The Difficult Ones
Don’t hate me, but I’m almost done with my holiday/Christmas gift shopping. :wreath: The best part is, I won’t have to deal with the upcoming holiday crush of people in shopping malls, which is one of the things I hate. 
Most of my shopping was done throughout the year and online, which I love for the convenience factor. I can shop with my pajamas on! :elf:
But every year, no matter how hard I try, there are two people who remain the absolute hardest to shop for, and they are always the last people on my gift list to cross off. My father and Don’s father. 
These two men have just about everything they could ever want or need, and they are the most difficult to shop for. They aren’t into clothes or ties, and they only wear one kind of cologne. They aren’t golfers and they aren’t into sports. Electronic gadgets aren’t their thing, either. What they do love the most is working on old classic cars. Rebuilding them from the ground up. And I don’t know enough about old Chevy car parts to get them something for their hobby. 
So, for the past few years I’ve had to get them gift cards because buying them something has absolutely stumped me! Even my mother and mother-in-law don’t have ideas to give me, which would help tremendously if they did. So, here I am again, scratching my head over what to get the dads. 
So, here’s a few questions for you:
1) Do you have any fun or unique ideas that I might be able to get for the dads? :santahat:
2) Who is the hardest person on your holiday gift list to shop for and why? 
mastree:
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I know my dad, who is also very hard to shop for, loves to be taken out to dinner or lunch. We give him a certificate, usually with a new framed picture of our daughter for his office. We’ve also bought him movie tickets and gift certificates to restaurants so he can take my mom out! Do they have recent pictures of the kids? Because that’s always a good one, I think.
Comment by Julie Leto — November 27, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
The worse ones to shop for are hubby’s son and dil in NYC. they are both well-paid (ok, read 7 figure income here) attorneys and have what they need or want. Somehow I usually manage to get them something.
They are the only 2 left on my list,otherwise I am done too. :wreath:
Is there an upcoming antique auto show somewhere nearby, or one during the year? Buy them tickets to it. My neighbor buys her son speedway tix every year for one of the big races. he loves it for the same reason. He doesn’t do ties and sweaters or electronic gadgets. Or buy them both radio controlled cars and let them play. Hubby and the grandkids all have theirs and they have a blast.
Off to the slave mines.
Comment by ev — November 29, 2007 @ 7:32 am
Hanukkah is Tuesday night. I am nearly finished too. I have a few teacher like gifts to pick up, and some others. INcluding Hubby who is very difficult but I think he’s getting an iPod Touch - the girls thought of that. Sorry Janelle! Gift cards are looking good right now. HEY! WHERE’S MY GUY HIDING UNDER THE CHAIR ICON???????
Comment by Carly — November 29, 2007 @ 7:40 am
JANELLE, How about a classic car model to put together. One year we got a kit of my Dad’s first car he ever had. He and the grandson had a blast building it and painting it.
Good luck…
Comment by Karen K — November 29, 2007 @ 8:34 am
Hi Plotmonkeys and all,
We’ve almost got our shopping done as well. I usually do it on line and pick up stuff throughout the year too. It does make things easier. But now our daughter is getting to be the hardest to shop for…what she really wants is an I-Pod but we’re on the fence about it because at present she uses a CD walkman and they don’t seem to have a long life…other than that she wants to learn to drive and have her own car! This is a problem because she is special needs…although special needs people do learn to drive…I just don’t want to contemplate Lilly behind the wheel of a car…
As far as your dad…what about a picture of you and your kids in a nice frame? My mother and my mother-in-law seem to like that kind of gift the best. Make it a candid shot instead of one of those posed in a studio shots. Or what about a gift certificate for a massage? Does he like music or old movies? You could get some CD’s or DVD’s…
Have a great day all,
Cher :stocking:
Comment by Cher — November 29, 2007 @ 9:06 am
My FIL is the same way. Every year he ends up taking the gift the my SIL and her family give him back - every year - no matter how much time and effort she puts into it. But…he never, ever complains about pictures of his grandkids. They all like to hunt and one year my nephew gave him a picture of the deer he had shot along with an essay he’d written in school about that hunt, it wall all framed together. That man smiled for days!!!
I’m doing a lot of gift cards this year. My SIL and I had an argument about this yesterday because she said it’s too impersonal, and I understand that, but instead of her giving my son a B-B gun (which he doesn’t need because he already has 2) I’d rather she give him a gift certificate to the sporting goods store so he can add that to his savings and get the shotgun that he really wants. No….that’s just not fun, she’s doing the BB Gun..
