What should I ask for for Christmas?

[justme]

Similar to the other posts, but not entirely quite...

My problem is my parents are asking me what I want for Christmas and too many things on my list are big-budget items that 1) are beyond what my parents spend on me and 2) not fun and who wants not fun Christmas presents? 

So basically I'm looking for some ideas of what I might want. They usually only spend around $200 I think. Either one big thing or multiple small ones.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Good set of noise canceling headphones?  I love my Bose ones.  

[busymom]

Cash!  My Dad always used to joke that cash is always the right color, and the right size...  

[Tennesseer]

Nov 18, 2019 14:51:08 GMT -5 justme said:

Similar to the other posts, but not entirely quite...

My problem is my parents are asking me what I want for Christmas and too many things on my list are big-budget items that 1) are beyond what my parents spend on me and 2) not fun and who wants not fun Christmas presents? 

So basically I'm looking for some ideas of what I might want. They usually only spend around $200 I think. Either one big thing or multiple small ones.

Do you get along well with your parents? Do they live local or at a distance. If at a distance, invite them to your home for Christmas and tell them that will work as their Christmas gift to you.

[Deleted]

There has to be something for your home that you want in the $200 price range.  That's not a cheap gift.  A wine fridge, some nice knives or cookware, a kitchen gadget, new bedding, something . . .   Or a new jacket, new boots, etc.  

A "fun" gift doesn't have to be something frivolous.  That just means that it is something that you will enjoy but maybe is something of a splurge.

I'm not perfectly helpful, am I?

[Gardening Grandma]

If you travel, I second the noise cancelling headphones.
What are your interests? 

[TheHaitian]

Nov 18, 2019 17:10:34 GMT -5 busymom said:

Cash!  My Dad always used to joke that cash is always the right color, and the right size...  

AMEN!!!

[Happy prose]

Do you have a Fitbit? For $200, you could ask for a Fitbit and a good pair of sneakers. I had the same problem with our secret Santa, limit $75. I finally came up with stainless steel pots I want. If it's cold where you live, maybe a down blanket? I love mine.

[laterbloomer]

Do I understand that you can't think of a gift you would like for under $200? Seriously?

[justme]

Nov 18, 2019 17:31:48 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Nov 18, 2019 14:51:08 GMT -5 justme said:

Similar to the other posts, but not entirely quite...

My problem is my parents are asking me what I want for Christmas and too many things on my list are big-budget items that 1) are beyond what my parents spend on me and 2) not fun and who wants not fun Christmas presents? 

So basically I'm looking for some ideas of what I might want. They usually only spend around $200 I think. Either one big thing or multiple small ones.

Do you get along well with your parents? Do they live local or at a distance. If at a distance, invite them to your home for Christmas and tell them that will work as their Christmas gift to you.

They live about an hour away and I always drive to them as we usually then drive over to my bro's for Christmas.

[justme]

Nov 18, 2019 21:23:38 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Do I understand that you can't think of a gift you would like for under $200? Seriously?

To be fair I can't think of something specific over it either. They upgraded my kindle last year.

Being utterly single for the last 6+ years and never having a bf before buy me a present made me quite self sufficient of buying what I want. Usually my parents make note of what I say over the last year, but I guess I haven't mentioned anything? And they want to stick with specific things as our tastes can very.

So no, nothing is really jumping out at me. Usually I find something in black Friday apps, but the closest I've come is a new camera lens but I know that's over their budget.

[Tennesseer]

Nov 18, 2019 21:34:49 GMT -5 justme said:

Nov 18, 2019 17:31:48 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Do you get along well with your parents? Do they live local or at a distance. If at a distance, invite them to your home for Christmas and tell them that will work as their Christmas gift to you.

They live about an hour away and I always drive to them as we usually then drive over to my bro's for Christmas.

Maybe think of something for Christmas from your parents you can then share with them at a later date.

[justme]

Nov 18, 2019 19:07:32 GMT -5 Happy prose said:

Do you have a Fitbit? For $200, you could ask for a Fitbit and a good pair of sneakers. I had the same problem with our secret Santa, limit $75. I finally came up with stainless steel pots I want. If it's cold where you live, maybe a down blanket? I love mine.

