I have secret santa present questions!?

Question

I have to buy for my mother in law (a very classy conservative lady), my sister in law (a very snobby, upper class girl herself), my grandfather in law (hes 83 and has everything under the sun), and my aunt (shes 44 and has everything she needs, is into movies and computers?)
We have set budgets of $30-$30 per present... what should I get them??

Sorry, the budget is $30-$40

Answer 1

Enlarged photos of you in gorgeous, fancy frames.

Answer 2

Ok, first of all for the aunt who has everything: have you thought about a gift movie ticket to her favorite theater? These are great and usually are good for a year to any movie you want to see. If you get two, it could be something she could do with a friend or even a date. These usually run at about $25-30, and are great for when that must see movie comes out and everyone is rushing to get tickets!

If so, or they run a bit higher than that in your area, try a 'movie gift basket like my aunt got me: blockbuster gift card, a couple of bags of popcorn, and some other things for a night at home with a good movie.

Classy, conservitive mother-in-laws are tough. What does she like to do? Any hobbies? Or anything she might want to try? Some people have always wanted to take dance lessons, for instance. Go to your phonebook and see how many waltzing instructors or dance classes you can find. Ask your husband/wife about this, she/he should have some clue. Maybe she loves golf? Buy her a couple of buckets to practice her swing or even a nice certificate at a cosy cafe for after.

If you can't do any of those, or if your significant other actually does have no idea, try coffee or tea. Go to a local coffee shop or tea shop (once again, the phone book) and get her a tea strainer and a cup or two mugs(try Target, they have some cute pots and mugs and strainers for less if you really can't find anything) and with a gift certificate or some of your faves (I love jasmine tea, for instance).

Your sister must want some kind of cute trinket, pins or baubbles, that are a must have accessory this season. Or she has no place to put them *wink* like a jewelry box? Or maybe she doesn't have that latest issue of that magazine and you should get her a subscription (which usually runs at about 18-25$).

Lastly for dear old grandpa? Once again, have you found him anything to do? Even if he's not active and hospice/nursing/home bound, what about games like ches or checkers (even the small, computerized versions) that could help keep his mind active. If not, and he can move, try and find something fun. Tai chi, dance, tennis lessons, or even a court pass will often be cheap but fun gifts. Many of these activites even offer discounts this time of the year, so ask.

Answer 3

Pity about the budget.

Because the bestest, most original gift I've ever found costs about 60$. Enter www.StarRegistry.com and check it out. I mean, who could resist the gift of having a real-live genuine STAR up there in the heavens named after THEM!?

If you absolutely cannot go over-budget, though, try the following. Head to Crate and Barrel. Get a goblet, NOT A MUG! Have it monogrammed. Present it in a pretty, lined and padded box with fancy gift wrap. Not many folks have a water goblet personalized for them. And water does seem to the "IN" drink these days.

Answer 4

I take it you don't know (or really love) these people much - and that you are not real keen on their interests and passions. That said -

mother-in-law - Candles/holders A nice, high end variety.

sister-in-law - The same.

Grandfather in Law - Look at novelty shops like the sharper image or those novelty catalogues. that's the best route for people who have everything.

Aunt - get her movie passes and tell her you'd love to set aside a day to go with her.

I have a question for you. Three of these people are in-laws. Is your spouse helping you out here at all?

Good luck!

Answer 5

When it comes to people you do not know very well or seem to have everything I opt for gift certificates. Do a little snooping find out where mother in law and sister in law shop and get them gift cert. same with Grandad but for him it his favorite eating place(old people love to eat out) for your Aunt a gift card for FYE or Blockbuster would be good. Disguise the gift certificate by wrapping in bigger boxes or buying a box of candy and sliding it inside. For Auntie(the movie person) maybe a box of pop corn and tape it to the outside. By personalizing it it show you cared enough to do more than just go by a gift certificate. I do not like giving gift cert., to everyone but when they are picky people it is your best shot for happiness. Good Luck, Merry Christmas!

Answer 6

1 - A veil to cover herself with

2 - Tweezers to remove the stick from her bum

3 - Everything under the moon

4 - A rope to get her out of the computer