Bees, we live all over the world, come from all different backgrounds and have all different budgets. Between the lot of us, I am sure we could put together an AMAZING holiday gift guide and make this the easiest shopping year ever! Who's in?
Post your favorite go-to gifts for the different people/role groups in your life.
( I apologize if there is already something like this but I couldn't find it in a search)
persimmon / 1178 posts
-Co-workers/ random people needed a small gift: soft and/ or fluffy socks (silly ones if it fits the person) like http://www.amazon.com/3-Pairs-Womens-Noble-Mount-Anti-Skid/dp/B00MVATJD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416693130&sr=8-1&keywords=fluffy+socks
but I usually get 'em cheap during a holiday sale at the department stores.
Glüehwein wine, also works as a hostess gift. You can usually get a bottle for $6-$10.
-Out of town family w/ older kids or no kids: Food gift. Harry and David, Honey Ham Company, bon bons, etc.
-Out of town family w/ kids: year long memberships to local children's attractions (zoo, science museum, etc).
-In town family and friends: we try to buy experiences like tickets to concerts or things like Circ du soleil. or put together family night out packages (bowling (or miniature golf or movie or whatever)+ restaurant gift card + dessert shop or wine tasting, depending on their tastes.
(these sound a little extravagant but we only have like 10 gifts to buy and giving one gift to entire households ends up saving us money. And, of course, depending on the year, if we can't afford fancy we downgrade as needed)
I also like to take people to a specialty store, like an olive oil store or LUSH or whatever and have a gift card waiting for them.
What are your go-to gift ideas?
pomegranate / 3105 posts
Kids of family or friends that we buy for: Books! This year it was the Book with no Pictures by BJ Novak
Coworkers - Something funny - KnockKnock WTF notepads and a "Bullsh*t" button from Spencer gifts. If you can't laugh at work, something is wrong.
- Closest friend(s) - Hallmark family tree that uses photos to hang off of it
persimmon / 1178 posts
@babycanuck: I LOVE the book idea! As I noted, we usually do whole family gifts but that is in part because we don't know/ can't afford individualized gifts for kids, but books would be perfect!
pomegranate / 3105 posts
@lizzywiz: I put a note in the book before I wrapped it for the parents/grandparents saying "Before you read...go watch this video! http://www.tinyurl.com/nopictures" that I made for the youtube promo video. That way they aren't confused and understand the concept. We forget about imaginations as we get older 
It's something for the LOs and their family to enjoy!
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
For the "foodie/chef" - different spices, rubs, marinades
For the young couple - holiday decorations. they often don't have money for nice decor.
For the active - cooler for outings, nice blanket for picnics, water bottles
persimmon / 1178 posts
@T.H.O.U.: "For the young couple - holiday decorations. they often don't have money for nice decor. "
so true and so brilliant! you just helped me with a young, newly married cousin 
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
@lizzywiz: for my brother I'm ordering from target because it's free shipping and they have cute stuff!
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
For girls, age 7-13, Origami Owl charm bracelets
For moms & own sisters, Sugar Plum Pretty sleepware: robes, PJs
For cubicle co-workers/ stocking stuffers- 2015 Calendar that has pics of their hobbies/ interests
coconut / 8079 posts
Young nephew who has tons of toys already: dinosaur hooded towel & basket full of bubble bath, bath toys, etc.
For SIL: gift card to take her girls to the movies
persimmon / 1178 posts
@jhd: stealing your bubble bath/tub art/toys for LOs secret Santa gift for school 
cantaloupe / 6017 posts
We do books for lots of people.... The new Laura ingalls wilder autobiography will surely make an appearance under someone's tree this year...
Nice body oil is a good gift for women, you can add a nice bar soap, etc. to make a more complete gift. I've also received very nice, slightly tinted, all natural lip moisturizers from people and loved them. I feel like makeup/body products can be hard because people are picky, but I loved getting those!
Dads: my dad loves survival books, so I usually find one of those for him. He also is a big beer guy, so nice beer glasses and a few fancy beers makes a nice gift.
My brother and his gf moved into a new place, so we are thinking a nice new knife, cutting board, cheese knives, that kind of a thing.
Anyone have suggestions for sister in laws obnoxious early twenties (but seems younger) hipster boyfriend? He's been around for several years now, so I feel like we need to stop giving him wool socks and beer.
Also, suggestions for a type a, super stressed, single, 30 year old woman who is kind of a label whore? And in med school?
Oh, and my go to gift is Darn Tough socks. They are amazing, so much better than smartwools. Everyone loves a new pair of high quality socks!
coconut / 8483 posts
@Silva: yoga mat or classes for 30'year old med student? My sis in law is a stress ball of a gal but loves yoga. I usually get her a lulu lemon tank from the sale section. Not sure about the hipster boyfriend!
My go to add on is an EOS lip balm.
Also this year my mom has randomly got into puzzles, so we are giving her a puzzle with ds pic on it.
