AKT, so happy for you, and no one deserves a bit of happiness in her life more than you after what you went through. I think he will love the leather bag!

I meant to mention earlier, last year I linked Zkano socks which are made in Alabama. I also would recommend Red Land Cotton sheets, towels and baby items if you want some real made in the USA great sheets, etc. Both have sales this weekend. They are spendy but so worth it. If you have trouble finding there website I will send a link with the discount codes I received in email.

edited to add, glad you enjoyed the Meriwether site, Sue. Y’all should stop in if you are ever in Montana. Great coffee shop across the street and good food in town too.

Thanks for your additions, Happy-- The Heart of the Sea is just the kind of book my BIL would love. Admittedly, the books I shared from my nephew are more geared to the WWII enthusiast..

I ditched plans for gift baskets for my siblings-- which always creep higher than my intended spend, Instead, I have decided to go with bose portable, weatherproof Bluetooth speakers for my siblings and their mates. They are available at great prices this weekend and I will be getting different models for each based on their needs/hobbies. Two have boats (ocean cruising, pontoon and kayaks) and the other just bought a house with a pool. All are weatherproof and can withstand a dunk in the water (up to 3ft for 30 mins) and all are under 120-- the first one far under.

Today Mark & Graham has 25% off plus free monogramming. I ordered a crossbody bag for my DD.

i wanted something from there but it wont come in time -- will this item arrive before xmas?

OK, this is a small, inexpensive gift, but one I already own, have used on two trips so far, and really like.

10 Pcs Travel Hangers - Portable Folding Clothes Hangers Travel Accessories// On Amazon Prime for only $9.55.

When we travel, I get so frustrated if I don't have enough hangers ( enough and the right size or configuration) for my clothes. These are lightweight, pack very small and open to the shape I need for a specific blouses, camisole, etc. Very handy! Yes, they are too lightweight for most coats and heavy jackets, but that's what I use those too-few, heavy wood hangers the hotels furnish for. I've just ordered DD a set for Christmas.

Mtn, it’s supposed to arrive Dec 10-12.

Well, so much for my leather overnight bag idea. It turns out my boyfriend already has a Hartmann overnight bag. It is such a great bag too! I know it must have been spendy as well. So, I am going to return the bag and get a large print of his college town and frame it. He is one of those people who are a huge fan of his college and sports teams. I found a really cool map that looks like an abstract painting. Hopefully he will like it.

There is nothing more frustrating than to buy someone something they already have and do not need. lol

Here is the print. I think it will be a nice gift. I also got him a little something else.

Let me know what you think.

I like it. Where it says College Station that would instead be his college name? I think it is a fun gift.

Eld, He went to school in a town called College Station. Weird, I know. It was Texas A&M. Not sure if people from other states have heard of it.

Yes, I have heard of College Station.

Thanks, no I hadn't as you can tell. That is the exact gift then!

I just bought these, probably because i love the color name; Bellini. Yum.

For the divas in your life:

AKT - keep the bag for yourself. It's great. :)

We probably need another thread, called “what have you bought yourself while Christmas shopping for others?” Today I bought new eye makeup. And forgot to even LOOK for two specific gifts I went to the mall for in the first place.

Sue, so far, every time I go shopping with husband we end up with mostly things for him.

Joanieponie and Funkyart

here is a different take on WWII. I volunteer for Honor Flight here in DC . One of our volunteers is an awesome photographer who takes the group and candid shots. He has published a number of photographic books and he has done one on the World War II Memorial. He took photos as it was being built and and explains all about it. It’s called Jewel of the Mall. It’s much like a Coffee table book.

http://www.dcphotobooks.com

You can also search him through Facebook Stephen R Brown

That is a superb suggestion Denali. I have some familiarity with Honor Flight and that is an outstanding organization. Thank you for volunteering with them, and thanks for the recommendation for the book.

I was at Costco yesterday and they had windshield covers for $18. It protects the windshield from frost and snow, so less time cleaning off the car. I have one sister without a garage and my SIL has her car outside at work all day so thought they might find them useful.

I've just ordered 3 of these from Amazon Prime. For DH, DS and our very handy DD. I know that they'll come in handy. I wish I would have had one here when I put together our three new bar stools last month. Ugh! They're now on sale for only $12.41.

