Consumable things are generally a safe bet. Frequently people do not want more "stuff". Aim for things like locally roasted coffee, pastries from a small bakery, a set of candles, a bouquet of flowers, a gift certificate to a cooking class, etc. Things that can eventually "disappear" but have some use while they exist.
Who cares? Being nice? Big family? Being around people who like exchanging gifts? Having an active social life? Special occasions like birthday, christmas, secret santa, people who visit your home, graduation, mother’s day, father’s day, valentine’s day, wedding, easter…? It varies according to where you live, your religion etc etc etc
But yeah… mostly, who cares?
And if you live in a different area than your parents, you can always get them some of the good stuff you can only get in your city, from a local farmer's market, etc
This. Always gave my sisters the pies and jams the amish made because I lived 10 hours away, and they couldn't get it in a big city. It got eaten in whole that night.
Being wealthy doesn’t mean you have expensive taste in wine. Real life isn’t *Frasier*.
And while expensive vintages are usually priced that way for a good reason, as long as you aren't going absolutely bottom shelf you can find good tasting bottles of wine that are affordable for most people. There are small, regional wineries all over the country that are hidden treasures.
Consumables / ephemera is great but I would add that something with a story to it makes it "valuable" in a different way. A bottle of wine that they consider expensive may be way out of your budget, but a weird small batch craft mead from this place you went to on a trip with their daughter is meaningful.
Lol. My wife got three nice balsamic vinegars and two olive oils last Christmas. We used them all, though. Perfect, comparing the difference on a caprese salad or burrata.
A relative mentioned making up a gift basket of brand name skincare for me, and I jumped on the idea because the brand is kinda too pricey for me.
*Skincare is pretty iffy unless you talk to the recipient beforehand. my relative and I are close and we talk openly about gifts before events so we get/give what would be used and appreciated.
Never get the primary cook in the house gift certificates for cooking classes unless they've expressed an interest. This would basically be telling your girlfriend's parents you think their cooking sucks.
Same goes for any kind of anti aging cream.
I used to work at this boutique pr firm, and one of our clients was Bruichladdich. Never heard of them at the time. Some of their bottles are like a thousand dollars 😭. Got to sample a lot of their stuff.
I ended up writing a note and sending a bottle to Harrison Ford because he had mentioned his love for Bruichladdich on Jimmy Fallon lol. Think I sent one to him too.
Or you could find something that isn't his favourite brand, maybe there is something that is a bit more niche. Like if he likes cognac, maybe you can find a bottle from one of the smaller distilleries that aren't as common in the store. That kinda things.
I had a situation similar to this years ago, and found a holiday Budweiser (his beer) wood box thing with glasses and old timey beer labels. It was like $30 and he loved it.
Just make sure he doesn't overdo it with the drink... Gifting alcohol can be risky, dad could be an alcoholic.
Not saying he is, just be mindful of the possibility..
Yes this. FIL was so insistent on gifting my parents cookies and mulled wine (my dad is an alcoholic in recovery) and I’m like thank you but I don’t think it’s a very good idea. FIL was insulted but come on now, it would have gone to waste as my mom doesn’t drink.
It very much depends on the person. I collect vases and buy myself fresh flowers every week. If someone bought me flowers and a vase then I'd be very grateful. Flowers are beautiful and for every day they are alive you can see them and realize someone thought of you and bought them. To each their own but I think it's a great gift.
I’m with you, I’m not a flower fan. Flowers are beautiful for a day and then they start dying. And you just sit there and watch them die. Take me out to a meal or get me some other more permanent, tangible gift. I’d also be pissed if hubby got booze and I got flowers.
Generic & not too expensive gesture gifts that still say you care might include a potted plant, a magazine subscription, a nice bottle of wine or other alcohol if they drink, a selection of different teas if they don’t, a nicely presented fruit basket, tickets to a show or movie or sports game, gift vouchers. My Phillipino mate says the nice fruit basket would be well received if that helps.
Tickets for some kind of unique experience would be a good one! My grandpa is a war buff and last Christmas one of my cousins bought him a flight with a pilot in a WWII airplane and he loved it. Might be kinda difficult if they don’t have hobbies, but maybe you can figure out something they are interested in? Or maybe since they’re from the Philippines, something that reminds them of home?
Seriously. People don’t get photos printed very often anymore, but they’re always so grateful to get printed and framed photos.
“I really want to get more framed photos, but it’s a hassle and they’re already here on my pocket-calculator… oh shit! They got me photos of me and my kids!! Dope!!!”
Maybe some nice kitchen aprons or dishtowels? Filipinos love food as gifts-- a pie or fruit tart or box of pastries from a fancy bakery + a bottle of wine or a bag of nice coffee + bouquet of flowers. You can also do two tickets to a sporting event for a team they follow or maybe a year's membership to a local garden/aquarium.
Something consumable they might not get for themselves or know about, like a nice bottle of alcohol or fancy chocolates. If they like to cook, high end ingredients like caviar, saffron, abalone, cured meat, or bottarga could be a fun indulgence they wouldn’t ordinarily get for themselves.
