Does anyone have any good gift giving ideas that work?

Question

My husband's sister lives out of town. She is his only immediate family. We have been exchanging Xmas gifts for the kids. In the beginning, we didn't have kids--so it was a little easier. Now there are 7 kids, and it's getting hard to find presents--toys are repeating, clothes not needed, and older kids wants being more expensive. What happens is we end up asking what everyone wants/ needs/sizes/colors...etc. Then if it isn't right, it becomes a hassle because we are about a 1000 miles apart. This year I suggested giving the older kids gift cards and that they might like to go pick out something they wanted. My sister in law seems open to change, but said it was too much like swapping money. She suggested to set a dollar amount, buy and wrap presents, put our names on it. I know gift cards aren't personal, but I thought at least they could get cards from favorite stores. My new idea is to a $20 small Xmas gift idea and focus on making each kid's bday more special. Thoughts?

Answer 1

I think the gift card is a great idea and I'd push for that.

What I'd do is ask what that child's favorite store, fast food restaurant, video store, etc is, and get them a gift certificate there. They will love it...trust me. We do that all the time and the kids (I have 4--ages 11-23) and they are always thrilled to get a gift card. My mil is getting a gift card for my 11 year old son to Radio Shack for Christmas because he loves all the cool stuff they sell. He seldom has money to spend when we go there, so I made the suggestion to her and she was quite happy to get that for him. This way, she doesn't have to fret over what to get him, she can easily run in and get the card, and he will jump for joy on Christmas morning knowing he has his gift card to look forward to using.

Even kids that are younger can appreciate a gift card. It can be an 'event" for them to see which card they get that year. Make it different every year. It will be fun for you, and fun for them.

And $15 to $20 is plenty. That amount helps them to be more careful in how they spend it, perhaps waiting for a sale. Kids get way too much these days anyway so more isn't always better.

You'll do just fine. I know it. And btw, all gift giving is more or less 'swapping money.' It's the thought that counts. And you are definitely a very thoughtful person for thinking this through like you have. There are many kids out there that would love to have an aunt like you.

Answer 2

Most brides will register at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, or LinensNThings, Macy's (or some department store in their area), Williams Sonoma. I have also seen couples register at Lowe's or Home Depot. Which isn't a bad idea because when they move into a house they can buy paint, flowers, or other things that usually aren't thought of until you own a house. Unique gifts could be art, silver, crystal vase or bowl, Joy of Cooking Cookbook (an essential in every kitchen for a novice to a pro) with a personal inscription and a nice wooden spoon.

Answer 3

Whatever you get them, get a gift receipt, and then if it's not right for some reason, they can go to their local store and exchange/return it.

Or, if they're like 13 or over, you could order CDs off amazon and have them shipped to their house- you can't go wrong with a CD if you find out what music they like.
Or, if one of the kids is a girl over 10 or 11, you could get her something pretty that's not a toy. A pretty jewelry box or jewelry, or a pretty scarf or something would work.
Or if they're still under 10, you could get some of those weird little elctronic life toy things like Tamagotchis or something. (There are all kinds out, and I'm pretty sure they're all $20 and under.)
When I was little my parents would get me and my sisters a couple small gifts, and then they'd get one big gift for all three of us- if you want to do something big for all the kids you could get one of those little racecar track things.
You could also try one of those art kits that comes with paints, and crayons, and markers, and paper and colored pencils and all that stuff.
I don't know if Lisa Frank is still around, but I know I loooooved getting stuff from Lisa Frank until I was like, 12 or 13.
If the kids already have an iPod, you could get an iPod accessory- some of them go for kind of cheap. ($30 or so)

I hope something here could be of service.

Answer 4

I think that the gift cards would be the best way to go. There is no hassle involved and they get to pick out what they want.

Answer 5

Send the entire family a gift basket from Harry & David. I have been sending people Harry & David gifts for decades and they never disappoint. Also, Hickory Farms is good too but Harry & David are the best.

http://www.hickoryfarms.com/welcome.asp

http://www.harryanddavid.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BECHomePageView?storeId=10051&catalogId=10002&langId=-1

Also, this year I am sending all my relatives and friends Crocs shoes. I love them and if you order them from the Crocs on line they are cheaper and you get free shipping if you order over $100 worth. I have relatives in Europe so I am going to order my Crocs tomorrow. They are light weight and easy to mail. Crocs has shoes for adults and kids. The are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn - bar none. My favorite styles are the Nile and Prima but my husband likes the clogs. Between us we have about 20 pairs of them. They are inexpesive and make wonderful gifts.

http://www.crocs.com

Answer 6

its hard when kids get older. I have started buying dvds and movie gift cert. from block buster. then i but a huge plastic bowl and fill it with popcor and other candies and put the movies and movie gift card in it , I have even given this with a nice warm throw and mugs for hot coco. THey love it.

Answer 7

I think gift cards are good. If you think they're not personal get one with a design that they would like. Good Luck!