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MY two front teeth are intact. (Knock wood!) Thank you very much.
What I’d really like is for those on my Christmas list to tell me what THEY want so I can buy it without exerting any brain power. My brain power is being drained by 1871 Kansas at the moment and not available for anything else but keeping myself from walking into walls.
Youngest son did tell me he wanted “The Walking Dead” comics. Done! No one else has been very helpful. Which is where you come in.
Suggestions please for gifts!
What would you buy a 24 year old male newspaper sales associate who coaches high school basketball as a second job?
What about a 21 year old male college student with a geography major? (Would you believe that Mr. Two Front Teeth and this fellow are one and the same?)
A 27 year old male who works in the healthcare field and loves Fantasy football?
A 24 year old female daycare worker who’s expecting her first child in January?
A 24 year old male actuary who plays in a band?
A 23 year old female who is getting married in April?
I am stumped! Heeeeelp!!
56 Comments on “All I Want for Christmas”
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Get the ladies a massage! No idea what to get the 20 something boys. That’s one of my more difficult struggles in life. Maybe they’d like a massage too! Massages all around!
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 8:25 am.
That’s not a bad idea!! Their gramma was a massage therapist but she’s retired and I think they miss the free ones.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 8:46 am.
I think I see a whole lot of gift cards in your future. In gift bags. As for where these gift cards should come from–favorite restaurants. Everyone likes to eat out.
If you really insist on something for everyone, kleenax for the guys and panty liners for the girls. No one will ever depend on you to get a good gift again. BTW these gifts should only be given if you’re totally clueless, or really dislike one of the recipients, but have to get him/her a gift anyway.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 8:47 am.
Food in any form always works.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:01 am.
LOL:
Gifts for the 21+ year old boys:
1. Bed Bath and Beyond: Beer Brewing Kit
2. A Keurig
3. A Kindle
4. 5 A Tool Chest
5. Tools (start with a drill…move forwrad)
6. If they ski, goggles, gloves, anything that has that reflective Columbia stuff
7. Computer geeks, stuff from XKCD site
8. Booklights, flashlights, etc
9. Sportsgear…who are their favorite teams
10. Grilling Stuff…men like grilling stuff, including a grille
11. If they have their own apartment, I packed up a chest full if christmas ornaments, lights, tinself and called it “Make your own christmas”
12. If they cook, cool kitchen gadgets. Bsic cookbook for recipes that are a little out of their common area.
13. Itunes and Amazon Gift Certificates
And Girls…basically many of the above. WIth the girl about to have a baby, you can get her a diaper genie, However maternity clothes so you don’t have to wear the same thing over and over…big hit.
1. Jewelry stands
2. Sparklies
3. Signature scent or get her a new scent you think she’d like
4. Clothes, clothes always go over big
5. A big comfy blanket to snuggle up in
6. If they like tea, a teapot and a book on high tea.
If any of them are pet owners pet insurance, pet beds, pet toys etc
OK, I have already exhausted these over the years..anyone have suggestions for the bombshell who has everything?
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:05 am.
Thanks, Pesky!! This is great!
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:17 am.
Gift certificate for a local spa, jewelery from a local little known shop, for next year commission a memory quilt for the bombshell by a local artisan that way you are supporting local businesses and helping them have a Merry Christmas.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:40 am.
Pesky, what a fantastic list! I can get flummoxed by this age, too.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:51 am.
Pesky I love #11 for the guys! Great Idea! BTW, would you mind doing my shopping for me???
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:53 am.
For the Mum to be several of those matinee sets. If you know someone that knits get them to make it for you or there’s always handmade cot quilts. Quilts are both practical and can end up being an heirloom down the track. New Guy’s mum has no idea on what to get me so he suggested a gift certificate for my local book (drug) dealer.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:35 am.
What’s a matinee set?
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:46 am.
It’s a bonnet, jacket, booties and possibly mittens.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:27 am.
Ah, okay! I used to make these myself. I need to hit a craft fair.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:58 am.
I have several mid-twenties on my list, too. I like to give the couples games to play with friend, from Yahtzee to Apples to Apples to Catan.
