In our family, we exchange Christmas lists (as opposed to just Thinking of Stuff to Buy Each Other). For the past couple of years, we’ve done this largely through a Yahoo group I set up for our family.
Here’s my shopping philosophy. I’ll get items that are on the person’s list, of course, but I’ll always make sure I get some items that aren’t on there at all. That’s right, actual surprises.
Luckily for me, no one from the family reads these threads. But this year, I bought my parents a DVD player, as well as a cool DVD for each of them. I also got my mom a gift certificate for a day spa, and I got my brothers books and CDs that they didn’t put down - but that they want, hopefully.
So, how bout you guys? Anyone else go off the list? (Of course, if you don’t use lists, maybe you buy them something they’re really, really not expecting…)
Also got my mom a neck massager, and I’m giving my brother my three Lord of the Rings paperbacks (he’s already getting the Extended Version Special Edition) and my Straight Dope books.
I also went “off list” for my new nephew, who’s getting an “Ocean Wonders aquarium” - it’s this nifty lil thing that you put on the side of the crib; it lulls them to sleep.
Not totally relevant - but I find it very hard to buy presents for a lot of my family because everything they want [that I can afford] - they already have, especially my dad - intelligent enough and fussy enough that anything I buy that he doesn’t have - he doesn’t have it for a reason - he doesn’t want one.
Well dang, that can be tough. But there’s where the Internet’s your friend. I look for unique gifts that they’d never think of getting - they don’t have to be practical, just interesting. If you order early enough, you can get shipping fairly cheaply (or free, even).
