Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with gifts

Career-building resources in animal rescue available in DFW

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:06:27 -0800

Looking for an tips, contacts, experiences to pass on to a Dallas/FW resident interested in animal rescue. Along with a real (but shallow) birthday gift I'd like to pass along something to inspire or educate my sister about a field she's interested in. She calls it animal rescue. I think she means small domestic animals, but I'd broaden it to any kind of wildlife, as she likes animals in general. At this point she needs a lot of encouragement and inspiration and I suspect she's vague on the actual details, so I'm looking for:

contacts that would be interested in talking to someone like her
upcoming events, fairs, or job fairs
experiences/places/animal reserves I could buy her a pass to
tips on good programs for someone with no college experience
Good volunteer hookups
Nonfiction but engaging books in the discipline
Etc.

Hopefully this conveys the idea appropriately. I'm willing to further research any and all ideas, so please, unload on me. Thank you in advance!

(And for the record, she's already approached me previously because she hoped my general biology background would help, but I had nothing then, but I know my help won't be turned down).

Calling all gamers!

Epsilon-minus semi moron — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:15:47 -0800

Gamer-boyfriend birthday gift filter. He's a gammer, I am not. Therefore I'm clueless as to what one would want. He has a Steam account. He plays TF2..a lot. He also likes programing games. So, what's a good gift for my darling boy? He won't give me an answer when I ask what he wants. Please help! Note 1: I would love to get him a PS3, but can't afford one. Note 2: I'd like to keep it at ~$50

Birtday idea for mother turning 60?

shivohum — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:22:50 -0800

Help us wow our mother for her 60th birthday in November. She loves natural beauty, travel, her granddaughter, watching music and dance, massages, and antique/carpet/porcelin/etc. shopping on the cheap. I'm in NY, my siblings are in TX, and she's in Los Angeles. We want to make this special, and might consider travel, but we only have three days. Suggestions?

Good birthday gifts for homeowner

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:47:11 -0800

Good birthday gifts for someone moving from a townhouse to a single family home? What are some good birthday gifts (in the range of $50) for someone who will soon be moving from a townhouse to a single family home? Gift cards to Bed Bath & Beyond just seem so overdone. Anonymous because said someone regularly reads AskMeFi.

How to give gifts to people who don't like getting gifts?

desjardins — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:45:37 -0800

How do I give gifts to two friends in dire financial straits, so that they won't be offended? Friend #1: She's playing piano in our wedding and house/petsitting. She volunteered for both of these things and scoffs at the idea of us paying her. Yet I can't let her efforts go unrewarded (especially since she's going to be dealing with shedding dogs and cantankerous cats), and besides, I know she's having trouble paying her rent. It's next to impossible to give her anything - I bought her coffee when we worked together and arrived the next day to find a dollar and a thank you note on my desk. I thought of getting her something from the honeymoon that couldn't be returned, but what she really needs is cash.

Friend #2 is my maid of honor. She's a newly divorced mother of a toddler who's going back to school and struggling to make ends meet. She's flying to the wedding on her dime, and we're paying for her dress and her hotel. It's customary to give gifts to the wedding party, but these usually seem to be personalized jewelry or scented bath soap type stuff (as recommended in this question). She is not the sentimental, girly-girl type at all and though she would be gracious about it, she would think this completely useless and offensive (since we've known each other for ~20 years, I should know her better than to get her freakin' bath soap). We really don't do gifts, anyway - birthdays and Christmases have been just cards for the last 15 years. Anyway, what she really needs is money, though it seems absurdly tacky to hand her a check.

We're not in great financial shape ourselves, so it's not as if we can make much of a dent in their situations, but I really do want to show our appreciation in a way that's useful to them but won't be construed as pitying. Any ideas?

Wanted: Birthday ideas for 10 year old twin girls, on the double!

carmicha — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:22:57 -0800

Tween Filter: My twin nieces turn ten in two weeks and my new reputation as the cool auntie is at stake. I know nothing about kid culture. Help me figure out what to give them for their birthdays, please! After years of giving the girls presents that left them indifferent (e.g., digital cameras, blown glass paperweights, signet rings) I struck gold last Christmas with outfits endorsed by Hannah Montana. Giving them clothes was only possible then because we had just spent some time together and so I had some idea of their size.

Some limitations... My family sneers at gift cards (deemed meaningless since they evidence no effort or thought), so that approach is out. Since I seldom see them, I view books and CDs as risky options since they might already have whatever I chose. The twin dimension is usually handled by giving them things that are similar, but not identical, e.g.. different colors, etc. They only dress identically now and then, but they share most of their things. The girls' parents are well-off, so they lack for nothing, but are not spoiled.

