Having trouble determining what you want for Christmas?

[Phoenix84]

Every year, it's the same problem.

My folks come to me and ask what I want for Christmas, and I have no idea.  I'm not really that much into "stuff" and the stuff I usually really want is far too expensive.  But if it's less than $100 and I want it I'll usually just buy it myself long before Christmas even arrives.  Plus, as I said, I'm not that much into stuff, or toys.

Does anyone else have this problem?  Do you have trouble coming up with ideas to give others to purchase you gifts?

[swamp]

yes. 

[Peace Of Mind]

WTE?  Christmas?!!      I have no idea what I want or what anybody else wants that is not over $50K.  <<covers ears and repeats over and over - Christmas is cancelled.  Christmas is cancelled>> 

[Chocolate Lover]

I always have problems with that. I've started looking around to see what I'd replace "when I get around to it" and suggesting that stuff. In my case, I have some inexpensive items in the kitchen I'd like to replace but have other things to do and this stuff still works so I don't get to it. Sad but true, I've become all about the useful gifts. I don't want anyone to give me something else to dust.

[kcladyjane]

My parents have a farm and get cows butchered for meat.  Every year we ask for hamburger for Christmas...so far it hasn't happened, but this year Mom asked me if beef was what we wanted.  Whoo hoo!  That's a lot more handy than trying to come up with something else. 

[sheilaincali]

Yes- I love giving presents but hate getting them from people.  To make it easier on my folks when they ask I give them a simple list of easy things that are easy to find.
Current bestseller, specific board game, slippers, etc.  It's never things that I couldn't buy for myself I just know that my mom takes Christmas very seriously and if I don't at least give her a general direction I will end up with a bunch of misc. crap that I don't want.

[kittensaver]

Personally, I have no problem with a list . . . sadly, my "wants" are endless, lol. But seriously, when people ask me what I want I usually say World Peace, er, time together or experiences together (meals, trips, concerts, events, etc). Those are much nicer than "stuff."

DH and I give magazine subscriptions to the adults on our Christmas list (they get to choose the magazine, and change it yearly if they want). That way they get something they enjoy year around - and a monthly gift from us .

[Baby Fawkes]

I'm definitely one of the people that have the problem. I always try to come up with a a list of things that I would like to have, but can't really justify on my own. The problem is that I typically can't justify them because they're too expensive and more than anyone would spend on a gift.

I remember as a kid I used to moan at my dad for being really hard to buy a present for and now I realize that I've just become the same

[justme]

 I thought this thread was going to tell me what I want.

[Chocolate Lover]

Nov 6, 2013 15:32:37 GMT -5 justme said:

 I thought this thread was going to tell me what I want.

You want to buy me an expensive gift.

[spydah]

I normally go with what I NEED. I once asked for a belt because that was the only item I needed. And I got this look:

You should attend the company x-mas party so you can get a gift you don't want or need!

[Chocolate Lover]

Nov 6, 2013 15:41:05 GMT -5 spydah said:

I normally go with what I NEED. I once asked for a belt because that was the only item I needed. And I got this look:

You should attend the company x-mas party so you can get a gift you don't want or need!

Can't you just poke me in the eye with a pencil and not make me dress up and pretend I want to hang out with those people outside office hours?

[spydah]

Bad CL!

Are you telling me you won't be attending this year's company x-mas party? You'll miss seeing Tina passed out and embarrassing herself!

[Chocolate Lover]

Luckily, no one else where I work wants to be subjected to that either. We have a lunch time potluck during the work day and avoid any gift exchanges altogether. Drunk Tina would be fun to watch though.

[zibazinski]

I have a list so if I'm asked, I can tell someone something. DD already knows I want two black 5x7 picture frames. I'm waiting for DS to ask.

[greeniis10]

I really dislike the obligatory gift-giving at Christmas and after many years of suggesting that we give up the unnecessary tradition this year DH has finally agreed with me - whew!  He and I either have what we want or buy it for each other for birthdays and anniversaries. 

We will of course by gifts for the two grandkids, but our kids are grown and on their own.  We help them radomly through the year: buying plane tickets to come home for oldest son in college, small projects around the house (or more recently, paying for a computer diagnostic test when the "check engine" light came on in the truck) for youngest son, and a ridiculous amount of money for DSD's wedding in Oct. so no worries about all that this year!

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

As I get older I have a harder time coming up with stuff.  Last year I made the comment I need a Dust Buster so my mom got me one for my birthday.  I LOVE my dust buster.  It's one of those things where I'll say "I'd really like to have one" in the moment and then forget about later.  My mom paid attention.

There is usually a cookbook or two I want or a new best seller I want that I can suggest to people.  Or I go practical.  I'd like some more dish towels this year so I'm going to ask my grandma for them again this year. 

I asked DH for a new food processor when my Black & Decker died last year. 