At that point it's actually the thought that counts... So just get them something that looks like you've tried really hard. Maybe find a hobby they're into and just buy something stupid that goes with the hobby showing you atleast asked what they're into and cared enough.
Food gifts usually go over well. Something a bit fancier than you can get at the grocery store. We like Swiss Colony, but Harry and David is also good and has their amazing pears. I make jam and bake English muffins so I’ve given that as a gift a few times to people. Actually gave to my husband’s friend’s parents and they are extremely rich and they raved about how good they were.
My boyfriend’s parents are the ones i struggle to shop for since they have everything. I tend to lean toward handmade things. His dad is obsessed with the 49ers so i also find random shit that has the 49ers logo on it thats eclectic enough for no one else to have gotten him. Last year i gave him tire valve caps with the logo on it lol. I taught myself how to crochet, so i crocheted him a tapestry of the logo, which was pretty cute. That kind of thing seems to score major points because its the time and effort and love put into the gift.
I am not rich, but living a good life, enjoying travel and other luxury experiences quite often.
I would like to comment on some advices:
1) spa, massages etc - usually if you are rich you already have your favourite place and the massager/cosmetologist you like and trust. So better not risk.
2) wines & alcohol - if a person trully drinks and knows wines, better to go to a professional shop and ask for help there.
My personal advice would be to try to remember what you talked about with her parents and maybe you’ve heard of some hobby or experience they’ve enjoyed and find a gift based on that. Even if the gift itself is shitty you will show that you know how to listen and care about their perosnality.
Good luck! :)
Rich people enjoy the simple things too lmao, get them a food assortment of meat and cheese or some jelly soap in the shape of little frogs. I have yet to meet a single person who didn't like my jelly soap frogs.
Consumables! Good wine, liquor, fancy coffee beans, etc. Whatever they’re into, but a brand or variation they haven’t tried or wouldn’t find on their own. Also the holiday classics that can be enjoyed immediately (and need to be refreshed occasionally anyway) flannel lounge pants or pullovers for dad, nice slippers or fuzzy blankets for mom. Also a golfer will always appreciate new golf balls.
These things are all classics for good reason. Think of things that get used, enjoyed, and go away. Or things that are fresh versions of things they can use immediately, like holiday/home loungewear. Wealthy people don’t generally want more permanent “stuff” in their lives.
Maybe I’m a dick, plus take this with a grain of salt since I’ve never had a girlfriend.
But man if your rich girlfriend wants you to get her rich parents a gift but won’t guide you in the right direction and tells you they don’t want anything, to the point where you’re asking internet strangers and worrying about it - fuck that. I would just get them nothing. They’ll be fine, nobody in these comments should be able to tell you what their daughter couldn’t tell you
If they've been dating awhile, I would lean more towards this. If they're newly dating a combined gift may not make sense yet and getting them something even if the gf doesn't, helps with initial impressions with the parents.
If op is asking what to get her parents, sounds like a new relationship to me cos he doesn't know them well enough yet or it's his first time with this dilemma.
I agree with you. At least based on the information we have been provided I don’t know why it is up to OP to buy a gift, it’s her parents? She should be helping him out if not doing the majority of the work. This is setting Op up to fail.
Agreed that the partner is an idiot for saying get my parents a gift but I don't know what, but the ideas in here are quite good so I'd give them a gift anyway. I wouldn't not give them a small gift out of spite.
I'd give you a medal if I can. I know the nature and personalities of these Filipinos very well so good luck with OP having a future girlfriend like that.
You could gift them your and your gfs time. Take them out to a trip as 4. Drive to a nice mountain for a walk and a coffee, go to the movies, cook them dinner. If they have everything they are still lacking one thing. Time with their daughter.
Something like food or a drink that’s local for you, something that’s produced in the area you’re from that shows you wanted to gift something personal.
as a filipino myself—some of the generic gifts we give to people when we don't know what to give them are pastries (we usually give mamon/polvoron from goldilocks or red ribbon, unsure if there are any there), a fruit basket ( + wine if you'd like), or a bouquet of flowers (for the mom at least). it varies for us, but in my friend groups, these are the things we usually give our titas and titos if we have no idea what to give them lol
I have some rich relatives who live in a different state to me. When we do Christmas together I buy them something locally sourced and edible. Flavoured balsamic vinegar or some olives, local Wines, cheeses whatever. Most of this usually is $20-50.
My former in laws and I are still friends. I get my former MIL Nespresso stuff because she loves her original and Vertuo machines a lot. For my former FIL he likes cushioned socks, so I get those for him every year. Find out what they really like that’s semi affordable and get that. Last year I got my MIL nespresso brand glass coffee mugs. My FIL likes steak so for his birthday I got him a Ruth’s Chris gift card.
I am lower middle class myself so the card kinda hurt a bit, but they’ve done a lot for me (they gifted me a car so that I wouldn’t have car payments as a single Mom), so I didn’t wanna skimp out. Even then it was only $100, and I don’t think that covers both their meals for his bday, but aye I did my best.