Comment by Jodie — November 29, 2007 @ 9:09 am
Cher - we all have iPods and they tend to take a lot of abuse from us. I use mine mowing and working in the yard alot, my kids throw their’s around in the car and the only problem we’ve had was I just flat wore mine out. I do get them at Best Buy though where I can get the extended warranty because we are so hard on them.
Also, I have a friend who’s oldest son is autistic. Granted he is highly functioning but he still has a whole lot of characteristics of autism. He got his driver’s permit about a year ago and has done very well. The funniest thing is, when she tells me some of the things he’s done, they’re the exact same things mine did when he had his permit. It’s like in this capacity, he’s acting just like a normal teenager. Good luck to you and your daughter. I know how hard it is to send a child out there on road!
Comment by Jodie — November 29, 2007 @ 9:14 am
Do they like any old tv shows or movies? I got my dad the complete set of MASH on dvd this year. It even has the original movie too.
I too am almost finished with my Christmas shopping
. I bought several things on sale after Christmas last year, and only have to pick up 2 or 3 things next week. My grandmother is my hardest person to shop for each year. She is 88, so she just buys what she wants or needs. I had my picture taken professionally for the first time since college and am giving that out to all my aunts and uncles and my grandmother. :elf:
Comment by Liza — November 29, 2007 @ 9:37 am
My dad is tough to buy for. He doesn’t “need” anything and if you ask him he doesn’t really want anything either. UGH!!! He has all year to think of something! geesh, MEN! Wish I could help you with some suggestions, but I’m stuck too.
This year to appease both sets of parents we went to a portrait studio and had family pictures done. We haven’t one taken since my youngest son was about 2 1/2 and he is now 11 and we have added a daughter, so I guess it was time to have a good one taken. So hopefully they will like those. (I know the moms’ will since we hear about it at both Christmas and Mother’s Day every year.)
As far as everyone else, I’m way behind this year. I like to be done before Thanksgiving. I spent too many years working retail so I really don’t like being in any stores the days between Thanksgiving and Jan 2nd. Hopefully I’ll get done in the next couple of weeks.
Comment by Laura J — November 29, 2007 @ 9:48 am
Forgot to say–we are already friends on Myspace! Thanks for the ADD!!!
Comment by Laura J — November 29, 2007 @ 9:50 am
I am almost done…except for the things for my rellies “draw’ (the draw has not been done, so I am ahead!). I have everything wrapped except for my sons (that’s okay, it will get done).
Janelle: I have trouble with my dad, too. A picture is always good for my dad. Every holiday, I just point blank ask him. Is there a store that he likes to get things to restore his Chevy? I think gift cards are wonderbar! It shows that you took the time to find a store that they would like. My in laws are the same way (they think it is impersonal, along with ‘wish lists”
. I have issue with that, too. How do I know what they want? I live two states away, never seen their apartments….I am not a psychic (no one gets back to me when I ask what someone else wants). Obviously, I have issues!
Comment by katie — November 29, 2007 @ 9:54 am
I was going to recommend the same thing as Karen K. My stepfather is into antique cars and in the past we’ve bought him the put together models and he has them on display.
I think my dad and stepmom are the hardest. Again, they have everything. We usually give them gift cards to dinner or travel gift cards since they usually take a trip to Vegas every year.
I don’t want to hear anymore about those of you who are done your shopping!
Comment by Michelle — November 29, 2007 @ 10:03 am
How about a subscription to a car magazine? And the good thing about that is it has to be renewed every year, so if he likes the magazine, you’re set for life.
My husband is the worst to buy for because he doesn’t want anything that costs lest than $20,000.
Comment by Lori Borrill — November 29, 2007 @ 10:20 am
I’m almost done with my shopping too. I’ve got my Dad and my FIL still to buy for and I’m with you - they are the most difficult to shop for. My son just started college and we were thinking of some UMass Boston stuff for the dads. I do like the model car idea. Wish I could offer more suggestions but we usually end up giving them gift cards for restaurants or Home Depot or Sears or something like that.
:wreath:
Comment by Carolyn A. — November 29, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Wow–hats off to you and everyone else who’s almost done! Woo!
For the difficult giftees, I’ve tried thinking about an event or occasion they might enjoy and get them tickets or a certificate for that–as simple as the movies, or restaurant. It’s even better if it’s something that we can do together, or they can do together with someone they like hanging out with (maybe car show tickets for the two dads?) Or something like a day’s outing with the grandkids or ??
We’ve also done the new family portrait route.
This year we’re trying to get the in-laws a Wii
Comment by Fedora — November 29, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Hey eveybody,
But to me, the subscribtion to the car magazine sounds like a good idea if they like working on cars.
I’m still waiting for this brilliant idea to come.
Why are there so many of you that are done shopping?
