Sheesh, LeeAnne! Is this the same SIL that you want to strangle with her g-string??? All kidding aside, I think it's a great idea (the no gift thing).
We're doing an out-of-state move about 2 weeks after Christmas and are really not into the whole gift thing this year. I mean, I'm definitely buying my kids presents, but that's about it! My family is just going to have to understand that we don't have the time or money to be out spending this year. I also agree about getting things you don't like, that happens to me so often, especially when I take so much time to get the perfect gift for each person. I also find certain family members spend way more than they can afford, and I hate that too.
I'm all about baking. For years after we were first married (translation: pretty poor!), I made gift treat bags for each relative complete with a framed photo of the kid. One family member eats those little butter cookies and he kept the tins for me. I spray painted them gold and made my own navy blue ribbons for them, you should be an expert with ribbons since you were a florist for so long! Those big blocks of melting chocolate are really inexpensive and you can even do it in the microwave. I made peanut clusters, almond clusters, chocolate covered pretzels, coconut macaroons, etc. Everyone likes something tasty to eat! Cheesecakes are good too, but can be expensive! If you can buy the cream cheese in bulk, you should be alright though. I just made a pumpkin cheesecake last night and would be thrilled to receive one from a friend. I'm still not like a millionaire or anything, but find it difficult to mail the chocolate treats I've made in the past. SInce being in Florida, I have instead opted to send out quantities of Florida citrus fruit from an on campus fundraiser. It's like $12 for 20 lb of fruit, but then the shipping is about $15. It adds up fast, but I think it's been an OK gift for grandparents and other indirect family members.
Good luck, and as I start packing, I'll find those DVD's to mail. I haven't forgotten, just too busy to find them!