christmas shopping: what u buying?

[Rukh O'Rorke]

I want a starter set of good quality cookware for someone, any suggestions?



What are you all getting for peeps?



My only purchase so far are colson air purifiers and foot peelers





I need to get shopping!!

[empress of self-improvement]

I'm buying booze for my BIL and donating to the MSPCA for my sister. My shopping will be done. Books for the triplets and maybe a Lego set each to go with the billion they got for their birthday.

[debthaven]

DH: a Le Creuset teapot (his request)
DS1: either sneakers or eau de toilette, not sure yet
DDIL: pearl earrings and a Slanket
DGD (5): age-appropriate science kit + wind chimes (he loves ours!)  
DGD: doll + "Russian doll" animals (no plastic)
DS2: dunno yet
DS3: baking beans + dunno yet 
A (DS3's partner): gloves, candle, book
DD: snowshoes + carrier bag 
DN (my niece): Chanel lipstick
DGN (her daughter): Chanel lipstick
DGN (her son): Swiss Army knife

DS2 is extremely difficult to buy for. DS3 is not difficult to buy for. 

DS1's family sends a "wish list" which is a HUGE help, and greatly appreciated!!! And DS3 sent a list for A. 

I also love gifting massages to nice places ... people always appreciate them but rarely buy them for themselves. 

[Cheesy FL-Vol]

DD1 has a new leather journal, a fountain pen, pen cartridges, rosemary infused olive oil, and a wooden spoon made locally.

DD2 has a Polish pottery cookie jar, two Polish pottery salad bowls, basil infused olive oil and a similar wooden spoon.

The grand-little has a bunch of nature books, a charades game, and renewal of Little Passports & Ranger Rick JR subscriptions. 

DH and I just bought the grill we have been eyeballing since spring. Normally we don’t gift each other, so it is an “us” gift.

My mom is going to get cash for her travel fund.

There are no gift exchanges between siblings.

[Sharon]

Mom: A dressy heavier shirt (basically a really nice sweatshirt) and new slippers.  When she visited the sole was missing on half of her slipper

DD:  Two graphic tees (her request),  Not sure what else, possibly a gift certificate to a day spa

DSIL: A binocular harness to use when hunting and a tool satchel

The grands are all getting a heavy duty sleeping bag and then something little.

DGD1 - A musical jewelry box with a unicorn that goes in a circle when opened

DGS1- A pillow case that has farm equipment images that he can than color with markers

DGS2- A nice puppy stocking cap

DGD2 - ??  Since she will still be less than a month old I don't think she notice

[wvugurl26]

Dad is getting replacements for everything the puppy they got last year chewed up. Robe, socks, and slippers. Also a new goose down pillow. I'm nervous about this one. I read a hundred reviews and I'm still not sure it's "quality". I'm afraid it's too soft but dad likes to punch and bunch up the pillow and mold it so I didn't want to buy firm. And a grumpy for life shirt with the grumpy dwarf on it.

DH is getting new hoodies with his football teams logos. Also ear buds and a pendant with the logo of our college and a gold chain.

DH's niece and oldest goddaughter is getting theater tickets.

Other items include Lego sets, Bath & Body Works candles, a bunch of nice skinny tumbler cups from a small business and gift cards.

I'm certain we buy for way more people than most but meh. I thought I had done a decent job starting early then I sat down to make a list of what's left. It's long and my time is running short. The list is shorter than it has been in the past.

I also need to make a jar and a t-shirt. The jar is like a swear jar except it's for my sister in law and will be a can't find it jar. Her family can pay up when she has to find everything.

I need to think on my what to get my uncle. I don't want more junk to clutter up my grandma's house but this will be his first Christmas without his wife of 49 years.

[debthaven]

I need to think on my what to get my uncle. I don't want more junk to clutter up my grandma's house but this will be his first Christmas without his wife of 49 years.

wvugurl26 , DH's very elderly aunt loves her digital photo thingie that shows her grands and her (late) DH. Plus sometimes her kids switch up the photos. 

[susana1954]

I don't buy for adults so I am not very helpful.

