Gift Ideas for New sister-in-law

Marley369

So, my brother is currently stationed in CA while our family lives in PA. He recently meet a woman, and married her within 6 months of meeting. They are coming home for Christmas, and it will be the first time my family has ever met her. I haven't really had any contact with her, but I feel I should buy her a gift. I've been throwing around some ideas, but it's hard because I don't know her. I found a few vera bradley bags that I thought might be nice, but I couldn't decide on a pattern. I picked three, let me know which you like best or suggest a different. Also - I'm open to other gift ideas, but I figured a bag might be nice.

Vera Bradley Vera in Plum Petals

 Vera Bradley Mandy in Happy Snails

Vera Bradley Mandy in Ellie Blue

Sorry, I'm a bit indecisive!

toothpastechica

Please don't take this wrong, but if you don't know her I would:

 A) Not spend so much money on  her.....its nice that you want to get her something, but if I was in her spot I would feel really awkward getting soming expensive from someone I don't really know.

Those bags have really strong characture, so unless you know for fact shes been wanting on, I wouldn't get something like that. I would never in my life use a bag with prints that big on it...my bags are all brown and black and mostly small....I feel like a purse or clothing is something too personal to try and buy for someone you don't know.

Get her a giftcard, or a bath set or candles or home decor...something more generic, and I would set a price limit of $25-50 especially if you don't really know her.

BeckyOff

Ditto about bags being really hard to pick out if you don't know their taste.  If you're going to do a bag, I'd go more towards a tote that you might put groceries in, take to the beach, etc instead of a bag that she'd carry everyday.

How about a local PA thing?  Get her a shirt for the local sports team your family roots for.  Or the town you live in is know for their ________.  Something "made in PA."  Personalized Christmas ornament.

Remember that she has to get on a plane with whatever you give her.

 Ask your brother if he could give you some ideas. 

foxyroxy

BeckyOff:

How about a local PA thing?  Get her a shirt for the local sports team your family roots for.  Or the town you live in is know for their ________.  Something "made in PA."  Personalized Christmas ornament.

I love this idea! You could make a gift basket with something tasty or handcrafted from the Amish country, Clark bars and something black & gold from Pittsburgh, and pretzel mix and maybe a print of the Liberty Bell. You could put it all in some tote bag from some place in PA. 

erollis

The local PA goods gift basket is a fabulous idea. Make it a joint gift for both your brother and SIL. It would be a new experience and thoughtful thing for SIL and a taste of home for your brother.

MiniMugLinton

erollis:

The local PA goods gift basket is a fabulous idea. Make it a joint gift for both your brother and SIL. It would be a new experience and thoughtful thing for SIL and a taste of home for your brother.

This is a great idea!

cutiepie75

The gift basket is a nice idea, but like someone else said "she has to take it on a place home."  I would think small gift with a gift card.  OR.......How long are they staying?  Could you do something with her while they are there to get to know her better (ex lunch and manicure).  A good bonding experience may be nice, and she may be happy to get out. 

kac

Hi: i like the experience idea. Take her to lunch and to the spa, or to see the nutcracker or some sporting event.  Ask your brother what she would like.

Kristen

chelljqueen

I agree with the previous posters.  I'd steer clear of the VB bag and lean more toward a monogrammed (sp?) Lands End or LL Bean canvas tote.  I love them and use them for so many different things like a weekender, carry on bag, beach bag, groceries, etc.  They have so many different uses and I guarantee it won't go unused.