I say get the merlot--and tell her you noticed that she likes it. Ask some wine-shop guy for a recommendation, and you'll be fine. I think gifts that show you through about the specific person are better than gifts you pick out of only obliation, or that indicate you considered her _classification_--young mom, etc. And I'm w/ Lindac, get something consumable. That poor woman, if she's got little kids, already has too many little things in her house. If you don't want to do the wine, do a nice jam, or something. I personally won't do candles or bath & lotion stuff, because I hate them and I think most people have plenty, even if they like them. Even fresh flowers are nice. They're beautiful, many of us forget to buy them for ourselves, and they WILT!

No real suggestions here, but I do like to make themed baskets as gifts. I just gave my Dad a big basket lined with cloth napkins and filled with breakfast things - pancake mix, scone mix, 2 syrups, honey, jams and a small thing of coffee. TJMaxx always has a nice assortment of giftable foods which is where I purchased most of the things. I've also done baskets with lotions, soaps, candles and a relaxing cd. Movie themed ones are fun too - a favorite dvd or theatre gift cards and some of those boxed candies, some popcorn and soda. I had to copy your list. You've got some great ideas there!

So many nice ideas here. Thank you. Reading your responses has really made me realize what a blessing she is as a MIL and grandma. My kids do go on one-on-one slumber parties with her and grandpa when they can. Unfortunately our school and sports schedules cut into it a bit right now. She also has season passes to many local places already. Again, we go when we can. We already have a cookie making date scheduled so perhaps we'll add a gingerbread house into the mix. My kids love doing those. Public outings make me a bit nervous. My kids are well behaved, but sometimes being out-numbered takes its toll (like when you're sitting in a theater and someone needs to go potty.... take them all with you and leave your snacks behind... ugh!). She would never go for the babysitter idea. I love the idea of going for a tea. In fact there is a wonderful historic restaurant that does it here, but my boys would hate every minute of it. Maybe I'll go with her! My boys would love the city bus since it's not something we ever use, but the family joke is that grandma has zero sense of direction. I'm sure they would get lost! Top Secret Adventures look very interesting. I will look more closely at that! I think my best bet will be a personal spa treatment of some kind, then a fun at-home activity like the gingerbread house. Thanks!

My son got his pilot's license as a senior in HS, and lessons were $225/hr, both in CT and near our summer house in Maine. (That is also what they charge for an introductory flight) He is looking to go to the next level and get his license for instrument flying; given how many hours or lessons one needs, he'd probably switch if he could fly for half; if you don't mind can you message me with the place you found? Thx.