|
|
Post by shanniebananie on Nov 29, 2023 18:22:36 GMT
We are having a holiday gift exchange and I need to bring a favorite item with a budget of $25. I am drawing a blank. If you have participated in something like this, what items have you given or received that were memorable and useful?
|
|
mamallama
Full Member
Posts: 137
Sept 14, 2018 7:30:33 GMT
|
Post by mamallama on Nov 29, 2023 18:47:37 GMT
Is it all women or a mixed group? For women I would probably put together a little basket with soft socks, lotion and like face masks etc. Or a candle. I’ve heard of people even doing a basket of their favorite cleaning supplies. Really it can be anything. A soft blanket will always be put to good use. Your favorite set of mixing bowls and utensils or measuring cups.
If it’s men as well, I would probably go with different foods.
|
|
|
|
Post by aprilfay21 on Nov 29, 2023 18:54:01 GMT
I'm always the odd one out on these types of things, but I wouldn't gift lotions or anything scented. I wouldn't use anything like that and it would end up re-gifted or tossed.
I think snacks, or kitchen items, or your favorite sauces and seasonings, something like that would be good. If you wanted to do a self care basket stick to aloe socks, gel eye mask you can refrigerate, nail care set, those fuzzy headbands you use when you're washing your face, etc.
|
|
|
|
Post by airforcemomof1 on Nov 29, 2023 18:56:57 GMT
OXO good grips angled measuring cups. Best things since sliced bread!
|
|
kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,390 
Location: Lost in my supplies...
|
Post by kelly8875 on Nov 29, 2023 19:21:39 GMT
You need to know your audience for this. OR, don't worry about it, and really just give YOUR favorite thing.
I would appreciate anything knowing it's something that someone else really likes. Even if I choose to give it away later.
I would worry about these items as much as lotions & such. So many food allergies or intolerances that people have.
Maybe a favorite game or book?
|
|
|
|
Post by zztop11 on Nov 29, 2023 19:25:56 GMT
How about a little basket with different flavored salts. Some of them are very good and fun to try.
|
|
|
|
Post by librarylady on Nov 29, 2023 19:37:14 GMT
I have to come up with a $15 gift for a gift exchange.
I HATE these gift exchanges. At school after getting 3 years of crap, I opted out each year. (I once got an item that was obviously used. I forget what it was now, but that was what broke me of participating again.)
I am considering getting a gift card from What-A-Burger. I considering a $20 bill in a little gift box. I can't decide which to do. (Will the organizer be angry if I do $20 instead of $15?) I would rather have cash than something to regift or donate.
|
|
|
|
Post by betsyg on Nov 29, 2023 19:40:19 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by mayceesgranny on Nov 29, 2023 19:42:35 GMT
ideas: Fill a small basket with your favorite style of Christmas ornaments, favorite book or books, your fav lip balms or lipsticks, $25 gc to favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or boutique, favorite chocolates, favorite olive oil and balsamic vinegar set, favorite spices, your favorite succulent in a pot, pens and stationary, favorite crafting items - yarn, tools, papers, etc.
|
|
pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,762
|
Post by pantsonfire on Nov 29, 2023 19:55:04 GMT
$20 10 ounce Yeti tumbler. Good for cold or hot drinks. Love all my Yeti tumblers.
|
|
|
|
Post by AussieMeg on Nov 29, 2023 20:14:33 GMT
I like the idea of the tumblers that other people are mentioning. If the tumbler cost less than your $25 limit, you could add a pair of fluffy socks, or fill it with chocolates. What about a mini portable phone charger / power bank? I've bought several for Christmas gifts this year. They cost me a lot more here, because everything costs more here. But I just checked the Amazon US and they have some within your budget. |
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Nov 29, 2023 20:20:40 GMT
OXO good grips angled measuring cups. Best things since sliced bread! To go along with any kitchen items, Williams-Sonoma Spoonulas are awesome. If you haven’t heard of them it’s a spoon/spatula combo, I like using them when I have something to stir I want to keep from sticking on the sides or bottom, like spaghetti sauce or a thick stew. |
|
|
|
Post by monklady123 on Nov 29, 2023 20:34:45 GMT
I love the idea of a soft blanket, mostly because I love my soft blankets. And we have SO many of them thanks to Kohl's sale every year. lol.
If you can get one on sale it would be less than $25.00. Then maybe a gift card to Amazon that you could say was for a book to read while curled up under the blanket.
|
|
|
|
Post by lucyg on Nov 29, 2023 20:45:46 GMT
I would probably get a one lb box of See’s candy. They cost $29 (close enough by my standards) but I actually pay less anyway by using discounted See’s gift cards from Costco.
