Orchid or jade plant. Some kind of yummy gourmet chocolate or other gourmet items like fancy fruit spreads; Rodmans has a good selection of random, imported candy, cookies, and other treats. Scarf/shawl. A kitchen item that someone wouldn't buy for herself (ex. my SIL is a baker but never would spend money on madelaine pans, so I got her those last year). Gift certificate to the movies ($30 gets you two tickets, popcorn and a soda). Nice bottle of wine. Cookbook.