What are you giving loved ones this year? What gifts would you like to receive? An open thread. Plus, introducing the Oldster nameplate necklace, and other suggestions from the Ye Olde storefront...
I will be going through my bookshelves and choosing good books in good shape that I’m ready to let go. People who visit my house can choose a wrapped book and get a surprise!
Love this idea, but I want to choose my own book! My aunt did something very similar when she was downsizing -- every person who came to her house, from mailman to plumber to UPS guy to family and friends, was invited to choose a book from her massive collection. It was SO FUN and unexpectedly poignant to see how delighted people were and what they chose.
I put a word or two on the spine to give a hint at what’s inside - “gothic mystery” or “nonfiction geology” or “quirky poetry”. It’s fun, and people can trade if they want. I do the same thing with my many grand nieces and nephews - one year I knit 15 scarves and they each picked one and opened it and then did an elaborate trading game. The leftover was a pink fuzzy boa style, and they collectively decided their grandpa should wear that one. He looked swanky.
I also have a box of wooden mushrooms I’m going to paint (acrylic pouring, dipping, and other techniques with vibrant colours) and guests can pick their own cute psychedelic mushroom if they don’t want a book.
I have just gone on Medicaid because the facility I am in requires it sooooI have zilch for presents this year!! Decided I would go thru all the delicious catalogues I receivefrom all corners of the catalogue world... from Harry and David to the Museum of modern art gift shop to the Signals and Gump offerings!! I will carefully and as artistically as possible, take pictures of various items I would love to give to my family, friends ,etc!!! I will then send that picture with an expansive explination as to why they are receiving such a marvelously generous gift from me!! I chose this way around my present bothersome financial situation and found it to have no cost involved because I would do it through the marvelous section of this wee i-phone called the text button. It will delight folk who will be amazed at the manner in which I have thrown caution to the winds and "sent "them wonderfully extravagant gifts or tiny, small things" that I knew would delight!. I , on the other hand, would get the exquisite gift of giving them things suited just for them...gifts chosen to remember special moments shared wih them accompanied by a note would warm their heart and mine!! What more could I desire than this for the Christmas Season?!!
I have stopped seasonal gifting and started just buying the thing when I see it and think "Oh, this person would LOVE this."
The most recent thing I bought was a travel set of watercolors for a friend who is always on the go but likes to do some watercolor sketching, he didn't have to go kit and now he does.
For myself, well, I am happily in place where I don't feel like I need/want much. But seeds for my vegetable garden would be grand, or wildflower seeds for my now lawn-free front yard. I'd love that.
Along with the obvious: books, books, books. Also, books. In all directions.
We’re starting our gifting season with a Masterclass subscription for our family. Looking forward to doing Amy Poehler’s class on Improv with our teen daughter:
I couldn't afford to buy for my adult children this year but I bought personalized blankets for my six grandchildren. They range in age from one to 16 years old. I think they're going to love them!
I have gotten into painting watercolors, so, I will be gifting some small ones in Christmas cards. I will be asking for watercolor paper, brushes and basic accessories for my Christmas stocking! 🥰
Now that I'm an oldster with a family of mostly oldsters we do a secret Santa for all the grownups. I love just getting one gift...less pressure...less waste....more joy.
Great idea! This would be easy to do on the cheap as well. Get a set of containers from Dollarama and fill with turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, cayenne, --staples for a great curry.
I always gift my (now adult) kids squishy comfy clothes (traditional from “pajama night” from the 8 days of Chanukah...we always themed them). Other than that we tend to gift “experiences” as for receiving...hmmm tougher. The hubs and I this year bought each other tickets to London. Feels like all I could wish for...time and adventure! Happy holidays!
Nov 25, 2023·edited Nov 25, 2023Liked by Sari Botton
My family tends to gift experiences over things. My husband and I gift ourselves a theater subscription for our anniversary, which builds in regular date nights. For Winter holidays, we aim for seasonal performances. Surprisingly, even my teen wants those.
I have been “threatening” to begin my first sourdough baking experience for friends, and now with my starter in tact, I will have time to put my skills to the test. Fingers crossed that all goes well.