Grandson (18) = $100 and the latest Wimpy Kid book
Grandson (16) = $100
Grandson (also 16) - 100
Granddaughter (14) - Vera Bradley duffel bag monogramed with her initials and $10 bookstore gift card
Granddaughter (12) - Vera Bradley duffel bag monogramed with her initials and $10 bookstore gift card
Grandson (10) Some boxing dummy his mother picked out and the latest Wimpy Kid book
Granddaughter (8) - Some Harry Potter Legos and $10 bookstore gift card
Grandson (8) - Nerf Super Shooter of some sort and extra "bullets"
Granddaughter (6) - Set of Rainbow Jr High dolls and a $10 bookstore gift card

I had already given my DIL a $50 bookstore gift card to buy books from "Santa" so that's why some kids got books and some didn't.  But I ALWAYS give the oldest the latest Wimpy Kid book. He expects it.  He won't allow his younger brother to touch his collection so I had to start one for him as well.

I also have a nephew and 2 nieces.
Niece (18) - $75 Dick's gift card, which is half of the skates she wants
Niece (16) - jewelry box and an Amazon gift card to pick out a necklace or ring or something
Nephew (7) - $40 given to his grandmother (my sister) so they can go to the movies 2X. His mom only wants "experiences" and not stuff.

Penny - 3 new toys and 2 bags of nicer treats than usual

Don't get me started on what I've bought for myself! It's mostly clothes and a new coat because of the weight I lost, but there are a few things for the house.  Since adults don't exchange presents, I buy for myself.  I always know exactly what I want. 

There's also some charity giving involved.

[raeoflyte]

Dec 5, 2022 19:21:39 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

I don't buy for adults so I am not very helpful.

Grandson (18) = $100 and the latest Wimpy Kid book
Grandson (16) = $100
Grandson (also 16) - 100
Granddaughter (14) - Vera Bradley duffel bag monogramed with her initials and $10 bookstore gift card
Granddaughter (12) - Vera Bradley duffel bag monogramed with her initials and $10 bookstore gift card
Grandson (10) Some boxing dummy his mother picked out and the latest Wimpy Kid book
Granddaughter (8) - Some Harry Potter Legos and $10 bookstore gift card
Grandson (8) - Nerf Super Shooter of some sort and extra "bullets"
Granddaughter (6) - Set of Rainbow Jr High dolls and a $10 bookstore gift card

I had already given my DIL a $50 bookstore gift card to buy books from "Santa" so that's why some kids got books and some didn't.  But I ALWAYS give the oldest the latest Wimpy Kid book. He expects it.  He won't allow his younger brother to touch his collection so I had to start one for him as well.

I also have a nephew and 2 nieces.
Niece (18) - $75 Dick's gift card, which is half of the skates she wants
Niece (16) - jewelry box and an Amazon gift card to pick out a necklace or ring or something
Nephew (7) - $40 given to his grandmother (my sister) so they can go to the movies 2X. His mom only wants "experiences" and not stuff.

Penny - 3 new toys and 2 bags of nicer treats than usual

Don't get me started on what I've bought for myself! It's mostly clothes and a new coat because of the weight I lost, but there are a few things for the house.  Since adults don't exchange presents, I buy for myself.  I always know exactly what I want. 

There's also some charity giving involved.

How is your oldest grandson 18...

[jerseygirl]

We’re probably not going to exchange gifts for adults this year. Last 2 years we had a ‘secret Santa’ so only one person gifting. Just give gifts to kiddies, 17, 9 and 7
We all are fortunate to have what we need, don’t need more ‘stuff’ etc etc etc
As my DD said it will be Thanksgiving with decorations
Best part is being with family after too many holidays ruined by Covid.

[laterbloomer]

ISO is getting a Henkel knife set. I spent a lot on it but it's really a household gift so I'm good with it.
I don't know about the GW's yet.
The step kids and their partners are each getting a jar of Artisan Salted caramel and a jar of Chococaramel.
Oldest GD that is in university this year is getting a Multi tasking bamboo tray, basically a desk for in bed.
GS is getting a gaming gift card.
Youngest GD is getting a bunch of colouring/crafting supplies.
Still figuring out what to get my parents.

