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Post by craftedbys on Nov 29, 2023 23:16:09 GMT
I would give a houseplant that is easy to care for and safe for pets. I love African voilets and peace lilies, but bamboo is very easy to care for, and the tall, twisty ones are fun.
Or maybe something really fun, like a Lego set. The botanical collection is more than $25, but there are so many fun sets.
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,509
Jun 30, 2014 12:52:45 GMT
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Post by ellen on Nov 29, 2023 23:36:37 GMT
I often gift an Epicurian serving/cutting board that is in the shape of Minnesota. I have one and love it.
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Post by littlemama on Nov 29, 2023 23:52:16 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! Total Wine has more than wine, despite the name!
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 29, 2023 23:58:48 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. My teammate has a birthday Friday. At the beginning of the year, people fill out this sheet of a lot of questions about favorites. It is favorite snack (salty, sweet, drink, cake, fruit) and about 15 more favorites. I loved being able to grab the sheet and pick a few favorites for her. Makes it so much easier. I would definitely do a gift card rather than lotion or a candle. I really don't like quite a few scents and those things just made their way to Goodwill.
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Post by malibou on Nov 30, 2023 0:32:36 GMT
I would gift a set of those collapsible grocery totes that a pea posted (I can't remember who it was and search wasn't helpful). Loads of us got them. They came in a three pack. I love them so much. They look like these
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Post by compeateropeator on Nov 30, 2023 1:42:22 GMT
I love those reusable cube/box grocery bags. They’ve been linked a bunch but I will look for a link later. I think you can get a3 pack for about 25.00
ETA hahaha I just read the rest of the posts. Jinx to Malibou! But I agree.
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Post by stine on Nov 30, 2023 1:43:19 GMT
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a fun game that's $7-$10 and they have seasonal versions.
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Post by cmpeter on Nov 30, 2023 3:26:51 GMT
I posted a similar thread a few weeks ago. I ended going with some Penzey spices.
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Post by krcrafts on Nov 30, 2023 3:35:03 GMT
My favorite thing would be a big pack of markers. Paper Mate flair pens, Sharpies, whatever looks fun. Target usually has several different kinds. And add a coloring book or journal.
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Post by Legacy Girl on Nov 30, 2023 4:53:20 GMT
My favorite thing right now is Color Burst watercolor powders. They are so much fun to play with. You sprinkle the powder on watercolor paper and then mist with water from a spray bottle. They make the most beautiful papers that can be used for scrapping, mixed media projects, notecards, etc. If you have someone who's crafty, this is a really neat product that's rather unique.
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pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993
Feb 4, 2015 6:49:53 GMT
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Post by pancakes on Nov 30, 2023 5:37:50 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! Totally agree! I like hearing WHY the item is that person’s favorite. It often makes me feel more positively toward something I wouldn’t normally be jazzed about. Like no, I don’t want more blankets or socks or spice mixes, but if this thing was life changing for you, I’m willing to try it out 😂
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 30, 2023 6:58:09 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. How do those stainless steel handles hold up in the dishwasher? I need to replace my 25+ year old Pampered Chef ones.
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Post by dewryce on Nov 30, 2023 7:21:48 GMT
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. How do those stainless steel handles hold up in the dishwasher? I need to replace my 25+ year old Pampered Chef ones. I meant to link the search results page, not that specific one, I was looking at that one for MY stocking We have the wooden one just like the one I linked but I’d like another for when it’s in the dishwasher. It’s just the two of us and it takes forever to fill the thing so stuff sits there for a while. But my sister has at least one and hasn’t voiced any complaints. I’ll check with her tomorrow and let you know.
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Post by dewryce on Nov 30, 2023 7:33:57 GMT
I would gift a set of those collapsible grocery totes that a pea posted (I can't remember who it was and search wasn't helpful). Loads of us got them. They came in a three pack. I love them so much. They look like theseI think it was these bags. I remember adding them to my cart back then and kept watching for them to go on a great sale but they never did. They don’t have as many color options available now though.
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Post by dewryce on Nov 30, 2023 7:36:30 GMT
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! Totally agree! I like hearing WHY the item is that person’s favorite. It often makes me feel more positively toward something I wouldn’t normally be jazzed about. Like no, I don’t want more blankets or socks or spice mixes, but if this thing was life changing for you, I’m willing to try it out 😂 Exactly! Years and years and years ago a cousin gave everyone her favorite planner, and it’s the same one I use to this day. Plus she gave those huge blue IKEA bags and they come out every time we go camping! Never would have gotten them on my own and I was appreciative but not totally thrilled when I got them, but I’m so glad she gave them to me.
