What should I make or buy my boyfriend's parents for Christmas?

My boyfriend and I have dated for almost 3 years. I am in college and have very little money, but also very little time. I am not sure what to get for his parents-- I want something meaningful and thoughtful, but not expensive. Last year I made them a "date night" gift basket with sparkling cider (they don't drink alcohol), some fancy foods and snacks, candles, etc. Well the foods were still in their pantry 6 months later. So I would like to get them something more usable or interesting to them, but I don't know either of them terribly well. They love Cardinals baseball but have everything associated with that already, the mom is a teacher, likes to cook, and the dad is an office professional and likes history. It would be great if I could get one gift for both of them. They are about 50 years of age. The family likes practical gifts, not novelty or superfluous stuff. Any ideas would be appreciated!
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i would bake them cookies and put them in a nice basket w/ a heartfelt card.
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What can I give a 94 year old retirement village gal resident for Christmas?

Last time I gave her some really beautifully packaged soap and before that, a gift basket of toiletries. She is alert in her mind, but sometimes relies on a walking frame. She is heavily built. I want to get something that will get some sort of reaction, like WHAT A FANTASTIC IDEA! I ALWAYS WANTED ONE OF THESE! Because she just gave a weak nod at the last two gifts, as I suppose bathroom stuff is all anyone ever gives old people. I thought of perhaps a gigantic water pistol that looks like a machine gun, and she can water the garden with it. At least there would be some reaction from her and the other guests on Christmas day. I would ask her rellies but I am afraid they might mention something that is too expensive and/or something that I have to spend 3 days hunting down. Because I have made that mistake before with other people. I am going to her rellies for Christmas lunch and we are all contributing to the food and drink, and we usually all exchange gifts.
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There is a story-telling game for seniors. The players exchange stories and memories. It really sounds interesting.
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What if the baby isn't a boy?

The tech said the baby was most likely a boy last week when i had an ultrasound. I told my friends about it, and one of them gave me this really cute, but expensive baby boy gift basket. I know it's stupid, but i hate wasting anyones money, if it turns out the baby is a girl the next time i go in for an ultrasound, what will i do with the gift? Most of the things on the gifts say Baby Boy things. I love it, but if it's a girl, i don't know what i'm going to do. Lame question, sorry. Just want to be considerate.
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14 weeks is early to find out but you can still find out accurately. Most technicians just wait until 20 weeks. If you do have a girl you can always find someone who is having a boy and give them the basket. Or, if you haven't opened it, you can take it back to the store and get a refund or a gift basket for a girl. My sister sold most ofher daughter's baby clothes to a co-worker who was having a girl for much less than she bought them for. It's a nice system that many moms have set up between friends, family and co-workers. You could do that. Or just keep the basket if you're planning on having more kids. And remember, girls can wear blue too!
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Valetnine's day help?

My fiance and I have been together 5 years, and Valentines Day has always seemed to be a disaster. So we weren't sure to plan anything this time around. I am a full time student and part time worker.... I have class on Thursday night until 8. He said he would try to cook for me when I got home. and that I really all I could ask for in a gift, but I want to give him something he will apreciate and enjoy. I like the idea about a srapbook, but don't have any time to make one, and don't hardly have any latest pics of us together..... I was thinking of making a gift basket... any ideas of what to put in it? I am not really on a budget I guess just not too expensive! Oh yeah also as his gift to me I have asked him to go with me this weekend and have professional photos taken of us. He isn't too thrilled about it though. :(
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buy him a watch ...that's what guy's like
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Tomorrow is my girlfriend's Birthday :)?

Tomorrow, I am going to my girlfriend's surprise birthday party. The thing is that I have already given her the gifts that I bought her when we went out on a picnic this week :) So, what should I do when everyone is bringing gifts tomorrow and I do not have one? Do you think her parents will look at me weird? Well, her mom knows about all of the things I gave her, (I made her a gift basket of Halloween items, because that is her favorite time of year lol). But her dad is against things like that and would be upset. What would you do? Just not worry about it? lol.
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You shouldn't worry about trying to find something else to get her, since you already gave her a present. Maybe you could get her a nice card. One that's really sweet, or really funny. But don't feel obligated to go out and buy something else. I'm sure she won't mind, and her parents know you already got her something.
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my sons girl friend says i have to do it her way?

