I hate shopping, so I really want to get all the xmas shopping out of the way before November this year. 

My mom, sister, MIL, and SIL all have decently long hair, between shoulder and mid back.  I was thinking that I could put together some kind of hair baskets for them, with hair ties and bun nets to match their hair, a good detangler comb, some jojoba oil, and something useful to store all their hair stuff in.  I'd like to get an individual higher priced nice item for each of them also, like hair sticks, or braiding instructions. 

So tell me, is this cheesy?  None of them are long hair enthusiasts so to speak, and I only like to get gifts that will be used, and won't be clutter. 

Any ideas on what to include, while keeping the price reasonable?

What a fun idea!
I think you have some good ideas already.  You might take a few clues from what they normally do with their hair -- use claws, pony, head band, etc.  But putting in an extra goodie or two that they don't normally use might give them the inspiration to try something new.  What about a "gift certificate" for a "free styling by Valerie" - if you feel comfortable doing someone else's hair?

A great idea!  I think any lady would love such a present! And even a long haired guy too!  

Ah, Valerie!  I think it's a great idea and since you take good care of your hair, you know just what they'll need.   

Last Christmas I did stockings for my bellydance troupe and included a seamless plastic comb, conditioner packets, shower cap, clear hairfriendly elastics and colored hairfriendly elastics.  The only non hair related gift was a pair of funky x-masy socks.

I had intended to write out instructions (I have no idea what kind of hair care routine they individually used) but ran out of time.

Perhaps you can color coordinate the accessories with their favorite colors?

Clearly, you're a very thoughtful person.   

I think that's a great idea!!  I think LL sticks would make a great gift.  A lot of people here like Ficcare too (I haven't used one myself, but I hear they're great.)  Or, if you're worried about what kind of sticks to pick out, a gift certificate would be nice.

I'm sending my friend a gift certificate next month, but she's not sure how to do updo's.  So I'm also going to gather URLs of styles specifically for her length.  Maybe you could do that, or print the URLs or actually instructions on nice paper.  You can either roll the paper like a scroll and tie with a ribbon, or punch a hole in the corner and tie together like a little book.

An actual style or hair care book would be nice to add too.

Good luck on your baskets!

Cynde

As long as the oils are keep closed and out of light, heat and humidity I think they'll be fine.  You could always add a little vitamin E to prolong shelf life.  Besides, if you're going w/jojoba it is actually a wax, not oil.

Jojoba should be good through next year, as long as there's minimal air in the bottle. Sounds like a great idea, Valerie! Saaay, I need to make one of these for my best friend's post-wedding. 

Anais