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Post by dewryce on Nov 30, 2023 7:50:14 GMT
Are there any men participating? What I’m listing is great for both men and women, Bear Claws to shred your meat. I was thinking about it being something I use and love every day, and Sephora’s glass nail file lives in my purse, my car, upstairs and downstairs. What makes it different for me is that one side (diamond side) makes them really smooth on the edges, the other glass ones I tried left them a bit rough. And I’ve been using Elon cuticle/fingernail cream since about 1999, it’s really great for both. You used to have to get it behind the counter at Walgreen’s, I order online now so I’m not sure if that’s still the case. And I’m not sure why that is, I think it was actually the pharmacy counter back then. But when I use this regularly I have zero need for a cuticle remover cream or tool. This double-sided pill box has also lived in my purse for almost as long, and now my mom’s too. They sell some on Amazon that even have premade labels for popular meds. I use mine for various pain meds, muscle relaxers, Imodium annd gas-x, and allergy meds. I use the big compartment for a billion acetaminophen and ibuprofen, but the same has bandaids and it reminded me DH has something he uses for his frequent nosebleeds that I need to add to it. A pea recommended this Pampered Chef Mix n Chop for cooking ground beef and turkey and it is amazing, breaks it up so well and so quickly. DH is in love with it! Any Anker products, have had them for years with zero issues. Braided charging cables, are a favorite, they’re all I buy for upstairs, downstairs, car, travel, never had one fray or break. On another thread aussiemeg had a great suggestion of charging cables or a power bank. I have a smaller one of theirs, but this one is in my cart on sale and then take 30% off. I hate, hate, hate any lights when I sleep so I’ve used these stickers on all of the electronics in our bedroom (cpaps, air filter, chargers) and they live in our travel bag. No sticky residue and it has helped so much in our hotel rooms. An adjustable cell phone stand is a great way to keep phone/ipad from being buried on your desk, and we use it in the kitchen when the recipe is online. This one is great because it can adjust to any angle.
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Post by malibou on Nov 30, 2023 9:41:39 GMT
My favorite thing right now is Color Burst watercolor powders. They are so much fun to play with. You sprinkle the powder on watercolor paper and then mist with water from a spray bottle. They make the most beautiful papers that can be used for scrapping, mixed media projects, notecards, etc. If you have someone who's crafty, this is a really neat product that's rather unique. I've been messing around with watercolours for the last couple of years. This sounds like loads of fun. Another item for my Christmas stocking. 😁
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Post by malibou on Nov 30, 2023 9:48:19 GMT
Great list dewryce. Definitely picking up the Sephora glass file for dh and myself. And I'm also getting the Elon cuticle and nail cream. I love my bear claws! And the pampered chef mix and chop, that I got thanks to SockMonkey!
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Post by peasapie on Nov 30, 2023 11:24:19 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! I agree with you. There’s no way to guarantee anyone will like the gift, but the fun is in giving it. Let’s face it, we can all buy exactly what we each want. This is about being excited about giving a gift. The exchanges I’ve participated in are few, but the popular items were bottles of wine, olive oil plus bread dip spices/dip dishes, wine bottle carrier for byobs, and fancy chocolates.
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sweetpeasmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,592
Jun 27, 2014 14:04:01 GMT
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Post by sweetpeasmom on Nov 30, 2023 12:43:53 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. One year at a family gift exchange, I ended up with a large tumbler with the SC palmetto tree and crescent moon and a bag of Dove chocolates. I was super excited. The tumbler stays on my desk at work for my water.
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Post by dawncpa on Nov 30, 2023 12:56:15 GMT
I’d look through my Amazon purchases for the last year and see what items I got that I love and then pick one of those. Off the top of my head probably the box type reusable bags, compression packing folders, balega socks, a layflat charging cord with ports, a gnome Christmas wreath, a Bluetooth label maker, souper cube silicone ice molds, a contigo water bottle, hiking socks, a holiday pillow cover.
I would tend to want to try to find one item in the approx price range. But I’m not a big fan of baskets of little stuff. While it being one of my fav things may not make it theirs, it also should make it an easy item for them to regift. If I have to do one of these exchanges, I honestly prefer if it’s one where a game is involved. No shame in claiming back what you gifted and love.
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Post by ToniW on Nov 30, 2023 18:42:00 GMT
We're doing chocolates this year from link I get the Barista Kit and so far, everyone has loved it. It's a small shop with really nice people and they ship, too. Their truffles and fruit confections are delicious!
