Get a gift for. . .the IN-LAWS

They aren't technically my in-laws, but every year I struggle to come up with a good gift for my boyfriend's parents. In fact, I think buying gifts for your significant other's parents (married or not) is one of the most difficult gifts you'll have to buy. You usually don't know them as well as your own parents, but you want them to really like what you get them so it might, in turn, help them to really like you. Here are some tried and true ideas that I have used in the past.

Gift Certificates/Subscriptions

I suggest going with a safe-bet, and getting them a gift certificate to their favorite eatery. It doesn't necessarily have to be a dinner spot - e.g., Do they pick up coffee and bagels every Saturday from a particular place or have they raved about a particular bakery or candy shop that makes the best sweets?

Another idea on the gift certificate front is a gift subscription. Do they belong to Netflix? If not, a 12-month gift subscription starts at $107.88.

Flowers

How cool is this Peppermint Amaryllis Basket from Burpee? If your in-laws have a green thumb, pick up this blooming plant for $44.95. The site also has many other blooms to choose from.

A Game

Do dinner conversations at your in-laws make you want to run to the nearest ledge? Break the silence with the Table Topics Game. The game is available in several editions, but I suggest sticking with the "Family" deck to stop the conversation from heading toward TMI-land (and we all know how painful that can be). Pair the game with a bottle of wine and let the fun begin! ($26.95, available at Wrapables)

Something Edible

If you are a master in the kitchen, then definitely whip up some Christmas cookies or a cake to take over as a gift. However, if you are more like myself in the kitchen (I'm not even going to mention the toffee incident of '06), I suggest buying them something already delicious on its own. Dale & Thomas Popcorn is exactly that - I bought a sampler pack for my boyfriend's parents a couple of years ago and they haven't stopped talking about it ever since. You can even get them a "popcorn of the month" package (although the website says that more details on this will be coming soon). Try getting them the 6-Month Sampler ($28.00) or the Pop Bowl Set that includes 6 flavors and 4 popcorn bowls ($48.00). The popcorn comes in flavors like Chocolate Chunk N'Caramel, Peanut Butter & White Chocolate DrizzleCorn, and Twice-as-Nice Chocolate Drizzle Corn. Even their Hall of Fame Kettle Corn is to die for!

Teacher Rewards

Since gifts come in many forms, and since it is back-to-school week, I thought it might be nice to provide links for student incentive rewards. E.G., the sticker board with stars for every good deed done or the three checks next to your name = detention.

Teachers have come a long way from those days and some of these ideas are really creative, I'm sure they'd work at school or at home!

Here's a link to an article from Education World titled, "Reward Systems That Work: What to Give and When to Give It!" This site includes 35 "Reasonable Rewards" such as "sit with a friend" and "take a homework pass." However, I have to wonder if some of these rewards would really interest kids ("have a teacher make a positive phone call home," "enjoy a positive visit with the principal," and "assist the custodian").

Certificates are a great, and inexpensive way to keep kids motivated. Heck, I can even think of a few other people who would appreciate a homemade certificate. At 123certificates.com you can print awards and even matching sticker charts like these---for free!

Anyone else got a great incentive for teachers to motivate students?