My mom doesn't really know what they like, and dad doesn't either. I've given jams to her sisters before, one of her BILs is diabetic so I always gave that aunt & uncle salsa. I've never given food (other than the Xmas stollen from their mom's recipe) to my dad's brothers, I know 1 of them doesn't like hot peppers at all. My dad only likes sweet pickles and relishes, DH doesn't like sweet, so I know it's not "one size fits all" even as far as that goes (and I wouldn't make pickles from storebought cukes anyway). Pie filling sounds good, I'd have to buy a lot of fruit and some Cleargel (or give instructions for thickening after opening, but for non-bakers that may be a turn-off). I guess they could always use it for ice cream topping or a cobbler. Pasta sauce is sounding better - you think pints are the right size for 2 people, I could make Ellie Topp's Chunky Tomato with Wine (skip the basil, maybe just put in a little dried herbs, after I had some basil go bitter in that recipe I don't want to use fresh in canning again)?

Count me in with the adult kids, no grands and missing the mornings excitement. What we do is get very creative with the wrapping. The boys especially compete for most creative wrap. One year i got DS some yard tools, and i used poster board to create a giant snowman. The tools were taped to the back and handles were used as arms. I added a scarf and mittens. They were all so surprised- figured' it was just another of Moms goofy attempts at holiday decorating. Lately its been big ticket gifts, but I supplement that with small items bought from local artisan fairs, such as hand made soap, soy candles or treats. There is a vendor who makes incredible cake ball truffles the boys love, and another who makes Indian nut brittle, DD1s favorite. Those are the elaborately wrapped items. But the all-time favorite is the stocking. We use the same ones every year-theyve been personalized with each persons name. I have mine from my childhood, the kids` original stockings from their first Christma, and every one who joins us gets one. I keep them and we reuse them every year. I even have the ex-BFs and ex-GFs! And since Christmas in our family always includes friends or extended family, I keep a supply of new stockings on hand. They are such a hit for all ages. The key is the stockings contain very inexpensive goodies. I go to the dollar store and find fun things-sudoko and word search books; packets of kleenex; paper airplanes and puzzles. Ive recently been adding calendars which are a HUGE hit. Sticky notes, lip balm, pocket size hand sanitizer, disposable lighters, packs of band aids, and ALWAYS candy bars & a scratch off lottery ticket. Oh, and an orange. Thats always in the toe. One year I forgot the oranges and they were so disappointed. I pick up trinkets all year long for the stockings. Those end caps at the grocery store checkstands yeild good selections.

My siblings and I exchange smaller gifts.. my brother generally makes one stop for all sibling gifts-- it's generally the state store, starbucks or dunkin LOL. This year, I think I am going to go with the Yeti tumblers for the BILs.. Other gift ideas for men in the $20-$100 range: irish driving cap tabasco items - tees, polos, ties, etc They have some very fun designs (or used to) suede grill mitt digital/blue tooth meat thermometer scarf Pistachio Bowl (all of mine have come from Hilborn Pottery but there are many designs from lots of companies) Over $100 Panini Press - great for a young, single man - I got one for my nephew when he was a bachelor because, darn it, you can toast just about anything between two slices of good bread and have a great meal. Boos cutting/carving board Pizza Oven - my sister bought the breville ($150) at WS and I thought the pizza was great. The whole family loves it. (They also make them to go on the grill). If they cook, good olive oil, flavored vinegars, funky fun spice blends Craft cocktail fixins Artisanal booze.. small batch gins and bourbons are becoming very popular (especially with the younger set)

I learned I have to be careful in how I present gift cards. Once I was giving two kids gift cards attached to wrapped candy bars. I gave one to the first child and was with her as she opened it and found the GC. Her sister was asleep, so I asked her to give the other candy bar + gift card to her sister later.... I found out the sister had not noticed the GC and threw it in the trash with the wrapper. Luckily, it was still there when I told her to go look for the GC with the wrapping paper. So however clever you make the presentation, make it obvious that there is a card, too.