we felt incredibly blessed we were able to provide this for her... but I still got some goodies!
My sweet hubby got me Ferragamo Fascinating perfume, Ferragamo sunglasses and a really cool mouse for our laptop. Boy was I surprised to see those two red bags beautifully laid under the tree, meticulously wrapped. I also got candles, ornaments, H&M sweater, good ole cash (which we promptly put in savings for Petrie''s surgery), very sturdy food containers, gift card for a movie and lots and lots of candy/homemade cookies from family and friends.
What a wonderful Christmas this was.
Happy Holidays!

 

[NOYFB]

Ok, first of all, I am drooling over the shoes that Bliss got!

Your hubby has AWESOME taste!

Since I got my new diamond last month I wasn''t really expecting much, but hubby got me XM Radio for my car, which I have been wanting forever, so I was beyond thrilled! He also got me an Ed Hardy dress, a North Face fuzzy fleece hoodie, some gloves, and a Spyder hat. My in-laws got me an ultrasonic cleaner (Connoisseurs La Sonic Supreme - which hasn''t gotten good reviews, but we''ll see), A Houdini wine opener, some Bath and Body Works soaps, and some fuzzy pj''s. My niece and nephew got me some cute Christmas tea light cups, and my sis gave me a loupe

and a 5 gallon cooler for when I make my famous Sangria at our annual summer backyard party.

I think I must have been a good girl.

 

[Steel]

Date: 12/25/2008 9:35:03 AM
Author: Lorelei
Beautiful Hermes Kelly bag in Rouge H ( Sellier for H fans) from Hubby....ECSTATIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where are the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where!

OMG, I bet it is beautiful

! Hubba Hubba!

 

[~*Alexis*~]

OK my turn...now that I have a few moments!!

I got:
Nikon D40 DSLR Camera....what I really wanted this year...

FFI got me some diamond hoops...I think they are 1/2 ctw...they are cute and sparkly!

GC for Starbucks

GC for Boarders

Tommy Hilfigure Sweater from my brother and some silver earrings

Christmas ornaments....

Cute little snow glober that has glitter in its belly and changes color

SATC Dvd....

A few SD cards for my new camera....

it was a small christmas this year...plus we got a new laptop for the house so its not like we really needed much...

Oh Santa brought me tupperware and a new comforter set!

 

[KimberlyH]

DH and I are going to NYC as our gift to each other. We have tickets to see three plays, and dinner reservations/plans at wonderful restaurants, it should be a wonderful trip.

We draw names in my family, my sister got me and gave me a beautiful crystal/pearl/ribbon necklace made in Italy. It's totally unique and something I would admire but never buy for myself, a very thoughtful gift. She bought it months ago and was a bit nervous that I would not like it (probably didn't help that when she showed it to my parents they both laughed, my mom so hard she cried) but I am so touched, as she purchased it after we talked about my wishing I could get beyond buying things I can wear to work on the rare occasion that I do go shopping. I have a few dresses it will go well with, and so I'm excited to wear it in New York City.

My brother-in-law gave me a gag gift, a striped polo so that my husband and I can match (he lives in polo shirts).

It was a wonderful Christmas.

Congratulations on the house, Mara.

 

[littlelysser]

Date: 12/26/2008 5:00:28 PM
Author: Steel

Date: 12/25/2008 9:35:03 AM

Author: Lorelei

Beautiful Hermes Kelly bag in Rouge H ( Sellier for H fans) from Hubby....ECSTATIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where are the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Where!


OMG, I bet it is beautiful

! Hubba Hubba!

Thritto! Neeeeeed PICS!!!!

 

[MonkeyPie]

I feel jipped lol. I got a suit jacket to match pants I already have, a pink sweater, some yummy no-name perfume and a bathrobe. A gift card for ebay (in my other thread) and a dinner card. Woohoo!

I actually really enjoyed Christmas though, and that was the best part.

The hubby and I plan to get a hotel for a night somewhere during our week off work though, which will be REALLY nice. A fabulous, romantic night out, complete with dinner at PF Chang''s.

 

[Elmorton]

SDL, I got such a chuckle when I read that your DH was just trying to throw you off!! So glad you got the bag you wanted - it''s hot!!

Here''s my goodies - reading over the list, it seems insane to say this, but we actually had a much less extravagant Christmas than in years past. That said, this year was absolutely amazing. I loved giving thoughtful gifts, and we really received thoughtful gifts - which made it really special.

From DH:
A wg deco/filigree RHR with .25 OEC - I am SHOCKED still! I''d wanted it so much, but we agreed on a much smaller budget this year. Pictures are stuck on my camera - will post when I finally get home on the 28th! It sparkles like mad

From parents:
A fluffy microfleece robe
A new battery for my mac laptop (too much PSing! My old battery is shot!)
Shared gift with DH - Mr. Beer Home Brewing System - and alllll the extras
GC to Panera and Chili''s (yum!)

