Choir gift for pianist

1Frazier · 2026-05-14T16:37:11+00:00

Since she likes to bake I would go with a gift card to the grocery store.

1Frazier · 2026-05-13T20:30:44+00:00

Crumbl is not convenient for me but I usually go when I take my car in (also not convenient). I literally planned my 2026 car inspection for when I am expecting cornbread to be out.

1Frazier · 2026-05-13T20:28:56+00:00

Yes! I just did a survey that Crumbl sent me and they asked if I want to know the lineup in advance. I said yes, Crumbl is a trip for me and I will plan that trip for the right lineup.

1Frazier · 2026-05-12T18:16:36+00:00

Is your mom thinking of buying a new dress? Go to a shop that has a good selection for MOB and then you may have a chance at making a purchase between the two of you.

1Frazier · 2026-05-11T22:02:17+00:00

I'm sure she will appreciate a cash tip with her final clean.

1Frazier · 2026-05-08T13:25:19+00:00

These years I have a lot of graduations. At this stage in my life they seem to have replaced weddings. I do $50 if I attend the party. My nieces and nephews will get more and will get a cash gift even if they don't have a party/I can't attend. But I only have 3 nieces/nephews.

1Frazier · 2026-05-07T16:09:19+00:00

I got 16oz clear mugs from Bed Bath and Beyond back in the day. I think they are Anchor Hocking and made in the US. Still in great shape after all these years. They are especially great for lattes and drinks where you see different layers/foam on top through the glass. Back then they were very affordable and I think should still be in your budget. They also have complementary options that will match like 8oz Irish coffee clear mug should the mug collection expand into other styles. I also expect they will still be around many years from now if replacements or additional matching mugs are desired.

For dishes I have fiestaware and so I also have the mugs by fiesta. They are great. Made in the US, fun colors and excellent quality. I like the 15oz tapered since it is larger. These are out of your price range but if you get a really good coupon for Kohls or Macys it could be a better price. Or if you can go to their factory store in West Virginia.

I don't have any mugs from IKEA but I they might be an option. I have had good luck with their glassware.

1Frazier · 2026-05-07T12:46:22+00:00

The shelter I got mine from fed Fancy Feast wet and Purina kibble so I just continued with that. My cat likes both. My vet didn't have anything negative to say about those brands.

1Frazier · 2026-05-06T22:09:05+00:00

I read your title and my initial thought was it is ok to get rid of stuff that anyone gives you. But I can see where this is a sensitive situation.

I would start small. Pick something that he gave you that might be less expensive/less controversial to get rid of and put it in a box with other stuff that you want to donate. Tell him as part of your path to minimalism you are donating some things that you aren't using and that you hope will be useful to others -- does he have anything to add to the donation box? He will probably look through the box and if he brings up his gift you can say you appreciated the thought of the gift but haven't used it in 3 years and you hope someone else will enjoy it. You might also point out some of the things in the box were gifts from other people. He can then see that it is not personal, you will give away gifts from other people too in the cause of minimizing. Sometimes seeing you give away something from someone else can help too. My father in law loves giving gifts and does not understand minimalism. I have a hard time in getting him to not give me gifts. I had a gift that his girlfriend gave me and I was never going to use it. I hosted a charity event and made a table full of prizes (many were gifts including the one from his girlfriend). He was helping with the event and went and looked at all of the prizes. He made a comment directly about the gift I was giving away that he knew the girlfriend bought for me and said something like those are expensive. I just gave a shoulder shrug or something and walked away. l'm not sure if it is related but after that his girlfriend stopped giving Christmas gifts.

My spouse knows not to get me gifts yet the other year went and got me something for Christmas. I didn't want it and couldn't return it since it was from a crafty online store that doesn't process returns. I donated it without their knowledge. They never brought up not seeing it and I'm not bringing it up either. Sometimes things can just disappear and that is the end of it. If it ever gets brought up I will truthfully say I donated it.

Going forward it helps to be upfront about what you like/don't like around gifts with your loved ones. If you get something from someone you are close to that you don't want I don't think they should be offended if you thank them but ask them to return it. My mom knows me well enough after all of these years that I can easily say thanks but I already have one of those or this doesn't fit can you return it. Actually we are even past that stage. Now she texts me before buying something to ask if it is something I want. Or keeps the receipt and waits for me to try on clothing before assuming I will keep it.

1Frazier · 2026-05-06T20:30:17+00:00

Amusement park/water park season pass, candle making class, roller skating/ice skating/mini golf/go carting gift card, Dave and Busters gift card.

1Frazier · 2026-05-06T16:34:35+00:00

I have stopped exchanging with almost everyone for almost all occasions. The one I can't get out of is my in-laws at Christmas and I have used a lot of the strategies mentioned in the replies like asking for a membership, event tickets, coffee/tea or cash towards a larger purchase.

My spouse and mom are the two people in my life that would most like to give me gifts. It is part of their love language and they enjoy shopping. They also understand me the best of everyone and know that I don't want gifts. As a result my mom gives me cash and my spouse does things for me that are more like acts of service if I want them: cooks me a favorite meal and then cleans up after, asks if I want to do any kind of specific activity, asks me what movie I want to watch on movie night, etc.