I have a 2 year old grandaughter my first grandaughter .. Ever since I met the girlfriend 3 years ago she has always said I didnt like her . I have told her many times I do like her . She had my grandaughter 2 years ago and when she was pregnant I was told I couldnt buy the baby's first anything .. The crib was a mother daughter thing and everything else was her and my son .. I said ok and understood that .. Well she has a baby shower and I bought clothes and toys and gave her a card with money to go shopping with me . We went shopping .. she bought what she wanted. Well Now after 2 years she told me that Bought nothing for the grandaughter .. I explained I was trying to do what she told me to do and not step on her toes to buy anything of the first.. She said I was a horrible grandmother and do nothing for them. She is 18 now and my son is 19 they live with her grandmother . I have bought 1000's of dollars of things for this grandaughter since she was born . MOm says I dont do anything for them .. I have helped buy them a truck and paid for my sons auto insurance every month now for 2 years. to help out in December alone and not for christmas present I bought him 600 dollars worth of tires for the truck . On Thanks giving day the girlfriend had to work and I asked my son if he could come over with the baby I had not been aloud to see the baby for a month and the girlfriend said no .. That he needed to stay home and help her grandmother with thanksgiving dinner .. I have to tell you buy the way I have never been able to keep my grandchild with out her mom there or see her the girlfriend said that i have to come over to their house to see her and play with her in her room .. There are 10 people who live in that house some of which are not the type of people I would want to be around . Any way I got mad about the thanksgiving thing and finally after 2 years told the girlfriend she was not welcome in my home anymore.. I am fed up with buying the girlfriend things explaining to her i loved her and feeling like I have to buy them things just to see the grandchild . Well christmas came and many phone calls from the girlfriend cussing me out and my son calls to see if the girlfriend can come over for christmas ..I was appalled .. but despite our difference I told my son I had not bought anything for the girfriend and It will probably hurt her if she came .. I had bought for my granddaughter though ,, He told me she is fine with that just wanted the baby to see her grandmother on christmas I have to other sons and their girlfriends and babies were there tooo they got a lot of gifts and the girlfriend went home crying because i Had not bought her anything.. I did give her a gift that i had bought extra in case someone did show up announced like a friend or something.. I gave it to her .. was not good enough she was upset because she saw what the other girls got .. anyway we had a conversation yesterday and the girlfriend told me it was my responsibility as a grandmother to buy things for them and the baby and i shouldnt be whinning about paying for the insurance for my son and buying the tires because he is my son . That I should be greatful to do these things because I make good money .. She thought she was better than a bath and body works gift basket.. She said you cant expect to treat me this way and see your grandaughter... I am soooooooooo confused.. She thinks I have to buy things for them .. I explained to her I am not responsible to buy things the things I buy are out of love.. She said no you are the grandmother u are sopposed to do these things .. I am appalled and dont know what to do
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Stop trying to buy their attention and affection. Sorry but you raised a son without a backbone.
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what can i get my boyfriend for our first anniversary?

me and my boyfriend will be celebrating our first anniversary in a few weeks and ive been thinking about what i can get him. ive found one small thing, something i know he wants and i know he will love but its not a romantic gift and its also the kind of gift you give on someone's birthday, i was thinking about making a small gift basket for him will small things he will love but also romantic things too, i was wondering if anyone has any ideas for me? i live in the uk so i wont be able to buy from the US and i would appreciate if i didnt get any sexual/dirty comments as we've not reached that stage and not planning that yet so please could i just get some gift ideas, i would really appreciate it, thanks :)
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simply your naked body but then again maybe not
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How would you feel if a guy gave you all of this for you birthday (ladies only, pic included)?

I have never spent over $250/this much on nobody else, I just love her sooo much http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m74/d… The gift basket on the left - I made it myself that why the basket square and the wrapping is off, lol, but on the inside it are some body products, a card, a teddy bear, a towel, some candles and some other stuff what i had put on the inside. Its baby blue and white, her favorite colors The black gift bag on the right - it has a black purse, black stylin sunglasses, earrings, bracelet and a necklace that are black and silver, that is why the bag is black and has a white bow on it. The middle small box - a engagement ring, How would you feel and react?
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Awww!!! I hope she says yes :-)
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Not a baby question, but moms/contacts/regulars please answer?

