Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by BrianMilo on October 26, 2010 at 12:48am

When I was a child, I hated receiving socks for Christmas..now that I'm older, and assuming it's not a 2 dollar 30 pack, I love getting them...high dollar socks FEEL like high dollar socks :) that's what I tell everyone I want. Most people think I'm joking, which is frustrating (noone likes dropping hints then unwrapping gifts you never mentioned a hankerin' for). As for other people,

Parents, In-laws: Updated framed photos (agree with discussion starter), though I tend not to send themed pictures from holidays or other events. ..just myself and my family, different outfits / different backdrops. It breaks the monotany of everything being red and green and keeps it special year round as opposed to everyone wearing wool Rudolph sweaters.

Significant Other: I always like to shake things up and get them something they never knew they needed but will use all the time. Something tailor-made for them. It differs from woman to woman, but, for instance, when I was deployed I sent home some PT shirts, some of my cologne, and chicken noodle soup in a plain brown box, with a letter that suggested she lightly spray the cologne on the shirt (which was oversized for her and probably smelled a bit like smoke, sweat and servitude, regardless of washes), put it on, and make the soup to offset the cold she'd mentioned in a previous letter. Sentiment 1, Materialism 0.

My Son: He seems to think he can fix anything, though by the time he's broken something in order to repair it, he's already bored and wants to go on to something else..so I get one expensive item (this year will be the Leapster Explorer Learning Game System) which he will be taught must be taken care of studiously, and then a bunch of dollar store toys that he can destroy over the next few weeks/months and I won't shed tears when they're thrown away.

Best Go-to gift? Gift Cards ..call me crazy, but everyone loves these. And it's more personal than giving cash. Wal-Mart gift cards? NO. Best Buy? Yes.
Worst? Shot glasses, flasks (nothing says 'I love you but you may as well become a closet alcoholic if you're not already' like these), wallets ('Thank you, but I have one already and it's better than this one'), and Zippos. of course, this is all just IMO. to each his own :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bryan on October 26, 2010 at 2:54am

For my parents I plan on converting all of the old family movies which are on hi-8 to digital and burn dvds (or if possible upconvert and try to find access to a blueray burner).

• ▶ Reply