We all know it's that time of year again and we all go through the task of "What do I get him/her for Christmas?" You think about the things they might need, listen to their hints, or catch them saying something to help you decide on what to get them.

Well every year at around this time, I just come right out and say what I would really like to have. I don't ask for outrageous things, just things that I really need at the time. Like, one year I needed to get an oil change on my car, another year I wanted a new coat cause mine just wasn't warm enough, and last year I wanted some new undergarments, like socks and bras and would have settled for a gift card from Walmart. I can afford to get all of these things, that's not the problem. But 99.9% of the time, my family and friends think what I ask for is corny, and don't think it's a good enough gift. And what I just don't understand is, if you ask me what I want or need for Christmas, and I tell you straight out, why would you spend your money on something I don't need as apposed to what I really do need? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate everything I get, cause it came from the heart.

So, do you, or have you experienced this? And what is it that you would really like to have this Christmas that you really need? You know that present, where, when you open it, the first thing you think of is, "Wow, they really did listen to what I asked for!"

Only my mom is good about getting people what they really want. Everyone else thinks these kinds of practical gifts are stupid and won't give them. I totally agree with you.

if i'm stumped on what to get someone, i'll get gift cards or lottery tickets

See, that's what I don't get. Why would you think it's stupid, if it's what I really need?

I agree. I will get people gift certificates 9/10 times because to my way of thinking, if I am giving them money, they can now go get exactly what they want and it saves their own money for something else they might have their eye on. Some people say gift certificates are impersonal but I think that is a bunch of hooey. You are giving the person what they want most. What THEY themselves want.

I don't understand the concept behind the lottery tickets. But now the gift cards, make perfect sense to me. At least the person can go ahead and get what they really want. But some people even think that giving a gift card is cheesy, like it's demeaning or something

I don't even bother asking anybody what they would like anymore. I just pay attention throughout the rest of the years as to the type of person they are, what interests they have, etc. If you're close enough to the person(s) in question, then you can usually get a pretty good sense of what they would like, need, want, or appreciate.

Over the past number of years, I haven't spent a whole lot on commercial store items. I've opted to make something for them by hand. I enjoy woodworking and tinkering, so I can usually come up with something the person can get some use out of or enjoyment out of, and it really doesn't cost me much except for materials and time, which I would be spending anyway if I bought things for them from the store. Plus, it's a little more of a personal item because it's handmade.

I would rather get a $5 gift card to Wal Mart than a ton of baked goods.

I think it's a great idea!

There is no 'concept' behind it only the fact that they have a chance to enrich their finances. alot of people love a chance at that. i've been giving lottery tickets for years and even though many don't win, they still like the idea. better than some ridiculous plack or bad sweater they'll never wear.

Now that I would appreciate. Nothing means more to me then getting a homemade gift. Last year, my brother-in-law, made my daughter a wooden trinket box lined with Jade. It was beautiful. And out of all the gifts she got, even from me, that was the one she cherished the most.

since i gotten older , i get socks and the jim neighbors and andy griffith gospal CDs as gifts

I've never gotten the privilege of getting lottery tickets, so I guess I'll just have to get them myself. And I was the one who got the tacky sweater last year for Christmas. It's still hanging up in my closet!

Well, I guess that's nice if you are into that sort of thing

Damn! That's what I got you. I thought it was so original. Back to the store.

well at least you were thinking of me

I try to get exactly what people ask for or a gift card to pick it out. After years of people giving us stuff that we don't want/need and it ending up at garage sales or to Goodwill without having been used, you'd think they'd catch on that they are literally throwing their money away. My ex-MIL was the WORST at this crap. And, she kind of dissed me as she would not only buy OLD LADY clothes for me, but it would be about 2 to 3 sizes too large!!! She, of course, got it on sale, held on to it for months and mailed it from Florida, so... no returns!!!

Anymore, I usually give & get GC's. They can be bought online also ecertificates..for those who don't live close enough. I, also, would rather get something I need and can use rather then that something that will stay in my closet....or worse case...regifted!

Of course I was.

Sometimes people just buy ridiculous gifts yet they are convinced you will like it for some reason. Maybe because they like it for some reason or they own this thing.