# Suggest a gift **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 20, 2016, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506 "2016-11-20T05:17:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/1 "2016-11-20T05:17:26Z")
I have to buy a gift for a gift exchange at work. It’s not enforce-- I signed up for it. Give me some suggestion of things to buy, besides gift cards. Here’s the very diverse group I have to consider: (Price range is $10-20) Recipients are all women. Recipients are aged 23-73. Some are parents, some not. Some are married, some not. All work as teachers or classroom aides of children aged 1-5. Some do additional childcare outside the school where we all work. It is a Jewish preschool, but fewer than half the teachers and aids are actually Jewish. I have thought about a copy of the book that the movie _Queen of Katwe_ is based on, along with a box of candy. I’m pretty dry on ideas, though. I usually have plenty of ideas, but this one has me stymied. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/2 "2016-11-20T05:37:54Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > I have to buy a gift for a gift exchange at work. It’s not enforce-- I signed up for it. > > All work as teachers or classroom aides of children aged 1-5. Some do additional childcare outside the school where we all work. 10 x bottles of hand sanitizer? 😃 Sorry…I’ll go now… ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/3 "2016-11-20T05:39:40Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > 10 x bottles of hand sanitizer? 😃 > > Sorry…I’ll go now… Nah. I wanna give them something they don’t already have. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/4 "2016-11-20T06:30:40Z")
This is going to sound like it comes out of nowhere, but…a pair of headphones. People always need more headphones. ---
**Author:** ![Magicicada](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c67d28/32.png) [@Magicicada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magicicada)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/5 "2016-11-20T06:32:32Z")
A favorite gift of mine to give is a combination of a book of ghost stories and assorted candies and snacks. My husband and I once brainstormed a whole list of names for this combo pack, including Beasties & Feasties and Beezlebub & Grub. Also at the moment I’m feeling itchy, so another idea is some sort of hypoallergenic lotion/bath oil thing (hypoallergenic in case anybody has a sensitivity)–Aveeno, Eucerin, one of those. Burt’s Bees also has some good stuff, including a hand salve for people who can’t tolerate petro products. But really, the idea you had is probably the best one. ---
**Author:** ![trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6f9a4e/32.png) [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/6 "2016-11-20T06:35:09Z")
> [@Magicicada](#): > > Also at the moment I’m feeling itchy, so another idea is some sort of hypoallergenic lotion/bath oil thing (hypoallergenic in case anybody has a sensitivity)–Aveeno, Eucerin, one of those. Burt’s Bees also has some good stuff, including a hand salve for people who can’t tolerate petro products. A pre-packaged set of lotions or fancy soaps is probably safe. Even if the recipient doesn’t want it, it’s an easy thing to re-gift. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/7 "2016-11-20T06:50:44Z")
Bop on over to the SDMB Secret Santa thread in MPSIMS for some ideas. Last year, I made my Secret Santee a bookmark, out of two different types of fancy paper, and her username done in calligraphy with gold ink. Laminated it at Kinkos, put a ribbon through the top, and hey presto, hand-made present. Another friend did inspiring quotes on her bookmarks. Not too expensive, fun to make, and mega-points for something unique. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/8 "2016-11-20T12:43:38Z")
> [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](#): > > Bop on over to the SDMB Secret Santa thread in MPSIMS for some ideas. Last year, I made my Secret Santee a bookmark, out of two different types of fancy paper, and her username done in calligraphy with gold ink. Laminated it at Kinkos, put a ribbon through the top, and hey presto, hand-made present. Another friend did inspiring quotes on her bookmarks. Not too expensive, fun to make, and mega-points for something unique. It’s going to be one of those “drawing gifts out of a box” thing, so I won’t know the name of the person I’m giving my gift too. I can think of only one person who wouldn’t like the book, and it’s because she probably wouldn’t like any book, because I seriously doubt she’s read anything but a magazine since high school, but I think pretty much everyone else would like it, maybe some more than others. And I’ll throw the candy in to bring the price up a little, and to make sure that the people who are less crazy about reading like it. The other idea I had was the pedagogic classic _How Children Fail_ by John Holt, but there’s a good chance the older people have read it already. ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/9 "2016-11-20T16:07:50Z")
