Yawn. Need non-boring gift ideas

DLM2000-GW

last year

Non of the usual ideas are sparking joy for me to give. I need inspiration.

One is a house warming gift for my niece. Single mom, youngest starting college, just moved to Durango, CO area from IL. She bought a darling house where she'll be working from home, is an avid hiker, reader & dog lover. Not a cooking or decor enthusiast. At some point I'll get there to help her zhuzh it up (her word) but her interest is in comfy, cozy and functional. Meantime I want to celebrate her big change.

Also need a thank you gift to dear friends who hosted our visit. They have everything, need nothing which is the usual for our stage of life. After their visit to us pre-covid they had a package of chocolates sent from Bon Bon Bon. They cook, collect amazing art (which is way out of my price range!) and love to travel though that's still a way off for medical reasons. Obviously much more is available to them being outside Chicago then we have available here in Hooterville ;-) so local shopping probably won't be very fruitful.

Featured Answer

Funkyart

last year

For niece, I might consider an interesting throw-- maybe not groundbreaking lol but I love throws and I am sure you will find something interesting! Actually, I'd probably send a throw, a good book and a special coffee or tea.

As a thank you gift-- I absolutely second one of Mtn's recommendations: something from Flamingo Estates. I ordered this set for myself (after giving it as a gift a few times). I havent used it but Mtn said the Heritage EVOO is wonderful. I love the company and I am sure I will love their products.

For a little more, the Chef's Kiss box includes the Heritage EVOO a wildflower honey and a chocolate bar

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Comments (22)

Tina Marie
last year
For your niece, I like Funky's idea of a throw or a few things put together for her to "pamper" herself. Since she's working from home, a cuddly throw, slippers, flannel sheets (you could even have pillowcases monogrammed), down blanket, etc. Something I would love is a gift certificate to a local nursery. Not as exciting but very useful would be a gift card to Home Depot, Lowes, etc. You could add a little something personal (such as a book!).