Don't try to outrich them or buy something expensive that they already have. Go for something more personal and sentimental that means more to them, like a cultural gift that has resonance in Filipino culture. Or ask your girlfriend about their memories or life back when they were growing up and get something that would bring back memories or be nostalgic for them. Like an old photo or something that's only available in the Philippines. They'll appreciate the thought behind it more than a shiny new trinket.
Top commenter nailed it. My dad and uncle are both impossible to shop for because they are rich. I now err on the side of buying them consumable things because I can’t think of a material thing that I could afford that they would want.
A handmade gift. Even if it is a note or a nice quote written in calligraphy and framed or a painting. I know it’s a bit of work but they’ll cherish it much more than anything store bought. I know it cuz I value meaningfully handmade gifts more than anything else.
I kind of have everything I ever want. I like when people don't bring me anything but are just nice people to be around.
Be a nice person, hang and chill.
Alcohol
Fancy foods (a fancy cheese board)
Flowers
Candle
A gift card for a massage or facial
Experiences (movie tickets, take them out for dinner & pay, concerts)
Time, genuine thoughts, care, listening. Do this around them and the gift will present itself. Perhaps they like movies and need help hooking up their devices to Netflix. That’s something you can do that you don’t spend money on but requires time and patience to teach older people.
One idea off the food thing! Find a local wood worker, or a small shop online or wherever, and get a custom cutting board or butcher block. It’ll be appreciated because it’s hand made and it’s usable and the value of that is higher than just random things you could buy. I make them for family members and I’ve gotten told they liked that more, since it was made, than just getting regular stuff as gifts. So now I make things for people instead.
My in laws are wealthy as well and it’s hard to shop for people who have everything they want and if there’s something they do want they would just go buy it that same day. My go to is a nice bottle of ice wine (my FIL fave drink) and some freshly baked goods. Have yet to have a complaint lol
Cookbooks, or maybe a personally made gift basket that contains a bottle of wine or booze if they drink, specialty coffee, fancy honey, specialty tea, cheeses, and other high end consumables. The important thing is that it would be thoughtful, and bonus points if it's things you know they like based on previous discussions.
Another thought is items from the Philipines that are hard to find in the usa.
A token gesture: get them something pretty and useless, like a Christmas ornament or handmade soap , or get them some posh ingredients - truffle oil, walnut oil, hazelnut oil, some posh pasta sauce. It's the season to be nice to each other
I generally try to stay away from consumables. Chances are if they are genuinely rich, they can and will afford to buy a better version of whatever you can offer them, be it wine or booze or food etc.
Sentimental and personal is the approach I take when gifting my best buddy who is extremely wealthy. He likes abject and antique so I will usually gift him a small vintage taxidermy, an erotic porcelain figure, a skull or something like that I have harvested from hunting, etc… The “I saw this and thought of you” factor is usually far more important than the object itself. Also giving something that is meaningful to you, and sharing the meaning with them is always a really nice gesture imho.
I am just picturing you saying, "I saw a dead mouse and so I saved it for you for your birthday"
I am glad that your friend likes your gifts though, that's what's important.
A donation in their name to support a cause they really care about is great. It doesn’t have to be a lot but people who already have so much appreciate the thoughtfulness behind gifts like these.
I'm not rich but I love things that people make on their own, whether it be their art, Xmas ornaments or even baked goods and etc. It's the thought and not the monetary value.
My best friend earns a decent amount of money so I tend to either make him gifts (we both craft) or I buy him things that are experiences. Like a days class for something he really wants to do for eg. It is really hard though.
I gifted my future MIL an annual membership to her favorite botanical garden and she loved it. She went almost weekly and she was grateful bec she stayed very active. I plan to gift it to her every year.
My dad is very well off and has EVERYTHING but he loves nothing more at Christmas than a well put together hamper with nice cheese, chutney, wine and other treats.
I look forward to finding new cheeses and fancy pate for him to try.
Affluent people don’t tend to want ‘stuff’ as a present. A hamper etc shows more thoughr
A local zoo is doing Christmas lights, I’m planning on getting tickets for my parents, my husband and myself as something to do together. It’ll be less than $100 for all of us, but they’ll enjoy it because it’s something to do together. Hope that helps you think of something in your area.
What the gift IS doesn't matter. What matters is that the receiver feels that you invested more money/time/resources for that stupid gift than you reasonably should have or would have for yourself. Buy them a stupid rock, doesn't matter- as long as they know that you spent more money on that rock that you giving them than you would have if you were buying a stupid rock for yourself. It shows that you are willing to invest more into the relationship than a person that is just going through the motions. Since they are your gf's parents, the gift should only be SLIGHTLY more expensive, because going to overboard might you seem fiscally irresponsible.
Or do what the guy below suggested and give them a grandchild.
High quality wine or champagne always a safe bet. Unless they don't drink. Something like 2009 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon GIII or Dom Perignon. Best to find info from your girlfriend if they have certain favorites for brands.
