My sister in law got me a subscription box that comes quarterly called Fab Fit Fun (or something like that). I've been really pleased with the items in there... a water bottle, phone charger, a wrap I get a ton of compliments on, beauty products, etc. It comes 4x a year and so it's a gift that keeps on giving. I plan to give it to my sister this year for her birthday.

This is a little goofy, but we recently made my mother in law a sweatshirt with photos of our pets on it. (She wanted it, I swear!) It's a good quality sweatshirt, and they did a great job - maybe she'd like something like that? It's both cozy and sentimental.

We got it from this company: https://www.printful.com/custom/mens/hoodies-sweatshirts/unisex-pullover-hoodie-stanley-stella

Maybe you could get your sister one with your kids' pics on it?

I love the idea of inviting her on vacation with you, too.

A cashmere sweater or scarf.

I can easily afford it myself, but I'm kind of frugal like your sister. If someone else gives it to me it would really warm my heart (and body).

Anonymous wrote:The photo blankets are usually poor quality.

Instead, I would give her a nice framed photo of her and the baby, and buy her a nice throw blanket. I received a cashmere blanket as a gift and it's wonderful. If that's out of your price range, then the throw blankets that are knit with a shearling-like inner layer are super cozy and she would probably love that plus maybe a teacup and fancy tea.

I agree. Those blankets are usually pretty low quality. A good cashmere blanket or slippers, maybe, and a nice photo of her with your kids.

The photo blankets are usually poor quality.

Instead, I would give her a nice framed photo of her and the baby, and buy her a nice throw blanket. I received a cashmere blanket as a gift and it's wonderful. If that's out of your price range, then the throw blankets that are knit with a shearling-like inner layer are super cozy and she would probably love that plus maybe a teacup and fancy tea.

I'm the single sister/aunt in my family. We don't exchange gifts, but if we did, I'd probably love anything, but especially something I could cozy up with on the couch while reading or watching a movie. Something like a really soft blanket big enough to wrap up in, nice soft socks, a velvet throw pillow for the couch, a good book etc.

Maybe this year since your sister did so much for you, you can get a Christmas ornament that reflects that in some way.

Nice chocolates or other treat.

Flowers (I love them but don't often spend the money on them myself and when I do, it's whatever's on sale, not the ones I think are prettiest.)

Do you have any pictures of her with the kids? If they are framed or in one of those electronic frames that might be nice. I like the idea of the blanket with the picture of her holding the baby.

Are you crafty at all? My siblings (so my kids' aunts and uncles) go absolutely ga-ga over things like those bowls or platters or mugs that you paint, you have the kids make handprints or fingerprints and you put their names under them, and then the studio or store fires the things so they get a pretty glaze and are usable. I cannot tell you how much of a fuss my family members make when they get something like that. I bet your sister would like something like that made by the kids. Or if you don't have one of those pottery/paint places near you, buy one of those canvas LL Bean bags and have your kids make handprints on them (look it up on youtube so you get the right paint) and then you can paint on the kids' names underneath.

While I appreciate the thought of a gift to a charity, I don't think that's really a "gift" to someone. Others may disagree.

Does your sister ever get a manicure and pedicure? If there is a nice spa near her that might be a treat she would appreciate, too.

You sound like a nice sister and I bet your sister will be happy with anything you do for her!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Family is obviously important to her. Pictures of you and your baby and her and your baby along with with a handwritten thank you card go along way.

I say this as the much older sister whose kids are grown that helps with my siblings kids.

Op here
Thank you. I plan to do this. I had budgeted $200 for a gift for her. I know it sounds like a lot but I also know she had travel expenses etc. She can afford it, it's more that I want her to feel cared for.

To the other pp - she doesn't eat out much and she lives in a tiny basement apartment by choice, don't think she likes plants.

I did ask her and she said she doesn't need anything... She's generally a self sacrificing personality.

Maybe I should make a blanket with a picture of her holding my baby? I do have a nice picture of that and she's often cold. Is there a website that would do a very good job on that?

Personalizationmall.com

I’d invite her on vacation with your family, paying her way. I think she’d probably enjoy spending time with her nieces/nephews in a fun setting

Op- she does have a favorite charity (actually multiple) and I have donated in her honor in the past. I guess I could always fall back on doing that. I felt like I wanted to do something directly for her this time, but I'm finding it hard to think of something she would appreciate. I think she'll like the blanket, thanks to the PP with the idea of a picture of her and baby

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Family is obviously important to her. Pictures of you and your baby and her and your baby along with with a handwritten thank you card go along way.

I say this as the much older sister whose kids are grown that helps with my siblings kids.

Op here
Thank you. I plan to do this. I had budgeted $200 for a gift for her. I know it sounds like a lot but I also know she had travel expenses etc. She can afford it, it's more that I want her to feel cared for.

To the other pp - she doesn't eat out much and she lives in a tiny basement apartment by choice, don't think she likes plants.

I did ask her and she said she doesn't need anything... She's generally a self sacrificing personality.

Maybe I should make a blanket with a picture of her holding my baby? I do have a nice picture of that and she's often cold. Is there a website that would do a very good job on that?

Does she have a favorite charity? Perhaps a basket of wine, chocolate, bath salts, and a good book.

Anonymous wrote:Family is obviously important to her. Pictures of you and your baby and her and your baby along with with a handwritten thank you card go along way.

I say this as the much older sister whose kids are grown that helps with my siblings kids.

Op here
Thank you. I plan to do this. I had budgeted $200 for a gift for her. I know it sounds like a lot but I also know she had travel expenses etc. She can afford it, it's more that I want her to feel cared for.

To the other pp - she doesn't eat out much and she lives in a tiny basement apartment by choice, don't think she likes plants.

I did ask her and she said she doesn't need anything... She's generally a self sacrificing personality.

Maybe I should make a blanket with a picture of her holding my baby? I do have a nice picture of that and she's often cold. Is there a website that would do a very good job on that?

Family is obviously important to her. Pictures of you and your baby and her and your baby along with with a handwritten thank you card go along way.

I say this as the much older sister whose kids are grown that helps with my siblings kids.

Why don’t you ask her? A flower/plant subscription? A generous gift card to her favorite restaurant?

My older single sister was a huge help for me after my last baby (large family). She came and did my laundry, took my newborn overnight, baked cookies with the kids, etc. I did not ask her to do this. Totally her idea.

I want to get her something really special. She is self supporting and very religious. We don't come from a normal family and she often steps in as surrogate mother. I want her to feel appreciated.

If I give her money I'm afraid she'll just give it away. What could a woman who lives alone, doesn't date much, likes helping people want?