Honeybees and seedlings
The husband's family (with the exception of his parents) are the kind of people who send out strict and detailed gift lists every year, complete with item number/catalog page/the like; there's no surprising them and there's little joy watching them all unwrap the expected gifts on Christmas morning, inspect the item and then tuck the always-present gift receipt into a pocket just in case. Of course, the giving side of things in our direction isn't so generous, but at least their awkward gifts come with gift receipts. Thankfully, we rarely see them.

This year, we decided that a little something different was in order and instead of buying them their tenth LL Bean sweater, we donated honeybees and tree seedlings in their honour through Heifer International. We figure that unlike another set of matching place mats, the world could use some more bees and plants and people in need could stand to benefit from them. The relatives will be getting a selection of my most popular biscuits and cakes as well, and if that isn't good enough for them, so be it -- I have no desire to cater to adults who are far pickier and demanding than my five-year-old niece.
(louveciennes , Volvospotter, Sat 28 Nov 2009, 15:55, 3 replies)

Bees!
What a fantastic gift! ~loves bees~
( vix0r was not Matthew on, Sat 28 Nov 2009, 22:20, closed)

I buy my family goats and teachers
there's also a bumper condom/sex education pack which goes down well.
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Sun 29 Nov 2009, 7:01, closed)

There's a joke in there somewhere
I just know there is.
(louveciennes , Volvospotter, Sun 29 Nov 2009, 20:10, closed)