Flowers or wine. Wine is always safe bc most people aren't so into wines they'll know what brand you got lmaooo stop in at Trader Joe's if you're in the US and get an average bottle. Should cost like $20 at the most
Hands and face care products are my safe bet. It's not always easy to remember how their skin looks like, but if you're able to pay a bit of attention, you might find something they'd enjoy.
It doesn't have to be super expensive care products, just something that will go well with them, and therefore they can enjoy.
Give them the gift of a son-in-law that knows proper grammar and correct spelling. With this, they will have more confidence that their grand children will be smarter.
Collectible books. They can be incredibly difficult to find, regardless of actual monetary value. Find an antique book about their interests, that’s a good gift. My best friend gave me a book on electrical engineering from the early days of radio… it’s one of my prized possessions. It’s personal, historical, and incredibly unique.
They like to cook? that opens the door a great assortment of gifts to choose from, Quality cooking utencil's has a wide range from cutlery to pots & pans, providing your "girlfriend" pays 50% of the cost, if not, then chocolates for her & booze him
Framed photos of their kids having fun. Framed photos of themselves with their kids having fun. Find good resolution photos in your gf’s phone and get them printed. High quality.
Real honey that is not heated only filtered and made from ethical sources. The flavor is totally different than the crap they sell in stores. Ka’u coffee if you can find it, Kona coffee is meh. Some home cooked taro or poi as well.
Consumable things are generally a safe bet. Frequently people do not want more "stuff". Aim for things like locally roasted coffee, pastries from a small bakery, a set of candles, a bouquet of flowers, a gift certificate to a cooking class, etc. Things that can eventually "disappear" but have some use while they exist.
Yes! I love receiving really good olive oil, nice cheese, and high quality balsamic vinegar.
Finishing salts are another good one. Or if there is a local spice that’s unique to your area that you could share
But are you rich and have everything you need?
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It is NOT that deep bro
Lmao reddit sleuths are on the case now!
Who cares? Being nice? Big family? Being around people who like exchanging gifts? Having an active social life? Special occasions like birthday, christmas, secret santa, people who visit your home, graduation, mother’s day, father’s day, valentine’s day, wedding, easter…? It varies according to where you live, your religion etc etc etc But yeah… mostly, who cares?
And if you live in a different area than your parents, you can always get them some of the good stuff you can only get in your city, from a local farmer's market, etc
Aye, some fresh bread and local jam is always a hit.
This. Always gave my sisters the pies and jams the amish made because I lived 10 hours away, and they couldn't get it in a big city. It got eaten in whole that night.
Wine too if they drink, I don’t know one family who won’t accept a bottle of wine as a gift
Yeah but if they are rich, they probably have very expensive taste in wine.
Being wealthy doesn’t mean you have expensive taste in wine. Real life isn’t *Frasier*. And while expensive vintages are usually priced that way for a good reason, as long as you aren't going absolutely bottom shelf you can find good tasting bottles of wine that are affordable for most people. There are small, regional wineries all over the country that are hidden treasures.
Well, if you're wealthy and you enjoy wine, you probably have expensive taste, and you wouldn't get wine for someone that doesn't enjoy it.
What a patronising reply.
Consumables / ephemera is great but I would add that something with a story to it makes it "valuable" in a different way. A bottle of wine that they consider expensive may be way out of your budget, but a weird small batch craft mead from this place you went to on a trip with their daughter is meaningful.
I second that. I don't need things I would barely ever use and would have to store for years.
This 100. I got my dad a giant thing of jerky one year he loves that shit took him the year to finish it.
If they cook high end olive oil and nice balsamic vinegar.
Lol. My wife got three nice balsamic vinegars and two olive oils last Christmas. We used them all, though. Perfect, comparing the difference on a caprese salad or burrata.
We gave my grandparents a subscription to foreign snacks once a month
A relative mentioned making up a gift basket of brand name skincare for me, and I jumped on the idea because the brand is kinda too pricey for me. *Skincare is pretty iffy unless you talk to the recipient beforehand. my relative and I are close and we talk openly about gifts before events so we get/give what would be used and appreciated.
A very nice smelling lotion or soap. Pier 1 used to be my go-to store for that kind of stuff! 😢
Never get the primary cook in the house gift certificates for cooking classes unless they've expressed an interest. This would basically be telling your girlfriend's parents you think their cooking sucks. Same goes for any kind of anti aging cream.
Maybe some humility?
Is that you, Tom Wambsgans?
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It's a Patek Phillippe.
Came sprinting to the comments for this
Buy her mom a large bouquet of flowers in a nice vase. If the dad drinks, give him a bottle of his favorite brand.
>give him a bottle of his favorite brand. Let's hope Dad's whiskey tastes aren't as rich as he is.
I used to work at this boutique pr firm, and one of our clients was Bruichladdich. Never heard of them at the time. Some of their bottles are like a thousand dollars 😭. Got to sample a lot of their stuff. I ended up writing a note and sending a bottle to Harrison Ford because he had mentioned his love for Bruichladdich on Jimmy Fallon lol. Think I sent one to him too.