Also, I think Amazon or Starbucks gift cards are always a good choice. Almost everyone can use them, and even if the recipient doesn’t happen to want them, they’re easy to regift.
|
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Nov 29, 2023 21:05:23 GMT
I like the idea of the tumblers that other people are mentioning. If the tumbler cost less than your $25 limit, you could add a pair of fluffy socks, or fill it with chocolates. What about a mini portable phone charger / power bank? I've bought several for Christmas gifts this year. They cost me a lot more here, because everything costs more here. But I just checked the Amazon US and they have some within your budget. Love the power bank idea, plus isn’t everyone always complaining about someone taking their wall charger or charging cords? Anker is a fantastic brand for all of these products. Their braided charging cords are amazing, I’ve never had one fray. |
|
pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,522
|
Post by pinklady on Nov 29, 2023 21:12:19 GMT
Please please stay away from stinky lotions, body sprays and candles. Not everyone likes scented stuff. Those go immediately in the trash when I get home.
Stick to a pair of cozy socks, a soft blanket, or gift cards.
|
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Nov 29, 2023 21:16:13 GMT
|
|
peaname
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,389
|
Post by peaname on Nov 29, 2023 21:25:44 GMT
I’m giving a $25 Crumbl cookie gift card
|
|
|
|
Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Nov 29, 2023 21:46:09 GMT
What one person likes or loves, another may not.
Just my humble and honest opinion. Giving should be based on the likes and loves of the recipient, not the giver.
I would give a $25 gift card to Target or Walmart.
Not being rude, just honest. >> Signed, she who has ended up with a lot of unwanted, not needed, already have that, don't like it, not the right color, not my style, etc.... assortment of random stuff throughout many years and decades. It ends up being given away, donated, tossed.
I'd rather have a gift card for $5 or $10, than a $100 worth of stuff I won't use.
Again, not being rude...just honest.
I am in my later 50's. My home and life and style, is established. I honestly don't need more random stuff, that *someone else* loves and is someone else's favorite thing.
|
|
anaterra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,838
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
|
Post by anaterra on Nov 29, 2023 21:52:27 GMT
What one person likes or loves, another may not. Just my humble and honest opinion. Giving should be based on the likes and loves of the recipient, not the giver. I would give a $25 gift card to Target or Walmart. Not being rude, just honest. >> Signed, she who has ended up with a lot of unwanted, not needed, already have that, don't like it, not the right color, not my style, etc.... assortment of random stuff throughout many years and decades. It ends up being given away, donated, tossed. I'd rather have a gift card for $5 or $10, than a $100 worth of stuff I won't use. Again, not being rude...just honest. I am in my later 50's. My home and life and style, is established. I honestly don't need more random stuff, that *someone else* loves and is someone else's favorite thing. It is literally called a favorites gift exchange.... maybe you are the kind of person who should decline these kind of gift exchanges... you always post about how much you hate receiving anything you dont personally choose... This thread is for ideas of things to give to people who WANT to give n receive more then gift cards... Its not ur kinda thing... no big deal to skip it... We have ALL received something we didn't like want need or carefor... nature of the beast... thats what makes it fun or not... |
|
|
|
Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Nov 29, 2023 21:59:53 GMT
What one person likes or loves, another may not. Just my humble and honest opinion. Giving should be based on the likes and loves of the recipient, not the giver. I would give a $25 gift card to Target or Walmart. Not being rude, just honest. >> Signed, she who has ended up with a lot of unwanted, not needed, already have that, don't like it, not the right color, not my style, etc.... assortment of random stuff throughout many years and decades. It ends up being given away, donated, tossed. I'd rather have a gift card for $5 or $10, than a $100 worth of stuff I won't use. Again, not being rude...just honest. I am in my later 50's. My home and life and style, is established. I honestly don't need more random stuff, that *someone else* loves and is someone else's favorite thing. It is literally called a favorites gift exchange.... maybe you are the kind of person who should decline these kind of gift exchanges... you always post about how much you hate receiving anything you dont personally choose... This thread is for ideas of things to give to people who WANT to give n receive more then gift cards... Its not ur kinda thing... no big deal to skip it... I agree. I always opt out if possible. Sometimes, I feel like I am turning into a cranky old lady. I know what I like and love....and I know what I don't like and don't love. I am very practical and budget conscious, so receiving so much unwanted stuff, bothers me......because so much money wasted. Any gift that I do receive, I am always kind and gracious, and thank the giver profusely. It's not that I am ungrateful......it's that I always view it as money wasted. My own personal issue, for sure. |
|
pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,522
|
Post by pinklady on Nov 29, 2023 22:03:26 GMT