I don't know the girls all that well, but I'm fond of them and I'd like to do well by them. And I did check out previous threads, but none were quite on point. Thanks to all for your ideas.

What do you wish you had when you graduated?

AceRock — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:13:27 -0800

What (item) do you wish you had when you graduated from college? My brother is graduating from college after this semester and I want to get him a present he will end up really appreciating. So, what (item or items) do you wish someone had given you when you graduated from college, or otherwise entered the real world for the first time?

I don't want want to limit ideas in any way, but if it helps to inspire: he's graduating with a degree in engineering, but he loves writing fiction.

Lookin' that gift horse in the mouth....

anitanita — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:43:13 -0800

Crouching Homeowner, Hidden Giftgiver: What do I do (and what would you do?) about an unknown person who continues to leave free items in my front garden after I've asked them not to? Tantalizing Details Inside! So MeFis,

This is an odd one. About once a month I would come home and find 'free' items in my front garden of my cute little home. Occasionally I would move these items in front of the neighbor's apartment building, but stopped, because it occured to me the individuals doing this might not live there, and I was passing the buck, or the bagel, as it were.

So, I began throwing them out, because at times no one would take the items - particularly the food. A few days ago I left a very polite note asking them not to leave items on my garden, and stating I'd be happy to talk with them about it.

The next day when I came home, the note was gone. The next day, there were shoes, paper and a backpack. Today, a bag with something in it, though I don't know what because I just tossed it out.

I know nothing about this person/people, except from the lovely handwriting (once a note was left with the items stating that they were free) and the items themselves, the person seems to at least be college age, and probably female.

As an aside, I'm sort of surprised at myself. I thought I'd be pissed, but I'm not. There are other things going on in my life right now that have made me highly sympathetic to unstable and petty people, sort of a recognition that things aren't usually okay between you and the universe when you feel you've got to respond to gentleness with hostility.

I do feel a little disappointed, actually. I'd like to think that my neighborhood is a homey, warm community, and this is just a datapoint against that.

So, MeFi community, I turn to you. What, if anything, is to be done about this? Notes don't seem to work, so what would you do? Another note? Crouch down and wait to spring out on them from behind my pink flowered bush? Just keep tossing til they stop? Love to hear thoughts.

Thanks!.....

Anitanita

Gifts for new NYC-er and future journalist

greta simone — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:22:24 -0800

Care package ideas for a new journalism grad student and New Yorker- A good friend of mine is starting the Journalism graduate program at NYU this fall and has just moved to Astoria, Queens. I was hoping to send him some fun items to ease his transition, but mostly just for fun. He's not a candy or gadgets kind of guy, and I don't have a lot of money to spend, so I was thinking more along the lines of things he can use and/or read to enhance this new leg of his life.

The only thing I know I am going to get is one of those city-specific Moleskins for New York. He's been reading up on the history of the city (mostly via internet research) and reading some book of interviews of prominent journalists (not sure what it's called). I would like to try to find a book or two in the same vein of these topics to send- any recommendations? He's really interested in learning about his new neighborhood as well.

Lastly, any other suggestions of the non-book variety are welcome. Thanks!

What can I do to make my girlfriend feel welcome when she moves in?

autojack — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:40:03 -0800

My girlfriend is going to be moving from far away to live with me for at least a couple of months. I want to do something nice with my place that will make her feel welcome when she arrives. But what? As it turns out, it wasn't forever. I went there. We had a painful five months. She came here. And then she decided that this long distance thing sucks. She's moving back at the end of the month. I win!

She's going to have three months to find a job and get a work visa, and the plan is for her to live with me at least for that long. We're undecided about what we'll do after that - we could move in together, but we don't want to make that decision right now. If we do make that leap, it'll be to a new place, and I'm sure more AskMe questions will follow.

Following on to a similar question I saw posted here some time ago (but can't find right now), I'd like to do something nice with my place to make her feel welcome. She's spent plenty of time there in the past so it isn't totally alien to her. But I'm thinking of things like stocking a drawer in my dresser with stuff she can use (suggestions?), clearing out part of my closet for her clothes ahead of time, etc. Basically, things that say, "This is your space now too." I'm open to anything!

Random act of kindness

HotPatatta — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:51:41 -0800

What item do you use all the time and wonder how you ever lived with without it? I want to show someone special how much I care with a killer gift. Inspired by this essay, I'm in the mood to spend a bit of money on myself (aren't I thoughtful?) but I don't know what to buy. It should be something practical that I can use often, but it can be a luxury item or something cheap. I live in NYC, so I don't have a yard or much space to put something large.