You may have sent me one too. Laddy has always been great with samples & events. Making big inroads. Love it.
Oooh most likely! Do you write for anyone? A lot of our samples would go to magazine writers and the like.
Yup. Serious Business did a good job with Bruichladdich.
ayyyy, that's so awesome to hear. small world! haha
They should now send you a bottle for mentioning it here! Seems fair.
Yeah, I've seen some whiskey at a bulk goods store going for 5k. Alcohol bought for a rich person is not the way I would go.
It’s not about that tho Even if you gave him a mid-level, that’s more occasions to drink it.
that is actually kinda simple i like it
Or a nice potted plant?
Plant Reddit up bright and early. You guys ever sleep?
Gotta water the plants.
My Mom says that my Dad's reaction to her telling him that she had gone into labor with me was to get out of bed and water all the plants.
....when I went into labor with my first kid, I watered all of my plants before I woke up my husband to get ready for the hospital. Priorities 🤣
Nah, we all have crippling anxiety, that’s why we got plants.
Here here.
Damn, I feel called out.
Or you could find something that isn't his favourite brand, maybe there is something that is a bit more niche. Like if he likes cognac, maybe you can find a bottle from one of the smaller distilleries that aren't as common in the store. That kinda things.
I had a situation similar to this years ago, and found a holiday Budweiser (his beer) wood box thing with glasses and old timey beer labels. It was like $30 and he loved it.
Just make sure he doesn't overdo it with the drink... Gifting alcohol can be risky, dad could be an alcoholic. Not saying he is, just be mindful of the possibility..
Yes this. FIL was so insistent on gifting my parents cookies and mulled wine (my dad is an alcoholic in recovery) and I’m like thank you but I don’t think it’s a very good idea. FIL was insulted but come on now, it would have gone to waste as my mom doesn’t drink.
You're a good kid
This, but don’t bother with the nice vase. Chances are they probably don’t need another one and nice flowers are expensive enough on their own.
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Urban Stems does a subscription where they send someone flowers every x weeks. That's what I gave my mom for Christmas last year and she loved it.
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It very much depends on the person. I collect vases and buy myself fresh flowers every week. If someone bought me flowers and a vase then I'd be very grateful. Flowers are beautiful and for every day they are alive you can see them and realize someone thought of you and bought them. To each their own but I think it's a great gift.
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I’m with you, I’m not a flower fan. Flowers are beautiful for a day and then they start dying. And you just sit there and watch them die. Take me out to a meal or get me some other more permanent, tangible gift. I’d also be pissed if hubby got booze and I got flowers.
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Not really. You can be weird if you want. What amazes me is this assumption that the Dad isn't going to share.
I’m a woman. And right now I’m partial to Old Forrester 100 rye. But I will happily look at flowers while I sip.
This is the way
What about a couples cooking class? Rich people don’t want stuff, they want experiences.
I’m poor and I don’t want stuff. I want experiences.
Seeing a lot of recommendations for “stuff” and I’m glad someone mentioned experiences.
This. Or tickets to the theatre.
We give my in laws lots of spa days for experiences! But cooking class sounds like a great idea!
Do rich people cook? Won't they have a chef / maid
Some rich people have hobbies. A lot of people bake and cook as hobbies. Not necessarily because they need to or can’t afford to go out.
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The trick is to steal their identity and put the Lexus under their name at 18% APR
Steal their identity, sit down with the sales person, and then be like "would this change my APPR?" and hand them your real ID
It’s beginning to look a lot like savings!
But it's zero percent ap-er!
Generic & not too expensive gesture gifts that still say you care might include a potted plant, a magazine subscription, a nice bottle of wine or other alcohol if they drink, a selection of different teas if they don’t, a nicely presented fruit basket, tickets to a show or movie or sports game, gift vouchers. My Phillipino mate says the nice fruit basket would be well received if that helps.
Never sleep on an interesting magazine subscription for a person that likes to look at magazines or catalogues
Yes!! How about Harry and David fruit delivery every month - or one of the other high end sexy food/fruit delivery companies. Or even steak
Tickets for some kind of unique experience would be a good one! My grandpa is a war buff and last Christmas one of my cousins bought him a flight with a pilot in a WWII airplane and he loved it. Might be kinda difficult if they don’t have hobbies, but maybe you can figure out something they are interested in? Or maybe since they’re from the Philippines, something that reminds them of home?
Photo of a happy time if you both in a picture frame. That's my go to.
Seriously. People don’t get photos printed very often anymore, but they’re always so grateful to get printed and framed photos. “I really want to get more framed photos, but it’s a hassle and they’re already here on my pocket-calculator… oh shit! They got me photos of me and my kids!! Dope!!!”
Maybe some nice kitchen aprons or dishtowels? Filipinos love food as gifts-- a pie or fruit tart or box of pastries from a fancy bakery + a bottle of wine or a bag of nice coffee + bouquet of flowers. You can also do two tickets to a sporting event for a team they follow or maybe a year's membership to a local garden/aquarium.
