I need frugal wish list ideas...

[peanut]

My girls (21 and 24) and DH are asking for a wish list from me. DH says to make the items cheap so the girls can afford them (one is paying off student loans and the other is in university racking them up).

Only one problem, I'm having a real hard time coming up with a single solitary thing I need or want! The only thing I could think of was a gift certificate to the local yarn store. I really don't trust them to pick out the things I'm interested in. I'm very specialized in what I do now...

I want a specific planner for my purse. But not just any planner. Just this one that I shopped all over town for and costs all of $15. Just haven't bought it because, well, we were given 'free' ones (not as good) by my financial planner.

What would you do? I'm sensitive to scents and don't wear makeup. Maybe a gift certificate for the local bookstore?

Jean

[Lady_V]

The only thing I could think of was a gift certificate to the local yarn store. I really don't trust them to pick out the things I'm interested in. I'm very specialized in what I do now...

Does the store have an online store? Does the store have a 'reminder' section?

Could you 'happen' to have a certain item you want bookmarked in your favorites? ... or cut the picture out of the store flyer and have it on the fridge to remind 'you' to buy it 'after the holidays, when you plan on going there next'

[guest002]

If you don't mine used books they can buy credits on Paperback Swap.com

[peanut]

Good idea! In fact, the store has a little recipe box by the door where they keep cards with a record of all the wish list items of their customers. Real low tech, but it works. I think I'll go up and fill out the card, and then send them all up there...

And used books are fine by me! I was fondling "It's All Too Much" today at the bookstore. Just couldn't see spending the money to buy it new.

Jean

[joyofsix]

I have the same problem. I really don't want much. I thought of

Books
Chores-like a gc to me saying they'll clean or help me clean, etc.
Used dvd's of tv shows I like
gc for massage

[LastDragonfly]

Perhaps a gc from a seed catalog or a magazine you'd like a subscription to.

[nuisance26]

~How about food items you wouldn't generally buy for yourself like special coffees or teas?~

[madhen]

I know it is goofy, but I love getting slippers. I ask for slippers every year. I got four pair one year! Cheap is fine, as long as they are warm and fuzzy.

[kmonokwe]

22-year old recent college grad speaking! I know all about student loans... If you're looking for cheap and simple, gift certificates are awesome! Also, I always want to surprise people with gifts, but to quote the great Jane Austen, "surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable." I say that to say, it doesn't hurt to give your girls specific ideas! Tell them just what yarn to get, or exactly what planner you want. Tell them the book you were wishing for...it makes shopping easier for them, and you get just what you need/want! And you can make sure that you only give them ideas for affordable gifts, which is a great gift to them as well!

[peanut]

Thanks everyone! Thanks to you all giving me ideas, I've managed to come up with a wish list 2 pages long. That should give them plenty to choose from! Most of it is under $50. That's enough I could be nicely surprised for some time to come.

Jean

[Momof3girls]

I think if you tell your kids exactly the planner or the gc for the specific store.

[sunshine]

~How about food items you wouldn't generally buy for yourself like special coffees or teas?~

This is a favorite gift in our place as well.

[Rebookie]

Gift cards!

They are your babies so they should know you are picky!

[Dancing Lotus]

I have given the dh wish lists , it does no good. He either says he couldn't find it or that he thought I would another one better.

[McD]

I was fondling

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Jean you are a dirty bird! MWAHAHAHAHAHA~!>