That’s four of us. If everyone is serious and can commit, let’s make a date when we realistically think we can do this and get it on the calendar. It would seem that the audible book might be the way to go… 1) because it’s, well, Barbra, and we love to listen to her and 2 the printed version is 992 pages….
Nothing like establishing a little Barbra Fan Book Club Community connection and getting to know a little about each other!
My SO has dove into sourdough this Fall! It keeps you busy. He does love it, once he figured out a schedule and all the things you can do with it. It was a gift from a friend. As a new living thing in the house, we named ours. It's kind of like a puppy. I wouldn't give it to someone who doesn't want to take on the responsibility. But have fun with your new starter!
Some of my special people are getting a One Line A Day 5-Year Journal. Iv started my own, and Im on day 67 of my own entries and enjoying the process even though Ive never been a big diary or journal person. Each page has a place for several lines about that date and as year 2 and 3 , 4 and 5 roll around you can reflect on your life and changes. Check with me again in 5 years and Ill let you know how it works out. $15.
I will be going through my bookshelves and choosing good books in good shape that I’m ready to let go. People who visit my house can choose a wrapped book and get a surprise!
Love this idea, but I want to choose my own book! My aunt did something very similar when she was downsizing -- every person who came to her house, from mailman to plumber to UPS guy to family and friends, was invited to choose a book from her massive collection. It was SO FUN and unexpectedly poignant to see how delighted people were and what they chose.
I put a word or two on the spine to give a hint at what’s inside - “gothic mystery” or “nonfiction geology” or “quirky poetry”. It’s fun, and people can trade if they want. I do the same thing with my many grand nieces and nephews - one year I knit 15 scarves and they each picked one and opened it and then did an elaborate trading game. The leftover was a pink fuzzy boa style, and they collectively decided their grandpa should wear that one. He looked swanky.
I love that idea!
Steal it! Do it!
I also have a box of wooden mushrooms I’m going to paint (acrylic pouring, dipping, and other techniques with vibrant colours) and guests can pick their own cute psychedelic mushroom if they don’t want a book.
Great idea!
Wonderful idea. Might adopt it.
I have just gone on Medicaid because the facility I am in requires it sooooI have zilch for presents this year!! Decided I would go thru all the delicious catalogues I receivefrom all corners of the catalogue world... from Harry and David to the Museum of modern art gift shop to the Signals and Gump offerings!! I will carefully and as artistically as possible, take pictures of various items I would love to give to my family, friends ,etc!!! I will then send that picture with an expansive explination as to why they are receiving such a marvelously generous gift from me!! I chose this way around my present bothersome financial situation and found it to have no cost involved because I would do it through the marvelous section of this wee i-phone called the text button. It will delight folk who will be amazed at the manner in which I have thrown caution to the winds and "sent "them wonderfully extravagant gifts or tiny, small things" that I knew would delight!. I , on the other hand, would get the exquisite gift of giving them things suited just for them...gifts chosen to remember special moments shared wih them accompanied by a note would warm their heart and mine!! What more could I desire than this for the Christmas Season?!!
Very creative. Love it.
I'll be looking for a necklace that says Crone!
🔥
great idea for my 3 besties!
I could make you one!!!
I have stopped seasonal gifting and started just buying the thing when I see it and think "Oh, this person would LOVE this."
The most recent thing I bought was a travel set of watercolors for a friend who is always on the go but likes to do some watercolor sketching, he didn't have to go kit and now he does.
For myself, well, I am happily in place where I don't feel like I need/want much. But seeds for my vegetable garden would be grand, or wildflower seeds for my now lawn-free front yard. I'd love that.
Along with the obvious: books, books, books. Also, books. In all directions.
I like that departure from seasonal gifting in favor of buying gifts when you feel moved to.
Me too. It unexpectedly made me feel a lot freer to give when it strikes me heart, or when someone else expresses a desire, or even need.
Instead of obligation stress, there is more: you are worth it, this thing is worth it, my heart says YES!
I have come around to that idea as well. I just send stuff whenever I feel like it!
It is simply the best feeling. It can be addictive.