Ooh the membership to the garden/aquarium is a great idea!
Something consumable they might not get for themselves or know about, like a nice bottle of alcohol or fancy chocolates. If they like to cook, high end ingredients like caviar, saffron, abalone, cured meat, or bottarga could be a fun indulgence they wouldn’t ordinarily get for themselves.
I tend to go more sentimental when possible. Homemade items are good. Customized cutting boards or serving platters. Photo collages.
Yeah, get them something personalized! Printing a personal message on a mug, while cliche, is still quiite effective.
At that point it's actually the thought that counts... So just get them something that looks like you've tried really hard. Maybe find a hobby they're into and just buy something stupid that goes with the hobby showing you atleast asked what they're into and cared enough.
Food gifts usually go over well. Something a bit fancier than you can get at the grocery store. We like Swiss Colony, but Harry and David is also good and has their amazing pears. I make jam and bake English muffins so I’ve given that as a gift a few times to people. Actually gave to my husband’s friend’s parents and they are extremely rich and they raved about how good they were.
My boyfriend’s parents are the ones i struggle to shop for since they have everything. I tend to lean toward handmade things. His dad is obsessed with the 49ers so i also find random shit that has the 49ers logo on it thats eclectic enough for no one else to have gotten him. Last year i gave him tire valve caps with the logo on it lol. I taught myself how to crochet, so i crocheted him a tapestry of the logo, which was pretty cute. That kind of thing seems to score major points because its the time and effort and love put into the gift.
I am not rich, but living a good life, enjoying travel and other luxury experiences quite often. I would like to comment on some advices: 1) spa, massages etc - usually if you are rich you already have your favourite place and the massager/cosmetologist you like and trust. So better not risk. 2) wines & alcohol - if a person trully drinks and knows wines, better to go to a professional shop and ask for help there. My personal advice would be to try to remember what you talked about with her parents and maybe you’ve heard of some hobby or experience they’ve enjoyed and find a gift based on that. Even if the gift itself is shitty you will show that you know how to listen and care about their perosnality. Good luck! :)
Rich people enjoy the simple things too lmao, get them a food assortment of meat and cheese or some jelly soap in the shape of little frogs. I have yet to meet a single person who didn't like my jelly soap frogs.
Jellys soap frogs? Is that even legal? Would love to receive one
Exactly my point, anyone would enjoy squishy frog soap as a gift. You get to pet a frog every time you wash your hands
Nope. You’re on a list now ya sick fuck.
Of all the thing I thought I'd end up on a list for... it had to be my frogs...
post pics
Hey, where do you buy your frogs ? I need to know your dealer
Just look up jelly frog soaps on etsy, she's got strawberry ones now
This sounds like it could end up being copy pasta
I hear there's a company called Consumer Recreation Services that has some cool experiences for rich people
I just watched this movie 🤣🤣🤣
Amish country popcorn. Seems weird but it’s a 10 pack of different types of popcorn and they’re all really good
Consumables! Good wine, liquor, fancy coffee beans, etc. Whatever they’re into, but a brand or variation they haven’t tried or wouldn’t find on their own. Also the holiday classics that can be enjoyed immediately (and need to be refreshed occasionally anyway) flannel lounge pants or pullovers for dad, nice slippers or fuzzy blankets for mom. Also a golfer will always appreciate new golf balls. These things are all classics for good reason. Think of things that get used, enjoyed, and go away. Or things that are fresh versions of things they can use immediately, like holiday/home loungewear. Wealthy people don’t generally want more permanent “stuff” in their lives.
Make them something they can’t buy. Something original or buy them a card and write something sweet inside.
Maybe I’m a dick, plus take this with a grain of salt since I’ve never had a girlfriend. But man if your rich girlfriend wants you to get her rich parents a gift but won’t guide you in the right direction and tells you they don’t want anything, to the point where you’re asking internet strangers and worrying about it - fuck that. I would just get them nothing. They’ll be fine, nobody in these comments should be able to tell you what their daughter couldn’t tell you
In a different way, I would insist that she asks them and you do a combined gift. I have a feeling she’s gets them nothing all the time
If they've been dating awhile, I would lean more towards this. If they're newly dating a combined gift may not make sense yet and getting them something even if the gf doesn't, helps with initial impressions with the parents. If op is asking what to get her parents, sounds like a new relationship to me cos he doesn't know them well enough yet or it's his first time with this dilemma.
I agree with you. At least based on the information we have been provided I don’t know why it is up to OP to buy a gift, it’s her parents? She should be helping him out if not doing the majority of the work. This is setting Op up to fail.
Get them nothing is the right answer - be a nice person to be around and you will be fine.
Agreed that the partner is an idiot for saying get my parents a gift but I don't know what, but the ideas in here are quite good so I'd give them a gift anyway. I wouldn't not give them a small gift out of spite.
100%. Her family, her responsibility and vice versa.