Framed photos can be nice, and I give even the guys kitchen stuff.
I find Christmas shopping for men in general pretty challenging. Women are easier.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:53 am.
For the past several years I’ve gotten the guys T-shirts. They probably have enough by now. :/
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:00 am.
iTunes gift cards. Now that I am glued to my iPod, that’s what I’d want!
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:28 am.
Me too!
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:58 am.
ohhhh….I love my ipod.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:05 pm.
Oh, and for the girls, Clarsonic (spelling?)—personal, mechanized face scrubber. Love, love, love.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:29 am.
I think I need this one too. I’m finding more things I need than they do! LOL.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:59 am.
Only Girl INSISTED I get one and she was so right. It takes a girl to lead you to the good stuff. All boys talk about is wrenches and flashlights and targets and stuff.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 2:51 pm.
Yeah, why is that?
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:53 pm.
For the guys, anything sports, tool, or car related. How about for the band member some recording time at a studio?
For the girls, I agree with spa days. Maybe for the expecting mother, a portrait session for the newborn once he/she is born.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:57 am.
Oh, I love the portrait idea. Thank you!
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:59 am.
Candy.
Candy.
Candy.
Candy.
Candy.
And candy.
I know, I suck
I’d be (am, actually, to mom) one saying, “Oh, I don’t want anything, I have everything I need.” Just don’t give any of them towels.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 11:32 am.
No towels. Check.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:11 pm.
We have a rule in my family — X-mas lists. On Thanksgiving day we exchange (electronically) our lists. There have to be relatively cheap things as long as big-ticket items, and there has to be a big enough variety that folks won’t “know” what they’re getting just by making the list. This year my daughter’s list has CDs, DVDs, and books I’ve never heard of plus some Ikea shelving she *really* wants for her basement and a small chest freezer I never would’ve thought she’d want at all. My husband’s list has tools, DVDs, CDs, books, etc.
It was like pulling teeth to get folks to start this tradition but now it’s a reflex. And very helpful. After a couple years of seeing people’s lists, it’s easier to riff and think of things that aren’t on the list to surprise them with. It also makes it easy for me personally to resist little-big stuff for myself — like a new iPod shuffle — since that’s a good thing to put on my list.
So, maybe, next year for Mother’s Day you make the request that there will be lists for X-mas? How can they refuse!?
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 11:35 am.
I like the idea of lists being exchanged at Thanksgiving.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:12 pm.
What would you buy a 24 year old male newspaper sales associate who coaches high school basketball as a second job AND the 21 year old male college student with a geography major–gift certificates for them and a date for dinner and a movie–they are probably busy and strapped for funds sometimes, so that might be a treat for them and a friend/significant other.
A 27 year old male who works in the healthcare field and loves Fantasy football–a subscription to Sports Illustrated. They usually have a fantasy football edition, along with the other stuff he might like, like the swimsuit edition.
A 24 year old female daycare worker who’s expecting her first child in January–this is the easiest one for me–get her a prenatal massage. They work miracles, and her working in a daycare, she’s probably exhausted to boot, so this would be nice and relaxing for her and most spas offer them. If you are wanting to control your spending, you could go together with some others, as well! My sisters and I went together and did this (along with a mani/pedi since she can’t see her little toes anymore-lol) for my niece that is pregnant with twins and she LOVED it!
A 24 year old male actuary who plays in a band– this was the hardest one for me…All I can think of for this one is if he plays guitar, possibly items for that (re-stringing, books of music, personalized picks etc.). Whatever instrument he plays, something to go along with that (new personalized drum sticks, etc.)
A 23 year old female who is getting married in April–another easy one–gift certificate for a chair massage or something like that. You know the girl is stressed–any kind of indulgent surprise would probably be welcomed.
Good luck, Lori!!
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 11:54 am.
My niece did mention that she can’t see her toes anymore. And she isn’t even having twins. Can’t imagine.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:14 pm.
I don’t know if I’ll be much help.. but here it goes:
For the men:
– gift basket with craft beers and associated snacks. You can buy some of them as singles to give an assortment of the brews.