My husband just had reconstructive surgery on his rotator cuff, so he's out of work for a few weeks while he recovers. Here's the problem- (he's an electrician for a larger company) and one of the female secretary workers put together a gift basket for him as a get well sort of thing and in it she puts a Playboy and a Penthouse magazine (porn). Um, excuse me? He's a married father of two children, one of which is a new baby. I'm ticked! He doesn't watch porn and just threw them out, but I am insulted that this woman thought to give him those in a gift basket while she very well knows he has a family. Should I say something? Or is this overkill? Ughhh
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That could be considered sexual harassment. I would confront her or just plain report her, if your husband doesn't. Add: No... the gift wasn't for the wife, but for the husband. However, it's coming into the wife's home, and that's where it's wrong and inappropriate. If it was given to my husband it would be reported to someone because I don't allow that stuff in my home, whether or not my husband or someone else brings it doesn't matter.
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What do guys REALLY want for Valentine's Day?

My man isn't the traditional "guys" guy. He works in internet advertising. He's into movies, music, entertainment, likes "nice" things. Not that into sports or beer, but more meaningful gifts. He has all the latest electronics. He has a watch, has a wallet, briefcase, shaving set, clothes, etc. So....I'm stumped. For Valentine's day, I had an article his business was featured in from a business journal professionally framed. I'm going to make a gift basket and include his favorite snacks, a book, maybe lingerie; I'm also starting a scrapbook and thought about making a page dedicated to "us" and all the reasons why I love him. BUT he goes above and beyond every holiday; he gets me expensive jewelry or does something really special. I feel like my gifts never measure up. Do you think this is a good idea? What do guys REALLY want? (Please dont say sex, I'm talking gift-wise)
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Sometimes it's not the material things that matter but it's the TIME that you spend with him.
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How to remove the coating on copper bottom pots and pans?

My bridal party bought me a beautiful set of pots and pans which they presented to me in a gift basket. However, the gift basket did not include any of the paperwork included in the box of cookware. So... I have a couple questions. 1. My fiancée used one of the pots before we realized you need to remove a coating on the copper. Now there are some ugly rainbow-type spots on the steel part of the pans. Can this be removed? 2. After realizing his mistake and reading the warning sticker on the other pieces, I discovered that they need to soak in baking soda and warm water for 20 minutes. My question is: Is it just the copper that needs to soak or the whole pot? Also, any other helpful advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Copper is often coated with lacquer or something like it to protect it until it gets to you. You might as well soak the whole pot in case it's all over. To clean the steel part where the stuff has cooked on, if the soaking won't do that, try nail polish remover. If that doesn't work, I'd scrub the heck out of it with a green scrubbie or some fine steel wool, but then I'm not choosy about my pots being shiny enough to see myself in. If you are, try something like very fine bronze wool, or Barkeeper's Friend. If you'd like the copper to stay bright, get some copper polish and use it regularly. Cooking will quickly darken it which is not a problem for function but doesn't look pretty if you hang the pots where they're visible
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Will it be rude of me to do this?

A friend ordered a big gift basket and flowers for me online to be delivered to me. I hadn't updated him with my new address so it was delivered to my old apartment. We saw the status that it was delivered yesterday. Would it be rude if I drove there Monday to ask whoever lives there to return the gift basket and card to me? So far they have never forwarded any mail I have had delivered there (for example I know for a fact I've received mail there from people who didn't have my new address and they never returned it to sender or had it forwarded to me). Do I have a right to ask them?
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Yes, they should never have signed/accepted the basket under false pretenses. I would also recommend that you update your mailing address with the post office in regards to them getting your mail. Good luck.
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What are some cheap graduation gifts?

I'm a freshman in high school, and I'm on crunch time to get graduation gifts for my senior friends. Most of them are girls. I was thinking about getting them like a clothes basket with laundry detergent, a towel, some flip-flops, or something like that. But I do know that these are very common gifts because my brother graduated last year. What are some other ideas that I could get?
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You can't go wrong with gift cards to their favorite stores or restaurants.
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Should I patch things up with him?