For the thank-you gift, I agree with some type food basket or a nice kitchen item (do the have the always pan?). I personally love receiving a beautiful (unexpected) bouquet. If you know of a favorite restaurant of theirs, perhaps a gift certificate.
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WOW! These are the greatest ideas:) If you're going for inexpensive, I love TennesseeKathy's idea of wildflower seeds in the envelope. I've seen where you can print these out for free all over the internet:) I also love Superiorgirls idea of cinnamon ornaments,and as matter of fact I made some last night!!! This is a recipe I used years ago,and the ornaments really last,they don't rot or mildew in the heat and humidity here. I will give the recipe. I made 48 2" hearts and 2 3" stars,only the stars kinda came out like starfish:). They will smell nice for years! And they dried out overnight. A little hint....use more cinnamon to sprinkle if it's too sticky,the cornstarch makes them too white, and really knead the dough til it cools.You have to use it within 30 minutes. Now,what I always make at Christmas time is soup in a jar. All year I collect baskets at yard sales,and if I'm lucky to find wide mouth mason jars, I buy those,too,but they're cheap enough:) And like someone else mentioned, I buy the bakery bags at the dollar store,you get 8 bags for $1. I make something called I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas Soup mix I found on the internet,and make the rice bags like Sunshine mentioned:) Those are so great! I make a square one with 4 compartments,and I make a long rectangular one with 4 compartments. I use mine all the time! I found these on the internet for a get-well package. You could use leftover turkey at holiday time to make the soup,but I always add a can of chicken so all the ingredients are there. Recipe for this in the link. I print out the recipe on nice paper,and attach with raffia. Cut out a nice circle of fabric if you want for the jar lid. If I make the rice buddy, I use the same fabric for the jar. NON-EDIBLE!!! Cinnamon Applsesauce Ornaments 3/4 cup applesauce 1 packet unflavored gelatin 1 jar cinnamon(1.9oz) I buy the cinnamon at the dollar store at 2/$1 and its over 2oz in a jar,so I use half a jar,then use more to sprinkle on when I roll them out. 1/4 cup cornstarch 3 tablespoons ground cloves Combine applesauce and gelatin in small saucepan and let stand for 3 minutes. heat over medium heat constantly stirring just til simmering. combine cinnamon,cornstarch and cloves in separate bowl. Stir in applesauce mixture. Turn onto counter and knead a f ew turns. Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. use within 30 minutes. Roll dough between sheets of plastic wrap to a scant 1/4" thickness. Cut ornaments using 2 inch cookie cutters. Use a straw to cut holes for hanging. dry on wire rack overnight. Reroll scraps and repeat cutting. These are great! Also THESE ARE NON-EDIBLE!! and here's the link for the soup mix,everyone loves this soup! we add fresh celery and carrots,and everyone starts asking before Christmas if we're making it again! Crispix Puppy Chow 12 oz. box Crispix cereal 1/2 cup butter 1 cup peanut butter 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once during cooking, until mixture is melted and smooth. Place the cereal in another large bowl and pour the melted mixture over the cereal. Stir until the cereal is thoroughly coated. Pour the powdered sugar into a large plastic food bag. Pour the coated cereal into the powdered sugar and shake until it is well covered with the sugar. Pour the cereal onto wax paper to cool and dry. Store in tightly covered containers at room temperature This recipe is fast and easy and everyone loves it. I add a little more roasted peanuts. Put them in a nice little bakery bag and it's a great gift! Something else I make is a milk bath sachet. I found where to print up beautiful envelopes and I bought a stack of vellum paper at a yard sale to print them on for a dime:) I'll probably never use all the paper I bought! I make soap to go with it and a candle. Here is the link! http://www.allfreecrafts.com/homemade-gifts/oatmeal-milk-bath.shtml Hope everyone finds these recipes and ideas helpful! Here is a link that might be useful: Christmas Soup in a jar
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Just a comment about windchimes.....more people hate them than love them. Her neighbors may want to strangle her if their peace is disturbed by endless clanging. :-) I still have my first tool box, assembled piece by piece by my Dad. My suggestion would be a gift card, too, maybe to a good department store where cookware, dishes, bedding, and all manner of home decor items can be found. But think of everything to be found at a Home Depot!
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Funkyart
last year
I can't believe I didn't think of slippers-- maybe not a traditional housewarming gift but since working at home, it's all I wear! I have been through a lot of brands but have settled on uggs.
DLM2000-GW thanked Funkyart
DLM2000-GW
Original Author
last year
I love all these ideas! The throw, slippers and book are just perfect with a HD type gift card tucked in as a book mark. Now to figure out the right book..... I'll have to ask here what she's been reading lately for some ideas. Not sure if our friends have an Always pan or if that would interest them. They have a huge Viking range and I believe a full set of All Clad plus various cast iron, Le Cruset dutch ovens etc. but the Flamingo oil and vinegar (plus some of their chocolate-yum!) would be a hit. I'd love to put this together as a basket myself and add in some local food items but I'm sure it's better sent to them directly then do a small basket from here.
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Funkyart
last year
If it makes a difference, I like Flamingo Estates' packaging.. but it would be more personal with some local items added in. Either way, it is a gift I'd sure like to receive!
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DLM2000-GW
Original Author
last year
Funkyart I'm just thinking of the shipping from CA to NC to IL - that's a lot of travel!
Funkyart
last year
Oh.. just to be clear, *I* would send it directly. I am lazy and hate gift wrapping so I love one-click gifts. I just didn't want to ignore that you said you'd like to include some local items.
DLM2000-GW thanked Funkyart
nicole___
last year
Living in Colorado.....I welcome new comers with typical Colorado "made" gifts. There are shops selling carved bears....they ship.

I agree with the bottle of wine...only with a twist...Made in Colorado from one of our vineyards. There's a place that customizes the label on the wine bottle to say whatever you want....then mails it for you in a wood crate.

Or ....buy a piece of artwork from a local Colorado artisan. Link Maybe a carved wood bowl...
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Sueb20
last year
I also think a ”special” throw is a great gift. Since I am spending your money, here’s one: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/contrast-edge-knit-throw/?pkey=call-throws

Ugg has some cozy ones.

https://www.horchow.com/p/ugg-amanda-throw-cprod169150024?childItemId=NMHF2ZF_2C&navpath=cat000000_cat000072_cat29200738_cat20580733&page=0&position=25

A friend gave me an American Blanket Co throw a few years ago and I have now bought two more. They’re so cozy.

https://www.americanblanketcompany.com/products/fleece-blankets-softest-fleece-blankets-luster?variant=40924071657678
deegw
last year
last modified: last year
The Pendleton National Park throws and blankets have a nice Western vibe without being too kitschy. And some styles are still made at the Pendleton Mill in Pendleton, Oregon.

https://www.pendleton-usa.com/blankets-bedding/featured-blankets/national-parks/
DLM2000-GW
Original Author
last year
@Sueb20 that first throw is gorgeous in it's simplicity and material. We have some lovely shops here that might have a similar throw and I'd love to find one locally to send with other goodies.

