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Bleah, right?
For me it's not so bad any longer. We do most of our shopping at the flea market, and it's lots of fun. Gifting loved ones with other people's crap. In reality, flea market xmas shopping is tough. Ovbiously the giftee is going to know that the present is used, so the idea is not the gift but the usefullness or the idea behind it. One year, I found an entire year's worth of Topps baseball cards in a packaged box. I got that for my dad, he loves collecting cards from all sports. Spent two bucks, and he was thrilled. Flea markets are great places to find those items that your friends have said they've been looking for but can't find. Every now and then as you walk down the aisles, you see the most bizarre thing, and think..."That is sooooo Susan! She totally needs that elephant foot umbrella holder!"
Anyways...I'm shopping at flea markets and thrift stores..where do you go?
(P.S. Mom's gift will be new. I'm buying her a cheap smoker and doing the ham for Christmas dinner on it.)

I got a boars hair dart board for Jake at Goodwill for .....3.99. Now, I need to get the darts.

Very Duke Blue wrote:I got a boars hair dart board for Jake at Goodwill for .....3.99. Now, I need to get the darts.

That's awesome...he's gonna love it.

CameronBornAndBred wrote:Bleah, right?
For me it's not so bad any longer. We do most of our shopping at the flea market, and it's lots of fun. Gifting loved ones with other people's crap. In reality, flea market xmas shopping is tough. Ovbiously the giftee is going to know that the present is used, so the idea is not the gift but the usefullness or the idea behind it. One year, I found an entire year's worth of Topps baseball cards in a packaged box. I got that for my dad, he loves collecting cards from all sports. Spent two bucks, and he was thrilled. Flea markets are great places to find those items that your friends have said they've been looking for but can't find. Every now and then as you walk down the aisles, you see the most bizarre thing, and think..."That is sooooo Susan! She totally needs that elephant foot umbrella holder!"
Anyways...I'm shopping at flea markets and thrift stores..where do you go?
(P.S. Mom's gift will be new. I'm buying her a cheap smoker and doing the ham for Christmas dinner on it.)

Thanks for this TIP! Seriously. Money is a bit tight and I've been looking for best ways to do the whole gifting thing. These are great ideas.

Also, did you finish that painting of the path? The one that curves into the woods (i.e., you can't tell what is around the corner.) Does that make sense? I wrote that it was one of my favs and you wrote back that many had mentioned that.

I thought about getting some of those prints as gifts. I, personally, would love one. Still love, "The Nudging Chair."

Best,

-EarlJam

For many years now, the sisters and brothers have been naming a charity and the others make a donation in your name. For example, brother Dave names Make A Wish Foundation and the other siblings will all send a donation as they are able in his name to that charity. Each names their own.

Last year, for the gifts I did give, I either gave something I already owned or something I purchased from a charity or Ten Thousand Villages (a fair trade store). The only exception was the Hallmark goldfinch ornament that I gave my sisters - Goldfinches are a sign from our mother.

I'm going to use a few of my paintints for gifts this year. Also, a friend of ours is going to have his 65th birthday next week. He really likes one of my paintings, which I am going to give him. His wife is giving him a surprise birthday party next week. She said "no presents, please". How can you not give a friend of 42 years a present?

My wife is crocheting a blanket for her dad for Christmas.

As for the overall shopping, we go to all the places, but my wife is quite upset if she's not done by Halloween.

Very Duke Blue wrote:I'm going to use a few of my paintints for gifts this year. Also, a friend of ours is going to have his 65th birthday next week. He really likes one of my paintings, which I am going to give him. His wife is giving him a surprise birthday party next week. She said "no presents, please". How can you not give a friend of 42 years a present?

VDB!!! You paint, too?! How did I not know that? C'mon now. Let's see some here!

Here's the oil I just finished for my brother. I called it his Thanksgiving present for all he does to care for our elderly mother. (We don't do Christmas presents.) I crated it up and sent it to him as a surprise last week. He called me in tears when it arrived. Guess I got him good!

Those are his two grand babies.
Love, Ima

Ima Facultiwyfe wrote:[
Those are his two grand babies.

I'm not gifting any paintings this year, but I am thinking about framing a couple of my San Fran photos for presents.