I had a guy friend who made me mad about a month ago. I have not responded to his emails, texts, or anything. He sent me a letter of apology via snail mail and flowers. He sent me a gift basket today with a note that hes moving back overseas in about a week, he pushed up the date, due to a death in his family, and that I may never see him again and for me to read a message that he sent me in an email. He said he was afraid to call me, due to my hanging up on him. Should I patch up things with him and forgive him or just keep ignoring him?
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Damn! What in the world did he do to make you that mad? There's only a couple of reasons I could think of why I would stop all contact with somebody who was trying to apologize to me, and they are pretty drastic reasons. Life is too short; accept the man's apology. Stop holding grudges and learn to be more forgiving.
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What would you put inside a picnic basket?

I'm putting together a gift package to auction off for charity. Thank you for the input! (:
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A wonderful, generous idea ... Here are some suggestions for a picnic basket gift set: - Bottle of wine, insulated bottle carrier, bottle opener and wine glasses - A box of good quality chocolates - Crackers and Red Pepper Jelly (no cheese, as it would have to be kept cold) - A picnic blanket - Reusable picnic dishes, cutlery and cloth napkins - An insulated vacuum bottle (thermos), perhaps with a hot chocolate mix or a mulled wine mix - First-aid kit - A hiking book related to an area close to home
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I need baby shower gift ideas...?

My best friend is expecting her first child and the shower is set for the first week in February. Currently I have bought her an * EvenFlo Babygo Playyard with bassinet and Changing Station. *A Bouncer with attatched mobile *3 multi packs of EvenFlo bottles *2 single packs of Playtex bottles *A summers baby monitor *Hooded bath towels *Got MIlk baby clothing and *Nike infant hat and mitten set.... She is expecting a girl and I am curious as to whether or not anyone has any good ideas for other shower gifts, preferably something I can assemble myself (like a basket with a good theme).
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How about a diaper cake? They are adorable and you can make them yourself or buy them premade. http://www.ehow.com/how_2027288_make-dia… You can also make her dinner, or sauces and soup so she can freeze for easy access on those crazy days. EDIT - if you really want a gift basket idea, how bout a tote bag full of books, parenting and children's books with a baby book and 1st year calendar.
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Nicholas Sparks The Last Song?

Has anyone read it? Is it as good as the rest of his novels? My neice is asking for it for Christmas so I'm picking up a copy to stick in the gift basket I'm making her. Is it good enough to have me picking up an extra for myself? Thanks!
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Yes, its pretty good. Its sad though. (think walk to remember) It has the whole growing up theme to it. And I think it has a good message. I really liked it. If your neice likes Romacne books about teens then she`ll love it.
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I have a baby shower to go to and I need some creative ideas for a gift. Please help!?

So I have a baby shower to go to soon and I need some creative ideas for gifts. I love making things to make the gift more personal. I have done the bath tub with all the bath items, diaper cake with toys and diapering needs, done the basket with feeding needs. Does anyone have any other good ideas? I don't want to do something I have done before. They do not know what they are having yet (as far as boy or girl) but the registry shows moon & star and duck themes. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!
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For my daughter, the gift I thought was pretty cool was a piggie bank. A friend of the family brought a piggie bank and put money in it. He then passed it around to anyone who wanted to contribute. That was years ago and that money is currently in a bank account for my daughter. We still use the piggy bank and she loves to put change into her piggie bank. For my son, whom I am pregnant with now, my sister is hand knitting him a baby blanket. I think that is pretty cool. The gift I found most useful was a gift card for $240. That away I do not have to worry about returning things if they are not the right stuff and I have the money to buy baby essentials.
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I am looking for ideas for a unique sympathy gift.?

My neighbor's step-mother just passed away yesterday, and I'd like to get him something other than the usual flowers or fruit basket. He himself is very ill (needs a kidney transplant, dialysis 3 times per week) and when he was first ill his wife commented on the waste of fruit from all the baskets they were getting and couldn't keep up with eating. HELP! He's not a real emotional person, either, so a plaque or something isn't appropriate, and of course it was his STEP mother, who he's had in his life only since he was about 30 years old.
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Maybe a card,Jewelery,Candles,A journal,A figure of an angel or something.Or maybe a care package.Hope i helped((:
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Would you send a "Thank You?"?

