We had the same problem for years. We have a group of seven couples (all close in age). We would take trips together once every year or so but during the year we would take turns hosting a monthly dinner. Of course this always necessitated a hostess gift. All of us are comfortably off and at our age have everything (material) that we want or need. It drove me crazy because I was constantly being gifted with craft type items. I am just not into cutesy things and I had a difficult time coming up with items that I thought the other ladies would enjoy or use. I failingly ended up giving food items or fresh flowers. We all finally came to a consensus that we should stop doing hostess gifts and at Christmas put funds together to donate to a charity. Thank goodness! The pressure every month is off and we can give to those in need. It's a win/win.

No real suggestions here, but I do like to make themed baskets as gifts. I just gave my Dad a big basket lined with cloth napkins and filled with breakfast things - pancake mix, scone mix, 2 syrups, honey, jams and a small thing of coffee. TJMaxx always has a nice assortment of giftable foods which is where I purchased most of the things. I've also done baskets with lotions, soaps, candles and a relaxing cd. Movie themed ones are fun too - a favorite dvd or theatre gift cards and some of those boxed candies, some popcorn and soda. I had to copy your list. You've got some great ideas there!

So many nice ideas here. Thank you. Reading your responses has really made me realize what a blessing she is as a MIL and grandma. My kids do go on one-on-one slumber parties with her and grandpa when they can. Unfortunately our school and sports schedules cut into it a bit right now. She also has season passes to many local places already. Again, we go when we can. We already have a cookie making date scheduled so perhaps we'll add a gingerbread house into the mix. My kids love doing those. Public outings make me a bit nervous. My kids are well behaved, but sometimes being out-numbered takes its toll (like when you're sitting in a theater and someone needs to go potty.... take them all with you and leave your snacks behind... ugh!). She would never go for the babysitter idea. I love the idea of going for a tea. In fact there is a wonderful historic restaurant that does it here, but my boys would hate every minute of it. Maybe I'll go with her! My boys would love the city bus since it's not something we ever use, but the family joke is that grandma has zero sense of direction. I'm sure they would get lost! Top Secret Adventures look very interesting. I will look more closely at that! I think my best bet will be a personal spa treatment of some kind, then a fun at-home activity like the gingerbread house. Thanks!

Another fan of mentioning nothing or Oly’s advice. Would have no problem donating. For other weddings not keen on the experience or honeymoon fund requests. Not sure why I am so against it, guess it is just the tradition of the gifts being for setting up a household or perhaps updating on a secon wedding. Although I have an aversion to couple requesting gifts I given experiences as gifts. When my nephew got married a few years back they had very little money, but having a big wedding so I assumed most of the household items would be handled. Wanted to give a special gift so I asked about giving them tickets to a show in Las Vegas, their honeymoon destination. My MIL had given them a week’s stay at her timeshare so I thought the show would be perfect. Had them chose the show and they were thrilled. My standard gift these days is a small gift along with cash.