I'm very impressed with the artistic talents here. I'd love to learn to paint.

After several years of wrestling with the gift question while our family has grown quickly with marriages and child births, we finally reached a new level of understanding this year.

One niece's husband has been laid off from from a high paying job at Glaxo. (He's doing some consultant work, but with a reduced income.) Another niece's husband is in school full-time completing his undergraduate degree in order to go to divinity school. A third niece's husband has had his hours and salary cut in a tech company he started and used to own. My nephew is in his third job this year (two layoffs) and is engaged to be married. My siblings include one about to retire and another working toward that in the near future.

Previous attempts to cut back didn't work. So this year we agreed to no gifts. Instead, we're going to gather several times over the holidays to enjoy potluck meals together. What a novel idea! We're going to spend time together rather than spend money. At first glance, this decision may seem harsh to some, but it's truly a relief. Stress of the season is a thing of the past. It's wonderful to look forward to these gatherings and sharing some relaxed time together. We've all remarked about how much we enjoy Thanksgiving gatherings. Now we're to extend the same joy and fun to Christmas.

(I'm checking the recipe thread for ideas for the feast I'm hosting.)

Devil in the Blue Dress wrote:After several years of wrestling with the gift question while our family has grown quickly with marriages and child births, we finally reached a new level of understanding this year.

One niece's husband has been laid off from from a high paying job at Glaxo. (He's doing some consultant work, but with a reduced income.) Another niece's husband is in school full-time completing his undergraduate degree in order to go to divinity school. A third niece's husband has had his hours and salary cut in a tech company he started and used to own. My nephew is in his third job this year (two layoffs) and is engaged to be married. My siblings include one about to retire and another working toward that in the near future.

Previous attempts to cut back didn't work. So this year we agreed to no gifts. Instead, we're going to gather several times over the holidays to enjoy potluck meals together. What a novel idea! We're going to spend time together rather than spend money. At first glance, this decision may seem harsh to some, but it's truly a relief. Stress of the season is a thing of the past. It's wonderful to look forward to these gatherings and sharing some relaxed time together. We've all remarked about how much we enjoy Thanksgiving gatherings. Now we're to extend the same joy and fun to Christmas.

(I'm checking the recipe thread for ideas for the feast I'm hosting.)

My extended family (which is Boston Irish Catholic - so quite large you can imagine) has a big family Christmas get-together each year. Many many years ago everyone stopped giving each other gifts. Now we do a Yankee Swap (aka White Elephant). There's a firm price limit - pretty low - and each family only has to bring one gift. It's also a lot of fun to do the gift picking and exchanging.

Devil in the Blue Dress wrote:After several years of wrestling with the gift question while our family has grown quickly with marriages and child births, we finally reached a new level of understanding this year.

One niece's husband has been laid off from from a high paying job at Glaxo. (He's doing some consultant work, but with a reduced income.) Another niece's husband is in school full-time completing his undergraduate degree in order to go to divinity school. A third niece's husband has had his hours and salary cut in a tech company he started and used to own. My nephew is in his third job this year (two layoffs) and is engaged to be married. My siblings include one about to retire and another working toward that in the near future.

Previous attempts to cut back didn't work. So this year we agreed to no gifts. Instead, we're going to gather several times over the holidays to enjoy potluck meals together. What a novel idea! We're going to spend time together rather than spend money. At first glance, this decision may seem harsh to some, but it's truly a relief. Stress of the season is a thing of the past. It's wonderful to look forward to these gatherings and sharing some relaxed time together. We've all remarked about how much we enjoy Thanksgiving gatherings. Now we're to extend the same joy and fun to Christmas.

(I'm checking the recipe thread for ideas for the feast I'm hosting.)

I believe that is how Christmas is celebrated in South America. I do know that is how Colombians celebrate Christmas, am assuming the rest of South America does the same.

I think it's a great idea!!!

DukeUsul wrote:

Devil in the Blue Dress wrote:After several years of wrestling with the gift question while our family has grown quickly with marriages and child births, we finally reached a new level of understanding this year.