@deegw I love the Nat'l Park blankets and have purchased for my Nat'l Park employee son.

@nicole___ I could send her a local to me bear item and let her enjoy the hunt for local to her art items. We have art bears on each corner that are auctioned for charity every year.
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
Chiming in on Flamingo Estates. The packaging is gift-worthy, and the products are excellent. Unfortunately everyone in my family now vastly prefers their olive oil and honey. I have given in, because they drizzle oil on avocado toast, salads, caprese, etc and so it is really front and center. But we don't use it all the time. Same with the honey. And I don't even particularly like honey.
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mtnrdredux_gw
last year
last modified: last year
I agree with Sue about a throw. The other thing people can always use are kitchen towels, since they get ratty so quickly, But I prefer a throw since they will think of you when they use it and it is like a hug! I might try to get one locally sourced. I do love the Pendleton and have one, but they are a tad stiff; they are more for looks then cozying up with IME.
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nicole___
last year
last modified: last year
@DLM2000-GW....I don't know your nieces "throw" situation...or slippers....but .....for your need nothing friends.

....how about an exotic cutting board. Have you seen the live edge ones? OMG! They're the latest thing..... or bark edge or burlwood serving bowls. Soooooooooooooooooo BEAUTIFUL! They even personalize the wood pieces with your name....or engraving. My GF was just given a live edge cutting board with the cloud symbol in turquoise.....she's bragging it up.....:0) Copper is "trending" here....everything from a watering can, to a copper fruit bowl.
DLM2000-GW thanked nicole___
jmck_nc
last year
I have this down alternative throw from The Company Store. I use it year round (the AC is freezing!) and it is very cozy. I'm linking the dog print because you said she likes dogs, but there are several pretty ones.

https://www.thecompanystore.com/fall-print-down-alternative-throw/85045.html?dwvar_85045_color=AUTUMN%20DOGS&dwvar_85045_size=OS
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mtnrdredux_gw
last year
last modified: last year
I agree, I have a live edge cutting board and i love the way it looks for serving food. I don't know if a person who doesn't cook and isn't into decor would appreciate it as much. ETA: but for your other friends, I agree w Nicole, it is an excellent gift.)

Maybe a small gift and a gift ctf to a local outdoor store or a a bookstore: https://www.mariasbookshop.com/ .How cute is this place?

If you go to tripadvisor for Durango, check out specialty shops and go to their websites.
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deegw
last year
last modified: last year
Mtn, checking out local shops is a great idea. After I visited a friend at her new house, I wanted to send her a local housewarming/thank-you gift. I did a search and found a local alpaca farm that sold alpaca dryer balls. Not crazy expensive but more than a person would probably normally spend for such an item. She loves them and said she drives by the farm on her way to work.

edited to add - Gee, what a surprise that I love your idea because I previously thought of the same thing. LOL
DLM2000-GW thanked deegw
DLM2000-GW
Original Author
last year
Lovely idea to include gift cards for local-to-her stores - especially the book store - she'll love that! We were just texting yesterday about current reading and she's been so consumed with move to temp rental, house hunting, purchase with 3 weeks to close, preparing her son for college and now preparing to move again that she's been on a reading hiatus. The gift card will be perfect.
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
I love their book-a-month subscription gift - I actually sent an email to our local independent bookstore to suggest they offer such a thing.
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nicole___
last year
@DLM2000-GW....Now.....your buying two gifts....right?
DLM2000-GW
Original Author
last year
@nicole___yes, two gifts for very different people. The exotic serving board idea would be great but they have one and served on it while we were there! As I said - they have everything, are marvelous entertainers etc etc. I think the olive oils and some other food items that will get used and then disappear would be the most welcome gift.
graywings123
last year
How about a silk pillowcase for your niece?
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Yawn. Need non-boring gift ideas

Funkyart

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