Black Santa

[AGDee]

I love finding that one special thing that someone doesn't need and doesn't know they want- but you know that they'll love it. It doesn't have to be expensive or fancy, but it is perfect for that individual. Of course, that requires really knowing who you're buying for...

What I could do without are the token gifts... every year my Godfather and Godmother send me a restaurant gift card of a certain value and I send them a restaurant gift card of a certain value. We should just stop. It isn't meaningful or thoughtful.

My brother though- he's the one I love shopping for. He has enough money to buy anything he wants or needs, but loves Detroit sports teams and U of M football and I love finding him unique gifts oriented toward those. Total whimsy. Stuff he can't get anywhere but Detroit.

I really have fun when I find something that I know one of my kids will love but haven't thought to ask for.

Token gifts, just for the sake of getting someone something out of obligation- not fun. Meaningful gifts that show you know the person and can anticipate their likes- lots of fun. The idea of Santa Claus is about the latter...

[DrPhil]

Gift buying is the same for every special occasion. Do it if you can afford it and out of love. Don't do it out of obligation.

I hate seeing people stressed out during the holiday. Most of these people are driving themselves crazy over an obligation to stand in long lines, exhaust themselves after they get off from work, and go into debt. The "spirit of gift giving", my ass. I love being relaxed during this holiday and shopping for myself only. When people at the stores ask whether I've finished holiday shopping, I tell them I'm only doing my normal shopping. No holiday shopping. If I want to give gifts, I don't have to wait until holidays to buy family and friends gifts.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I love finding that one special thing that someone doesn't need and doesn't know they want- but you know that they'll love it. It doesn't have to be expensive or fancy, but it is perfect for that individual. Of course, that requires really knowing who you're buying for...

But if I see this special thing (for my significant other, for example) in the middle of April, then I give it to him in April. There's still no obligation to find the perfect Christmas gift. We still give each other gifts, we're just not "forced" to do it on holidays.

Just this week, while shopping for myself online, I came across a shirt that I thought would be perfect for my cousin. I moved to TX, he lives in RI, and it's a shirt with an outline of the state of TX that says "Visit Rhode Island." I thought it was funny so I'll probably get it for him, but it's not a specific Christmas gift. He probably won't even get it until I visit in the spring.

To me, giving/receiving surprise gifts at random times is always more fun and meaningful.