Ok gift ideas? Stressing out!!

tivaclare · 11-13-2008, 01:42:28 PM

Like pretty much everyone else, things are tight...really tight. To add to the stress we are moving in two weeks. Overall this is a good thing, but is happening 4-6 weeks sooner than expected so we're having to scramble to find extra rent and money for a used washer/dyer and moving van. Eek! DH and I will probably trade very small gifts, as he usually gets video games, etc on a regular basis. We'll get DD something small since she'll only be two and is always overloaded with gifts from the family.

I need gifts for: My folks, In Laws, Sis/BIL, Brother (he's 16), BIL (30s, single), SIL (23)

I need opinions on some ideas I have to make sure they don't seem too "cheap". I mean, no one is expecting anything big, as we're all struggling, but I stress about it anyway. Oh, and we're 1200 miles away, so this will all be shipped. I'm hoping to do it early Dec so I can do parcel post. At this point I'm not even sure if my budget is much above $10 per person.

I'm pretty clueless as to what to do about my folks and in laws. I might get the dad's custom photo keychains or mousepads. I found a deal where each would be about $5. The moms, I've yet to decide.

Sis/BIL
These two are having a horrible time right now. Married in April 07, they are just now moving out of my folks house and are still struggling very much. They have no wedding photos printed or albums, so I've decided to send 3 wedding framed portraits and a custom printed photo book. With deals I've found, I can do this for roughly $15. (before postage home)

SIL
Hate buying for her. Girly girl with a taste for the designer label. I've been through my stockpile and have found lots of cosmetics, Dove skincare, Soleil Razors, etc. Is it ok to send a gift box of beauty items? Cost to me: Postage.

Brother
I might make him a messenger bag. Depends if I clean up my sewing room and stop being pregnant and lazy. My last ditch is a custom keychain watch for his fav band. Cost to me $7.

BIL
Custom mousepad for his fav baseball team and/or custom coasters for St Louis. Cost to me $10-12 before post. May only do one or the other, not sure.

puakinikini · 11-13-2008, 01:48:14 PM

I always think pictures are great gifts - anything personal. I love the idea for your sister - it took us a year to get our wedding photos developed (money issues and time constraints). One day I came home from work and my DH had framed several photos and had them hanging above our bed - love that guy. I think your sister will really love that gift. I also think beauty products are great for your SIL.

Remember that it is the thought that counts not the amount you spend.