Florida, so not cold. My Fitbit is dying but i think I'd prefer to replace with a smart watch. Mentioned a fossil, but she went on about how my bro pays $10 a month for his apple watch. I told her i don't think you have to pay for an android version every month, but not sure she's on board. Definitely considering bringing it up again at Thanksgiving. Though I'm not entirely sure I want to wear a big watch every day again.

[justme]

Nov 18, 2019 21:46:27 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Nov 18, 2019 21:34:49 GMT -5 justme said:

They live about an hour away and I always drive to them as we usually then drive over to my bro's for Christmas.

Maybe think of something for Christmas from your parents you can then share with them at a later date.

I wish I could think of something! They're practically impossible to buy for even though they're pretty much don't bother buying us stuff.

It's kind of a family predicament because I have no idea what to get my bro/SIL either.

[Tennesseer]

Understood.

[Tennesseer]

Nov 18, 2019 21:56:16 GMT -5 justme said:

Nov 18, 2019 21:46:27 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Maybe think of something for Christmas from your parents you can then share with them at a later date.

I wish I could think of something! They're practically impossible to buy for even though they're pretty much don't bother buying us stuff.

It's kind of a family predicament because I have no idea what to get my bro/SIL either.

When my parents were still alive, for Christmas I bought them a brand new TV with all the bells and whistles. Nine months later I flew up for a visit with the parents and there was no sight of the TV I had bought for them.

I asked the folks where the TV was. They told me they gave it to my brother because the remote control was too complicated for them.

[busymom]

Nov 18, 2019 22:09:24 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Nov 18, 2019 21:56:16 GMT -5 justme said:

I wish I could think of something! They're practically impossible to buy for even though they're pretty much don't bother buying us stuff.

It's kind of a family predicament because I have no idea what to get my bro/SIL either.

When my parents were still alive, for Christmas I bought them a brand new TV with all the bells and whistles. Nine months later I flew up for a visit with the parents and there was no sight of the TV I had bought for them.

I asked the folks where the TV was. They told me they gave it to my brother because the remote control was too complicated for them.

   I totally get this.  When my Mom needed to replace her t.v., I put colored duct tape on the only buttons she would need to used on it (on/off, channel changing, etc.) and the poor dear still had a lot of trouble figuring it out.  

[Tennesseer]

Nov 19, 2019 0:03:07 GMT -5 busymom said:

Nov 18, 2019 22:09:24 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

When my parents were still alive, for Christmas I bought them a brand new TV with all the bells and whistles. Nine months later I flew up for a visit with the parents and there was no sight of the TV I had bought for them.

I asked the folks where the TV was. They told me they gave it to my brother because the remote control was too complicated for them.

   I totally get this.  When my Mom needed to replace her t.v., I put colored duct tape on the only buttons she would need to used on it (on/off, channel changing, etc.) and the poor dear still had a lot of trouble figuring it out.  

I had also bought the parents a Mr. Coffee maker so that when I visited I could have a cup of coffee. My dad didn't drink coffee and on rare occasion, my mom would have a cup.

So I'm up in Massachusetts again for a visit at Christmas. The older brother who got my TV is also visiting. He's recently divorced so needs things. He asks my mom if he can have the Mr. Coffee maker. She looks at me and then says 'Well Tennesseer is only here for a couple of days a year. He can go to Dunkin Donuts down the street and pick up a couple of cups for himself there."

So older brother takes the Mr. Coffee machine. As he's leaving the house to his car to head home up to New Hampshire, he accidentally slips on ice in the driveway, falls, and breaks the coffee maker carafe. After helping him up and making sure he's okay, he states the carafe is broken. I silently laughed to myself.

[crazycat]

Nov 19, 2019 0:44:30 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Nov 19, 2019 0:03:07 GMT -5 busymom said:

   I totally get this.  When my Mom needed to replace her t.v., I put colored duct tape on the only buttons she would need to used on it (on/off, channel changing, etc.) and the poor dear still had a lot of trouble figuring it out.  

I had also bought the parents a Mr. Coffee maker so that when I visited I could have a cup of coffee. My dad didn't drink coffee and on rare occasion, my mom would have a cup.

So I'm up in Massachusetts again for a visit at Christmas. The older brother who got my TV is also visiting. He's recently divorced so needs things. He asks my mom if he can have the Mr. Coffee maker. She looks at me and then says 'Well Tennesseer is only here for a couple of days a year. He can go to Dunkin Donuts down the street and pick up a couple of cups for himself there."