From DH''s family:
A small china hutch/buffet (this came about a week ago - I was SO excited)
GC to a local restaurant/martini place we like
An hour and a half swedish massage
Fiestaware - bread tray and fruit bowls
Us Weekly subscription
The first season of Weeds
A neat picture frame thingie
A cashmere sweater
GC to Panera,Barnes and Noble, and Lowe''s
A crazy cool tribal mask from DH''s stepbrother - have no idea where we''re going to put it, but it''s cool nonetheless

 

[WishfulThinking]

I got some adorable white and yellow gold stacking rings from DW thanks to the great thread about etsy in the colored stones section of PS! I LOVE THEM!!

From family I got a lot of things I *need*- general hygiene products and some money for college books next semester, mostly.
Some fun stuff: 2 nice scarves, some "Love" magnetic poetry, and some hot cocoa and candy.

AND [and this is really huge for me!] I just ordered myself a little Coach wristlet bag from ebay! It''s so cute!!! I have never owned designer ANYTHING, so I am pretty excited about this.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 12/26/2008 5:34:21 PM
Author: KimberlyH
DH and I are going to NYC as our gift to each other. We have tickets to see three plays, and dinner reservations/plans at wonderful restaurants, it should be a wonderful trip.

We draw names in my family, my sister got me and gave me a beautiful crystal/pearl/ribbon necklace made in Italy. It''s totally unique and something I would admire but never buy for myself, a very thoughtful gift. She bought it months ago and was a bit nervous that I would not like it (probably didn''t help that when she showed it to my parents they both laughed, my mom so hard she cried) but I am so touched, as she purchased it after we talked about my wishing I could get beyond buying things I can wear to work on the rare occasion that I do go shopping. I have a few dresses it will go well with, and so I''m excited to wear it in New York City.

My brother-in-law gave me a gag gift, a striped polo so that my husband and I can match (he lives in polo shirts).

It was a wonderful Christmas.

Congratulations on the house, Mara.

Kimberly,
Do let me know if you have time for coffee.

 

[iheartscience]

I got some good loot this year and it sounds like everyone else did too!

My fiance got me a 2 year subscription to the New Yorker, Billy Bragg''s best of CD (Must I Paint You A Picture), a gorgeous vintage rhinestone and silk thread "friendship" bracelet (hard to explain but so cool...i''ll find a picture) and promised me $ to put towards a diamond present of my choice! My parents gave me $ which will be put towards the diamond gift as well, and my sister gave me a cool little piece of artwork. My twin sis is broke so we promised to not give each other gifts this year, although now we''re thinking about doing New Year''s presents instead! My brothers are worthless and gave me basically nothing, but that''s what I was expecting.

My bracelet by Katherine Sturgis:

 

[gemgirl]

I didn''t get anything much for Christmas from the hub. He didn''t leave us any time to shop together, so I wound up with whatever he could grab from Bed, Bath & Beyond on Christmas eve. Don''t ask...... I did order myself a Jewel Jet, but I realized it had been previously used when I opened the box, so it''s going back.

I knew I wasn''t getting anything nice for Christmas, so I took advantage of the pre-Christmas sale at my favorite store and bought myself a small tennis bracelet

I also got another pair of vintage repro diamond earrings just for the hay of it while I was there, and I still have to have my loose diamonds mounted into their little custom homes if I could just get my butt over to GOG. I''ll take pics of my new things when the sun comes out here in NY.

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

My folks bought my SO and I a snowblower (we're in Iowa, so it's a VERY handy gift)
A new Wusthof kitchen knife to add to my "collection"
A despair.com calendar (if you don't know about www.despair.com I highly suggest surfing on over there)
Gift cards to Vicky's Secret, Von Maur
My younger sister gave me a Magic 8 Ball. I've been asking it questions like "Will I be engaged by spring?"

I bought SO the new touch screen Blackberry Storm and some new ties

He bought me a Wii, some accessories for it and the SATC movie on Blu Ray.

Everyone in the family decided that with the economy the way it is, we should downsize Xmas this year, I must say, I didn't miss having piles of gifts at all


ETA: How could I forget?!? SO and I are traveling to Egypt in March, so that's kind of a Chrstmas/Valentine's Day/Birthday/Anniversary present to ourselves.

 

[risingsun]

From my DH, a Belen Echandia handbag. Belen bags are handmade in Italy by [British] designer Jackie Cawthra and since I've found them, I've fallen in

ETA: Congrats on your Kelly bag, Lorelei!! If I found one of those under my tree, I would have gone into a dead faint

 

[elle_chris]

Such great gifts everyone.

My husband got me my new Whiteflash studs (but i got those before christmas as I couldn''t wait to wear them).
He also got me a Loewe Wallet when he was in London. I love it. So pretty and I needed one. But I never heard of the brand. Anyone from the UK know about the quality? It seems very well made but time will tell.
Last thing he bought me was the Nintendo DS with a Cooking Trainer program that talks to you. hmm, I believe that one was a hint.

From family and friends there was cash (can always use that!) and various gift cards.