- Selection of gift cards and menus from local places near them (especially good for students living on Ramen)
- If they have to hit the laundrymat for clothes (or have coin machines in their building) stocking stuffers of quarter rolls help out a lot
- gift card or items for a new hobby they have mentioned “wanting to try some day”
- new socks (weird, but most men I know LOVE new socks)
The women:
- assortment of teas and little cookies/crackers. Both are going to be under stress the coming months, so this can help them remember to take a moment and relax
- assortment of bath goodies from Philosophy. They have some fun scents for the holidays
- vintage ornaments
either:
- a few board games for their own places
- grocery store gift cards
- backup mobile charger for electronics. Richard Solo has some awesome ones that have come to my rescue many, many times
(I tend to go for practical gifts, I remember my mom hooking me up at that age on holidays and I always said a special “thank you” when the practical gift really helped me out)
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:23 pm.
I forgot about Philosophy. Those are great!
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:50 pm.
I have a two in their 20′s to buy for, 3 teenagers and two 11 yrs olds, a 6 yr old, a 3 yr old and a 2 yr old.. Okay the younger ones are easy to buy for, the 11 yrs to those in their 20′s are the hardest, so I do the easiest and they all get Gift Certificates and some little thing to open… I just can’t shop like I used to..
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:25 pm.
Part of the issue is my kids just had birthdays too, so already used up some of what they wanted.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:52 pm.
Do you have a price point? Ideas that have (so far) gone over like gang busters for my crew:
Men:
Game Tickets: I do Cyclone FB and BB and sometimes Hockey.
Sports teams clothing: if they’re in to this…the logoed stuff is usually so expensive my guys won’t buy it on their own.
Keurig Coffee Maker: OR if they have one already, just get them a gift basket with a bunch of k-cups…those can also add up quickly
Amazon gift cards….you can outfit/entertain/etc. an entire town off Amazon
Concert tickets
Ladies:
Massages/spa day
A snoogle for your pregnant lady…I’ve heard these are the thing to have!
Gift certificates to a shoe store….the shoe store being the operative part of this gift
Concert/Game tickets
Accessories: scarves, bracelets, earrings, purses–fun stuff!
Smell good things: Philosophy, Scentsy, Sephora gift cards, etc.
Good luck.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:31 pm.
Amazon is always a good card because they have so much and it can be sent all over.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:52 pm.
ooh. thought of another.. gloves or mittens with the little pads on the fingers that let you still use your smartphone. They way they can keep their hands warm and still send those very important texts and emails… or play Angry Birds.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:41 pm.
Oh, oh, oh!! Yes!! I saw these and that is a great idea. I need some.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:50 pm.
3 bucks at WalMart! Great stocking stuffers.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:45 pm.
Lori, I wish I could help you. I have the same problem with my guys. The younger one (age 20, an architecture student) asked for several things, all school related, that smack of his putting the stuff he needs before the stuff he wants. While we appreciate this, we’d like to give him something he could have some fun with.
The dh, when asked what he wants, tends to respond with things like “a hammer.” Or (in a different year) “a belt.”
My fallbacks for the boy include DVDs and, if I can get him to say what he wants, a game for the Wii. I wouldn’t risk buying one blind.
For the dh, shirts are the standbys. But not ties, which he loathes. Also CDs if I can remember what I already gave him.
iTunes gift cards are another standby.
BTW, I read Beauty and the Bounty Hunter and thought it was terrific.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 12:56 pm.
IV always responds the same way, if he isn’t saying “Nothing.” I do have an idea for him this year. He had my father’s old Bomber jacket and it finally gave up the ghost. So he’s getting a new one.
And thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed BEAUTY. I’m really proud of it.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 1:27 pm.
The gals need massages! Get them gift cards for a spa or message, whole body or feet. You’d be surprised how good a foot massages makes the whole body and mind feel
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 1:19 pm.
I am a huge fan of the foot massage. It solves a lot of ills.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 1:28 pm.
Lori,there’s NO WAY you could be the mother of those adults.
