Holiday gifts

penelope4612 · November 2016

I know we've had threads about what you're getting other people, but does anyone have ideas about things you want for yourself this holiday season?
My mother will insist on buying DH and I things, even if we say we prefer to just have gifts for the baby.
If we don't give her ideas, she will buy us random things, and she shops at stores that exist near her but not near us, so they will likely end up being things we don't want and can't return.
I'll probably pick out a few books but can't think of anything else I really want/need, other than gift cards.

dmontgo · November 2016

I enjoy make up, so I try to take advantage of the holiday gift sets at Ulta and Sephora. The expensive brands are much cheaper during the holidays than the rest of the year, so I ask for those sets to stock up.

I also plan on asking for some workout gear. I don't expect to do anything intensive for some time, but it would be nice to have some new gear.

Spa gift card

Comfy pajamas and fuzzy socks

Also a portable charger for my phone since my car's charger doesn't work

cgss11 · November 2016

I want new black flats for work, a cookbook from a blog I like, and gift cards for some new clothes. My mom refuses to give gift cards though, so she'll pick some clothes out for me. She has no hard feelings though if they get returned/exchanged which is nice, and I know she would rather give a gift than a gift card but it's always annoying lol.

phoenix870509 · November 2016

I just emailed my mom our holiday wish list. It gets harder every year, and what's worse is its for Hanukkah, my birthday and Christmas. This year my big want is that wireless charger pad for my phone. Since I didn't get a ring sling I also asked for one. My mom just recently got amazon prime and now she loves online shopping. I've been trying to get her on it for years as there are several cross stitch books I have on my wish list. Now I may actually get some. I guess we'll see what December brings.

cjt121413 · November 2016

I'd love a new slip cover for our older couch and a duvet cover for our bed.

ajstevenson · November 2016

I'd love a Netflix gift card or two, some new nail Polish and Starbucks gift cards/k-cups.

Toller · November 2016

My grandma asked that I start an amazon wish list, so now I've been adding items to that as I come across them.

It includes right now: lifefactory wine glasses, a bathtub tray, ceramic pots/pans, nice blow dryer, sleep mask, leggings

Kacie209 · November 2016

My mom had asked me awhile ago what I wanted, and I really didn't have anything to say. I am the type of person to just go out and buy what I want, which doesn't help. So, she said she'd probably just give me money or a gift card from somewhere and call it good. I told her that was fine. My Amazon wish list is forever long, but feel I can buy that stuff for myself, ha. Otherwise, my birthday is in February so I could always go with actual stuff then.

My MIL asked me to pick out an ornament from Hallmark, as she gets me one each year and the series she was getting me stopped last year. I don't like any of the new series out this year, so I'll just tell her to get me one of the series I am still getting so that I only have to buy the other one (usually my mom buys me those, but bought the "Baby's 1st Christmas" ones instead, which I told her was fine).

My grandparents always give us grandkids cash, as they're getting old (Gpa 93, Gma will be 91 in a month) and figure they may as well do something with what they have left.

I'd also take gift cards to Ulta or Sephora. I also look for their sales that both places have now to get some good deals on stuff. For the last 3-4 years, I have managed to buy my face wash for $10 during the Sephora Black Friday sale that lasts me until the next year (or, I buy 2)... Philosophy.

@phoenix870509 What brand phone do you have? I only ask cos I got a wireless charger for my Galaxy S6 last year during the Best Buy black Friday sale, and it was so off and on when it would actually work. I got so annoyed that I went back to my wall charger.

jandd2014 · November 2016

a few of the things on my Christmas list are: grey and pink converse, a new sweatshirt from my college (the one I have is 8 years old!), a subscription to a regional magazine (it has stuff like 'best burger/pizza/beer places,' 'weekend getaways,' and 'local hikes'), Adobe Photoshop, and a roomba vacuum (my in laws may actually gift this to me, so it doesn't hurt to ask!

)

phoenix870509 · November 2016

@Kacie209 it's a Samsung note 5

KateH1216 · November 2016

I asked for new comfy pajamas that are nursing friendly, ugg slippers (we have hardwood floors throughout our house) and a gift card to the spa I love. Momma needs a facial and a good massage something fierce!

Side note, my birthday is 9 days before Christmas, so there's a few bigger ticket items, but between DH, my family and his, I'm always being asked for more ideas...this is the first year I have several!

ashleaf2018 · November 2016

I mostly just want nursing clothes (nighties, shirts, tank tops, bras) and a carpet shampooer. And a bigger crock pot and nicer blender. All of which I could get myself but I'm hard to shop for anyway so I'm trying to leave some wiggle room in case anyone wants to get me anything. I definitely wouldn't complain about getting baby stuff as my Christmas present either. He definitely has more than enough stuff, 90% of our baby stuff is in storage because we have so much, but still it'll be nice to know we have a stockpile for our little and won't be running out of anything anytime soon.

R0824H · November 2016

I honestly have no clue what I want...I would love some new clothes that will fit...but I'm planning on trying to lose weight and get in better shape than I was pre-pregnancy when I get cleared to do so. Ever since I've been pregnant I've become a minimalist and have given away 6-7 garbage bags of stuff to Goodwill. I'll probably ask for a new comforter set for our bed and gift cards to Home Depot/Lowes because we will need a new washer and dryer soon.

