I have a 20-something friend who's leaving on the 22nd of this month, he plans on traveling for a whole year throughout Europe and South America. I want to get him something that is useful/meaningful for the journey, any ideas? For example: A watch? A Compass? (good or bad?)
posted by pixxie on Jul 5, 2009 - 32 answers

As an unmarried couple trying to buy a condo, the lender seems to have an issue with my boyfriend contributing the down payment, as it is only me on the mortgage. [more inside]
posted by akephalos on Jun 29, 2009 - 20 answers

What should I get as a graduation present for my sister - quickly? [more inside]
posted by Kirn on Jun 28, 2009 - 6 answers

I need the perfect birthday gift for a seven year old girl. I don't know her well...i.e. what her interests are (so nothing too skewed). But she's clever and draws very well (though it doesn't need to be an arts/crafts item). I'd prefer something that would really make her eyes light up. But I need to be able to find and buy it easily tomorrow morning here in Suburbia (there ARE a couple "hip" toy stores not too far from here, if that helps). Preferably under $60. Thanks!!!!
posted by jimmyjimjim on Jun 26, 2009 - 34 answers

My nephew just turned 1. I only have $150 but I want to get him something cool that he'll appreciate in the future. [more inside]
posted by carpyful on Jun 26, 2009 - 20 answers

Help me pick an awesome housewarming gift for a first-time homebuyer. [more inside]
posted by Girl Scout of Death on Jun 23, 2009 - 20 answers

Birthday gift ideas for mom? [more inside]
posted by idyll on Jun 21, 2009 - 4 answers

Giftfilter: What is the boy equivalent to a girls' play vanity? [more inside]
posted by moojoose on Jun 20, 2009 - 24 answers

I just recently went and visited some friends and want to send a gift to thank them for being such great hosts. One of my friends has recently hurt his neck and I am thinking of sending something that might make him feel better. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by pazazygeek on Jun 16, 2009 - 7 answers

What bulk item can I bring with me to Ghana to hand out to begging children? Toothbrushes? Food? Toys? [more inside]
posted by BusyBusyBusy on Jun 14, 2009 - 18 answers

Help me find an obscure novelty item! [more inside]
posted by BadgerKyle on Jun 12, 2009 - 10 answers

Need gift ideas for a fantastic fella who's just about to finish up a grueling one-year license suspension. [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew on Jun 9, 2009 - 9 answers

Father's Day is coming up! Fast! My dad loves really bizarre, silly and off-the-wall stuff. A little morbid is also good (he was pleased as punch when I gave him a strawberry-flavored gummy human heart), but not required. I've given him surprise boxes from Archie McPhee before (which he loved), but I'd like to find him something even different-er this year. Where should I shop? [more inside]
posted by katillathehun on Jun 8, 2009 - 8 answers

What gift can I give my European colleagues that is quintessential Virginia/Washington DC, without straying into "miniature Washington Monument" territory? [more inside]
posted by cabingirl on Jun 5, 2009 - 22 answers

Baby-product-that-surely-exists filter: A couple friends have just had babies, and a couple more friends are about to do the same thing. I live in Philadelphia; they live all over the country. Therefore, I'm trying to find a onesie or something similar with "LOVE " on the front, a la the Robert Indiana sculpture in Love Park (I know there are many other LOVE sculptures, but I still feel like it says Philly and I know it says love, which has got to be good). My Google-fu is sucking today - help!
posted by killerinsideme on Jun 5, 2009 - 14 answers

I need help coming up with a good thank-you gift for my (female, early 30s) cousin at the end of a 3-week visit. [more inside]
posted by obliquicity on Jun 4, 2009 - 16 answers

I was recently delighted to learn that my 3-year-old nephew shares my profound fascination with construction cranes. Can you recommend a sturdy yet functional toy crane? [more inside]
posted by halogen on Jun 1, 2009 - 11 answers

I want to buy a small cheering, comforting, gift for a friend who has recently endured financial troubles, a relationship breakup, the start of a new job and an interstate move - and moved back in with her parents. But we have very different tastes and I'm at a bit of a loss as to what, exactly, I might get her. [more inside]
posted by t0astie on May 31, 2009 - 20 answers

What are some useful items I can give to my friend as a gift for when she leaves to study abroad in Zambia? [more inside]
posted by blithecatpie on May 30, 2009 - 10 answers

A friend made a really sweet, but kind of awkwardly generous, gesture. How to respond gracefully, while still giving her an out? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph on May 26, 2009 - 23 answers

I want to send someone a singing telegram, but they're too expensive. What's a gift that is equally as corny that I can have delivered to a hotel conference room in Orlando?
posted by c:\awesome on May 18, 2009 - 9 answers

I'm in search of a retirement gift for my Dad, who literally has no interests/hobbies. And in fact could be considered a workaholic. [more inside]
posted by TwisterSister on May 16, 2009 - 14 answers

