For the most part our family has decided to not get gifts this year. We just spend time together, eat something nice and enjoy each other, except for the one child in our family that of course still gets something.
For my wifes side of the family, we decided to do secret santa this year and cap ourselfs at 30.- CHF for value.
Byo food in this case? Lest this causes more than one person to bring potato salad, lol.
Best tip for this is to designate types of foods instead of asking what they’ll bring to avoid back and forth. Eg. Someone’ll make the salad, someone’ll make a pastry, someone’ll make dessert, etc.
For my sister, compression socks (she’s a runner), a box of toilet paper (how is she always running out?!), and some shirts with her business logo on them For my niece, we’re going to see the Nutcracker and going ice skating For my dad, books
Unsure of the rest of my family but it’s become a running gaga to get my mom the cheesiest custom-printed throw blanket we can think of. This year’s is a horribly cropped screenshot of a text conversation we had a while ago about buying groceries from Dollar General
I don’t have a “family” in a common sense of understanding like parents, wife, kids and stuff, but I have a girlfriend of 7 years living together and that’s pretty much it. Gonna be rather simple as we don’t generally bind giving presents to certain dates, and we usually discuss specifics prior so nobody gets something one doesn’t need or want.
I offered her a catalogue of some interesting jewelry and cool watch but she is kinda reluctant, “doesn’t look too practical” to her. So we just agreed that she’s gonna look into some new mobile phone in January whenever something interesting is out, and if she likes it (she likes doing random photography so a good phone camera is a good idea), I’m gonna buy it for her. That’s why I love her - straight to the point and considers usefulness in daily routines.
Mostly getting my wife and kids “experience” gifts this year, rather than physical things. Nobody needs or wants much, so instead I’m getting tickets to concerts, plays, musicals, comedy shows, etc.
If you know what their interests and hobbies are at the moment, then get equipment and other stuff related to those. Books and craft supplies are often good ideas. A giftcard to a store they often visit is always nice. A nice mug is a good gift for many people, because it’s useful and beautiful. For kids, you can ask them what’s their favorite animal, and then get them a plushie of that animal. They’ll probably love it. Getting them a trendy toy (such as a Squishmallow rn) can also be good. If you still have no idea what someone wants, then you can get them a nice card with some cash and maybe some candy.
Get them a nicer version of things they already get. Fancy coffee, hot sauces, soap, candles, pens, that sort of thing. It loses some of its charm, but that could also mean a gift card to a nicer restaurant. Just make sure it’s enough to cover the meal.
This works especially well if they’re pretty cheap and wouldn’t get things like that, simply because they’re too expensive.
You can also go for some very pseudo-luxury items. Vermont Maple syrup (or Maple candies - seriously, it’s just crystalized sugar, but it seems so rich), sausage and cheese sets, chocolate oranges…
Finally, here’s the biggest tip - Don’t wait until December to think about it. Pay attention through the year. They will almost certainly mention something offhand to you. A passing comment like “we never have enough -----” or “---- never works right” are perfect opportunities. Just make a note on your phone. Feel free to ask probing questions and even tell them that’s what you’re doing- if it’s before Halloween, they’ll almost certainly forget by Xmas anyway.
A few months ago, my brother and I were playing online but we communicated through chat instead of talking because he didn’t have a headset. I’m hoping he still doesn’t have a headset because that’s what I got him.
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