Onward Unitarian soldier, marching as to the interconnected web of humanity of which we are all a part

harperpitt — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:55:43 -0800

What's a nice goodbye and good luck present for a former boss of similar age and temperament? My supervisor from a previous job is leaving the team that both she and I loved a lot, to head out for new and exciting opportunities. She is close to me in age and I'd consider her a friend, albeit not a super-tight one. She's not moving out of town or anything - just searching for new work.

Do you have any recommendations for a lovely, sweet, simple gift I could get her that shows my appreciation without being over-the-top and gushy? She doesn't actually *need* anything, so it's a question of finding her something nice she wants.

About her: she is 27 or 28, and very kind/earthy/liberal. We are both Unitarian Universalists, and the work was in progressive faith, so things with a spiritual - though probably not overtly Jesus-y/Buddha-y/Allah-y - bent would be OK.

(Quick PS - we have both gone through Anne Lamott's books, which we both enjoyed, if that helps any. I'm certainly not limited to faith-based stuff or to books, though.)

What to monogram for a gift for a new baby girl?

kdern — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:59:29 -0800

What to monogram for a gift for a new baby girl? Of course, blankets & onesies are options but what about something more creative? Bonus if you can provide website suggestions.

Help me get my man drunk

Abbril — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:05:45 -0800

How do I find out the cost of booze in (Chattanooga) Tennessee when I'm in (Ottawa) Ontario? I want to surprise Mr.Abbril with the gift of booze. Mr. Abbril has expressed a desire for both Macallan 12yr. and Woodford Reserve. Mr. Abbril's parents will be driving from Ottawa to Tennessee next month and I thought I could have them pick one or two of these up for me to stash until the next gift giving occasion arises. I've tried googling for a price estimate but with no luck. How can I find out/estimate the cost of these two bottles?

Paging all Gender Warriors!

grapefruitmoon — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:13:02 -0800

GenderWarriorFilter: Help me find a gift for a five year old girl that in NO WAY involves princesses. Oh yeah, I should mention that I'd prefer that she also not hate said gift. So, I'm a nanny to two girls, the oldest of whom is turning five next Thursday. Needless to say, I need to find a gift. Fast. I haven't done so yet because I am having a moral problem.

The girl in question is very smart and funny... and ONLY likes Princesses.

I, for one, would like to destroy the Barbie Princess Overlords and find it really ridiculous that this obsession has gone so far as to include Disney Princess SHOES. And these are her favorite shoes. Just like her favorite movies are all things like "Barbie: The Princess and the Pauper" and "Barbie Island Princess" with a few classics like "Sleeping Beauty" thrown in for good measure.

I want to give her something that she will actually LIKE, but I also do not want it in any way to conform to the traditional "waiting in a tower for a handsome prince" stereotypes of princesses. Please, please help me think of some toy or costume or whatever that will oh so subtly expand her gender horizons.

Suggestions of memoirs as gifts for my wife

mojohand — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:28:10 -0800

Seeking recommendations for memoirs published in the past two years. My wife's birthday is coming up, and her favorite genre is memoirs (but not biographies.) In the past, she's liked ones by authors working in travel and food, but please don't let that limit you. (and yes, the Fisher, Mayle, Pepin, Reichl, and David lodes were completely mined out as of 2007, and Bourdain is not to her taste.)

Read any you recommend?

BTW, I've asked for your help in years past:
2006
and
2004

Thanks

Can you help me find a diary from my childhood?

wingless_angel — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:56:32 -0800

When I was a child in the 80s, one of my relatives in the UK used to send me a beautiful diary each year. I would love to know if it is still being published. I remember that the diary had some poems, short stories, and religious quotations. The cover always had cottage garden flowers on the front, and it was a hardback. It may have been called something like "The day book of..." (not my name, the author's). I would be interested to get a hold of either old copies from the 80s or a new one if it's still being published.

awesome present for an awesome kid?

mustcatchmooseandsquirrel — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:54:34 -0800

What present should my mother get for her 13/14 year old nephew? Complications within. Mom is visiting Russia tomorrow for a month. She hasn't been there or seen the family since 4 years ago and she doesn't really know his interests (other than that he likes chocolate). Also, his parents give him everything he wants/needs generally.

She needs to buy this present today and I'm guessing wants to spend less than $60 (she rejected my iPod suggestion). Any ideas, metafilter?

Wedding Gift Idea Help - Kid's Court

mincus — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:52:59 -0800

My friend is getting married in a few months. I like to give gifts that have some thought or meaning behind them. A long long time ago, my friend was on a few episodes of the Nickelodeon show Kid's Court. Need help tracking down where I could find electronic copies of this tv-show. I'd like to create a little box set for him and his soon to be wife. I think I can handle the box design and packaging, but I haven't been able to find the actual episodes anywhere.

Does anyone have a good resource for finding old shows like this?

