Ask KQ Claus

[irul&ublo]

[riser4]

There are definitely cheap ones if you want to just stick one in every glove box and misc drawer. Just not any particularly cheap rechargeables, and if you're going for the bright ones, the non-rechargeables aren't going to end up being cheap.

It's weird. It doesn't seem to matter how many I buy, they just disappear. She used the last one that I knew the location of today and I'll be damned, the job is done but the light isn't hanging in it's spot. There a hook for lights near the car keys hooks.

[MakersTeleMark]

KQ, I have a 75 yo aunt that I exchange gifts with every year. She likes cooking, wine and bourbon. We just exchange a small gift at our annual xmas eve dinner. Like $30 or less. I've done kitchen items, wine and whiskey. But I'm stumped this year. Any ideas?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1101772..._click=1&frs=1

[KQ]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1101772..._click=1&frs=1

Those are so cool!

You might also consider some gourmet olive oil and balamic vinegar Or maybe a mushroom log kit - both Uncommon Goods and Williams Sonoma have those.

How about a cookbook that you could pair with utensils like a book on making Pizza at home and a peel or pizza pan etc. Again... Williams Sonoma is a good source for that.

Going off in left field - maybe a historical book about something that is tied to her life. Last year I came across a book on an old Seattle neighborhood that a GF had grown up in so I picked it up for her. Turns out her Grandmother's house was featured in the book! Kinda cool.

I'll throw this in there too - Novica is an awesome site to shop at - they feature handmade items from artists all over the world. I've purchased many items from there and every one has been great.


One more thing - these nightlights are beautiful and well made. They are curved so you don't see the bulb from the side which I like (though I prefer a white bulb for a softer glow than the clear one they include). I have several and just bought the poppy one for my mother as a xmas gift. She's at the age where having a small light on helps with navigation until she can reach a light switch. Hell... I'm at that age. Not a fan of pitch darkness. Never have been. Anyhoo... give them a look. They are pretty even when not turned on and as I said they are well made and substantial (come nicely packaged too). Not your ordinary nightlight. Check out the home page for the artist for other lights - Reborn Glass

This site, Uno Alla Volta, sells them too but their mark-up is a bit steep.

[oftpiste]

Hey KQ.... how about my 22 year old son? Other guys are taken care of but he's always super tough to shop for.

[KQ]

Hey KQ.... how about my 22 year old son? Other guys are taken care of but he's always super tough to shop for.

Hmmmmm.... what is your normal gift threshold?

Is he the one that cooks with you?

[oftpiste]

Hmmmmm.... what is your normal gift threshold?

Is he the one that cooks with you?

Price threshold is not super high this year, but somewhat flexible. He is not the one who lives and cooks with me (that's Thing #2) , but he (Thing #3) does work as one of two cooks in a nice neighborhood resto. He lives with his brother (Thing #1) and I don't think they cook much at home.

I gave him a good knife last Christmas.

[abraham]

Maybe a sampling of various interesting meats/pates/sausage from beast and cleaver or the shambles?

[KQ]

Price threshold is not super high this year, but somewhat flexible. He is not the one who lives and cooks with me (that's Thing #2) , but he (Thing #3) does work as one of two cooks in a nice neighborhood resto. He lives with his brother (Thing #1) and I don't think they cook much at home.

I gave him a good knife last Christmas.

Ski? Bike? Soccer? Guitar?

[oftpiste]

Ski, but he's done it all (competitions, sponsored gear, travel) as a competitor, so the things that get most of us excited about gear, experiences (at least ones I could afford), etc. are pretty blasé to my kids. FBOW. And he's not super motivated to ski these days. I suspect he will at some point but not now. He's a kinda complicated and also lovely dood.

[KQ]

Ski, but he's done it all (competitions, sponsored gear, travel) as a competitor, so the things that get most of us excited about gear, experiences (at least ones I could afford), etc. are pretty blasé to my kids. FBOW. And he's not super motivated to ski these days. I suspect he will at some point but not now. He's a kinda complicated and also lovely dood.

Where is MTM when I need him?

Okay... let's throw some stuff out there and see what sticks (everything under $100):

YETI Rambler 64 oz Bottle
YETI Rambler 24oz mug with Magslide Lid
Ring Video Doorbell Wired with Ring Chime
Beer Subscription
Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
Whiskey Peaks American Mountains - Set of 4 (Glasses)
High Performance Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Keys, Bags, and More
Roku Streambar | 4K/HD/HDR Streaming Media Player & Premium Audio, All In One, Includes Roku Voice Remote
Slippers from REI - lots of great choices here

And I suppose we should include that great money clip OG got from his son (I gave it to a family member one year and it was well rec'd).

Also, what about a nice set of barbecue accessories?

Or how about a knife sharpener to go with that knife you gave him?

[riser4]

Ski, but he's done it all (competitions, sponsored gear, travel) as a competitor, so the things that get most of us excited about gear, experiences (at least ones I could afford), etc. are pretty blasé to my kids. FBOW. And he's not super motivated to ski these days. I suspect he will at some point but not now. He's a kinda complicated and also lovely dood.

Lots and lots of weed?

[KQ]

Lots and lots of weed?

LOL!! Mmmmm some nice Blue Cheese or maybe Wedding Cake or ooh ooh.... Sundae Driver! But there there is always Chocolope....... sigh.....