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
@Silva: what about a custom leather keychain? Or a wood speaker set. I saw wood sunglasses on shark tank!
cantaloupe / 6017 posts
@T.H.O.U.: maybe its weird for a boss- but when i was running I LOVED really nice running socks. Wool ones are, surprisingly, the best. Like these: http://darntough.com/men/mens-run
(I swear I'm not affiliated with darn tough. i just love them.)
cantaloupe / 6017 posts
@Mrs. Lovejoy: hmm....my sister in law was like, "all I can think of are croissants" (which is literally the least helpful gift idea ever). Maybe I can make a little breakfast basket up with a french press, etc.
persimmon / 1178 posts
@Silva: "Also, suggestions for a type a, super stressed, single, 30 year old woman who is kind of a label whore?"
Massage/facial/mani-pedi or some other type of self-care ritual.
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
@Silva: we are in FL so there isn't a lot of use for wool socks here
persimmon / 1178 posts
@T.H.O.U.: I gifted this before:
Superior Running Belt with Reinforced zipper
http://www.amazon.com/Superior-Running-Belt-Reinforced-zipper/dp/B00LSWYT60/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416795887&sr=8-2&keywords=gifts+for+runners
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
@Silva: y sister in law was like, "all I can think of are croissants" (which is literally the least helpful gift idea ever). Maybe I can make a little breakfast basket up with a french press, etc.
Have you looked at cold brewed coffee concentrate. You can add filtered water and it's good in a growler for like three months. lucky Goat is the company by us.
cantaloupe / 6017 posts
@T.H.O.U.: I wear them in the summer! I realize it sounds crazy! They are very thin, breathe well, and don't get stinky! This article explains it well: http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/gear-shed/gear-guy/What-Are-the-Best-Light-Running-Socks.html
cantaloupe / 6017 posts
@lizzywiz: thats a nice idea. i realize i sound like i hate my family. i swear, i don't!
coconut / 8079 posts
@lizzywiz: awesome! I got those abcs that float in the tub too because I know my sis will have fun working with him on those. Bath time is about the only time he stays still.
nectarine / 2180 posts
@silva: those socks look awesome! love that they're made in the USA. I foresee a pair showing up in DH's stocking, and maybe a pair for my dad as a part of what will surely be an eclectic gift since I never know what to get him!
persimmon / 1178 posts
@T.H.O.U.: sorry, it took me a while to find the link, but I gifted the belt w/ this
http://www.tervis.com/Designs/Designs-Coll-Express-Yourself-Hobbies-Runner-Boy/e4c62a99b9ee677364fa851b1ed383fa/e4c62a99b9ee677364fa851b1ed383fa/#upc=093597211089&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=amazon-pads&on-amazon=on-amazon&publisher=www.amazon.com&pubpage=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F3dRose-Carry-Running-Runner-Transforming%2Fdp%2FB00EKLHDVE%2Fref&refRID=0X6WBNJZ6D8GV9HW9BS4&SKU=093597308406&CA_6C15C=1932853038
GOLD / wonderful olive / 19030 posts
Friends/Hosted Gifts: I've been making homemade sugar scrub, it's a huge hit and so easy (and light on the wallet)
Kids: Easel from IKEA, for only $15 it's of great quality and it's great for kids of many ages! I'm gifting 4 of them this year plus accessories
Daycare: This year I'm putting together a basket of TJ yummies, plus some home beauty stuff, I think both teachers will appreciate and it's lighter on the wallet than massages like I've done in the past (and more personal)
cantaloupe / 6634 posts
Any ideas of a gift for a SAHM of four? I am drawing a blank. Under $40 would be great.
cherry / 206 posts
@T.H.O.U.: for your boss - a plaque to display race bibs is nice. Try Running On The Wall site or etsy!
cantaloupe / 6885 posts
I got this for my dad - a digital picture frame that allows people anywhere in the world to wirelessly send pics to it. I think he will love seeing pics of his grand babies randomly "pop" up on it while at work!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FWDXZIO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1417744354&sr=1-3&pi=AC_SX200_QL40
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
@simplyfelicity: I just got my sister a cross body clutch with a monogram for $30. It would be great to carry with kids when you just need a wallet.
persimmon / 1178 posts
@Charm54: Oh, my....that might be the perfect gift for LO's grandparents. Squee!
pear / 1696 posts
@Silva: for your early twenties SIL & hipster boyfriend how about movie tickets to an idependant theater in their town, locally roasted coffee, gift card to a hip cafe or restaurant? Hipster boyfriend may like a Banksey book (http://www.amazon.com/Wall-Piece-Banksy/dp/1844137872/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417901168&sr=8-1&keywords=banksy+books)
or a cool knife for picnics (http://www.opinel-usa.com/collections/opinel-beech-wood-handle/products/opinel-keyring-knife-no-2#.U40PBMZJrG4)
For your type a woman, I love @lizzywiz's suggestion, def get a mani/pedi gift card or massage! Or class passes to a yoga/pilates studio.
@simplyfelicity: I would do a gift membership to their local childrens museum or aquarium, not sure if that would be under $40 for such a big family tho...
For my 3 year old nephew- I got these awesome personalized memory game cards- https://pinholepress.com/products/tree-memory-game-2-20014/
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