I know no one needs another candle but these are super cute. They have one for every occasion. I have them for Christmas, Easter and every season. You can get them on Amazon and their own site. They are cheaper on their own site flatyzonline

My Flat candles arrived yesterday. I had a gift certificate from the Grommet and ordered from them, their price was cheaper but the the selection was very limited. The candles are different and cute and I'm using them in some gift centerpieces today. I may order more for other seasons from Flatyz.

Do you burn yours?

These glass nail files are fantastic and under $10 -- for people with natural nails and especially classical guitarists.

Maire-cate

i do not burn them. I use them has decor.

Thanks denali - they accidentally sent me a duplicate so I think I'll actually light it to see how they burn.

i got a catalog from Grommet and liked those flat candles too but they were on backorder. I will look on Amazon and the Flatyz site. Thx!

Partymusic——I may try those nail files...I’ve never seen them or heard of them before. Not sure why but my nails are very brittle and splitting this winter. Thx!

Joaniepoanie, my BF plays classical guitar and was told that glass nail files are best for producing really smooth nails (no screeching on the strings). I've been using a glass file for years and love it! I bought that set from Amazon last year as a gift for a friend and she raved about them.

Re brittle and splitting nails, have you tried using Nailtiques Formula 2? It's wonderful.

Live and learn- never knew about glass nail files for guitar playing and now I am off to find Nailtiques. Looking at reviews- this looks awesome. thanks @party_music50!

partymusic—— I just ordered the Nailtiques...my poor nails thank you, I also ordered the glass nail files for myself and my D’s IL.

https://www.litographs.com/collections/t-shirts

This might be fun for book lovers. Especially if you happen to know a favorite book of theirs.

I didn't know what to get my future DIL. She and my son just bought a house and she likes to garden. They have just rebuilt the railing/fence around their deck and bought some furniture off of Craigs list. So I finally thought of going to our local nursery and buying a small patio table, a planter with a saucer, a bag of dirt and gift card for some spring annuals. The gift had to be useful but pretty but they don't have extra money for the little extra's. I hope she'll like it.

Sounds very thought out Blfenton. I am sure they will appreciate it.

Weighted Blankets were discussed here not long ago and I didn't read the topic because I assumed they were just for warmth. Wrong.

I have severe restless leg syndrome and while looking up different meds to take I read how the blankets can help. I bought a twin size for myself and it arrived the next day, and last night i used it for the first time and OH MY GOSH! Before bedtime I take a med but around 4am it comes back and the meds make me sleepy. It didn't come back at 4am this morning!

These help people with anxiety and they calm nerves, like in the legs.

Mine was around $50 and I would have paid a $100. lol

Oakley, my one DD has been suffering from very bad headaches and I thought it may be partly sleep related, so i got her a weighted blanket. Haven't give it to her yet but glad to hear it worked for you.

Mtn, I read they help those with headaches and you can also buy weighted masks to also help. That's something to look into.

This year, including summer, I've been wearing socks to bed, not because my feet are cold, but I feel this need to cuddle them. My RL is now in my ankles. Bad bad bad. :)

A question about the weighted blankets, are they warmer then regular blankets? Too warm for Florida (and AC set at 70)?

Maddie, they make different kinds for that issue.

Well, I've asked DH for the packing cubes and hangers. I know he ordered me some pajamas. Totally at a loss for anything else. Really, i just want some downtime! Just got back from co-chairing a conference in DC.

ETA found this on Amazon: travel scarf

This site has a great deal on 11 x 14 mirror wrapped canvas with your uploaded pictures for $14. It’s free ship but if you want them by Christmas I think it was an additional $9.

I just ordered three, one of me and my siblings as children and one of mom and dad. Haven’t received them yet so can’t vouch for the company, but for $14 ea I’m sure I’ll be happy.

https://www.easycanvasprints.com/singlecanvasdesigner?pcode=413472757844635652695834575769306B416671337858736C4661382F426855&subacctid=101151&adname=1453532&esource=SAS&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=SAS&utm_campaign=101151&utm_content=1453532&sscid=c1k3_eitp0#/start

Or, for larger...there’s a $19 deal.

Someone mentioned weighted blankets, I know nothing about them but Walmart has a great deal right now.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/NEX-Weighted-Blanket-40-x-60-15-lbs-100-Cotton-Luxury-Gravity-Blanket-Charcoal/799616093?irgwc=1&sourceid=imp_1P2T9Hx7JxyOTQLwUx0Mo3YXUknyPeWNRSgW3E0&veh=aff&wmlspartner=imp_10534&clickid=1P2T9Hx7JxyOTQLwUx0Mo3YXUknyPeWNRSgW3E0

Very very cheap round trip fares to Norway if your spine can take the cattle section.

https://clarkdeals.com/travel/flights/flights-to-norway/

Terri, I just now finished ordering from Snapfish and came to tell everyone personal photos make a great gift. GMTA!

