Do any of you send stuff from gift catalogs? Like cakes, coffee, munchies....I don't know what else is out there, but I know there is a lot.

I think I will be sending catalog order gift packages to my family that no longer lives near us. I have no clue what they are into these days, and of course there is the cost of gifts for SO MANY people as we all expand our families. Not to mention the added cost of shipping.

So, my question is, if you have used, what are your favorite companies? I am sending to families that all have kids, so it needs to be total family friendly (ie coffee is good only for parents). We are cutting way back on spending too, so I am only hoping to spend about $30 per family.

Happy to use any MV links to help this site out as well. Just looking for good deals, tasty or fun treats for entire family, and really hoping to find some good shipping specials.

TIA

By Yjja123 on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 03:25 pm:

I do not recommend Harry & Davids. My mom spent $70 on a basket of pears and chocolates for me. The basket arrived with rotten fruit! Yuck!
I have sent Mrs. Fields baskets and everyone has been pleased with them.

By Insaneusmcwife on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 03:46 pm:

Dana, I sent you an email.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 06:10 pm:

Dana, have you thought about buying a very small family gift (i.e., a tree ornament) and putting in a gift card from Target or Walmart or something similar?

By Dana on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 07:08 pm:

Ginny, I have, but tough to do when you have young kids wanting "their own" present. I figured something to eat or share some how might fit the bill. My brother sent us some yummy cheese cakes one year, and we all certainly enjoyed them!

I would make my own gift baskets, but I have a tough time just doing regular grocery shopping these days. Something about that tasks literally sends me to my bed. It takes the next morning and a nap before I feel better. So I am wanting to avoid any type of walking/shopping what-so-ever. Hoping to purchase online and not have to deal w/ the post office.

If I were sending a gift card from a store to just one person, I don't have a problem, but to send such a small amount to cover a family of 4 just bothers me.

By Yjja123 on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 07:55 pm:

Dana,
What about movie theatre gift cards or blockbuster or something that can be enjoyed as a family.

By Colette on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 08:03 pm:

Jackson and Perkins has some nice non-food gifts.

www.jacksonandperkins.com

By Colette on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 08:05 pm:

sorry, skip that, it's probably not good for people with kids. I'd do the blockbuster gift card.

By Dana on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 08:44 am:

I wonder if they have to have a membership in order to use a blockbuster gift card? I know one of my sisters refuses to use them....and actually, DH and I just canceled ours cause of poor customer service. Worth looking in to and finding out which movie rental house each family uses in their area.

By Conni on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 09:25 am:

Dana, I think your family will understand this yr if you just get them gift cards or something very simple!!!! If you are concerned about the kids not having their own gift... Maybe you could just get them a $10 gift card and the parents a $20 gift card (or something like that?). What about a family DVD and a popcorn tin? You can order those online.

Take care of you and that baby boy!!

I also think a food basket is a good idea. Harry and David's has good food gifts other than the fruit someone mentioned above, Russell Stover candy, Hickory Farms, etc... There are many more places I know -- just cant think of them.

My mil and sil have a basket business if you want their email address I'd be glad to send it to you via email (dont want to post it on the board and get in trouble).

I send my grandmother's a nice poinsettia every yr or a nice Christmas arrangment to have to add to their decor. It's easy to call the florist in their town and have it delivered to them the week of Christmas and they really enjoy it.

Last yr I sent 2 ladies magazine subscriptions to Southern Living (maybe you could do Family Fun subscriptions or something for the whole family).

Ok I am done now! lol Let us know what you decide on.

By Fraggle on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 03:22 pm:

My MIL sends us Mrs. Prindables apples from QVC every year-they are soooo good. But, I just checked their website though and they would cost about $40 after adding the shipping cost though. My mom has sent gift baskets through the Popcorn Factory and they were reasonable and family friendly. We have ordered through Harry and David's before but I find them expensive.

By Eve on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 04:37 pm:

Meredith, the apples are DIVINE! Oh my goodness, those are a treat!!

We have received Harry and David's fruit and goodies every year for well over a decade and it's always been the freshest, most perfect fruit! They have wonderful nuts and other goodies too.

By Fraggle on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 05:18 pm:

I can't say I was upset when a package arrived from Mrs. Prindables yesterday. I can't wait to open one up tonight after dinner. Just thinking about eating those apples is making my mouth water!

By Conni on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 05:59 pm:

OK, you two!! You have my curiosity up. I am going to have to send myself some of those apples! LOL

By Bea on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 11:22 pm:

Dana, can you call or look online for a grocery store near them? Many will make up fruit and or cheese baskets for local delivery. Many florists also have this service from local sources. Check out Wal-Mart online under gifts and flowers. They have very reasonable gift baskets.
Or try http://www.hersheygifts.com

By Dana on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 06:37 am:

Cool idea, Bea. I would have never thought to check their local stores!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.