So older brother takes the Mr. Coffee machine. As he's leaving the house to his car to head home up to New Hampshire, he accidentally slips on ice in the driveway, falls, and breaks the coffee maker carafe. After helping him up and making sure he's okay, he states the carafe is broken. I silently laughed to myself.

My DH’s side of the family do this kind of thing all the time . Well , SIL needed it more , BIL is broke , so I (MIL) gave them what you gave me , be it a TV , an iPad , cash , whatever . It’s very frustrating. My husband  just agrees with her  . Well , how about they actually work a FT job and get their shit together . 

UGH ! 

[Bob Ross]

A Lexus with a big bow on it, to be served up by your picture perfect family in front of your house that consists of only right angles.

Did you ever notice how people in holiday luxury car commercials live in houses that contain only right angles?  I guess right angles are more expensive than acute/obtuse angles and are a luxury item in and of themselves.

[raeoflyte]

Nov 18, 2019 21:23:38 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Do I understand that you can't think of a gift you would like for under $200? Seriously?

I don't think this is all that uncommon.  It's hard to buy gifts for adults who have enough money to just buy what they want.  No one needs more stuff.  I might want throw pillows, but I want the right pillow that I pick out.  Same with clothes, shoes, etc. but I also don't want holidays to devolve into a sock and gift card exchange.  Hence the problem.  

I told my parents we wanted a leaf blower.  Decided I might change that to a piano stool, although I have no idea price range on those and should look.  

[cktc]

What are your hobbies? Do you have any new things you might like to try?

If you like cooking maybe an Aerogarden, or upgrade a favorite pan or knife.

A Cricut machine is great if you like crafts or making things.

You could take up watercolor, make your own beer, learn a new instrument or language.

Tickets to an event, membership to a fun place, cheese or wine club subscription.

I'm really into doing nails so my next thing is to get a new gel led lamp and upgrade my manicure supplies. 

[justme]

Nov 18, 2019 22:09:24 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Nov 18, 2019 21:56:16 GMT -5 justme said:

I wish I could think of something! They're practically impossible to buy for even though they're pretty much don't bother buying us stuff.

It's kind of a family predicament because I have no idea what to get my bro/SIL either.

When my parents were still alive, for Christmas I bought them a brand new TV with all the bells and whistles. Nine months later I flew up for a visit with the parents and there was no sight of the TV I had bought for them.

I asked the folks where the TV was. They told me they gave it to my brother because the remote control was too complicated for them.

A couple years back my genius brother talked me into going in on a $120 remote for Christmas for our parents. Supposedly they liked his and it'll make everything easier. 95% of the time I'm home I see my parents still using the remotes that came with all their devices. 

[Tennesseer]

Nov 19, 2019 11:13:42 GMT -5 justme said:

Nov 18, 2019 22:09:24 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

When my parents were still alive, for Christmas I bought them a brand new TV with all the bells and whistles. Nine months later I flew up for a visit with the parents and there was no sight of the TV I had bought for them.

I asked the folks where the TV was. They told me they gave it to my brother because the remote control was too complicated for them.

A couple years back my genius brother talked me into going in on a $120 remote for Christmas for our parents. Supposedly they liked his and it'll make everything easier. 95% of the time I'm home I see my parents still using the remotes that came with all their devices. 

Yea that happens. If we are not there to use the new remote for them all the time, they will go back to the familiar.

I imagine I will be just like them in a few years. But not now.

[justme]

Nov 19, 2019 11:06:16 GMT -5 cktc said:

What are your hobbies? Do you have any new things you might like to try?

If you like cooking maybe an Aerogarden, or upgrade a favorite pan or knife.

A Cricut machine is great if you like crafts or making things.

You could take up watercolor, make your own beer, learn a new instrument or language.

Tickets to an event, membership to a fun place, cheese or wine club subscription.

I'm really into doing nails so my next thing is to get a new gel led lamp and upgrade my manicure supplies. 

Bought an Aerogarden last Black Friday for myself. Though I had issues with it (somehow the lights would stay on 18 hours out of the day so I had to keep it shut in a room, but then I'd forget about it. Haven't bought new pods after my first go died   - it also got really annoying when the plants started going through the water in under 2 days)

My parents pretty much won't buy me anything for the kitchen because I'm supposed to organize it so we can put in new cabinets. 