I still haven’t bought half of the gifts and unfortunately, I’m not very creative. I have to think very hard to come up with a nice present. A hard task for me. That’s why I honestly don’t know what you could offer the Dads, Janelle.
As for the hardest person: It actually is my Dad. too. Why are it always the Dads we don’t know what to give? But I think a tie or cologne every year is a little boring
But your ideas have helped me a lot. Thanks, guys.
Take care all and enjoy
See you
Vero
Comment by Vero — November 29, 2007 @ 11:05 am
I never know what to buy the men on my list. My dad always got the same thing every year, so did my brothers. Now, I’m in the same rut. My mom’s boyfriend gets the same thing from me now, and my brother-in-law gets a gift card.
The most difficult person to buy for would be my mom. Whenever she wants something, she just goes out and gets it ~~ leaving those of us who are trying to buy her gifts scratching our heads and wondering what we’ll get her this year that she doesn’t already have.
Comment by Dev — November 29, 2007 @ 11:08 am
You have to enlist your kids for this one. Give your dad or your FIL a home-made gift certificate for a weekend lunch sometime in January with the grandkids with a giftcard attached to cover the cost of the meal.
Comment by Darlene — November 29, 2007 @ 11:34 am
I take the lazy way out and go for gift cards. Sometimes a generic one they can use anywhere is nice. I know that’s probably not the way to go. I should feel guilty, but I don’t LOL.
Cool on the myspace. You guys rock.
Comment by Stacy ~ — November 29, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Stacy, don’t feel guilty about gift cards. I love giving gift cards. That way, they can pick out what they want! My favorite is to give teachers gift cards to bookstores. Teachers LOVE to read, not only that, but they spend so much of their own money on books for their class. That way, they can spend money on books for their class OR for books for themselves. I have gotten the best feedback from teachers about that.
I haven’t finished the teacher gift cards…oops forgot about that. That’s easy, though
.
For me, besides my dad who just goes out and buys something (so, I just get him a gift card to Barnes and Noble, so he can plan his next trip!).
Comment by katie — November 29, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
It’s all about strategy … What about something for the car itself … I found really cool special hose attachements to help you clean the car and one even (hope you never have to use) flashlight with a window breaker if you get stuck and inside of it were some other safety gizmos. Maybe some classic car paperweights for the office/coffee table books? Hope this helps …
I’m almost done shopping .. 
Comment by Yolanda — November 29, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
1) Do you have any fun or unique ideas that I might be able to get for the dads?
I got everyone a polar fleece scarf with their name on it from either llbean or landsend. Not sure which but they made a hit with the guys.
One year i got all the males a shake it flash light. It was fun when everyone was sitting around shaking them.
Last year I followed up the flashlights with the hand crank radio/ cellphone charger. These too made a hit with the guys.
Last year I got hubby bird houses, yankees birdfeeders and humingbird feeder kit. We had humming birds all summer. I had never seen them before and we had lots of relaxing moments together watching them.
I’d sure recommend them.
For those who have males who like gadgets; a microfiber cloth to wipe the screen without scratching or a lense protector for cellphones. is a nice add on. I found at linens and things a fishing pole in a pen. A fun toy for under $20.00.
One of my sons asked for a couch wrap. Practical but with the heating bills increasing maybe another good idea. Don’t forget a few treats Chocolate covered cherries, old fashion candies or beef jerky/slim jerky.
How about making generic Grab bags for the guys (could do girls too.)
Stuff they would remember from when they were young boys:
Yo-Yos, Nerf ball, balsa wood model planes, small lego kit,
crossword puzzle book, comics etc. Men love toys, age doesn’t matter.
Have you seen the Marshmallow shooter. Fun, Fun, Fun.
That’s it for me there must be some good ideas out there i am interested in hearing them too!
2) Who is the hardest person on your holiday gift list to shop for and why?
No such person on my list. I’m thinking if you were hard to satisfy
when I bought you a gift the first time, you’d get a gift card.
My shopping time is very valuable to me, I’m sure Carly can relate
to that statement.
Zoey at the vet getting spayed and micro chipped today.
Won’t be
for a couple of days. Poor Zoey.
Comment by jeannie & Zoey — November 29, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
Men hate change in their pockets. My hubby dumps his on he dresser nightly. I am thinking bank, very very big bank.
Then most guys would love an I owe you coupon book,
you could make on the computer. I’m betting as romance readers we could come up with some really interesting coupons.
Comment by jeannie & Zoey — November 29, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
Don’t feel bad, my dad is the hardest to shop for too! I haven’t got the slightest clue what to get him so he’s always the last person I buy for.