[nidena]

Nephew = $20
Niece = $20
Youngest niece = $20
Dad & stepmom = snazzy Papyrus card
Bro & SIL = snazzy Papyrus card
Close friend = snazzy Papyrus card

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Dec 5, 2022 19:35:07 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

Dec 5, 2022 19:21:39 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

I don't buy for adults so I am not very helpful.

Grandson (18) = $100 and the latest Wimpy Kid book
Grandson (16) = $100
Grandson (also 16) - 100
Granddaughter (14) - Vera Bradley duffel bag monogramed with her initials and $10 bookstore gift card
Granddaughter (12) - Vera Bradley duffel bag monogramed with her initials and $10 bookstore gift card
Grandson (10) Some boxing dummy his mother picked out and the latest Wimpy Kid book
Granddaughter (8) - Some Harry Potter Legos and $10 bookstore gift card
Grandson (8) - Nerf Super Shooter of some sort and extra "bullets"
Granddaughter (6) - Set of Rainbow Jr High dolls and a $10 bookstore gift card

I had already given my DIL a $50 bookstore gift card to buy books from "Santa" so that's why some kids got books and some didn't.  But I ALWAYS give the oldest the latest Wimpy Kid book. He expects it.  He won't allow his younger brother to touch his collection so I had to start one for him as well.

I also have a nephew and 2 nieces.
Niece (18) - $75 Dick's gift card, which is half of the skates she wants
Niece (16) - jewelry box and an Amazon gift card to pick out a necklace or ring or something
Nephew (7) - $40 given to his grandmother (my sister) so they can go to the movies 2X. His mom only wants "experiences" and not stuff.

Penny - 3 new toys and 2 bags of nicer treats than usual

Don't get me started on what I've bought for myself! It's mostly clothes and a new coat because of the weight I lost, but there are a few things for the house.  Since adults don't exchange presents, I buy for myself.  I always know exactly what I want. 

There's also some charity giving involved.

How is your oldest grandson 18...

aka.... an adult!! even though Susana says doesn't buy for adults


but of course you don't cut them off at 18!! I get it

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Dec 5, 2022 20:09:15 GMT -5 nidena said:

Nephew = $20
Niece = $20
Youngest niece = $20
Dad & stepmom = snazzy Papyrus card
Bro & SIL = snazzy Papyrus card
Close friend = snazzy Papyrus card

is that a store? 

is the store snazzy.....or the card?

[susana1954]

Dec 5, 2022 20:31:17 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Dec 5, 2022 19:35:07 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

How is your oldest grandson 18...

aka.... an adult!! even though Susana says doesn't buy for adults


but of course you don't cut them off at 18!! I get it

Actually, I think he just turned 19 at Thanksgiving!

But I won't cut him off until he is at least out of collsge. He is a freshman living at home and working part-time as well.  He needs $$$ more than the rest!

[Deleted]

Neighbor #1 - Columbia fishing shirt $35
Neighbor #1 - Gift card somewhere $25
Neighbor #2 - Gift basket of bath and face stuff from Lush Cosmetics $60
DH - Custom belt buckle and belt $1,650 (we each bought what we wanted)
Me - Vintage silver and amber ring $30 (we each bought what we wanted)
Staff at local restaurant - 30 persons X $25 = $750

I still need to get something for the folks next door - maybe a quality wine and some tasty treats plus yummies for their 3 dogs? It's not exactly a Christmas gift as they are Jewish, but last year they gave us an awesome wine and a beautiful cross so it's all good.

[nidena]

Dec 5, 2022 20:32:56 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Dec 5, 2022 20:09:15 GMT -5 nidena said:

Nephew = $20
Niece = $20
Youngest niece = $20
Dad & stepmom = snazzy Papyrus card
Bro & SIL = snazzy Papyrus card
Close friend = snazzy Papyrus card

is that a store? 

is the store snazzy.....or the card?

