Spinoff - useful Christmas gifts for my older kids

**Dutchie** · 09-29-2008, 05:11 PM

I am so glad that I read the other (original) post.
Now I have the same dilemma but only for older kids.
I find it harder and harder each year to find gifts for my kids (4 boys and 1 girl ranging in ages from 18 (girl) to 27).
The 4 boys also have long time girlfriends so I buy things for them too.
It is SO hard each year to get things that 1) fit in my budget and 2) I know that they will use and appreciate.
BTW - when I ask them, they don't know anything.
Any ideas will be more than appreciated.
Thanks!

**shortstack** · 09-29-2008, 05:20 PM

I personally love it when my mom buys me magazine subscriptions. They are fairly cheap and I am reminded every month of her when I get one in the mail.

Andrea

**itsahumanzoo** · 09-29-2008, 05:28 PM

Last Christmas my mom got us a $25 movie theater gift card, which I was able to take me and DH to the movies twice with using entertainment book coupons!

Basically it's usually a small gift for DH and myself together, like a gift card or tickets so we can have a nice night out without paying for it.

**LeeCee** · 09-29-2008, 06:06 PM

I would give them cash or gift cards.

**shoiji** · 09-29-2008, 06:26 PM

Gift cards are a good idea. Depending on what everyones interest is you could get a gift card for a specific type of store, place or restaurant. If your older children really like certain things that you cook or bake a homemade recipe book might be nice, or even a family photo album.

**sunshine** · 09-29-2008, 08:46 PM

For the girls -- I have no problem . . . I stock up at Bath and Body works twice a year sales. . . and I hit the clearance items at Victoria's Secrets, Chadwicks, etc. (usually lots of "free with any order" type things that are perfect gift items)

For my guys -- last year I got them solar lights for their walk way entry ways. (happened to find them on a good deal - the boys were thrilled).

Food stuff -- nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, etc.

even at that age - my guys still like to play video games -- I just call their wives for a list of current 'most wanted' games, and watch for sales, swap, etc.

**geckoace** · 09-29-2008, 09:26 PM

movie theater and restaurant gift cards are my fav gifts to receive.

**TheRootedNomad** · 09-29-2008, 09:36 PM

How about car stuff like:
jumper cables
a first aid kit ( you can make these yourself or buy them )
flares
flashlights
car seat covers
a small tool kit for the car

or
bathrobes and slippers should still apply
funny boxers or PJ pants (like with thier favorite cereal charecter form when they were a kid)
fleece throw blankets still work

a movie basket would make a good individual or couples gift
(DVD, snacks, drinks)

socks--- funny picture socks for around the house, warm hunting/working socks, fuzzy comfy socks, homemade socks, slipper socks ( Socks can be fun and personalized and ARE definately useful)

If any of them haven't been on thier own too long see of there are things they really need or how about things they just MISS from home. Mom gave me one of grandma's cast iron skillets one year that was cooked in every day....still is.

**geckoace** · 09-29-2008, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by TheRootedNomad

If any of them haven't been on thier own too long see of there are things they really need or how about things they just MISS from home. Mom gave me one of grandma's cast iron skillets one year that was cooked in every day....still is.

you know with cousin and my sister the thing they missed most in their first apartments (and in college for that matter) was toast so my aunt got them toasters, such a simple thing but when you are starting out this is one of those things that you may not get for yourself