My fiance and I just paid our deposit to our wedding photographer a few weeks ago; Friday, we received a nice gift basket in the mail and it had a little note, attached, thanking us for choosing her to do our wedding pictures....do we need to send a "Thank You" for the gift basket? My original thought was to send one but my fiance says no, because we are paying for her service and it was her way of thanking us for choosing her! I just do not want to seem rude and ungrateful. Thank you for any help!
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I would say, DEFINATELY!!! You always want to seem very cordial, and polite to anyone involved in your wedding day. You do not want to seem like a Bridezilla. lol I think you should, because if the photographer thinks you are rude or anything, they can very easily mess up your big day... Better safe than sorry. Oh, and congrats. :)
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Post your funniest jokes here and the funniest joke will be selected as best answer. Please post jokes here!?

Our annual joke contest for my church group has came around. I need tons of funny jokes and riddles. The winner will be selected by the guests. The winner will get a 50$ gift card and a gift basket. Please help me win. I must get as many jokes possible in any possible way. If i win i am planning to buy 25 dollars in food to donate to our city's can food colection for the poor. Thankx for the jokes.
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An Australian rugby fan,a South African rugby fan and a New Zealand rugby fan An Australian rugby fan, a South African rugby fan and a New Zealand rugby fan are all in Arabia, sharing a smuggled crate of booze when, all of a sudden, Saudi police rush in and arrest them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offence in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible Crime of actually being caught consuming the booze, they are all sentenced to death! However, after many months and with the help of very good lawyers, They are able to successfully appeal their sentences down to life imprisonment. By a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday the day, their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheikh decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip. As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheikh announced: "It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping." The South African was first in line, he thought for a while and then said: "Please tie a pillow to my back." This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. When the punishment was done he had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain. The Australian was next up. After watching the South African's Horror he said smugly: "Please fix two pillows to my back." But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again and the Australian was soon led away whimpering loudly (as they do). The New Zealander was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheikh turned to him and said: "You are from a most beautiful part of the world and your culture is one of the finest in the world. For this, you may have two wishes!" "Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness", the Kiwi replied. In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me Not 20 lashes but 100 lashes." "Not only are you an honourable, handsome and powerful man, you Are also very brave", the Sheikh said with an admiring look on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish"? "Tie the Australian to my back."
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Would a guy be ok if a valentines day gift was delivered to work... IF?

I was thinking about sending a boyfriend a gift to work (he is a mechanic) but I do not want to make it wimpy. I was thinking about instead of a basket us something garage related, fill with grease rags instead of paper fillers, have tools and some of his favorite odds and ends to fill it up. I thought about having him a couple duct tape roses. We both have a sense of humor, but I do not want anyone at work to give him a hard way to go. If anyone has an idea to add to this please let me know, or if you think this is still a bad idea. : )
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that would be a fun gift, and thoughtful. he'll appreciate the time you put into it as well as the humor of it :]
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when you were pregnant would you have liked this gift,?

i got my SIL who isn't having a baby shower due to circumstances, (her having a baby by a man not her hubby) a laundry basket with the soft bottom lining, & put 5 onesies, 3 baby blankets, 2 bibs, 6 sippy cups, a 6 pack of spoons, 5 spill proof snack containers, 2 sleepers, 6 different containers of gerber baby food, a box of gerber rice cereal, 2 story books, 12 mini rubber ducks for the bath, a pair of squeakier mittens, 2 gerber apple juices, a cotton 3 in 1 set (it has 100 q-tips, 40 cotton balls, 40 cotton pads) would you like this, i was trying to think of things she'd need later on, not now, she is 45 and has a 12 yr old son so she's reusing everything from him, so she doesn't need any clothes or anything, we bought her a bouncer chair already, so would you like to receive this as a gift? thanks in advance for your answers. sil means sister in law for those who don't know
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Sounds absolutely wonderful! I received something similar. My friend bought and infant tub and filled it with all sorts of bath time accessories (some I can use now, but most are for later when my son can sit up and play in the bath). It had to be one of my favorite gifts :) It's so unique because so many people give gifts that are for immediate use or are not practical...
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Would this be ok GIRLS ONLY?

Believe it or not, I have a friend who actually knows Rose Mcgowan. THE Rose Mcgowan! We've known each other for a while now and we've become good friends. Anyway, her birthday is coming up and I was thinking abut getting her a gift basket that included 2 boxes of tampax pearl, 3 packs of always ultra thins, 2 bottles of lotion, and a rabbit pearl vibrator. I think she would love it. Should I? And yes this a serious question.
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That sounds cool!!! I'd actually love it if someone gave that to me!!! lol???
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