Amid all the levity of the Christmas threads, I'd like to insert a serious note, if I may. Please be careful when purchasing gifts, you can never be sure of the recipient's exact needs or tastes.

This could happen to you, without the proper planning

Hahahaha thats a good one... lol

OMG, that was fantastic!!! I needed that!!! Thank you.

Very funny!!! Gift certificates and cash may not ber the most creative, but they arent the wrong color, size, style and fit doesnt matte. They never get returneed back. If you are one of those gift recycler, dont give back on the same persons Birthday, what they gave you for Christmas. TACKY!!

I never recycle, & I always get gift recepits so the person can take it back if they don't like it.

You're right, TACKY !

Since i am generally broke, and cannot really afford fancy gifts, and they say it is the thought that counts...I make something for everyone for Christmas. Last year I got out my garage sail sewing machine (a Singer I picked up for only $10) and spent a week making EVERYONE lap blankets...you know the little throw blankets for vegging on the couch. I also my my just born niece a warm flannel baby blanket. They didn't come out perfect, as I am NOT by any means a seamstress (I flunked HomeEc. not once, but TWICE), but everyone seemed to appreciate the thought and time I spent making them.

I think that's super, last year, for one of my son & daughter-in-law's gifts, 1st Christmas married, I'd bought them some big hand made mugs at a craft show & I melted chocolate, & dipped a bunch of plastic spoons in the choc., just the bowl parts, & then I crushed some candy canes & sprinkled the pieces on the chocolate. I then bought some cloth napkins & some speciality flavored cocoas, & a small basket & ta da ! You can do nice gifts with a little bit of thought. As for Home Ec, I flunked it too, took me 6 weeks to make a skirt !

I think Jen, that it is very creative and loving what you did. You are so resourceful. Id love to go garage sale shopping with you. Your personal gift was a gret one. I took home economics and when it came for putting in the zipper on the dress, I had to take it to the tailors and then finish up the project. Homemade baking I have found with the high cost of nuts and chocolate etc is every bit as expensive as a gift.

Your so right Kim , I don't know the cost of nuts where you live, but here in Ohio pecans can go for 9.99 a lb. or higher & I have a great recipe for pecans baked in merigune. Not for the dietically challanged, that's for sure. Everybody loves them, & I make them every year, but 2 lbs. for Christmas day alone, another here & there as gifts & it gets expensive.
Mmmm, might be a good idea for a Christmas thread, swap favorite recipes....

Pet rocks for everyone I'm afraid. Minimal effort on my part and hours of boundless enjoyment for everyone on my list.

Now, you did finish those meds for your tummy, didn't you? I detect a note of rancour and melancholy once again. I jest.

I am cooking. Yep, my present ... and afterwards, they may all be crying out for pet rocks ;) .

Cooking is a great gift, in my opinion. A gift from the heart, just like all hand crafted items.

Hah, haha.. he thinks it was the meds... I'd try your cooking to my mothers anyday Les, Its bound to take the cake. Unless of course you too have managed to burn ice cream.