Thanks!

Gifts for a post-wedding travel basket?

bruceo — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:58:39 -0800

Help me build a "Post-Wedding Recovery Kit" Some friends of mine are getting married this weekend. They are borrowing my stylish convertible for their drive away from the reception. I'd like to slip a small gift basket into the car for them to discover after they've left. They're fairly whimsical and I'm very practical, so I want it to have a few funny things that they'll be able to use right then and there. Things I've thought of: some water, throat lozenges (since they've been talking) and perhap a small foot massager (since they've been on their feet). Anyone have any other ideas for things you were glad to have immediately after your wedding reception?

How to repay a free debt?

jwfree — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:35:18 -0800

How do you repay someone who has made your past 1+ year so nice and easy? My specific information inside... With the amount my girlfriend travels for work she has a large amount of flyer miles and hotel points. She always decides to use them on trips for us and next week we are leaving for Las Vegas. Since this is one of the bigger trips we have taken together, I really want to show my appreciation because just telling her isn't enough.

I doesn't have to be a nice 'gift' really. She gets her share of those and is very hard to shop for. Instead I would like to do something or plan something nice for her. I thought about paying for all the food for the week or all the attractions we are going to but is that good enough? Is there maybe something in Vegas that I can do for her there that is unique?

She is very hard to do things for because she is very independent for a 23 year old.

All suggestions are welcome!

Nintendo DS games for a 7 year old boy.

dpx.mfx — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:35:21 -0800

I'm in need of Nintendo DS recommendations for a 7 year old boy. I'm quite removed from all things video games. He's soon to be seven. He is getting a DS for his birthday. I have seen him playing his brother's copy of New Super Mario Bros (at least, I think it's that one) and he seems to get frustrated by it. He likes to draw and color and I know he has Webkinz. Sports games are probably not a good idea. Any suggestions?? Help make me a cool aunt!

day spa in Bayside?

joshuaconner — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:27:19 -0800

Best day spa near Bayside, NY? For my grandmother who just turned 90!

Wedding Gifts

tastybrains — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:17:53 -0800

Please help me find something decent to get my sister & brother-in-law as a belated wedding gift. Just as a disclaimer - I have looked over lots of other wedding gift idea threads here. There are some good ideas, but none that really seemed right.

It's really hard to explain why I am having such a hard time finding them the right gift. It would be harder to do if I didn't explain that they have very East Coast expectations of weddings and wedding gifts. So, my budget of ~$150-200 is kind of pathetic compared to what they expect. In fact, normally I would love to give more, except that I catered to all of their previous expectations in terms of a lavish shower and bachelorette party, and spent a lot of money I don't have ALREADY. So, my budget might be a little small based on East Coast fancy wedding standards, but it's a lot to me right now.

I think if this was just any couple, or even just friends, I could find something and just buy it and not worry too much. But because this is my sister, I feel like it needs to be at least sorta good. But these days, I feel very alienated from my sister.

Here are ideas I've ruled out:

So, I can't give money, because (1) I don't like to give money unless I can cover the cost of my plate at the wedding [it's a NY / east coast thing, I think], and $150-200 doesn't cover that, and (2) I don't want to be too obvious about not spending a lot.

I can't give something off their registry, because everything has been purchased off of their registries. Literally, EVERYTHING. Except gift cards, but that presents the same problem as giving cash.

The other wedding gift idea I liked was one that was given to us -- a gift basket of wines to celebrate different milestones in our wedding. However, I already told my sister about this idea, and she's actually used it for wedding gifts for other people, so it wouldn't really seem very fun or creative at this point. Next time I'll keep my big mouth shut.

-----

In terms of what they do like -- I don't know what to tell you. My sister loves different kinds of food and wine, but my brother in law refuses to eat anything but hamburgers and chicken parm, and I don't even think he drinks anything but crappy beer. Their tastes clash so dramatically that I am afraid to give them anything artistic or decorative. They have a dog. That's all I've got.

What I do want is:

- Something I can purchase online.
- Something that can be delivered to NY/NJ
- Nothing to "weird" as that doesn't go over well with the groom

Thanks!

Racing school recommendations?

Anonymous — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:04:08 -0800

Help me find a good racing school course! I'd like surprise my boyfriend with a racing course as a gift for generally being all-around wonderful. He's got his SSCA racing license, but I think he's still a novice until he completes a couple races (hopefully his year). He's done well in the races he has competed in, and has a formula car of some sort, but I don't know if he would be considered "advanced". What would be some good options in the US? Preferably someplace where we can spend a weekend, and bonus points if there are intro classes for me too.
(Posted here because he already reads all the racing forums, and anonymously because he sometimes reads Mefi too).