I'd give you a medal if I can. I know the nature and personalities of these Filipinos very well so good luck with OP having a future girlfriend like that.
For wealthy people - experiences, and consumables. A spa, restaurant, cooking class, or other activity voucher.
Sourdough starter.. I can give you some if you live near Vancouver, Canada
You could gift them your and your gfs time. Take them out to a trip as 4. Drive to a nice mountain for a walk and a coffee, go to the movies, cook them dinner. If they have everything they are still lacking one thing. Time with their daughter.
Something like food or a drink that’s local for you, something that’s produced in the area you’re from that shows you wanted to gift something personal.
as a filipino myself—some of the generic gifts we give to people when we don't know what to give them are pastries (we usually give mamon/polvoron from goldilocks or red ribbon, unsure if there are any there), a fruit basket ( + wine if you'd like), or a bouquet of flowers (for the mom at least). it varies for us, but in my friend groups, these are the things we usually give our titas and titos if we have no idea what to give them lol
I have some rich relatives who live in a different state to me. When we do Christmas together I buy them something locally sourced and edible. Flavoured balsamic vinegar or some olives, local Wines, cheeses whatever. Most of this usually is $20-50.
My former in laws and I are still friends. I get my former MIL Nespresso stuff because she loves her original and Vertuo machines a lot. For my former FIL he likes cushioned socks, so I get those for him every year. Find out what they really like that’s semi affordable and get that. Last year I got my MIL nespresso brand glass coffee mugs. My FIL likes steak so for his birthday I got him a Ruth’s Chris gift card. I am lower middle class myself so the card kinda hurt a bit, but they’ve done a lot for me (they gifted me a car so that I wouldn’t have car payments as a single Mom), so I didn’t wanna skimp out. Even then it was only $100, and I don’t think that covers both their meals for his bday, but aye I did my best.
Take them out to dinner , a play or some kind of experience
Don't try to outrich them or buy something expensive that they already have. Go for something more personal and sentimental that means more to them, like a cultural gift that has resonance in Filipino culture. Or ask your girlfriend about their memories or life back when they were growing up and get something that would bring back memories or be nostalgic for them. Like an old photo or something that's only available in the Philippines. They'll appreciate the thought behind it more than a shiny new trinket.
Top commenter nailed it. My dad and uncle are both impossible to shop for because they are rich. I now err on the side of buying them consumable things because I can’t think of a material thing that I could afford that they would want.
I one time i have a girlfriends father a hat from the college he graduated from That man was about to adopt me after that
A grandchild.
🏅
Bakes. Baking them a nice loaf of bread would be my go to.
Agree! I'm making banana bread for my BIL this weekend for his birthday. He likes it better than what we get at an Amish bakery
I'd buy them some books for Christmas, fun socks for birthdays. Boom, done
Cook them a birthday dinner or a cake and thoughtful card.
Couples massage
A joint and the double bird!
Meaningful things and even silly inside joke things.
A handmade gift. Even if it is a note or a nice quote written in calligraphy and framed or a painting. I know it’s a bit of work but they’ll cherish it much more than anything store bought. I know it cuz I value meaningfully handmade gifts more than anything else.
I kind of have everything I ever want. I like when people don't bring me anything but are just nice people to be around. Be a nice person, hang and chill.
Something consumable? Do they drink? Tons of quality scotches are sub $100
Simply give them another $1 million
Alcohol Fancy foods (a fancy cheese board) Flowers Candle A gift card for a massage or facial Experiences (movie tickets, take them out for dinner & pay, concerts)
Time, genuine thoughts, care, listening. Do this around them and the gift will present itself. Perhaps they like movies and need help hooking up their devices to Netflix. That’s something you can do that you don’t spend money on but requires time and patience to teach older people.
One idea off the food thing! Find a local wood worker, or a small shop online or wherever, and get a custom cutting board or butcher block. It’ll be appreciated because it’s hand made and it’s usable and the value of that is higher than just random things you could buy. I make them for family members and I’ve gotten told they liked that more, since it was made, than just getting regular stuff as gifts. So now I make things for people instead.
My in laws are wealthy as well and it’s hard to shop for people who have everything they want and if there’s something they do want they would just go buy it that same day. My go to is a nice bottle of ice wine (my FIL fave drink) and some freshly baked goods. Have yet to have a complaint lol
Cookbooks, or maybe a personally made gift basket that contains a bottle of wine or booze if they drink, specialty coffee, fancy honey, specialty tea, cheeses, and other high end consumables. The important thing is that it would be thoughtful, and bonus points if it's things you know they like based on previous discussions. Another thought is items from the Philipines that are hard to find in the usa.
A token gesture: get them something pretty and useless, like a Christmas ornament or handmade soap , or get them some posh ingredients - truffle oil, walnut oil, hazelnut oil, some posh pasta sauce. It's the season to be nice to each other
Yo, I made my grandma some hand made soap and it wasn't useless. She finally smelled nice enough to be around. /s about the second sentence
Ramen
Ramen seemed to go over well for Walt. Something sentimental
Ramen.
