OK Poll

mwhitson14

Today at Thanksgiving we drew names to exchange Christmas presents (we have such a large family, that everyone over 18 draws names, and all those who wish buy for the little ones, we only have 3).

I drew my female cousin that is 28, married with two kids, and lives in GA. I see her twice a year, on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I know very little about her.

I found these on etsy: Link.  LImit is $20.

julezlee

Personally, I said no because I'm very picky about shower and hair products and I always end up with presents like that just sitting in my cabinet for like 4 years before i thrown them away. 

julezlee

Oh, and I would go for something from an actual store so she can exchange it in case you guess wrong. 

Do you know if she likes to cook or has any hobbies? 

mwhitson14

Good thinking.
 
I know she doesn't cook, she's picky about wine. I have no idea where she shops, she's a nurse so I know she wears lots of scrubs but I wouldn't even know where to go with that.

anna.oskar

Since she has two kids, maybe one of those little charm bracelets with the kid shaped birthstone charms on it?

julezlee

Could you get her a pair of Crocs?  Don't nurses love crocs?  Or is that an urban legend.  There are $19.99 crocs on their website and you can get free shipping or 10% off.

mwhitson14

Anna, that was my next thought: Link

Julez, she's been a nurse for about 5 years now, so I'm assuming if she was a croc wearer, she's got plenty. They're so rich, which makes it even harder. FI drew her husband's name, but luckily he is a hunter so it won't be too bad.

julezlee

Ooo, I hate buying presents for people who can buy whatever they want.  It's so hard.

I'm basically boycotting Christmas presents this year for this very reason. 

Does she like coffee or tea?  Maybe a cute travel mug for work filled with tea/coffee she would like?

mwhitson14

A good idea, I have no idea. I'll ask her mom. I'll ask her that and her shoe size/crocs issue. Sigh.

julezlee

I would maybe lean toward something drinkable/ebible for her.  If she doesn't like it, she can just give it to her husband/kids/take it to work.

For me, that's better than spending $20 on something someone will never use and/or will just throw out.

sarahmk5

Sorry, I vote no.  I'm particular about hair products and changing something would do who knows what to my hair.

mwhitson14

It's good to hear other people's perspectives on their products, I had no idea. I'm a hair/body product whore, and I buy stuff all.the.time. I'm not picky at all, I just love to try stuff out.

Nebb

Does she like art or photography? You could buy some frames and put some photography or art in it?
What about like specialty spreads or cheeses or something, the type you only get in specialty stores?
Is she into fitness? Maybe you could buy her a nice accessory for that?

sarabellam

Nope. With sensitive skin, once I find something that I can tolerate, I stick to it for YEARS. Go for something edible.

julezlee

Nebb - just cause you're not all drunk and full of food doesn't mean you need to come in and show me up with all your ideas.

mwhitson14

Nebb, nope not big an art or photography, unless it's pics of her kids. And she's got plenty of those around her house (so my mom says). Specialty spreads or cheeses, no idea. They are a take out/restaurant type of family, she never cooks and drinks red wine. Definitely doesn't work out, she barely has time. I was thinking a massage, but I don't know who's good in her area or if she would even like that, some people don't like to be touched like that.

Nebb

I dont even know if you can get a massage for 20$, what about a manicure or pedicure or a facial or something? Could you call her husband to find out if there is a salon she frequents or places in the area?

Julez -

julezlee

Maybe you could pay her husband $20 to give her a massage.

mwhitson14

Oh duh, I totally forgot about the price cap. I plead sleepy.

Nebb

What about specialty tea? does she drink tea? Do you have a teaopia or something near you?

What about really decadent chocolates?

mwhitson14

Never heard of teaopia. I just don't know her at all. LIke I said, she's several years older and I only see her twice a year. The information I do have I've gleaned from my mom.

Chocolates might be good, the best I can do is Godiva.

Nebb

Do it up! Even if she doesnt like it, everyone in the household can indulge. Its a good gift if you dont know what else to get someone.

Teaopia might be a canadian thing, im not sure. It sells tons (like... 80?) kinds of loose leaf tea for different purposes. I love that store.

crfische

I said no. Personal hygeine products are so personal and everyone has their preferred stuff, that trying to get people to try new things seems silly.

squirrly

I said no too, cause I'm picky about shampoo.  I recommend some super awesome cookies.  Godiva has them, but I found this website too:  http://www.cherylandco.com/shop-by-price/under-%2430.category.20756.20755

mwhitson14

That's a great website! I LOVE the one with the mug and cookies! Thanks!

squirrly

No problem.  I haven't met anybody yet who doesn't like gourmet cookies!  They are popular at Dirty Santa gift exchanges.  That's the best proof I've got. 

felicity and reverie

The Antique Rose Emporium in Texas has absolutely beautiful roses and they are $18.95 and can be shipped to your door. Here is the link http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/

I've used this as a gift for my grandmothers and they absolutely love it and my mom bought a rose when we were down there visiting once and it still looks great years later.