Target sells them but they have some standalone stores too.  Here's their Christmas card page. The cards are made with little plastic "jewels" and velvet bows and the like.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 5, 2022 17:40:25 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

I want a starter set of good quality cookware for someone, any suggestions?



What are you all getting for peeps?



My only purchase so far are colson air purifiers and foot peelers





I need to get shopping!!

Cook’s Illustrated likes All-Clad, but hates the price.  They recommend Tramontina tri-ply at a fraction of the cost.  It’s still pretty pricy, but we’ve got 4 pieces and they are quite excellent if you don’t want to spend the $$.  The Tramontina is not inexpensive, but it is substantial.

[dannylion]

T-Fal cookware has held up very well for me.  The nonstick surface is sturdy and has remained intact on the 6-year-old set I'm using now.  Also, it comes in pretty colors, if that's a consideration, and is generally reasonably priced.  

I had good luck this year with gift inspirations and actually finding things that were suitable.  I only buy gifts for my cousins' children and 2 friends, so there isn't much to do, but sometimes it takes a while for inspiration so strike.  One young cousin is studying Italian in high school and will take a school trip to Italy in her senior year, so I thought some books in Italian would be a good idea.  Easier thought of than done, though.  Finally discovered that the big museums in Florence have a collective museum-store website, and there were a few books in Italian available, including a nice book about the Uffizi collection and a biography of Leonardo da Vinci.  Her brother started college this year and is on the track team, so I got him some nice insulated water bottles and a book.  The other two girls are getting fun items from the Museum of Modern Art (games, puzzles, and rainbow makers).  The two sets of friends are getting fancy stainless=steel insulated mugs and drink cups and various consumables and books.  Nothing too exciting, but I was happy to find everything early-ish on and not end up scrambling at the last minute.  The new wrapping paper arrived today, so I'll wrap them and pack the cousin gifts for sending tomorrow, then the hard part will be done.  I always feel anxious until I get them in the mail.  

[NastyWoman]

Not fessing up to what I have bought but reading these posts has confirmed that I truly am the Xmas monster I always knew I was. Let's just say that in general I hate shopping with the exception of Xmas gift shopping. That I love and I fully indulge with the fervor of an addict 

[giramomma]

I always like to put a plug in for Farberware Stainless steel pots.

I just bought three, one at a time, as I could afford them ($25-30ish/pot was a big deal when you are making $10 an hour).

Those pots are between 22-23 years old. They have been used 5-6 days a week, for that length of time.

The handles are ugly, the finish has worn off. But otherwise, they still are in amazing shape.

You also might consider some cast iron pieces. If they are taken care of properly, they last a long time. We still have DH's grandma's cast iron. She'd be like 110 now, if she were still alive. It wouldn't surprise me if some of the pieces were 70 years old.

[daisylu]

DS (21) - compact fridge, as his in the rental does not work well and the LL does not seem to want to replace it. 

DD (23) - cash and a microwave for if she ever moves out.

Mom - 2 Quacker Factory Christmas shirts. She will be out of town, so I gave them to her already.

Dad - Gift card of some sort

MIL - Bath and Body works gift card. Might add a movie theater gift card.

FIL - Tractor Supply gift card

DH - Ordered a set of grill spice blends that come in a tobacco chew like can. He will get a kick out of that. Not sure what else.

Niece (8) & nephews (6 & 16), unsure. 16yo will likely get cash.

So far for me/house I have gotten a head wrap (hot/cold) for migraines, shower head for main bath, clothes, and so much more that I can not remember!

[raeoflyte]

Dec 5, 2022 23:52:56 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Not fessing up to what I have bought but reading these posts has confirmed that I truly am the Xmas monster I always knew I was. Let's just say that in general I hate shopping with the exception of Xmas gift shopping. That I love and I fully indulge with the fervor of an addict 

I don't think I buy that much irl, but compared to ymam I must.

My struggle this year is ds asks for little, but what he wants costs more. DC wants everything but their wants are very cheap so I haven't quite reconciled that yet.