Comment by Ladytink_534 — November 29, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
Janelle, I see lots of good ideas here. Since these days I only buy for my grandchildren I don’t have to much of a problem. I get ideas from my daughters & buy whatever they suggest!! My oldest grandson got difficult when he became a teenager so I started giving him Gift Cards or money & he loves it. Usually he was always saving for a new computer game, his guitar or something else he wanted. Now he is 18 & has a part time job but I will still give him some money.
I don’t understand why people object to gift cards. To me it is not impersonal & I love getting to shop for myself & maybe buy something I couldn’t get with my tight finances. It took me several years to convince my mom how much fun it was for me to get money to spend however I wanted. One reason I did that is because she had a knack for buying me things I would never wear or use as our tastes were very different.
I did think of one more idea for your Dad & FIL, maybe some type of homemade goodies that they love. Also I think a book about classic cars would be great, especially if it has lots of well done photographs. :stocking:
Lori B., love your comment. My daughter has a similar situation with her husband!!! :santahat:
Comment by Donna M — November 29, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
Whoa! You guys ROCK!!!! Your ideas are so good!!! :elf:
I love the ideas for the car shows and car magazines! I even found a website that has a slew of magazines to choose from: http://www.magazines.com!
But there are other ideas you all posted that I’m considering, too! I’m confident that the dads won’t end up with gift cards this year!
Jeannie — regarding the scarf idea. You have to remember we live in Southern California. It’s 90 degrees here at Xmas time!
Comment by Janelle — November 29, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
I haven’t even started my X-mas shopping! The only one with a present is the daughter because she got a car which was b-day, X-mas, and graduation!
The hardest for me is my mom. She thinks she’s easy, but no matter what you get, she’s got something to say about it… makes me want to quit trying, I tell you.
I hop everyone has a wonderful holiday season… no matter what you celebrate! :stocking:
Comment by Lynn Matherly — November 29, 2007 @ 5:12 pm
Well it’s 5:03 and my internet’s back on…wahoo!
Seriously, this no-internet thing is fantastic! I am getting SO much more work done.
But I miss all the fun here!
Looks like Janelle has gotten some great advice, but I thought I’d mention one thing. I have given my Dad & Stepmother “date night” gifts in the past since I never know what to give them. One year I did a little “tree” with gift cards to a restaurant, a movie theater, and a gas station! (that would probably be really appreciated now!) Another time I did a “date in” basket–bottle of wine, a new movie DVD I thought they’d like, a gift card to Blockbuster to rent other ones, microwave popcorn, my Dad’s favorite candy, things like that. Something fun and cute and different than *just* handing over the gift card, you know?
Comment by Leslie — November 29, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
I totally agree with Donna M regarding gift cards. I also love them because during the January when there really ‘isn’t’ a holiday, I love to treat myself after a busy December! I call it a ‘me holiday!”
Comment by katie — November 29, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
I do the “ME” holiday too. I love it.
Take the BB gun back and add it to the Shotgun fund. I gotta clean my rifles one of these days. They haven’t been out in a long time.
I want a new touch screen ipod. it is on my wish list along with a new bathtub.
Comment by EV — November 29, 2007 @ 9:08 pm
My dad is the hardest person to buy for since he doesn’t have any hobbies. And half the things that me and my sister buys him, he never uses. And it makes us so mad when we have tried to find something that we think he will like and then he never takes it out of the box. We got him a really nice watch a few years ago and he actually wears it so I guess we finally found something he liked.
I love taking pictures so for the second year in a row, I have ordered a lot of gifts with pictures on them. Last year I made calendars for my mom, dad, and grandmother. This year, I have ordered ornaments and playing cards with pictures on them. The site that I use is snapfish.com and I think that they do a really good job if anybody wants to check them out.
Comment by Claudia — November 29, 2007 @ 11:24 pm
I’m no where near finished with my shopping and there is always SOMEONE who stumps me…usually my brother and my mother.
As a scrapbooker though, one of the best presents my parents (and husband) have enjoyed is a scrapbook of something special to them…my parents got our “family year in review” and my husband got one of the restaurant we owned. I made a “boating” book for our friend. Do either of the men in your life have pictures of the cars they have restored? It might be nice to put them in a nice album for them to showcase their hobbies! My favorite part about scrapbooking these days is the fact that you can make (and have printed) some really awesome scrapbooks on your computer!
Good luck!
Comment by Cassie — November 30, 2007 @ 8:53 am
I was going to say the antique car magazines, but someone beat me to it. Besides pictures and articles about cars, they have great sources for buying parts.
We’re already MySpace pals, both plotmonkey and individual.
Comment by Bailey Stewart — November 30, 2007 @ 1:41 pm