What do I want for Christmas?

[RangerWickett]

My roommate has an odd habit of setting arbitrary restrictions on his otherwise significant generosity, and in this particular instance he has told me he intends to get me a Christmas gift, but I have to tell him what to get.

And it can either be one gift worth up to $75, or two gifts totaling up to $50. I cannot get two gifts totaling $75, nor can I get three or more gifts.

So I'm wondering, what do I want?

The cheap answer is a gift card, maybe just to a grocery store to get virtual cash. I know for a fact that my roommate is just odd enough to think that's totally appropriate as a Christmas gift, but it doesn't feel like, y'know, a Christmas present. It should be something that could be wrapped.

Maybe a video game, but I've got enough to keep me busy for quite a while. Last year he got me a SanDisk Sansa mp3 player, which I have put to good use, so maybe I could get something electronic, but I don't know what. I don't play PC games, and I don't think $75 could buy a decent graphics card anyway.

I could use some new pants, but, like, that's not something one dude gets another.

Maybe a chair for my computer? Or a space heater since my room gets the least heat of any in the apartment? A backpack for when I go caving in Brazil next month?

A box of Magic cards usually goes for ~$80 online these days.

Gah, I can't think of anything I really want, or at least nothing that I need. So yeah, if you have suggestions for cool stuff a geek might want for Christmas, I'm all ears.

 

[Wycen]

I was in a pet supply store tonight buying a new doggie bed for my sister's dog for Xmas and I happened to pass by a pet hammock. I wish I could remember the name of the thing, but it was for "ferrets, guinea pigs, chinchillas and hamsters" and pictured a ferret laying in the sling.

For some reason, I thought of this thread when I saw it.

Is there a new boardgame you want? That's about all I got besides the above.

 

[Morrus]

I dunno... I personally find that a bit odd. I think I'd thank him but tell him a gift isn't necessary. It's the thought involved that makes it mean something to me, and your description makes it sound more like a transaction.

But I'm not everyone, I suppose. Your ideas are good; for me, I'd go with the heater if I lived in a cold apartment; but then I really feel the cold.

D&D books? I guess that breaks his multiple gifts rule... maybe the gift card is the sensible answer.

 

[RangerWickett]

Most people have one 'odd' friend, who expresses his affection and friendship in unorthodox ways. This is that guy.

Still, I'm not going to pass up 75 bucks, y'know?

I'm thinking of maybe a coat.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

1) If you drink, get a nice BIIIIG bottle of your favorite high-quality hooch!

That way, you can think of your friend's generosity whenever you knock back a shot.

Bonus: you can share!

2) Get a gift card for a nice restaurant- say a good steak or seafood place, where an evening's meal might cost $40+ before drinks & tip. Or get it for someplace you enjoy but visit frequently. My Dad frequents a McDonald's near his office, so every year, in addition to whatever else they may give him, his staff gives him a booklet of McD's coupons.

Bonus: you can share!

3) Check out some of your local theaters: you might be able to get a book of movie passes. $50-75 of movie passes is nothing to sneeze at.

Bonus: you can share!

4) You say you're going backpacking in Brazil soon- if you don't want to get the backpack, get a gift card for a shop that sells gear. You can stock up on your favorite trail mixes, water-resistant flashlights, etc. Or maybe a new pair of hiking shoes. That's pretty macho, right?

There's all kinds of little things you need when you travel, and that little stuff adds up. The last trip I took- to Moscow and St Petersburg- I loaded up on travel Space Bags (you pump the air out manually). They kept my laundry compressed and odorless the entire trip. I also bought a LED keychain (with locking feature) from Brookstone which I put on a necklace. That way, I could carry it 24/7 and use it hands free.

 

[RangerWickett]

Those are some awesome ideas. Thanks.

My Brazilian expedition will not be very intense, though. Mostly day hikes and such, going back to a hotel at night. So I think I'll go for the restaurant gift card, and keep it until my current gaming group's campaign comes to an end, then have an after-party.

Though you reminded me of when I got a $250 gift card to Victoria's Secret. I entered a contest when I had a girlfriend, and received the card when I was single, so I got the okay of three lady friends and their S.O.'s, and went on a Charlie's Angels-esque shopping outing.

 

[megamania]

Though you reminded me of when I got a $250 gift card to Victoria's Secret. I entered a contest when I had a girlfriend, and received the card when I was single, so I got the okay of three lady friends and their S.O.'s, and went on a Charlie's Angels-esque shopping outing.

LOL

I'm just imagining the face / thoughts of the clerk as you come in with three women whom all try on stuff. The clerk is thinking of wild action.


Sorry my bad. As you said- there is always one friend that is odd.... that's me.


If in your situation I would want a gift card at a book store. Not DnD store- a book store. There is always something of value and not expected at the book stores. Even where to books / hiking books for trips outside of the country.

 

[Wycen]

So, what did you get?