Sometimes getting gifts for my parents can be challenging. For instance, if there is something out there that my mother wants, at this point in her life she has likely already gone out and gotten it.
So, in the spirit of my last post about getting ready for Christmas early (let’s hear it for avoiding stress, the zoo in the stores and the over-spending that can happen when you’re feeling frantic!), here are a few ideas I thought I’d throw out there. Please feel free to add any others that come to mind. It will make finding just the right gift a whole lot easier for all of us if we put our heads together!
All of these gift ideas are under $50 and do not require entering a mall.
The sentimental gift:
A hand-painted coffee mug or tea cup has proven to be a winner time and time again for me. Let your child loose with some paints at Gotta Paint or The Mud Oven for half an hour, and voila — a thoughtful, but useful keepsake. If you have a baby, my favourite thing is a handprint in bright paint. All items are dishwasher-safe and make a cheerful addition to the home or office. (less than $30)
The practical gift:
My friend Jen told me about this nifty little invention that her neighbour came up with called Towel Locs. You know how your bathroom hand towel seems to always end up on the floor? Not with these little babies! I was worried about the safety of these with toddlers, but Jen says the locking mechanism hasn’t failed her yet. (less than $25 incl. shipping)
The lasts-all-year gift:
A subscription to a magazine is the gift that keeps on giving — arriving at the mailbox all year long. And the best part is, there’s a magazine for every taste. From hobbies, to popular entertainment to history and sports … you name it, it exists. Canadian Magazines has a special on now that if you buy two magazine subscriptions, you get one free. (approx $25-35)
And if 2009 calls for some special attention …
That special gift:
Sometimes you really want that something special. For my mom’s 60th birthday last year, we gave her a Tiffany bracelet. She hasn’t taken if off since! There’s lovely silver jewellery (starting at $150), crystal Christmas tree ornaments (starting at $80) and freshwater pearl earrings ($180) and bracelets (starting at $270). All available online at www.tiffany.com.
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