What's a good gift for my little sister's 30th birthday? I'm arranging this from across the country, and she's going to be on a motorcycle in the middle of nowhere. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by mattybonez on May 16, 2009 - 6 answers

GiftFilter: What send-off gift to give an intern headed to Cambodia? [more inside]
posted by bhance on May 15, 2009 - 5 answers

What is a cool, upscale housewarming gift for successful professionals? [more inside]
posted by barrakuda on May 15, 2009 - 24 answers

My friend's visa to stay in the US just got approved. What awesomely tacky gift can I get him? [more inside]
posted by UsernameFilter on May 13, 2009 - 35 answers

Help me pick out a graduation present for my Yale-bound brother. [more inside]
posted by nuclear_soup on May 13, 2009 - 21 answers

Fun/unique ways to present a list of things we like about a friend? [more inside]
posted by jrichards on May 12, 2009 - 14 answers

I need some ideas on capturing my kids' handprints, as a gift to my wife. A little help? [more inside]
posted by brandman on May 11, 2009 - 19 answers

What UK food gift can I take to someone in the US? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 on May 7, 2009 - 45 answers

What would be a nice gift for a family in Teahupo'o, Tahiti? (They'll be hosting my friend for a week; he's flying in from Italy via L.A.) [more inside]
posted by progosk on May 4, 2009 - 0 answers

What are some good gifts for Japanese families? Also, are there any cultural taboos that I should be particularly sure to avoid breaking while staying in Japan? [more inside]
posted by bassooner on May 3, 2009 - 23 answers

I have an amazing, incredible mother. Really, she's awesome. This will be the first mother's day that I have the fiscal resources to show her, rather than just tell her, how much I love her. I'll be getting her flowers, that much is sure. In addition to that, I'd like to do something meaningful. My (boring) idea was make a donation to a cause in her honor. But you have more creative, but still meaningful ideas, right? :)
posted by charmston on May 2, 2009 - 26 answers

Graduation gift for a psychology student [more inside]
posted by jinatrix on Apr 29, 2009 - 14 answers

Recommend inspirational or otherwise awesome gifts for an aspiring opera singer, please! [more inside]
posted by fvox13 on Apr 28, 2009 - 5 answers

What's a savory food item that would make a good thank-you gift? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Saint on Apr 26, 2009 - 20 answers

Please recommend a rye whiskey. [more inside]
posted by gaspode on Apr 24, 2009 - 21 answers

Difference between "wedding shower" and "bridal shower" and what gift goes with what? (wedding gifts vs bridal shower gifts.) [more inside]
posted by lblair on Apr 23, 2009 - 19 answers

One of my best friends had a baby last night. I've got baby gifts, but what can I get (or do) for the new parents? [more inside]
posted by LolaGeek on Apr 23, 2009 - 36 answers

Oh no! I forgot "Administrative Assistants' Day" - what should I do / get my secretary to make it up to her? Any gift ideas? [more inside]
posted by Anonymous on Apr 23, 2009 - 17 answers

Are there limits of how many times to buy iTunes email gift through iTunes store (do not get confused with price limit)? It says "you have reached the limit for buying gift card." What do they mran of the limits? How to overcome the limit? Any trick (if possible)? Thanks
posted by omaralarifi on Apr 20, 2009 - 1 answer

What is a good, relatively cheap, long-distance anniversary gift to give to someone on the other side of the world? We talk on skype, but I think it'd be nice to actually get her something. [more inside]
posted by zinge on Apr 19, 2009 - 9 answers

I am looking for birthday present ideas for a 95-year-old man whom I barely know. [more inside]
posted by feathermeat on Apr 15, 2009 - 19 answers

I need gift ideas that are unique and perhaps a bit quirky for best friend who's baby turns 1 next month, kind of like a Yay! You survived the first year! presesnt. Bonus points if you can recommend a good gift for the baby that isn't clothing, battery operated or will be tossed in the junk pile in 6 months.
posted by Leezie on Apr 14, 2009 - 14 answers

Non American needs help with determining a "fair" $ gift amount for upcoming and any wedding. [more inside]
posted by sequin on Apr 12, 2009 - 23 answers

I need help finding a silver drinking straw for a friend. [more inside]
posted by Flamingo on Apr 8, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm going to get my friends a grill pan for their wedding. What should I get and what should go with it? [more inside]
posted by grouse on Apr 3, 2009 - 13 answers

What fantastic bourbons are not available in the Atlanta area? [more inside]
posted by amelioration on Apr 1, 2009 - 5 answers

I need some suggestions for a small thank you gift for my landlords of the past month. [more inside]
posted by that possible maker of pork sausages on Mar 31, 2009 - 6 answers

If you want to send someone a classy thank you gift, e.g. wine, chocolates or flowers, what are the best options if all you have in terms of contact info is the person's email address? [more inside]
posted by grumblebee on Mar 31, 2009 - 7 answers