What about a 21 year old male college student with a geography major?
A gift certificate for a plane ticket. Seems like he would like to travel?
A 27 year old male who works in the healthcare field and loves Fantasy football?
Football tix to a favorite team game? Maybe jerseys and bobblehead of his facorite Fantasy players?
A 24 year old female daycare worker who’s expecting her first child in January?
Spa time! All mothers need it, especially new ones. And perhaps some ‘free babysitting weekends’ so she can catch her breath now and then.
A 24 year old male actuary who plays in a band?
Gift certificate to the local guitar store. My daughter’s in a band and she’s always wanting to get this or that technie band item. There are many, apparently.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 2:27 pm.
LOL! Thank you, Karen. There’s MY Christmas present.
I love the guitar store idea. I know diddly about guitars, even though I took lessons for 8 years. And don’t remember one thing. Sad.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 2:42 pm.
I’m struggling, as well, to get things for my husband (28), and my brothers and sisters-in-law (aged 23-29). We’ve got a price cap of $25 this year for each gift, and I’m at a complete loss as to what to get them. Even video games are about $60!
The only things I could think of are a beer + goodie basket for the guys, and tea and biscuits for the girls. I think everyone already has scarves, toques, and gloves, so that’s out.
For my husband, I got him tickets to see BB King because I know he likes his music. That’s the only thing I thought of, though… he buys his own work stuff, and his boss pays for all his tools, he’s still got video games from last year (that he asked for) that are still unopened, and this year he’s said that he ‘doesn’t need anything’. ug. So difficult!
I wish you luck! These ladies have some really great suggestions!
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 2:50 pm.
$25 would be hard. I think the beer basket is a great idea. I want one.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:36 pm.
What would you buy a 24 year old male newspaper sales associate who coaches high school basketball as a second job?
Tickets to a team he follows
What about a 21 year old male college student with a geography major? (Would you believe that Mr. Two Front Teeth and this fellow are one and the same?)undefined
21 year old male in college – they sell unique kegs just for Christmas, like Heinenken it’s not too big, comes with a bow
A 27 year old male who works in the healthcare field and loves Fantasy football?
If he has a game system, the latest Madden Game or something similar
A 24 year old female daycare worker who’s expecting her first child in January?
Spa – Day at the spa, they offer pregnancy massages and pedicure (since she probably can’t see her feet it would be a nice touch)
A 24 year old male actuary who plays in a band?
Band members always need more equipment, and it can be very expensive, if you get a gift certificate to a music store (ie Guitar Center) it can help them along
A 23 year old female who is getting married in April?
My first thought is spa, but also beauty and hair can help for the big day (I would wait to get things at a store when her registry comes out) of course even a gift certificate to Victorias Secret to help with Honeymoon attire
I had a lot of people on my list, so I made cookies, bought cute plates, wrapped them in scarves, added tea bags and lotions, with pins – all individually picked out for their personality.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 3:23 pm.
A Heineken keg with a bow! I can already see his face
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:51 pm.
Sports Illustrated as someone said upthread is great. I get that for my nephew and brothers-in-law every year. How about a cool calendar that reflects their interest (sports or hobby).
Love the idea of board games. Over T-giving, all the 20-somethings gathered together to play games. We have a few but I wished I had something new. They ended up playing a new card game.
Oh! For young men: set of poker chips and cards.
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:03 pm.
Poker chips are a great idea! We had a set once and it “disappeared.”
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:51 pm.
Lori, Karen H and I think alike as I was going to suggest some advance babysitting vouchers for the pregnant lady so she can have some ‘me’ time after baby is born, plus you get cuddle time
Gift certificates for the others
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:26 pm.
I am already very excited about cuddle time.
)
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:51 pm.
leather bomber jackets and flight jackets made in the USA,Nylon Bomber Jacket fit the bill quite nicely.
However, it had an ancestor, a forefather so to speak —the Military B10 and B15 Canvas Service Jacket.
Posted on May 24, 2013 at 1:15 am.
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Posted on June 18, 2013 at 1:55 pm.