A donation to Meals on Wheels! Or better yet, volunteer! You meet some amazing people.
Great idea, Neko. 🙌🏻❤️
I make homemade olive oil granola and package it in craft paper coffee bags. The NYT has many good recipes. It’s decadent and well received.
So nice to give homemade delicacies.
We’re starting our gifting season with a Masterclass subscription for our family. Looking forward to doing Amy Poehler’s class on Improv with our teen daughter:
https://youtu.be/nSFWkf9p4cQ?si=M7-zjh90dkI-WmNb (and then giving a gift subscription to another family member.)
Always looking for ways to give back, which really is the best gift to receive.
This community is a gift too. Nothing like an open thread on Oldster... So many ideas!
Oooh, Master Class. Great idea. Glad you are part of this community, and that you found me just when I wanted to make necklaces. 😘
Masterclass is lovely. Gifted one year to my brother-in-law & his brilliant wife who is so hard to gift.
Grandkids are getting subscriptions to Highlights (and a bunch of other things).
I want a clarinet, a bicycle, and an Ooni pizza oven. Donations cheerfully accepted. I have been good all year long.
I hope you get them all!
My grandparents used to give me Highlights back in the '70s! I loved them.
I couldn't afford to buy for my adult children this year but I bought personalized blankets for my six grandchildren. They range in age from one to 16 years old. I think they're going to love them!
That’s a lot of blankets!
Yeah they will!
I have gotten into painting watercolors, so, I will be gifting some small ones in Christmas cards. I will be asking for watercolor paper, brushes and basic accessories for my Christmas stocking! 🥰
Now that I'm an oldster with a family of mostly oldsters we do a secret Santa for all the grownups. I love just getting one gift...less pressure...less waste....more joy.
Makes sense!
an indian tin full of spices is always appreciated
Great idea! This would be easy to do on the cheap as well. Get a set of containers from Dollarama and fill with turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, cayenne, --staples for a great curry.
Giving my grandkids (ages 6 and 8) weekend pool passes for January-March so they can swim and use up some energy!
I always gift my (now adult) kids squishy comfy clothes (traditional from “pajama night” from the 8 days of Chanukah...we always themed them). Other than that we tend to gift “experiences” as for receiving...hmmm tougher. The hubs and I this year bought each other tickets to London. Feels like all I could wish for...time and adventure! Happy holidays!
My family tends to gift experiences over things. My husband and I gift ourselves a theater subscription for our anniversary, which builds in regular date nights. For Winter holidays, we aim for seasonal performances. Surprisingly, even my teen wants those.
I have been “threatening” to begin my first sourdough baking experience for friends, and now with my starter in tact, I will have time to put my skills to the test. Fingers crossed that all goes well.
And yes, the Barbra memoir is also on my list.
A gift that literally keeps on giving.
Perhaps a Barbra Book Club Zoom session might be in order at some point once we have purchased and listened. I’m game. 😊
Great idea!
Count me in, too.
That’s four of us. If everyone is serious and can commit, let’s make a date when we realistically think we can do this and get it on the calendar. It would seem that the audible book might be the way to go… 1) because it’s, well, Barbra, and we love to listen to her and 2 the printed version is 992 pages….
Nothing like establishing a little Barbra Fan Book Club Community connection and getting to know a little about each other!
Count me in!
Yea!!
My SO has dove into sourdough this Fall! It keeps you busy. He does love it, once he figured out a schedule and all the things you can do with it. It was a gift from a friend. As a new living thing in the house, we named ours. It's kind of like a puppy. I wouldn't give it to someone who doesn't want to take on the responsibility. But have fun with your new starter!
Some of my special people are getting a One Line A Day 5-Year Journal. Iv started my own, and Im on day 67 of my own entries and enjoying the process even though Ive never been a big diary or journal person. Each page has a place for several lines about that date and as year 2 and 3 , 4 and 5 roll around you can reflect on your life and changes. Check with me again in 5 years and Ill let you know how it works out. $15.
https://www.amazon.com/Modern-One-Line-Day-Five-Year/dp/1452164622
Might get this!