[MakersTeleMark]

Get him a fancy cooler for his vehicle/general use. Everyone needs one of those in their quiver.

[riser4]

LOL!! Mmmmm some nice Blue Cheese or maybe Wedding Cake or ooh ooh.... Sundae Driver! But there there is always Chocolope....... sigh.....

Instead of a sampler box of chocolates... A box of weed:. Flower on top, edibles underneath. Don't be like my sister in law and take a nibble and put it back if you don't like it.

[KQ]

Get him a fancy cooler for his vehicle/general use. Everyone needs one of those in their quiver.

There you are! Thanks MTM Claus!

Instead of a sampler box of chocolates... A box of weed:. Flower on top, edibles underneath. Don't be like my sister in law and take a nibble and put it back if you don't like it.

LOL!

[Mustonen]

Dear KQ Claus:

I’m trying to figure out what to get the girlfriend. She’s just getting into mountain biking and skiing, and those activities have been nice low hanging fruit the past couple years. I think she has most of what she needs there that is giftable. She’s recently been getting back into the swing of things with work, which puts her on the road a few days/month. Otherwise she works from home mostly.

We just moved into a new house together. Was thinking chickens but that might be a better May (birthday) gift. I’ve gotten her a few articles of clothing. Some candies. Etc. Need a big/mid gift. Anywhere from $200 to $1,000. Could go north of that if it was perfect.

She’s not really into jewelry, though an engagement ring has been on my mind. I’d go for some kind of trip/vaca voucher but that’s hard to plan for with COVID and life….

Help? I’m running out of ideas almost as quickly as I’m running out of time.

[KQ]

Dear KQ Claus:

I’m trying to figure out what to get the girlfriend. She’s just getting into mountain biking and skiing, and those activities have been nice low hanging fruit the past couple years. I think she has most of what she needs there that is giftable. She’s recently been getting back into the swing of things with work, which puts her on the road a few days/month. Otherwise she works from home mostly.

We just moved into a new house together. Was thinking chickens but that might be a better May (birthday) gift. I’ve gotten her a few articles of clothing. Some candies. Etc. Need a big/mid gift. Anywhere from $200 to $1,000. Could go north of that if it was perfect.

She’s not really into jewelry, though an engagement ring has been on my mind. I’d go for some kind of trip/vaca voucher but that’s hard to plan for with COVID and life….

Help? I’m running out of ideas almost as quickly as I’m running out of time.

Dude.... a Christmas proposal would be the bomb! If it's been on your mind and you know she'd be agreeable then I say go big. Sigh.... so dreamy........

P.S. You don't have to worry too much about the ring. Concentrate on the stone and have it set in a Tiffany setting that can be reset to her liking after Christmas unless of course you find something that is perfect as is.

A great ending:




"I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

[Mustonen]

Dude.... a Christmas proposal would be the bomb! If it's been on your mind and you know she'd be agreeable then I say go big. Sigh.... so dreamy........

P.S. You don't have to worry too much about the ring. Concentrate on the stone and have it set in a Tiffany setting that can be reset to her liking after Christmas unless of course you find something that is perfect as is.

Fuck….

[riser4]

We need an intervention stat.

[KQ]

Fuck….

Congrats! You found the one. I'm so happy for you both and despite what the guys will say in the form of good natured ribbing I know they are too.

[MakersTeleMark]

I think you should get her an air fryer. She has no idea what she is missing.

[Mustonen]

Well that escalated quickly. I know people who are in the jewelry racke… I mean business… and orders are placed and rushed and whatever else and dear god do women just love this shit.

Congrats! You found the one. I'm so happy for you both and despite what the guys will say in the form of good natured ribbing I know they are too.

Thanks!

I think you should get her an air fryer. She has no idea what she is missing.

I laughed.

[JPaul]

I think you should get her an air fryer. She has no idea what she is missing.

Oh, man, if only these were around 20 years ago!

[GiBo]

Those are so cool!

You might also consider some gourmet olive oil and balamic vinegar Or maybe a mushroom log kit - both Uncommon Goods and Williams Sonoma have those.

How about a cookbook that you could pair with utensils like a book on making Pizza at home and a peel or pizza pan etc. Again... Williams Sonoma is a good source for that.

Going off in left field - maybe a historical book about something that is tied to her life. Last year I came across a book on an old Seattle neighborhood that a GF had grown up in so I picked it up for her. Turns out her Grandmother's house was featured in the book! Kinda cool.

I'll throw this in there too - Novica is an awesome site to shop at - they feature handmade items from artists all over the world. I've purchased many items from there and every one has been great.


One more thing - these nightlights are beautiful and well made. They are curved so you don't see the bulb from the side which I like (though I prefer a white bulb for a softer glow than the clear one they include). I have several and just bought the poppy one for my mother as a xmas gift. She's at the age where having a small light on helps with navigation until she can reach a light switch. Hell... I'm at that age. Not a fan of pitch darkness. Never have been. Anyhoo... give them a look. They are pretty even when not turned on and as I said they are well made and substantial (come nicely packaged too). Not your ordinary nightlight. Check out the home page for the artist for other lights - Reborn Glass

This site, Uno Alla Volta, sells them too but their mark-up is a bit steep.

Thank you! Good ideas.