[Deleted]

Dec 5, 2022 18:19:07 GMT -5 Cheesy FL-Vol said:

The grand-little has a bunch of nature books, a charades game, and renewal of Little Passports & Ranger Rick JR subscriptions. 

That's generous all by itself!  I looked at Little Passports for my grandchildren but it really made sense to get 3 separate subscriptions- they're 8, 6 and 3 so one size does NOT fit all.  It looked like about $800/year total!

I don't do a lot of Christmas shopping and I'm happy with that- for the kids, it's experiences throughout the year (and The Nutcracker by the KC Ballet on Sunday- yes!! ), but I like to see what others are buying and the thoughts that go into it.  I know some families where it's all gift cards- a good solution for those difficult to buy for but not all that interesting.  BF's family seems to be 90% gift cards among the adults.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I got DH two new T-shirts in Estes from a local artist that we like.  Gwen got him a new wallet.   I want to order a flannel T-shirt from the Estes Candy Store that I didn't get around to snatching up before we left because I had to check it if was something he'd even wear.   I also found one of those "impossible" puzzles for $3 at Five Below.  It's completely clear there is no picture.  He said he wants puzzles and I figured this is a good brain challenge.

For Bob I am going to get him a really nice hoodie I saw at Hot Topic.  He's into anime but I don't know if he is THAT into anime anymore.  It's a Naruto hoodie that is in a really sleek design if you know the anime you'll know what it is but if you don't it's just a really awesome hoodie and it looks warm.   Hopefully it's still in stock I didn't get it last week because I wasn't sure what size he wears anymore.

I haven't decided yet for my nephew.  Since his stuff is cluttering my dad's house I am trying to not get anything big or has lots of pieces toy wise.  There is a local guy who does dinosaur themed stuff and has a soft fossil dig thing that I think would work for him.  He loves dinosaurs and it gives him something to smash so bonus.

I have no idea what to do for my dad.  I am leaning towards various flavor sodas from a local candy store along with good quality ice cream so he can make floats.  We have a brownie bar near where I work that sells brownies with various toppings I might add that in.   My dad is impossible to shop for in the best of times but this year it is REALLY hard.

My grandmother gets a $2200 lift chair.  Granted I bought it with her money to qualify for Medicaid but she doesn't need to know that.   We decided we're not rocking the boat and just telling her it's a birthday/Christmas present she doesn't need to know where the money came from.

Gwen so far is getting a curling iron which she needs for Show Choir, one of those hair dryer/brush combos, a name necklace, a Nightmare Before Christmas Cookbook and a similar themed embroidery kit since she's been taking an interest in my stuff.  I still need to get her the pajamas she wants and the Starbucks cup.   There is little stuff scattered in there too.

Abby is getting a stuffed Evee package from Build a Bear.  I've found Flareon and Vaporeon but I can't find Jolteon I think Walmart has it.  I am so not trying to collect all 8 evolutions the original three are plenty.  Along with them I found a Pokemon "training" book at 5 Below.    I got her a more grown up version of a Disney cookbook.   I found out Sweet Valley Twins is also coming out as a graphic novel so I got her the first book of that to share.   

I got her a "birthstone" necklace in Estes.   It's not actually a sapphire those suckers are expensive and she's only 8 but it is a gorgeous dark blue stone so it's the right color. 

I got my BFF an ornament at the craft fair about best friends being angels.  It really represented how I've felt lately.

I got her daughter one of those old school fashion plate coloring kits.  Where you make the model and then rub your colors over it to make the picture.  I like to do something for her kid every Christmas too.

I also did the giving tree here at work.  I pick two kids from either work or the Salvation Army tree every year.  I've started including the kids on it a couple years ago.  I want them to think about there but for the grace of God go I and that we should give back.

The girl Abby got wanted Sonic toys so we picked out a Sonic stuffie.  Couldn't find Tails.  90s kid me wanted to do Sonic and Tails. 

Gwen picked out a lava lamp for hers.  

We do not do gift exchanges with his family.  Most of the kids have gotten older and don't participate in gifts either.  I stopped buying for my BIL's kids years ago because their parents spoiled them.  I had no interest in competing was tired of seeing what I bought tossed aside.   DH's great nieces/nephews are hit or miss as to if they will come so I don't get anything for them.

