Christmas Gift Ideas

Anyone have some creative gift ideas this year? We're low on money this year, so we've had to think a bit harder about what to get for people. We have mostly gotten alcohol-centered gifts!

For MIL: Tequila gift basket. The basket is actually a sombrero, which came with a matching mustache.   That's going in there, too. The wonders of ebay... Also putting in a bottle of vodka, shot glasses, salt, and lemons and limes.

For FIL: Irish coffee gift basket. The basket for that one is actually a leprechaun hat... Again, that came with a beard so we're throwing that in, too! Also giving him some good coffee, a bottle of Jamesons, and a can of whipped cream. Obviously, we'll have to put that one together on the day.

For BIL: Hot pepper infused vodka. We had it at a bar in Pittsburgh, where the bartender makes it himself. So we're making some for DH's chili-obsessed brother. It makes excellent shots... We've ordered a personalized label to put on it, too!


DH has asked for some money towards scuba diving lessons, which he has been wanting to do for a while. His father and brothers all dive... But I would like to get him something fun to actually open on the day, too! Any suggestions?

I like your way of thinking, PL! 

I may have to lift some of these crazy hat/basket ideas off you for my in-laws. I'm looking for ways to add some extra festivity (i.e., drunken foolery) to our holidays this year - because my BIL is probably going to be a bit sad (his longterm partner having left him earlier this year).

You might try looking on Firebox - lots of fun gift ideas there! 

Is there any equipment you could get him for diving? I can't make suggestions as I have little idea what they use.  Or, if the equipment is too pricey, a book or DVD on diving?

How about an underwater camera?

We make lots of gifts in our family! I understand not everyone is handy with a needle & thread, but foodie gifts are fun and easy, too. I've made chai and hot chocolate mixes before, and cookies and rum balls and fudge always go over well, too.

Diving lessons at the London scuba school come up fairly often on Groupon, I've seen them 3-4 times

I thought a plectrum punch would make a really neat gift for either someone who makes jewellery or plays guitar -

That's a general idea...band T-Shirts? It's mega monday at play and zavvi and they have some great deals, including batman AC for £17.99 and a black controller for £15, play have some nice mens gifts as well.

I love making foodie gifts - especially for people who I never know what to buy for (J's parents for one!) -

I saw that plectrum punch CB - I think my Dad would love it...

Thanks everyone. I got him a laptop bag so far, because work is selling them really cheap and giving the money to Shelter... But definitely still wanting to get him something a bit more personal.

DH is going to rent his diving equipment because it is so expensive to buy and takes up a lot of space. I'd love to get him an underwater camera, but it's a bit too pricey for right now, and he wouldn't use it  until he's doing outdoor dives anyway. So good suggestions , but I don't think they'll work right now. Going to go have a proper look for something after school lets out on friday.

Mrs. R, glad you like the basket idea! was also thinking of doing a hot chocolate one with baileys, marshmallows and a cute mug. Maybe for DH's nan!

CB, that punch looks great, keeping it in mind for my dad..

Everyone keep posting anything interesting you have found!

What about a diving mask or the mouthpiece for the air tank? I don't know how much those run, but they don't take up much space and I imagine having your own is nicer than renting.