What about some homemade cookies or candy on a nice reusable serving plate or tray? I know you wanted to stay away from the gift cards but you could also attach a gift card for a small amount to it. I know where I live we have convenience stores that serve great coffee and you can fill your car with gas, or get a sandwich. A small denomination would buy a couple cups of coffee or a free lunch. If they enjoy wine, a bottle of wine? If they like coffee or tea, an assortment of flavored beverages? Although you did say you don’t know who the recipient may be so, that probably wouldn’t work. Let us know what you decide on, sometimes these simple things take a lot of thought. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/10 "2016-11-20T16:31:00Z")
My default gift for a woman is a Scarf. Something in an earth-tone with a sober decorative motif. No woman has enough of them, and can always make one work. At Christmas time, one for the winter season. People are always losing them. ---
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/11 "2016-11-20T17:55:05Z")
How about a nice Keychain flashlight? ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/12 "2016-11-20T19:49:51Z")
Scented Candles used to be my go-to for that kind of thing. They fall into the price range, people tend to like (or at least pretend to like them) or have something they can regift. ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/13 "2016-11-20T19:57:23Z")
> [@amarinth](#): > > Scented Candles used to be my go-to for that kind of thing. They fall into the price range, people tend to like (or at least pretend to like them) or have something they can regift. I love scented candles. They also have heating plates you can put them on, so you get the scent but you don’t have to light the candle. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/14 "2016-11-20T22:56:41Z")
Chia Pet. Always gets a laugh. And it might show up every year from here on out, getting more laffs each successive Xmas. Truly, the gift that keeps on giving. ---
**Author:** ![Tara57](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@Tara57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tara57)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/15 "2016-11-21T00:34:34Z")
Ozark and Rtic drink tumblers are popular at my workplace. You could fill them with candy or lottery scratch off cards or add a mini poinsettia (3 for $10.00 at my local Kroger) if you need to round out the price. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/16 "2016-11-21T00:42:08Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > This is going to sound like it comes out of nowhere, but…a pair of headphones. People always need more headphones. Actually, I thought of bluetooth headphones. What do people really think of scented candles? I don’t especially care for them, or bath item gifts, and I don’t wear scarves. I’m just not girly. I never would have thought of any of that girly stuff. But if enough people chime in that they like it, I might just get some. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/17 "2016-11-21T01:20:12Z")
Cash is always the best gift in my book. Always. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/18 "2016-11-21T04:47:13Z")
Gloves Kitchen knife A flashlight Jumper cables (over $20 though?) A tool of some kind (a nice screwdriver) Rubbermaid containers A peppermill with pepper Phone charger cables (Apple. Most people have something apple or know someone that does) I like to do practical stuff everyone can use ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/19 "2016-11-21T05:16:45Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Actually, I thought of bluetooth headphones. > > What do people really think of scented candles? I don’t especially care for them, or bath item gifts, and I don’t wear scarves. I’m just not girly. I never would have thought of any of that girly stuff. But if enough people chime in that they like it, I might just get some. To be frank, anything w/ a strong smell is right out for me and as a woman in your demographic who’s participated in these swaps I always got them but they went to a charity drop-off before the end of the day. I’m also drowning in scarves. I think the book is a great idea; I would add a warm pair of house slippers (this is the time of year Costco has a range of Deerfoam slippers in your price range) as you’re in the Midwest IIRC; upscale mixed nuts is a welcome gift for those ladies who have to hide a snack from their family to get any; and if you feel like taking a half hour to mix it up, Kroger brand melting chocolate makes great bark w/ pieces of pretzel and candy cane sprinkled throughout and is hella cheap to make. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2016, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506/20 "2016-11-21T05:47:03Z")
I like to give a good paring knife as a gift. Even if they already have one, it’s probably dull and not good quality. Another idea is some fancy jams/marmalade/lemon curd. Or some gourmet chocolate sauce. The book is a great idea. I, too, \*hate \*scented candles/lotions/soaps. Even if I liked them, it’s unlikely I’d receive a scent that I cared for. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-a-gift/772506.md?page=2)