What one person likes or loves, another may not. Just my humble and honest opinion. Giving should be based on the likes and loves of the recipient, not the giver. I would give a $25 gift card to Target or Walmart. Not being rude, just honest. >> Signed, she who has ended up with a lot of unwanted, not needed, already have that, don't like it, not the right color, not my style, etc.... assortment of random stuff throughout many years and decades. It ends up being given away, donated, tossed. I'd rather have a gift card for $5 or $10, than a $100 worth of stuff I won't use. Again, not being rude...just honest. I am in my later 50's. My home and life and style, is established. I honestly don't need more random stuff, that *someone else* loves and is someone else's favorite thing. It is literally called a favorites gift exchange.... maybe you are the kind of person who should decline these kind of gift exchanges... you always post about how much you hate receiving anything you dont personally choose... This thread is for ideas of things to give to people who WANT to give n receive more then gift cards... Its not ur kinda thing... no big deal to skip it... We have ALL received something we didn't like want need or carefor... nature of the beast... thats what makes it fun or not... You handslap and state "This thread is for ideas of things to give to people" and yet in your only post on this thread you didn't provide one gift idea.  |
|
anaterra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,838
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
|
Post by anaterra on Nov 29, 2023 22:13:07 GMT
Pengems.. i think they are pretty to write with... they are not super expensive...you can add a snarky notebook or some really pretty stationary... Lmao pinklady good point |
|
pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993
|
Post by pancakes on Nov 29, 2023 22:15:57 GMT
Part of the cool thing about this exchange is that it’s that person’s favorite item (or one of their favorites). I would start by looking at the things you use every day and/or something you’d be sad if you broke/lost it. There’s got to be something $25-ish on that list.
A Yeti tumbler would fit my list there!
Other personal contenders off the top of my head:
- favorite bottle of wine at that price
- a long shoe horn that you don’t have to bend down for (seriously amazing if you don’t have one 😅)
- Carhartt winter beanie
- Favorite pens (it’s a gel pen from Japan or the Lamy Safari fountain pen)
- favorite book, esp a cookbook
|
|
|
|
Post by littlemama on Nov 29, 2023 22:28:11 GMT
-See's or Ethel M Chocolates
-Penzey's spices- they have some great gift boxes, including one that is just different kinds of cinnamon.
-a book that you liked, even if it isn't highbrow!
No Starbucks gift cards. I would want a gift card I'd actually use- Target, Amazon, Total Wine are all generic enough that most people could find something there.
No stinky stuff, no lotions or socks or blankets or candles.
|
|
|
|
Post by zztop11 on Nov 29, 2023 22:37:16 GMT
ideas: Fill a small basket with your favorite style of Christmas ornaments, favorite book or books, your fav lip balms or lipsticks, $25 gc to favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or boutique, favorite chocolates, favorite olive oil and balsamic vinegar set, favorite spices, your favorite succulent in a pot, pens and stationary, favorite crafting items - yarn, tools, papers, etc. Be sure that the person celebrates Christmas before putting any type of Christmas item in there. |
|
|
|
Post by zztop11 on Nov 29, 2023 22:38:12 GMT
-See's or Ethel M Chocolates -Penzey's spices- they have some great gift boxes, including one that is just different kinds of cinnamon. -a book that you liked, even if it isn't highbrow! No Starbucks gift cards. I would want a gift card I'd actually use- Target, Amazon, Total Wine are all generic enough that most people could find something there. No stinky stuff, no lotions or socks or blankets or candles. Not everyone drinks coffee or wine. If going the gift card route, Target or Amazon are great! |
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Nov 29, 2023 22:48:03 GMT
a headlamp!! very useful and good if you already have one.. can go in the car or something. I like useful things.
|
|
pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,915
|
Post by pilcas on Nov 29, 2023 23:13:58 GMT
This really is one of the topics where we all have likes or dislikes. I would be happy with wine or scented lotions but woulD really hate snacks or chocolates as I can be very, very picky about them and Yetis are useless to me. Hopefully you know a little about the recipient of the gift.
|
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Nov 29, 2023 23:15:45 GMT
We are having a holiday gift exchange and I need to bring a favorite item with a budget of $25. I am drawing a blank. If you have participated in something like this, what items have you given or received that were memorable and useful? Another one in the camp of it's supposed to be one of your favorite things, not ours! What did you discover this year that you thought was great? Was there something you found yourself recommending to others? Is there a product you found yourself replacing (or asking for on your own gift list)? That's where you start and come up with something. Surely there was something you liked or enjoyed this past year? And for the record, I would absolutely hate to receive over half of the gifts mentioned in this thread. But if I agreed to participate in a favorite things exchange, I would willing provide one of my favorite things and then hope for the best. You open your gift, say thank you and then find it another home if it's a dud. If you can't go into it with an open heart and mind, then it's best to decline to participate - and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that choice either! |
|