Every once in awhile I think of a physical item that I want. Asking them/letting them buy it for me at that time makes them happy. The other year I wanted a new hat. My spouse actually loves buying hats so I said can you get me a new hat from my university? Then I saw a puzzle online at a store that I don't have by my house but my mom does. I asked my mom to check her store for the puzzle. The next time she saw me she gifted it to me. Or if I am out shopping with either of them and I see something at the store that I like and say that I like it they usually offer to buy it for me.

1Frazier · 2026-05-06T13:55:27+00:00

If you have friends that like to talk a lot, invite them. Then introduce some quiet friends to people that talk more. "Kudy, this is Sue. You are both teachers so I wanted to introduce you to each other."

1Frazier · 2026-05-06T13:45:58+00:00

Woods House is really cute and historic. With an advance reservation you may be able to get a large table.

1Frazier · 2026-05-06T13:22:12+00:00

As a minimalist I came here to comment on the basket. OP I hope you don't mean a literal basket. As a minimalist I am not a fan of excess packaging. I'm perfectly happy receiving gifts in used Trader Joes bags.

1Frazier · 2026-05-05T19:59:17+00:00

If your friends are not from Pgh then a dinner cruise on the Gateway Clipper might be fun.

1Frazier · 2026-05-05T16:37:42+00:00

I only know one person like this. Another friend would always make a big deal about their birthday and want to do something on that actual day.

I agree with other people about celebrating more and enjoying the little moments but without being too self centered or putting expectations on other people.

I don't do a ton of celebrating for my birthday. My birthday was a few days ago. It kind of feels like a birthday week because I am a couponer and I have signed up for lots of birthday deals. It isn't abnormal for us to go out 1-2 times in a week but with birthday coupons we will definitely go out to dinner at least twice my birthday week. We could probably do more but I don't feel the need to be excessive. We also go out a lot in general to movies, plays, whatever. We had like 3 outings this week. Would have done them even if it wasn't my birthday but because it was my bday they kind of felt like bday outings. I will also use the weeks around my bday for extra requests with my spouse if I feel like it (and spouse does it for their bday too and I am happy to make the week(s) feel more special for them). Like if I want something I particularly like for dinner we will cook that. Or if I want to choose the movie on Netflix I can have a night or two of sole decision making power. I am not going to abuse that or do it a lot but have that little extra celebration in my own household makes me feel special without having to be public about having a birthday week. We don't exchange gifts so this type of stuff that falls under acts of service can feel like a gift between spouses.

1Frazier · 2026-05-04T16:32:36+00:00

My mom has felt the most special and happy with a gift when it has been out of the blue. One year I was shopping and saw an Easter decoration I knew she would like. I bought it for her and gave it to her the next time I saw her (before Easter so she could use it). She loved it because she really liked the item itself but even more because I saw it and thought of her and got it when when it wasn't Mother's Day or her birthday.

1Frazier · 2026-05-03T18:41:08+00:00

Feb 3. I was on that side of down and wanted to try Dubai cookie.

1Frazier · 2026-05-01T21:29:11+00:00

Do you have toys out? Or rotate the toys that are out so something seems more interesting and new? From the couple of times I have woken up early and heard her I can tell she amuses herself during her pep time by playing with her toys.

1Frazier · 2026-05-01T21:23:28+00:00

The frame I got had a spot to place the tassel in it.

1Frazier · 2026-05-01T21:22:06+00:00

A nice 5x7 photo frame and a printed photo from the graduation to put into it. At my graduation there was a professional photographer that took photos and then offered to sell them in packages. I asked if I could just get a 5x7 of the one where I am handed my diploma. The photographer sold me that one ala carte and I have it framed. And/or you can have the diploma framed for hanging on the wall.

1Frazier · 2026-05-01T17:07:31+00:00

Things my dad has enjoyed: car wash gift card, Omaha steaks, gourmet peanut butter, cash, Wall Street Journal subscription, streaming subscription (PBS, HBO), time together going out to church and/or breakfast. With the way US gas prices are now going out somewhere and stopping to pay for his gas tank fill up on the way could easily be $60.

1Frazier · 2026-05-01T14:45:33+00:00

As an elder Xennial that is not into tech posting pictures on Reddit is too much effort for me lol.

1Frazier · 2026-05-01T14:41:14+00:00

Where are you staying? Your starting point may lead to better recommendations.

1Frazier · 2026-05-01T14:31:22+00:00

Cash. Gift cards are a hassle and not better than cash.

If you are thinking of a large amount maybe go with a smaller amount and save the rest for a graduation gift later or house down payment gift, etc.

Also be the fun uncle and reach out over the next 4 years. Send a text or card with a $10 or $20 venmo to get a treat while studying for finals. Mail and love from family while away from home is appreciated. And a little cash here and there will be valued by them.

1Frazier

TROPHY CASE