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Post by coaliesquirrel on Nov 30, 2023 22:01:16 GMT
I would tend towards gadgets. Things I love: - Nite Ize S-biner carabiners (have one on each set of keys) - Baggy rack thingies that hold bags open while you put the leftovers in - rechargeable hand warmers (most work as power banks too, some can be used as flashlights) - rechargeable fans (ditto) - absolute LIFE SAVERS when the power goes out in the summer - silicone collapsible food storage containers - mini package openers (to slice open Amazon boxes and such) - silicone crock pot dividers (most everyone has one of those oval crock pots!) - dry erase to do lists
All of them are available at Amazon, lots at other places too. Some can be gotten on Temu as well if you've got some time (don't need until Xmas).
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 30, 2023 22:41:10 GMT
One of the best things that ever happened to me in one of these was someone who gave a gift (that I didn’t get) put a note that regifting was perfectly ok. And the recipient traded with someone else. This was before all the white elephants etc.
Honestly, I look at these as fun. Sort of in a scratch off kind of way (***that’s my suggestion!) Sometimes it’s a crap shoot and… crap. Other times, you break kinda even. But every great now and then lol— you get lucky!
I’m a regifter in general. I am always happy to receive anything someone wants to give, even if it’s just not my thing. But I also don’t hesitate to regift. I also hate gift cards because the only winner is the store. So many sit in drawers never to be used. Some though, Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart, target.. I know people who will absolutely use them, so I am happy to receive them and pass them along. Heck- I was going to give a gift to those folks anyway. Hahaha now I can use that $25 to spend on something I really like!
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 30, 2023 23:46:24 GMT
We're doing chocolates this year from link I get the Barista Kit and so far, everyone has loved it. It's a small shop with really nice people and they ship, too. Their truffles and fruit confections are delicious!
Fair warning- your idea is sooooo awesome, I just went and ordered the last of the barista kits. They are now all out of stock. There are tons of other yummy looking items!
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Post by grammadee on Nov 30, 2023 23:56:17 GMT
A scarf, mitts &/or head hear for a favourite sports team?
Is it chilly in the office? Then maybe a throw/shall to wear while sitting at a computer?
A mix of holiday teas or coffee pods?
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Post by ToniW on Dec 1, 2023 16:39:57 GMT
We're doing chocolates this year from link I get the Barista Kit and so far, everyone has loved it. It's a small shop with really nice people and they ship, too. Their truffles and fruit confections are delicious!
Fair warning- your idea is sooooo awesome, I just went and ordered the last of the barista kits. They are now all out of stock. There are tons of other yummy looking items! Yes, they are popular, I've been too late a time or two myself. The last few times I had gotten the pro kit for us!
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River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,515
Location: Alabama
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
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Post by River on Dec 1, 2023 17:42:38 GMT
I hate, hate, hate any lights when I sleep so I’ve used these stickers on all of the electronics in our bedroom (cpaps, air filter, chargers) and they live in our travel bag. No sticky residue and it has helped so much in our hotel rooms. An adjustable cell phone stand is a great way to keep phone/ipad from being buried on your desk, and we use it in the kitchen when the recipe is online. This one is great because it can adjust to any angle. Thank you for the link to those stickers!! They are in my cart now. I hate any type of light and have a few electronics I keep anything I can find over but then can't see the item itself. These will be perfect! The Ajustable cell phone stand is exactly what I came in here to post. It's really a staple for me at work and at home. I have one in the kitchen and on my nightstand. There's several different brands and colors.
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Post by dewryce on Dec 1, 2023 22:15:15 GMT
River we have several of the stands as well because we use them everywhere. I actually often have to go hunt one down upstairs because we have 4 rooms we use them in, and only 2 stands up here. If they weren’t so easy to find I’d probably be lazy enough to buy one for every room!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 2, 2023 1:50:30 GMT
I hate, hate, hate any lights when I sleep so I’ve used these stickers on all of the electronics in our bedroom (cpaps, air filter, chargers) and they live in our travel bag. No sticky residue and it has helped so much in our hotel rooms. An adjustable cell phone stand is a great way to keep phone/ipad from being buried on your desk, and we use it in the kitchen when the recipe is online. This one is great because it can adjust to any angle. Thank you for the link to those stickers!! They are in my cart now. I hate any type of light and have a few electronics I keep anything I can find over but then can't see the item itself. These will be perfect! The Ajustable cell phone stand is exactly what I came in here to post. It's really a staple for me at work and at home. I have one in the kitchen and on my nightstand. There's several different brands and colors. Who even knew there was such a thing? Right now all of my electronics have a piece of black electrical tape over those stupid lights in my bedroom because I hate having to look at those annoying little lights in the dark!
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