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Old 09-30-2016, 07:31 AM
 
Location: Chicago
6,160 posts, read 5,678,355 times
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I could really use some help buying Christmas gifts for my parents and grandparents. I have never really bought gifts for family before because I was in college, or working a part-time job. Since I'm working full-time now, I feel that it's appropriate to buy gifts for everyone.

My grandmother likes indoor plants, so that seems like a good buy. I have no clue what my parents would like. My dad likes cooking, but he's pretty much covered in that department.

On another note, what kind of gift should be bought for birthdays? I usually just send my parents a funny card, but haven't ever bought anything.
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Old 09-30-2016, 08:00 AM
 
Location: Canada
6,615 posts, read 6,515,747 times
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For your parents, why not a gift certificate to a nice restaurant?

If you've never bought birthday gifts before, why are you going to start now? They probably have everything they need, but if you really think you should get them something, older people have trouble bending down to cut their toenails. (your parents and your grandmother) A gift certificate for a pedicure is a nice idea.
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Old 09-30-2016, 08:18 AM
 
Location: Chicago
6,160 posts, read 5,678,355 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gouligann View Post
For your parents, why not a gift certificate to a nice restaurant?

If you've never bought birthday gifts before, why are you going to start now? They probably have everything they need, but if you really think you should get them something, older people have trouble bending down to cut their toenails. (your parents and your grandmother) A gift certificate for a pedicure is a nice idea.
Sounds good! I think you're right about birthday gifts. I think a cute card will still be okay.
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Old 09-30-2016, 08:24 AM
 
Location: southwestern PA
22,425 posts, read 47,411,742 times
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Speaking as a grandparent, I have all the 'stuff' I need, especially the 'stuff' I like.
I would much rather spend time with you than get another thing to take care of or dust.

Take your grandparents out to dinner, or to a play, or to a museum.

Last edited by Pitt Chick; 09-30-2016 at 09:02 AM.. Reason: spelling!
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Old 09-30-2016, 08:31 AM
 
Location: Wisconsin
19,480 posts, read 25,060,649 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pitt Chick View Post
Speaking as a grandparent, I have all the 'stuff' I need, especially the 'stuff' I like.
I would much rather spend time with you than get another thing to take car of or dust.

Take your grandparents out to dinner, or to a play, or to a museum.
I completely agree.

For your parents, who like to cook, perhaps a basket of special spices & fancy sauces. But, they may just enjoy spending time with you as well.

Does your family have a history of giving presents between adults? Not all families do that (mine doesn't).
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Old 09-30-2016, 08:55 AM
 
Location: A Yankee in northeast TN
16,012 posts, read 21,030,029 times
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I agree that a gift of your time is the best gift if you are not able to be with your family often. Airline tickets, hotel rooms, gas cards and such things are nice if it enables them to visit you.
My favorite gifts are season passes or memberships to things like the zoo, botanical gardens, ballet or theater, various clubs, etc.
After that come things like a gift certificate to a day spa, tickets to a sporting event or concert, a weekend pass to a home and garden show or local art or music festival, etc.
Basically a gift of 'doing', as opposed to giving 'stuff', unless you know of things that your parents really want or need.
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Old 09-30-2016, 10:15 AM
 
Location: Chicago
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I only get to see them once a year (I live in TX, they live in SC). So I guess time with them is more important than anything.
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Old 09-30-2016, 12:27 PM
 
Location: Mostly in my head
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If they like/have one, a Starbucks gift card is always welcome! Not everyone likes or has a Starbucks near them.
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Old 10-01-2016, 11:24 AM
 
Location: Redwood City, CA
15,246 posts, read 12,891,901 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gouligann View Post
They probably have everything they need, but if you really think you should get them something, older people have trouble bending down to cut their toenails. (your parents and your grandmother) A gift certificate for a pedicure is a nice idea.
I second this. I used to perform this service for my MIL and she loved it.

There are also professionals who specialize in senior massages. Very important to get someone who is experienced in this, as senior skin can be fragile. But as a way of reconnecting by touch as well as relieving aching muscles, it would be an amazing gift.
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Old 10-01-2016, 02:18 PM
 
Location: State of Transition
102,132 posts, read 107,402,364 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lepoisson View Post
Sounds good! I think you're right about birthday gifts. I think a cute card will still be okay.
I agree that a card is enough for the birthdays. Does your dad wear ties to work? Some men can never have enough ties, no matter how cliché a gift it is. A new chef's apron for the kitchen? (I agree it can be hard to buy presents for people who seem to have everything.) A nice wool Pendleton shirt? A music CD for him to enjoy in the car? If he likes to cook, a new recipe book--maybe something focusing on an ethnic tradition, like Italian?
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