Some things to consider, if you are considering thinking...
For the sewist*
Cheap:- Seam Rippers (did you know they dull, like needles? And if you are having to struggle to rip seams it is time to pitch your oldie?) $3
- Basting safety pins $5 for a big bag
- Really good quality thread (I love the Gutermann) because the cheap-o stuff lints up the machine. And once you sew with good thread you cry when you have to use Coats and Clark $7-ish a spool
- Cute straight pins. They make all kinds. $5
- Some fun fat quarters of designer fabric $10-$20
- A gift certificate for scissor sharpening $20-ish
- Pinking shears because they are fun $15-20
- Splurge and get them some Gingher shears. Oh man. They will cry. And then swear a sudden death to any child who uses them to cut paper. $50 and up
- A gift certificate for sewing machine maintenance $80-ish
- A Bias Tape maker. Because they are a super splurge to the quilter. $60
For the Foodie:
Cheap:
- Go to your local gourmet or health food store and grab some interesting looking marinades or sauces. Get ones with buzz words like "chutney" or "salted" or "bacon." $3-5 each
- Bacon salt. They will kiss you on the mouth. $3ish
- This. Because everyone needs one for their Newman-Os. $3
- A really good bar of slave-free chocolate. I like Green and Black's dark with raspberries. I have heard Amano is amazing, but I haven't tried them. $4ish
- Ticket Chocolate. Holy crap, is this stuff good. (And slave-free!) $20
- A bottle of really good quality vanilla $20
- Fancy fixins. Like some really good quality pancetta or a box of amazing Honeycrisp apples and high-end cheese $20-30
- A class or a tasting at your local fancy schmancy restaurant $50 and up
- Le Crueset dutch oven $50 and up
- Harry and David pears. I know, I know, buy local and sustainable and all that, but THEIR PEARS ARE LIKE GOLDEN CRACK CANDY MADE FROM THE TEARS OF BABY SEAL ANGELS. $50 for a decent-sized box
- Fun and quirky table-ware. I like this place
Geeks
Cheap:- Han Solo ice cube tray. $10
- Zombie Jerky $6
- OPI nail polish in the new Muppet colors. $5
- Magic straws--they have flavor inside, to make your plain milk magically delicious. We get them at Babies R Us. $3
- Go to Etsy and look at the category "Geekery." Then buy something ridiculous and affordable.
- Anything "Firefly." All Geeks wet themselves with the topic of "Firefly." Just google it.
- If you have $100 and want the ultimate, there is only one option.
- And if I had a spare $50, this would be making its way to DaStew.
Neighbors and Teachers**
Cheap***:
- A holiday picture book. $5-$10
- Soda. If you brought me a two-liter of Pepsi Max I would not complain about grading papers or about your noisy drunk uncles at 3 AM on the 24th. $2
- Scotch tape and a pair of scissors. Because you cannot have enough of either and your kids keep moving the ones you have. $7 for both
- A box of donuts on the 26th. Because your neighbors DO NOT want to think about breakfast the day after Christmas. Don't bother your teachers, though. Your child's absence is a precious gift within a gift. Give them a Krispy Kreme card with instructions. $10
*I hate the term "sewist" but it is what the interwebs are calling the seamstress/sewing machiner/whatever person now. And I always do what the interwebs tell me.
**Normally I am opposed to obligatory gifts, but it is always nice to do something for the neighbors and teachers. Just don't give them a plate of dumb cookies unless your cookies are seriously better than anything ever. No one can afford to waste their calories on stupid cookies.
***I am not including anything more than Cheap Gifts, because if you are going to spend more than $10 you should get to know them and buy a personal and thoughtful gift.
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