One niece's husband has been laid off from from a high paying job at Glaxo. (He's doing some consultant work, but with a reduced income.) Another niece's husband is in school full-time completing his undergraduate degree in order to go to divinity school. A third niece's husband has had his hours and salary cut in a tech company he started and used to own. My nephew is in his third job this year (two layoffs) and is engaged to be married. My siblings include one about to retire and another working toward that in the near future.

Previous attempts to cut back didn't work. So this year we agreed to no gifts. Instead, we're going to gather several times over the holidays to enjoy potluck meals together. What a novel idea! We're going to spend time together rather than spend money. At first glance, this decision may seem harsh to some, but it's truly a relief. Stress of the season is a thing of the past. It's wonderful to look forward to these gatherings and sharing some relaxed time together. We've all remarked about how much we enjoy Thanksgiving gatherings. Now we're to extend the same joy and fun to Christmas.

(I'm checking the recipe thread for ideas for the feast I'm hosting.)

My extended family (which is Boston Irish Catholic - so quite large you can imagine) has a big family Christmas get-together each year. Many many years ago everyone stopped giving each other gifts. Now we do a Yankee Swap (aka White Elephant). There's a firm price limit - pretty low - and each family only has to bring one gift. It's also a lot of fun to do the gift picking and exchanging.

I'm taking part in Kelly's family Christmas this year and they do the same thing. There's a website to manage it all (of course I can't remember it right now!). Each member lists up to three "wants" and then people are randomly assigned a person. They set a hard limit at $10. The real fun is that each person must wrap the gift creatively. I'm sure I'll be polling for help as soon as I find out who my person is and what their gift is!

Ima Facultiwyfe wrote:

Very Duke Blue wrote:I'm going to use a few of my paintints for gifts this year. Also, a friend of ours is going to have his 65th birthday next week. He really likes one of my paintings, which I am going to give him. His wife is giving him a surprise birthday party next week. She said "no presents, please". How can you not give a friend of 42 years a present?

VDB!!! You paint, too?! How did I not know that? C'mon now. Let's see some here!

Here's the oil I just finished for my brother. I called it his Thanksgiving present for all he does to care for our elderly mother. (We don't do Christmas presents.) I crated it up and sent it to him as a surprise last week. He called me in tears when it arrived. Guess I got him good!

Those are his two grand babies.
Love, Ima

Love your painting.I cannot imagine how your brother felf when he saw the painting. Such detail. Its beautiful. Mine are very simple. I started several years ago. Only landscape. Its been a great release for me. So much I don't know but I will not quite. Too much fun.

Ima, your painting is stunning! Your brother must be so proud of you. I know he'll treasure your gift!

We have so many talented people in this group!

Devil in the Blue Dress wrote:After several years of wrestling with the gift question while our family has grown quickly with marriages and child births, we finally reached a new level of understanding this year.

One niece's husband has been laid off from from a high paying job at Glaxo. (He's doing some consultant work, but with a reduced income.) Another niece's husband is in school full-time completing his undergraduate degree in order to go to divinity school. A third niece's husband has had his hours and salary cut in a tech company he started and used to own. My nephew is in his third job this year (two layoffs) and is engaged to be married. My siblings include one about to retire and another working toward that in the near future.

Previous attempts to cut back didn't work. So this year we agreed to no gifts. Instead, we're going to gather several times over the holidays to enjoy potluck meals together. What a novel idea! We're going to spend time together rather than spend money. At first glance, this decision may seem harsh to some, but it's truly a relief. Stress of the season is a thing of the past. It's wonderful to look forward to these gatherings and sharing some relaxed time together. We've all remarked about how much we enjoy Thanksgiving gatherings. Now we're to extend the same joy and fun to Christmas.

(I'm checking the recipe thread for ideas for the feast I'm hosting.)

Sounds very nice. I know you & your family will enjoy being together.

CameronBornAndBred wrote:

Ima Facultiwyfe wrote:[
Those are his two grand babies.

I'm not gifting any paintings this year, but I am thinking about framing a couple of my San Fran photos for presents.

Anyone would be thrilled to recieve one of your framed prints.

I'm so bad about getting on Christmas Shopping...

i bought the at darts for jake's dartboard at dick's sporting goods. yikes, they cost about 3 to 4 times as much as i had to pay for the board. I checked the cost of boars hair boards, 79.99. i still can't believe i got one in great shape for 3.99.