I didn't get canvass because I wasn't sure if it'd arrive before Christmas. The picture will be 12 x 18 and I'll order a frame separately.

Every Christmas I enlarge a photo for my son since I know he doesn't get paper copies from pictures he takes on his phone.

DS took this photo when they went to CO in August and I've always been a huge fan of "back shots." There's something intimate about them.

DGS and DGD (11yr and 9yr), the first time they ever saw mountains.

Love that photo, Oakley, to commemorate a "first".

Oakley, that’s a beautiful photo!

Is the deal I posted above really a deal? It seemed cheap but I have never done this before.

Gals I need major help here. I'm coming up SO blank for my inlaws!

They "have everything they need and don't want anything" (mother in law)

But she gets us tons of presents AND I KNOW my father in law enjoys opening presents.

Interests include golf, cruising, Emmett, entertaining, snowbirding in Florida. He jogs. She volunteers. He likes coffee and chocolate. Neither drink. I already got them a gorgeous coffee table book for their next cruise. Consumables are hard because they go to Florida the week after Christmas. I got them a classy nice centerpiece as a thanks for our last trip.

He does like gadgets including golf gadgets.

Last night I was up desperately perusing classy socks...ack!

Robo -does your MIL have some favorite bath/beauty products? Or is she the type to appreciate trying some new ones that are trending right now? (I keep teading great things about The Ordinary/Drunk Elephant).

Were I the grandmother of Emmett, I would love as many photo books as you could give me. Include not only pictures, but scans of his artworks and funny stories about him.

A tissue cashmere shawl/scarf would be a good gift, too. They fold small, are easy to pack and are a welcome items to fend off the chill in a restaurant or other place, even in the summer.

What about one of those scratch-off maps of the world, framed? I like the ones that have interesting drawings underneath the countries.

Do they need a nice new travel bag? I got one from a great Etsy store and they sell loads of other things. It was to be for my bf but he already has a very nice bag. I just got it and am in love with it!! Fabulous quality.

Here is a link in case you want to peruse their items.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SerguioRogetti

Robo, here are a few useful gift ideas. Most except the travel mirror (I want) I have personally tried and like. A nice mirror with 10x magnification and stand that could travel, small cell phone Portable Charger with Dual USB Port , Travel converter, portable fold down step, diversified wall mount hanger (love), a slim bathroom scale that slides under the vanity, a very strong simple bike rack , car cell phone holder etc...even people who don’t like gifts like usefull things.

For your MIL, perhaps a gift from Chanel. They package in a signature Chanel box with a gold ribbon for Christmas. They offer free 2-day shipping. I bought Allure soap and body lotion for my sister.

https://www.chanel.com/us/

robo, for your FIL, what about a t-shirt(s), hat, car sticker or water bottle from your area, his hometown, his service or university, something he can sport in FLA whilst jogging. And yes, I know this is the second time on this thread that I have mentioned this kind of regalia, because I feel your pain, thankfully we don't exchange with the outlaws anymore, but when we did, FIL, ugh, he loves presents, but asks for nothing, then is disappointed when his mind isn't read.

Or a road atlas of Florida to look for interesting day trips/explore the area? A NS or CA flag to fly in Florida or a book on the history of their area of Florida.

For my daughter, who is a 21 yo college senior and really into cooking, I've picked up a few things at Aldi, all for a song; crock pot, Staub-like pan, Ambiano stand mixer (got damn good review for $69.00 US) and a stock pot. The Aldi "Finds" are always interesting, and some good things interspersed with lots of made in China leggings and toys.

So glad I only have dd and dh to buy for! We don't exchange with anyone else, and while some family members feel we are Scrooge personified, most don't, and I don't care anyway, the pursuit of gifts for people we see once every few years is crazy, and I'm much happier donating to our local food bank and no-kill animal shelter in place of those presents.

Robo - gift certificate to The Columbia Restaurant (St. Armand’s Circle).

For the Florida home:

Pineapple Battery Candle Lantern

https://www.monticelloshop.org/pineapple-battery-candle-lantern/