Oh-- this was actually pretty easy. In the last few years my Christmas list has plummeted as family members have asked to stop exchanging gifts (my aunts and cousins), others have passed away (my grandfather and most of my great aunts and uncles and several of our friends of the family), my engagement broke up (and he got custody of our best friend), and this year several of my oldest, closest friends have chosen not to exchange gifts because they are saving for trips.
My list includes:
My YLF secret santa! This one is a secret! Woohoo!
My mother and father-- My mom is hard to shop for. She never buys nice things for herself, but at the same time she is very picky. Last year it was silver earrings and vanilla perfume, which she actually liked. This year I would like to get her and my father a session or two with a financial planner to talk about retirement investment or a book and/or class for my mom about freelancing because she is considering a career change. If I go that road, I'll probably buy clothes or CDs (or MP3s) to burn for my father. He has a lot of awesome hobbies, but he never uses or enjoys anything I buy him except clothes and music. Plus, me and a couple other people are saving to buy either plane tickets/a new mattress/or a new camera for their 25th wedding anniversary in July.
My younger brother-- He is another hard one and much like my dad in that he refuses to uses most non-clothing or music things I buy him. I'm actually considering a gas card since he enjoys spending most his time in the mountains. I'd really like to help him get mentored because he is floundering a bit with what he would like to do career-wise and major wise in college, but I am not sure where to begin there.
My mom's parents-- Music is always a hit here as well. We went on a short trip together this year, so I wouldn't mind buying them some art or crafts that will remind them of the trip, or maybe some framed photos of our trip.
My other grandmother-- She is hard-- I don't even know where to begin. Probably some nice skin products or a gift certificate to the place she goes to get massages.
One of the best gifts I ever gave anyone was a george foreman grill--- I highly recommend them as gifts for people that live alone or a solitary couple and anyone that is trying to eat healthier. You can pick them up on amazon inexpensively. I find older people are particularly enamored with the technology. Nice slippers (shearling) and semi-precious jewelry that is handmade also has been a hint. Electric bed warmers or throw blankets are appreciated in cold locales.
I also have some portraits of my brother that I took that I need to send out. I will probably send photos I've taken of sights in Colorado and cards/letters to a few more friends and some of my mentors.
When it comes to getting gifts, I really appreciate the thought. I have a long list, but would be just tickled if I got one or two of the things.
Medical alert jewelry-- I am still wearing my dimestore stuff. I'd like something a bit more stylish and sleek and maybe a pendant to wear to work since sometimes my bracelet has to come off.
A watch-- I've gotten into the habit of wearing one, but I only have my heart rate watch (which I no longer have to wear all day! yay) and an expensive and dainty dress watch which was a gift from my late grandfather and is too precious to wear everyday. I'd love something that is between the two, more stylish, maybe something boyfriendy?
Earrings-- I have a newish necklace that needs a coordinating pair. Both of my daily basics are close to 10 years old and feel a bit worn and dainty.
A winter hat or two and gloves-- I went all winter with only a polar fleece beanie and a borrowed pair of gloves. I'd also love a fashion scarf or two that I could wear both indoors and out.
A remote shutter release for my camera.
Framing for my diplomas-- is this pretentious? What are you supposed to do with them if you don't frame them?
A Pendleton blanket. I'd really love one, but they tend to be pricey. Where I come from this is a fairly common way to mark a right of passage or show pride in or honor someone. I graduated from school for the second time this year and have never received one-- which is a little unusual for someone my age. Of course, it isn't something you ask for and I doubt my family will remember.
I also have some giftcards that were gifted to me last year to be spent on certain things (a purse, a pair of boots, a MP3 player, ect.) that I am hoping I will be able to use sometime before or after the season when things are on sale.
