I think sometimes the Scrooge in me might be coming out too often. Or maybe it's the pragmatic part of me. I'm getting more and more convinced that sometimes it's far more thoughtful to *not* give a gift, er, trinket. Many good points here. But a couple thoughts. First, if people are truly trying to declutter, the trinket stuff has got to stop. And much has to go. Some are concerned about overfilled landfills, waste of resources, etc. Second is privacy, security and junkmail. I'd be upset if someone subscribed me to a magazine and gave out a lot of personal information which they often require. When I send for things I use name variations so I can tell who's selling my name, address & phone # to other sources. Magazines are notorious for selling mailing lists. You'll commit that person to a lot of junk mail. At least, I'd see what their opinion is of it before doing that and maybe let them fill out the card. I know about the difficulty of throwing out something that's been personalized. I had a gift once of a fold out frame with pictures and a clock. I didn't need another clock but put it on the desk. Eventually the clock and frame both broke so I tossed it. And was put on the dew-dew list when she saw it was gone. Course this is the same gal who kept giving me clothes that were too small. (Was it a hint?? LOL) What a waste! Hard to throw but I eventually gave a big stack to charity. I would have rather had a case of beer or a home-cooked meal. I've been doing much more of the give a gift when I find the perfect thing at any time of year. Pay for a cell phone for a while, pick up the tab at dinner, nice bottle of wine, get a snowplow, or lawn mowing service for a while, etc. Pet food if they have pets (cat litter for a cat is also great) or possibly pick up some energy saving bulbs if they're trying to cut their electric bill. Weatherstripping items would be a great gift if needed, and help doing it would be much appreciated too. A gift doesn't have to be something that clutters. And sometimes instead of costing as time goes on (as in an electric clock they don't need) it can save them some funds (for example, the CFL bulbs). If a gift can truly keep giving, that's great in my book. And through the year I keep notes if I see that they need or truly WANT something. Watch for a deal on it and enjoy the smile. And I smile that I didn't compound their feelings on things like clutter, waste, etc.

This is another "hold the phone" project. I had to re-read your comment re the paper liner. At first I thought you'd mosaiced the inside when I saw the diamond shapes. This is simply magnificient. BTW - what kind of gold paint did you use. I'm working on a project that w/call for gold paint. I have several kinds, but am thinking of the gold leaf paint that's oil based. As much as I hate using oil-based paints, it DOES give a nicer effect. Yours looks richer than the acrylic gold. BEAUTIFUL box, and so unique.

if they just work, why not make them some dinners? or if they have a hobby or craft they like to do, contribute to that (gift card to the store they buy it at)., special piece of jewelry, watch, new wallets, something monogrammed, gift card to their favorite store or favorite on-line store.... i don't want this to sound harsh, but there comes a point where its not all about what you want. Yes, traditions are wonderful, but they can change too and sometimes for the better!! you have to let go a little and abide by what they want. they are adults and can make up their own minds. The holidays, to me, is all about being together and enjoying each others company. to me, that is much better than any gift anyone gives me. they may be doing this for reasons you don't understand and they are hesitant to tell you. sometimes you have to trust what your family tells you at face value. i know its hard, but that's life. it isn't easy.... flip side: if you do wind up not buying gifts, they can't by you anything either !!! i would be mortified if i didn't buy them something and they bought me something!!! worse nightmare!!! so clear it up ASAP!!!! but then again, sometimes it is nice to receive and not give!! haha Good Luck!!! just an FYI: my sisters and i decided this year not exchange gifts and go out and do something fun!! to be truthful, i was sick and tired of trying to figure out what to buy them (another THING) and would rather spend time with them and make memories instead. and i didn't want another THING in my house!!!!!

If you’re stumped for a recipient, I’d be happy to send my address and postage :-)