Best "catalog type" gift you've received?

[p8nt]

I'm looking for a gift to send the future in-laws. Last year we sent them a large LL Bean wreath. I was going to do the same this year, but I read some online reviews that they died quickly, especially if hung inside.

So now I need to find something else to send them. I'm not 100% opposed to food, but FFIL needs to stay away from the sweets.

I also don't want to spend $50 on a chintzy bakset with an 8 oz can of nuts and 4 truffles.

My actual budget is about $100.

[plugginaway22]

My parents gave my DH an Eddie Bauer premium down filled 'throw' that is fabulous! We are always fighting over it for lounging around. I need to get one for me. I tell my Mom it is one of her best ever gifts to him.

[kittensaver]

Why don't you give them a gift card to their favorite catalog (or a catalog you think they might like) and let them choose something?

[mmhmm]

I don't know where your future in-laws live, but there are quite a few sites that offer fruits, some that can be sent monthly throughout the year (this is usually pretty expensive). Some offer citrus fruits, while others offer various other produce. This one offers both:

www.offthevine.org/ourproduceandproducts.html

I'm sure there are others. Worth a Google, maybe.

[Deleted]

If they are seafood lovers there are some great places. My parents used to send me a case for Christmas, it would have smoked mussels, oysters, scallops, a can of lobster, crackers and cheese. Another one they sent was all fixings for a lobster dinner. I absolutely loved them!!! Best food gift ever!

[Deleted]

I can tell you what my husband always sends . . . Fairytale Brownies. I think they are fairly pricey (we spend about $60), but my sister loves them year-after-year. He said it was his most successful business gift as well.

We got a wreath every year from some former colleague of his. You have to spritz it a couple of times a day, but you are still sweeping up needles.

My sister sent us an amaryllis last year from someplace online. It was gorgeous when it bloomed. We will find out this year if it only lasts a year.

[Deleted]

Zingermans is my go-to for food gifts. Is there a place in the country that would be special for them? Can you send the local food from that place?

I like the blanket idea.

Is there a local florist in their area where you could order a wreath? I have better luck googling a real florist than going with whoever is in the FTD or proflowers network.

[Tiny]

If you like the 'throw' idea but down might not be a good fit (allergies/pets) - check out The Company Store or Winter Silks - they have nice stuff in a variety of fancy-smancy fabrics.

[p8nt]

Oh! Lots of great ideas and places to check out.

We live in CA so we are blessed with good produce most of the year. I am sending Shari's Berries to my dad in MN because he will really enjoy those.

I think a blanket would be a fantastic idea since FFIL is always cold. I'll definiately check that out, and I was thinking about a living tree too.

[Opti]

For giving I like Harry and Davids and this nut place somewhere in the South.
Me personally my favorite was a Land's End tote bag because I can use it for groceries, like a cheap open briefcase or whatever.

Really depends what they like. For cool stuff there is always Brookstone. I think the have some hi-tech blanket out this year that is soft. Land's End, LL Bean also usually have decent flannel sheets, blankets this time of year.

[Opti]

I wouldn't send a living tree unless you know they are willing to take care of it and have a place to plant it. Gifts that are work don't always seem like gifts.

[busymom]

We received a gift one year from Omaha Steaks. We thought they were good!


We've also received cases of fruit. I can't remember which company, but the fruit was tastier than the stuff at the supermarket.

[p8nt]

Dec 2, 2012 13:52:32 GMT -5 Opti said:

I wouldn't send a living tree unless you know they are willing to take care of it and have a place to plant it. Gifts that are work don't always seem like gifts.

This is a good point. I'm 99% sure they'd like it, they have plenty of room and have planted lots of trees on their property. She's always giving me potted stuff that she's divided or grown from a snipping. But, they're getting older and adding to their existing landscape may not be what they want to do.

[lurkyloo]

Since someone mentioned Brookstone and FFIL tends to be cold: I think both Brookstone and Sharper Image do nice warming foot massagers. They look like a giant double slipper boot, very cozy. You can also find any number of dried fruit arrangements either online or I saw one at Trader Joes too.

[tcu2003]

Dec 1, 2012 16:13:08 GMT -5 plugginaway22 said:

My parents gave my DH an Eddie Bauer premium down filled 'throw' that is fabulous! We are always fighting over it for lounging around. I need to get one for me. I tell my Mom it is one of her best ever gifts to him.

My parents gave the Eddie Bauer down throws to my sis and I one year for Christmas, plus got a couple for their house. We all LOVE them - they're so warm and comfy!!