[Phoenix84]

Nov 6, 2013 15:32:37 GMT -5 justme said:

 I thought this thread was going to tell me what I want.

Actually, I was thinking of starting a followup thread where people can share ideas of what they want for Christmas.  I'd like to know what everyone else is getting the man in their life, might give me some ideas....

[Peace Of Mind]

Nov 6, 2013 16:42:08 GMT -5 Phoenix84 said:

Nov 6, 2013 15:32:37 GMT -5 justme said:

 I thought this thread was going to tell me what I want.

Actually, I was thinking of starting a followup thread where people can share ideas of what they want for Christmas.  I'd like to know what everyone else is getting the man in their life, might give me some ideas....

I'm getting my man a much younger, good looking male friend to live with us. I hope he likes what I picked for him!   

[Phoenix84]

Nov 6, 2013 16:36:47 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

As I get older I have a harder time coming up with stuff.  Last year I made the comment I need a Dust Buster so my mom got me one for my birthday.  I LOVE my dust buster.  It's one of those things where I'll say "I'd really like to have one" in the moment and then forget about later.  My mom paid attention.

There is usually a cookbook or two I want or a new best seller I want that I can suggest to people.  Or I go practical.  I'd like some more dish towels this year so I'm going to ask my grandma for them again this year. 

I asked DH for a new food processor when my Black & Decker died last year. 

When I was a teenager, I got my mom a mop for Christmas.  After that, I learned that you NEVER get a woman cooking or cleaning supplies unless she asks for it.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

After that, I learned that you NEVER get a woman cooking or cleaning supplies unless she asks for it.

I ask all the time and DH insists it isn't "romantic enough!" but it's what I WANT!

After almost a decade together I finally have him trained and he bought the food processor I wanted last year rather than multiple things I did not want but were "romantic". 

[greeniis10]

Phoenix84, instead of asking for "things" for Christmas how about experiences, like tickets to a sporting event or concert or art show or something you'd enjoy?  That might be better than acquiring more material things you don't really need.

I would have loved to have seen your Mom's face when she saw the MOP as a gift!  I'm sure they never let you forget that...

[cael]

This year all I want is a new pair of Doc Martens, but I doubt DH or my parents will get them for me. Parents always ask for suggestions, which I give them, then I don't get any of my suggestions, lol. I don't know why they bother! I usually have a tough time coming up with ideas, but this year we're so tight on money there are things (like new Docs) I want and haven't been able to save up for. Neither DH or myself really usually want lots of things... he wants hockey equipment this year so he can get back into playing, I want new Docs. (oh and I want Guitar Center gift cards so I can get a guitar!) We're easy to please!

The nice thing is, my birthday is 3 weeks after Christmas so I can suggest what I didn't get for Christmas then

[zibazinski]

POM!

[Sum Dum Gai]

I've wished for the same thing for every Christmas, Birthday, and shooting star since I was 14; a winning lottery ticket.  Still haven't gotten it.  So much for asking the universe for what you really want.  That stingy bastard keeps giving me goofy t-shirts, games, and whatever instead.

[zibazinski]

I'm buying DF two different, for different areas, tool boxes. Plus, some tools. He doesn't want to walk to the basement for tools so now he will have two sets, basement and garage. Also a pair of boots. Not my thing but its what he wants. 

[wvugurl26]

Nov 6, 2013 16:59:03 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

After that, I learned that you NEVER get a woman cooking or cleaning supplies unless she asks for it.

I ask all the time and DH insists it isn't "romantic enough!" but it's what I WANT!

After almost a decade together I finally have him trained and he bought the food processor I wanted last year rather than multiple things I did not want but were "romantic". 

Isn't that the same rationale swamp's DH uses when she asked for the hot pink sports bra many times over?

I think if someone specifically asks for something practical then it's an acceptable gift.

[Miss Tequila]

Nov 6, 2013 16:01:49 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Luckily, no one else where I work wants to be subjected to that either. We have a lunch time potluck during the work day and avoid any gift exchanges altogether. Drunk Tina would be fun to watch though.

Wait...why can't I get drunk at the potluck??

[Spellbound454]

I'm quite easy to please.

perfume, chocs, frillies, little pendant, bottle of wine......Doesn't have to be expensive.


If I want speciality things I would buy them myself so there isn't any point in going for the expensive stuff.

Just a gift...nicely wrapped and sent with love will do for me.

[Phoenix84]

Nov 6, 2013 16:59:03 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

After that, I learned that you NEVER get a woman cooking or cleaning supplies unless she asks for it.

I ask all the time and DH insists it isn't "romantic enough!" but it's what I WANT!

After almost a decade together I finally have him trained and he bought the food processor I wanted last year rather than multiple things I did not want but were "romantic". 

What does your husband deem as "romantic?"  I don't have a wife/gf, but I would think not every gift would have to be "romantic."