I already have a paddleboard. And while I'd like a new wakeboard I also haven't wakeboarded in 2 years so I don't see them being keen on that either. 

I already have a Disney pass, season pass to hockey, season pass to the Broadway shows, and have bought tickets for every concert coming so far. I've debated getting an annual pass to the local gardens and then use it to go take pictures on random days - that might be an option. 


I probably need to find a new hobby too - but frankly I have no idea what to start. 

[NastyWoman]

I have only two things on my wish list and neither may be interesting to you: (i) a solar cell phone charger. Living in EQ country and in a sunny area as well that looks very useful to me, and (ii) a scanner for all my photos since I have way too many photo albums and need to scale down (just in case I end up moving).

So while that may not give you a direct idea for something for you, maybe it gives you an idea on how to find some ideas for yourself

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

You have (had?) some cool trips planned, right? What about an excursion or side trip for an upcoming trip?

[tcu2003]

Garmin fitness watch? I love mine and you can get one in that price range.

New suitcase or backpack?

Some random things on my Amazon list:

Packing cubes

Portable power bank

Stasher reusable bags (for food)

Out of Print socks or tshirts (https://outofprint.com/collections/socks/products/library-card-mint-green-socks)

[justme]

You guys are making me feel like a spendthrift!

Got a new backpack and suitcase last year. I've had packing cubes for a while and stocked up on portable power banks when my old phone was dying (did the math the last hurricane and my phone could last a week between all the banks I have! lol)

Watch is a possibility. I'm in a debate on whether I want a full-size watch again. Though I liked how either Garmin or Fossil (or maybe both?) let you store music on it so I could run without my phone. 


The Walk of the Penguin Mich & Gardening Grandma - I've debated the noise cancelling headphones. But I only really need them for flights and I usually don't fly that often so not sure if I want to put the $$$ down on seldom used ones. I have a nice waterproof pair that I like to use otherwise, but absolutely sucks on planes - full volume and I can still barely hear a movie. I've been debating Aftershockz - I really like the idea of bone conducting headphones so I could still hear when I'm walking around, but wonder if that would be too annoying. 


As for interests they already covered an easy one last year with upgrading my kindle. I'd like to get back into photography, but I think I've already bought all the "cheap" accessories and there's no cheap lens. I just bought some boots a month ago when they went on sale - but they were all ankle ones so maybe I could find some taller ones I like. And I bought the KitchenAid attachements that I was looking at on Prime Day. 

GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl - I do have a cruise in March. No idea what we're doing for excursions though, so it would essentially just them giving me cash for it. 


Usually my mom's pretty good at remembering what I've mentioned over the year, but I guess I haven't mentioned much!!

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Nov 19, 2019 16:28:57 GMT -5 justme said:

You guys are making me feel like a spendthrift!

Got a new backpack and suitcase last year. I've had packing cubes for a while and stocked up on portable power banks when my old phone was dying (did the math the last hurricane and my phone could last a week between all the banks I have! lol)

Watch is a possibility. I'm in a debate on whether I want a full-size watch again. Though I liked how either Garmin or Fossil (or maybe both?) let you store music on it so I could run without my phone. 


The Walk of the Penguin Mich & Gardening Grandma - I've debated the noise cancelling headphones. But I only really need them for flights and I usually don't fly that often so not sure if I want to put the $$$ down on seldom used ones. I have a nice waterproof pair that I like to use otherwise, but absolutely sucks on planes - full volume and I can still barely hear a movie. I've been debating Aftershockz - I really like the idea of bone conducting headphones so I could still hear when I'm walking around, but wonder if that would be too annoying. 


As for interests they already covered an easy one last year with upgrading my kindle. I'd like to get back into photography, but I think I've already bought all the "cheap" accessories and there's no cheap lens. I just bought some boots a month ago when they went on sale - but they were all ankle ones so maybe I could find some taller ones I like. And I bought the KitchenAid attachements that I was looking at on Prime Day. 

GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl - I do have a cruise in March. No idea what we're doing for excursions though, so it would essentially just them giving me cash for it. 


Usually my mom's pretty good at remembering what I've mentioned over the year, but I guess I haven't mentioned much!!

I only use my noise canceling earphones on flights too. Some years, they have gone unused but this year they have gotten a workout.  Last trip, I slept in them as they muted the flight noise quite a bit so it was more quiet.