I have this tradition where I empty my pockets of change every day into my wife’s jar. She likes money and the way it can pile up. So when I saw a commercial for a simple change sorter at Staples yesterday morning I went down to pick one up. Only I found a better sorter that was battery operated and stacked the coins as well. so I bought it as well as bags of coin rolls and went to the credit union to buy a roll of toonies,loonies,quarters,dimes, nickels and pennies. $92.50. I mixed up the coins and added a few more into a jar and packed everything into a box and wrapped it all up.
I can just see Christmas morning when everyone will want to play with this machine. I’m so pleased with myself.
Now it occured to me that I can save a whole lot of grief for myself trying to decide what to get for my wife next year by reading what you all got for your SOs this year.
I don’t have an SO, but my ex-fiancée and I are still very good friends. I got her an iPod Nano. Since she likes classic films and used to be a pilot (101st Airborne) I also wrapped up that extra DVD of Wings (1927) that I accidentally bought. She’s visiting relatives in California, so I’m mailing the box today.
I decided that it was far better to spend the money on fewer pans which I know he will use and love than on more pans of lesser quality. Also, I got a really good deal and free shipping.
A new car stereo (his was stolen) with an adapter so he can play the iPod through it. He better appreciate it too - I braved the mall on Friday afternoon to go get it! I know it’s something he was hoping for but didn’t really expect to get, so I can’t wait to see him open it.
We generally only exchange small goodies in a stocking (candy, stuff like that), but this year I got him a ticket home to see his mother for (early) Christmas. He went last week, had a great time and she said that seeing him walk in the door was the best day of her life. Awesome.
The wife and I decided that instead of getting each other something we’ll only get a “house” gift. Usually something we’ve been putting off that’s a bit more money than we’ll normally spend on a whim. This year it’s a wireless printer. But I’m also making her a DVD. I put together 3 short movies for her. One of our daughter, one of our son, and one of all the extended family. Put together with music and some fun effects. So no money, just my time. One of the great things that was told to me is that anyone can spend money, but how much of your time are you willing to spend on something. So I try and make her something like this about every other holiday or so. I’m sure you can search on my username and see some of the past gifts. I’m especially proud of the Photo-opoly board I made her.
Ivylad and I are having a very sparse Christmas this year, because we’re working on being Debt-Free. We got the kids some gift cards, and we got a second dog for the house (that’s how I got Ivylad to agree to the sparse Christmas) but that’s it.
We’ve told the extended family that we’re not buying gifts for anyone, but that Ivylad will be making each family a small gift (a mantle clock that will be a bit late.) We’ve asked them not to give us anything because we will not be in a position to reciprocate.
He’s not having a fun Christmas this year, but he does see the big picture and knows a little bit of sacrifice now will pay off in spades in the future.
Best wishes for you and **Ivylad **getting debt free, Ivylass.
I got hubby a copy of Mass Effect, a new mobile phone (all his others in the last four years have been hand-me-downs when I’ve gotten new phones) and BACON SALT!
I got him the new special release of The Song Remains the Same, which I gather is a Led Zeppelin DVD. Also a sweater, some ipod accessories and an iTunes gift card.
My Guy and I make each other our Xmas presents. This can be a work of art or clothing or any number of other things. The only rule is that we have to make it ourselves.
I was not inspired this year, so he’s getting the George Carlin DVD set, 3rd season of Lost, a couple of Nautica shirts, Polo pajamas, slippers, a mini-screwdriver set (from the kids), and the joy of assembling 2,000 kids toys in the morning, each with 47,539,842 parts.
And his birthday is in 5 days. I’m out of ideas. (So is he. My birthday is in 2 days, and he hasn’t bought me a birthday gift either.)
I got my guy a new cell phone, the mini Charlie Brown Christmas book, lingerie for me which is ultimately for him and Guitar Hero III for the Wii.
He got me new Freudian slippers since mine were assassinated from my shower incident (which I’m too tired to look for), and the COMPLETE series of Gilmore Girls. He knows my heart!
Oh and he also got me an engagement ring. Life is so good right now.
I got my lady pal a gorgeous necklace and earring set. Blue topaz drops, with diamond…blobs…above them (I clearly do not know the lingo of the jeweler). I’m individually proud of myself for it, because it was the first time I’ve ever haggled the price successfully on anything – four hundred dollars down to $180. I damn near danced out of the store, and considered it excellent practice for my unfortunately close car shopping experience.
Penchan, congrats on the engagement ring! Is this a fresh proposal, or the ring to go with one from earlier?
Darn, I missed the edit window by that much. I just saw your MPSIMS post, Penchan, where you made mention of your fresh engagement. Double my congratulations from a post earlier!
I bought My Darling Marcie a lovely night gown and a matching robe as well as some fragrances and smaller things. I think the best gift I gave her, though, was to stay at home with our little dog while she took a short vacation by herself. I think she really needed to get away from the responsibilities of home and pet care. Plus, I am not easy to live with and I’m sure she needed a break. I hope she comes back, though.
I got Tripler a bunch of smaller fun stuff (Cossack figures and an ambulance for his train set, beef jerky, ChocoLove bars, a pirate ship model kit) and the big Gift - a Craftsman 4 1/2" bench vise, which I had to wrap in a sheet. That mofo was heavy!!
We went to Sedona and Scottsdale for a few days in November and that was our main Xmas present to each other.
I got Mr. Pundit a robe, a tripod for his camera, a personalized 12 month calendar from Shutterfly with pictures of the family and our travels on them, and some new dress shoes.
He keeps telling me that he’s spoiled me this year, even though we agreed not to get something big for each other. We haven’t opened our prizes yet, though, because WeePundit (who’s not so Wee) is sick and still sleeping.