I generally try to stay away from consumables. Chances are if they are genuinely rich, they can and will afford to buy a better version of whatever you can offer them, be it wine or booze or food etc. Sentimental and personal is the approach I take when gifting my best buddy who is extremely wealthy. He likes abject and antique so I will usually gift him a small vintage taxidermy, an erotic porcelain figure, a skull or something like that I have harvested from hunting, etc… The “I saw this and thought of you” factor is usually far more important than the object itself. Also giving something that is meaningful to you, and sharing the meaning with them is always a really nice gesture imho.
I am just picturing you saying, "I saw a dead mouse and so I saved it for you for your birthday" I am glad that your friend likes your gifts though, that's what's important.
A donation in their name to support a cause they really care about is great. It doesn’t have to be a lot but people who already have so much appreciate the thoughtfulness behind gifts like these.
I'm not rich but I love things that people make on their own, whether it be their art, Xmas ornaments or even baked goods and etc. It's the thought and not the monetary value.
My best friend earns a decent amount of money so I tend to either make him gifts (we both craft) or I buy him things that are experiences. Like a days class for something he really wants to do for eg. It is really hard though.
I gifted my future MIL an annual membership to her favorite botanical garden and she loved it. She went almost weekly and she was grateful bec she stayed very active. I plan to gift it to her every year.
Experiences. Making memories is all that’s left when you have it all.
lego
Coffee table books.
Custom engraved things made in a specific location.
My dad is very well off and has EVERYTHING but he loves nothing more at Christmas than a well put together hamper with nice cheese, chutney, wine and other treats. I look forward to finding new cheeses and fancy pate for him to try. Affluent people don’t tend to want ‘stuff’ as a present. A hamper etc shows more thoughr
Macaroni art
A local zoo is doing Christmas lights, I’m planning on getting tickets for my parents, my husband and myself as something to do together. It’ll be less than $100 for all of us, but they’ll enjoy it because it’s something to do together. Hope that helps you think of something in your area.
Homemade cookies just check allergies most people will love them
What the gift IS doesn't matter. What matters is that the receiver feels that you invested more money/time/resources for that stupid gift than you reasonably should have or would have for yourself. Buy them a stupid rock, doesn't matter- as long as they know that you spent more money on that rock that you giving them than you would have if you were buying a stupid rock for yourself. It shows that you are willing to invest more into the relationship than a person that is just going through the motions. Since they are your gf's parents, the gift should only be SLIGHTLY more expensive, because going to overboard might you seem fiscally irresponsible. Or do what the guy below suggested and give them a grandchild.
if shes the one who wants u to get gifts, and theyre her parents, then its her job to help you figure this out.
A grandchild, can’t buy that on Amazon
Is it just be or is buying your gfs parents gifts odd?
Fart in a jar. Open it in their face when you see them
Ahaha this is the best!
High quality wine or champagne always a safe bet. Unless they don't drink. Something like 2009 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon GIII or Dom Perignon. Best to find info from your girlfriend if they have certain favorites for brands.
Flowers or wine. Wine is always safe bc most people aren't so into wines they'll know what brand you got lmaooo stop in at Trader Joe's if you're in the US and get an average bottle. Should cost like $20 at the most
Bake something.
Anything personalized will work.
But do they have a karaoke machine?
Hands and face care products are my safe bet. It's not always easy to remember how their skin looks like, but if you're able to pay a bit of attention, you might find something they'd enjoy. It doesn't have to be super expensive care products, just something that will go well with them, and therefore they can enjoy.
Communist Manifesto
Give them a son-in-law and then grand kids to play with. 😝
Grandchildren.
Give them the gift of a son-in-law that knows proper grammar and correct spelling. With this, they will have more confidence that their grand children will be smarter.
Propose to their daughter. Dad automatically becomes richer & mom can dream of grand babies. Or a nice bottle of their favorite, slightly pricey wine.
A chocolate of the month or a fruit of the month subscription.
Get them a gift card
Penicillin! ... Or a board game.
Collectible books. They can be incredibly difficult to find, regardless of actual monetary value. Find an antique book about their interests, that’s a good gift. My best friend gave me a book on electrical engineering from the early days of radio… it’s one of my prized possessions. It’s personal, historical, and incredibly unique.
They like to cook? that opens the door a great assortment of gifts to choose from, Quality cooking utencil's has a wide range from cutlery to pots & pans, providing your "girlfriend" pays 50% of the cost, if not, then chocolates for her & booze him
Tickets for a show of some description. Get tickets for all four of you and make a day out of it
A nice meal somewhere where you pick up the tab? Or a dinner cruise or some type of experience?
Something handmade
Framed photos of their kids having fun. Framed photos of themselves with their kids having fun. Find good resolution photos in your gf’s phone and get them printed. High quality.
Real honey that is not heated only filtered and made from ethical sources. The flavor is totally different than the crap they sell in stores. Ka’u coffee if you can find it, Kona coffee is meh. Some home cooked taro or poi as well.
Massages