I wanted to do something nice for his dad but can't think of what.  I am leaning towards seeing if I can make a collage of pictures for him but I would need DH's help to secure items to scan.

[dannylion]

Forgot to mention gifts for my dog buddies!  How could I forget my dog buddies??  The girl dog is getting soft squeak toys (a dragon and an octopus) for indoors and plastic squeak toys for outdoors.  Her recently adopted brother, who does not know how to take care of his toys and generally destroys everything, is getting very rugged chew toys for indoors and some supposedly indestructible balls for outdoor fetch.  Interestingly, he understands that the soft squeak toys belong to his big sister, and he leaves them alone.  Their cat siblings are getting catnip toys.  They love catnip toys.  

[Cheesy FL-Vol]

Dec 6, 2022 9:37:19 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

Dec 5, 2022 18:19:07 GMT -5 Cheesy FL-Vol said:

The grand-little has a bunch of nature books, a charades game, and renewal of Little Passports & Ranger Rick JR subscriptions. 

That's generous all by itself!  I looked at Little Passports for my grandchildren but it really made sense to get 3 separate subscriptions- they're 8, 6 and 3 so one size does NOT fit all.  It looked like about $800/year total!

I don't do a lot of Christmas shopping and I'm happy with that- for the kids, it's experiences throughout the year (and The Nutcracker by the KC Ballet on Sunday- yes!! ), but I like to see what others are buying and the thoughts that go into it.  I know some families where it's all gift cards- a good solution for those difficult to buy for but not all that interesting.  BF's family seems to be 90% gift cards among the adults.

The grand-little has been getting them for a year now. He is 3-1/2 at this point. He gets pretty excited to get his new kit and they go through them together. DD2 said some were above his level, so she will re-visit those with him. The gift subscription is a split between Christmas and his birthday, so that makes it a little more palatable.

[TheOtherMe]

The adults in my family can to an agreement several years ago that since all we were doing is exchanging gift cards, we stopped.  There were times when I gave the same gift card the person gave me.

I still buy for the littles.  That's been done a long time ago.

[Tiny]

Dec 5, 2022 17:40:25 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

I want a starter set of good quality cookware for someone, any suggestions?

Is the giftee  the kind of person who values function over trendiness?     Will they be putting their pots and pans in the dishwasher?   That may help you narrow down price point and type of cookware. 


I haven't looked at sets  - but some of the names going around for functional pots/pans  in a mid range price   are   Tramontina and Cuisinart.     

I think Calphalon still makes reasonable cookware.  Can't go wrong with All-Clad if price is no object.     


I'd personally go stainless steel for sauce pans and pots.  I'd go with on frying pan that stainless steel too.     I'd leave the non-stick (these get replaced as needed)  or hard anodized surface for saute pans (low to medium heat).   

[Deleted]

Dec 6, 2022 10:27:57 GMT -5 Cheesy FL-Vol said:

Dec 6, 2022 9:37:19 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

That's generous all by itself!  I looked at Little Passports for my grandchildren but it really made sense to get 3 separate subscriptions- they're 8, 6 and 3 so one size does NOT fit all.  It looked like about $800/year total!

The grand-little has been getting them for a year now. He is 3-1/2 at this point. He gets pretty excited to get his new kit and they go through them together. DD2 said some were above his level, so she will re-visit those with him. The gift subscription is a split between Christmas and his birthday, so that makes it a little more palatable.

Interesting thought- I give the girls money so they can learn to manage it and even learn from their mistakes. The youngest isn't ready for that yet. Maybe I'll get him a subscription. Bonus: the girls are really nurturing and I can picture them helping him with the stuff he doesn't understand (as long as they don't take over).

Last month I bought a couple of gift cards for heifer.org and thought the girls would enjoy "shopping" for animals to be donated to people in developing countries. That fell flat. I later went through the catalogue myself and made choices, which was just fine. I want to teach them altruism and I know their parents are the same way. Eventually it will sink in.