That's What Shell Said

Tis the season for gift giving and the stress that comes along with it. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love a lot of things about the Christmas season, but as someone that is just not a very good gift giver… I struggle. Yes, I know, it’s the thought that counts and that is absolutely correct when I am the gift receiver, but when I’m the gift giver? Sheesh. Stress central.

So, just in case you are like me, I’m spending some time this month sharing gift ideas with all of you, based on the help I’ve received from my friends, family and Facebook followers.

Today, let’s talk about some of the hardest to shop for, in my opinion. Our parents. The ones that buy the things they want, when they want it because they are grownups and do what they want. What do we buy them?

You know what they tell us… “oh you don’t have to buy us anything… blah blah blah…” and we know that but still. They are our parents, and we love them, so we want to show them that appreciation! So, what are we supposed to do? Well, that’s what I asked the masses and here is what they told me.

A photo session. How great would it be to schedule a photo session of the whole family with a local photographer? It’s getting close to Christmas, so time is dwindling down but you could easily purchase a gift certificate from your favorite local photographer with a promise to get the crew together for a photo session soon.

A photo canvas or framed photos. If you had photos done with year, or even if you have a favorite photo of your babies, a photo canvas is a great gift. You can get anywhere from a 5×7 desk size, to a giant wall canvas… or even a set of several. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Smallwood Home, but I’ve even gotten great results with the Walmart Photo center.

A custom paint by number. My mom loves to paint, so last year when I saw an ad on Tiktok for a custom paint by number kit, I knew she’d love it. I used a photo of my grandparents, and it made me so happy to see how excited she was about it! However, when I asked her how the painting ended up, so told me the paint was kind of watery and hard to work with. I searched Etsy and found a shop with great reviews and fast shipping right here.

Sorry for the blurry photo. His guy never stops moving.

A handwriting pillow. I made this for my Grandpa after my Grandma passed away and it’s been one of my favorite gifts to date. Etsy has some great options for this such as this shop. You could even do a dishtowel or a sign! Etsy has a million great sellers, or the chances are pretty good that you know someone who does vinyl work and can fix you up.

Experiences. One of my Facebook friends suggested an experience that they could have with their daughter, and I think this is genius. Some great ideas are a pedicure appt, a dinner, a painting class, manicures, wine tasting, cookie decorating… honestly the list could go on.

Gift cards– I know… but hear me out. One mom mentioned a gift card to the bookstore and honestly this is a good point. As parents we do so much for all of the people around us, and we generally are put on the back burner. A gift card to their favorite place means that they have to spend it on themselves and something they love. So, think a bookstore, salon, massage, coffee shop, favorite restaurant, etc.

What have been the best gifts you’ve given your parents? And parents… what are the best gifts you’ve gotten from your adult kids?