I don’t want anything and haven’t for a few years. My wife doesn’t accept this, and insists on getting something for me.
I think the upper limit would be $100 but if it were really cool, I think she would go to $250…of course I’m happy with all of the stuff I have now.
I camp, bike and canoe for leisure; but have everything I ever dreamed of in that department…anything else is just extra weight to pack around.
Food is alway good; but even that is kind of lacking, because I’m fortunate to be able to buy food that I want.
I’d be happy giving out 5 $20 bills to random strangers who may need it more than me; but she insists on buying me SOMETHING. Maybe she would satisfy this weird urge, by buying me a $5 book or something.
Anyway, help my wife out; what can she buy me to satisfy her need to get me something. Maybe you all can actually come up with something that I might actually think is neat. I’ll be happy to give you more details on me if you need them…(but I really don’t need or even want anymore…stuff.)
What about clothes? Even if you have enough for now, it’s sure to wear thru eventually. Perhaps new socks, shoes, underwear, etc. Either for work or for leisure. So long as you’re not picky, you should both be happy in the end.
I’ve had a hard time thinking of gifts for others to buy me, too. Usually I just ask for things that I know I’d enjoy, like gift certificates to book stores. Or things that I vaguely want or need, but rarely think to buy for myself, like Dr. Scholl’s Sports insoles or fun underpants.
Yeah, I suck at this.
You mention food- do you like to cook? Maybe a nice cookbook, or some cooking classes? Or if you enjoy the eating aspect more than the preparation, maybe a gift certificate to a swanky restaurant?
If you’d be happier giving out money to random strangers - how about this:
Go through your closet and pick out a couple of items that are still in good shape and give these items to an organization that accepts donations for those who are not as fortunate. Your wife can then buy you an article or two, which will make her happy and in turn you will also be helping someone else.
Man, I would be STOKED if someone handed me a card for Christmas that said “A gift in the amount of $250 has been donated to [my favorite charity] in your name.”
Seriously, I would LOVE to be able to give my favorite charity (the Humane Society, fwiw) $250 but I could never afford it. I think I would break out in tears if someone did this for me.
If you really want to help someone, and it would make you feel oh-so-good, maybe this is something you could request for Christmas.
Yeah, I think ZipperJJ wins. If there’s really nothing you need or want, and feigning excitement as you say, “Oooh, thanks, socks,” is a dismal thought indeed, I’d say a donation to a charitable organization you admire would be perfect.
Two years ago, I asked people to give money to a organisation that protects wetland habitats for me, or even in their own names, but not one did. I got stuff that I don’t need, don’t want, some of which is still in boxes. I gave up. I’m trying to simplify my life, not accumulate more goods.
I finally told my mom this year that all I want for Christmas is peace, cocoa, and instrumental Christmas carols to listen to. I’m so, so tired of the hype. And my 4 year old kid was crying today because she can’t wait for Christmas.
Maybe you have all stuff you need, but surely you haven’t had all experiences you might have. So my tip is that you go out and do something, go to a concert, a nice dinner somewhere special, or something like that.
I’m all up for experiences and stuff…I’d be very happy doing things; but she wants to have a “package” or two or several under the tree for me to open.
Nice idea, but she won’t do it I’m sure.
so far the one that makes the most sense is to donate my clothes andhave her buy me new ones. Except I just got a pile of new clothes for the new job in the last two months…next year…I’ll strive for that.
Snowshoes? If you get snow in your area. Are there any subjects you’d like to learn more about? She could get you some books. Do you like single person Rubik’s Cube style puzzles?
How about asking for an “experience,” and suggesting that if she wants a “package,” she could wrap up an accessory or two for that experience? Either new or old. It might even be a fun surprise. For example, if she wanted to take you to a concert, she could wrap a CD of the band/orchestra, a T-shirt or keychain, and finally, the tickets. Or she could be more mysterious and give you a few objects as “clues,” and you get to guess what you’re doing together. A trip to a steakhouse could have a bottle of A-1, a toy cow (ha!), and I don’t know… a baked potato?
Just make sure she keeps the cost of the items low, or that she wraps up stuff you already have. I’d totally go for a gift like that!
You need new bed slippers,
twelve identical pairs of socks for work,
new outdoor gloves as a backup for when you ruin your current pair,
a second pair of work shoes [both pair will last longer if you switch between them],
ditto belt,
perfume and dye free skin moisturizer [yes, your skin does get dry in the winter; be a man and admit it],
25 year old Laphroaig
even though you just got new clothes, pick out a pair of pants and dress shirt to be “replaced” and donate them - some unemployment offices are linked with an organization that helps collect business attire for people who are seriously seeking employment.
Or even some new tools (if you happen to be a handy-man) and donate the older ones to habitat, or better yet, when spring rolls around donate your skills, time, and tools for the habitat. maybe?
or… if you have books, maybe ask for a couple that you already have but the wife may not be aware of, and donate the old ones to your local library?
One year I got a gift certificate to a store and i bought a bunch of groceries to help stock up the food bank. I did keep a couple of things for the kids to enjoy, but the rest went to help elsewhere.
