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I've decided that the main people in my life have enough things. So except for a few small things (books, socks, chocolate, etc.), I am mainly giving experiences this year.

My son and his wife are avid Toronto Maple Leaf fans. I've bought them VIP seats to a Toronto-Ottawa game.

My grandkids have so many toys, they need a larger house. I have got them two nights at Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor amusement and water park in Niagara Falls.

My daughter earns more money that I do and can buy anything she wants. My gift for her is a day at an all-inclusive luxury spa.

My goddaughter is in university (first year). I've bought her a $100 Starbucks card so she doesn't have to dig for coffee change each morning.

My S/O's son is a Scotch connoisseur, so I've got him a ticket to a Scotch tasting.

OTOH, my S/O really needs shirts, so I bought him lots of shirts.

Your list sounds great! I agree that often we have so much 'stuff' that more isn't needed, and either a fun experience or practical gift makes more sense. I love to receive Barnes & Noble gift cards, or restaurant ones.

I'm strongly considering giving my DD more driving lessons with a sang-froid (and dual-controlled) driving instructor....does that count?

My daughter turns 18 the day after Christmas. Instead of buying her a "thing" we decided to give her a memory. So I am taking she and four friends to see Britney Spears in Vegas. I may need to be medicated to get through the experience!!

I also bought my parents a series of smaller value restaurant gift cards and movie passes. Their income is pretty small and this will help them get out of the house and experience new things.

And yes, the driving lessons should count, don't you think? Ha ha. Thought that might be more your present to yourself.

[This message edited by lynnm1947 at 11:22 AM, December 10th (Tuesday)]

..as they say, 'great minds think alike'..

I am taking both sons/SO's to the Leafs game against the Montreal Canadiens in Jan. plus dinner before the game and a bar after.

..should be a fun night!

smy

I love these kind of gifts.

One of my gifts for the DD's was tickets to see Ross Petty's "The Little Mermaid".

We have gone to these shows in years past (with their father) and I wanted to continue the tradition with just the 3 of us.

They love it.

Great Wolf Lodge is another really good idea.

somanyyears, I'm also throwing in my services GD babysitter for the night of the hockey game.

..hey lynn,

That's got to be a real personal sacrifice, knowing how you dread spending time with her!!

I really feel your pain.. Try not to let the experience get you down too much..

smy

So I am taking she and four friends to see Britney Spears in Vegas.

*gasp* The teenager in me is so incredibly jealous!

smy, yes, I had to dig deep to commit myself to an evening with the two girlies!!!!!!

PS There WILL be face painting.

Lola, I saw The Little Mermaid posters on the subway. Hope you have a wonderful evening!

[This message edited by lynnm1947 at 7:57 PM, December 10th (Tuesday)]

I think your gift list is awesome!

I love to do that! This year, tho, *things* are needed in some or most cases. In the past, gifts have included show tickets (with babysitting services as needed ) , sporting event tickets, spa services, AAA or other memberships, even a trip once for xpos . And I have also been the recipient of some of the same.

You may not have something to hold onto or use on Christmas Day, but you have something to look forward to in the future. That can give hope and meaning to one's life.

Just remembered - my dd is getting married next summer and I am giving her & fiance dance lessons! Along with a few other things, but the dance lessons they will enjoy.

Dance lessons! That will be fun. My former husband and I can still cut a fine figure on the dance floor because of all the ballroom lessons we took years ago.

I have done this a few times....it is great because I definitely remember the events I gave that year but not the material items.

IE - Tickets for the family to see Jeff Dunham - memorable. Now what the heck was in all those other boxes under the tree that year? No clue.

When the kiddos were little - it was Disney on Ice, front row seats one year.

Disclaimer: Those critters from Monsters Inc should look huge when you are in the front row!

Ah, yes, EvenKeel, that reminds me of front row tickets to Beauty and the Beast at Princess of Wales theater for DIL and DGD. Fabulous show!!

I gave the kids a night at Great Wolf Lodge last year, and they requested I do it again this year. I think its great -- we had a wonderful time, and no more stupid plastic crap! They will still get new jammies and books, and something from Santa, as well, so they have something to open.