I am at a total loss lol

slartybartfast · November 2016

@R0824H

that you became a minimalist! I'm one compared to my peers but don't actually consider myself there yet. First because I hate managing stuff- second because I hate clutter- third because consumption at American norms is an environmental disaster. Anyways - with the third reason, I've actually found way more motivation to cut back on useless calories as a side effect:

my focus on reducing disposable plastic and glass (recycling is not a great solution as the % of material actually recycled is pathetic) has really increased and simply for the reason of not making trash, I think majorly twice about things in wrappers and bottles, take out, etc. snacks in my reusable containers take planning but this also makes me double think... what do I actually need. Spoiler alert - it's a lot less than my old norms.

all that to say, I struggle with weight loss because of snacking and this mentality has really helped me cut that down. I don't know why it took me so long to apply my minimalist perspective here too but it helps pick up where will power for the sake of health etc runs out (sometimes anyway...)

R0824H · November 2016

@slartybartfast I despise clutter as well!! we put new cupboards in the kitchen and got rid of our pantry style cupboards...we actually have empty cupboards now! My husband was all "oh we can get this now"..no we don't need it dear. My biggest collection was clothes..i can only wear so many before the laundry is overflowing!! I never thought about it affecting weight loss though!! I'll have to see how it works for PP. Garbage is definitely a huge thing too! If we have to use ziplocs to store things in the fridge I try to wash them out and reuse a couple times (as long as it wasn't anything messy, and marinades go in containers vs ziplocs. I have a LONG way to go before I become a really good minimalist lol

l9i · November 2016

I pretty much know what my parents will get us every year because they ask and want to get is something we want/need. I always think it's hard coming up with items because there isn't too much we "need" but I always try to find something practical. We recently moved and I've found our thermostat to be a huge pain. I set it but it doesn't stay at the given setting. So we are going to get a Nest thermostat. While looking at that I found the Nest Protect smoke/co2 detectors. We actually needed to add more smoke detectors before baby came (only one on each floor) and didn't have any co2 ones. I feel like that such a boring type gift but it helps us out! I think they will then surprise us with gift cards. I indicated DH could use gift cards to buy new hunting clothes and I could use some for new clothes PP.

Christinaruth74 · November 2016

My birthday is the 30 so gifts get combined typically. I don't want or need much. Maybe a pedi and some LLR for post partum.. but realistically I'd much rather get stuff for the girls like new cloth diapers. But there will just be so much going on this year with the baby coming that I'm not anticipating much nor are we planning to really give much. We had to just make a decision to give ourselves a break this year and be ok with it.

sourlemon · November 2016

My parents usually write us a check. Super fancy, right. Last year we bought a swingset for dd with it. Not sure what we will use it for this year...we might just put it away in savings until a need comes up.

DH is getting me a new garmin running watch. it's a combo birthday and Christmas present (bday was in July lol). and we bought a cd player for our bedroom that I will open. last year I got a Dyson. we usually stick to practical items but splurge a little...we needed a new vacuum last year but didn't NEED a dyson...but for Christmas we allowed a bit of a luxury.

Slightly off topic but my family (parents and brother) typically but the kids a small gift or two to open, then contribute to the 529 plans we have set up. my 2yo literally needs no toys and has way way way too many so just getting more and more is wasteful...but putting money aside for college is super helpful.

DiFazette · November 2016

@slartybartfast and @R0824H I'm envious of your minimalist practices. Show me your ways, wise ones. I always find myself impressed of the older generations that had a more simple life - and often I think a more enjoyable life. Not to hijack this thread, but...What's the first step you'd suggest someone take to move towards the minimalist lifestyle? Seems so overwhelming to start in such a strong consumerism culture.

I struggled with what I was telling others to get me for Christmas as well then I had 5 days in the hospital and came up with: a new robe I can throw on for nursing/pumping in the MOTN, a pair of black winter boots - do people still wear Uggs?, a new fleece jacket, sneakers, and a massage or 30.

AbriannaO · November 2016

We've only had my MIL ask for our Christmas list as we have pretty much eliminated gift giving with my family. We try to get together instead if possible, but may do small trinket type things, or my dad gets us toilet paper. My DH's response to his mom's inquiry was "a healthy baby." We really don't like getting things for Christmas from family members because most of the time it's clutter items that we don't need/want. We will be getting all of our family members a foot or hand print ornament from LO, but it may come late depending on when the child decides to make its appearance. I am sure we will get flooded with baby stuff though (fingers crossed it's diapers and wipes) - my dad claims he has been shopping for a hypothetical grandchild for years and just waiting for one of us kids to reproduce - lucky me.

My DH and I decided we are getting ourselves a new griddle. Ours is cut up on top (plus it was a Goodwill purchase from my Grandma years and years ago), so we want to get a nice one to retire our current one. Won't do gifts for each other outside of that because with our due date being the 22nd, we would rather focus on the baby.

slartybartfast · November 2016

@difazette - I think looking back, for me it's been about starting in manageable steps. First realizing that while some things have sentimental value, not everything with a memory tied to it does. Stuff doesn't make a memory. And too much stuff makes the real sentimental items get lost. Second reflecting on how we like to spend time and how we want to spend time - vs. how we do spend time. We don't buy/have things that generally facilitate spending time in ways that we don't value. Third is that stuff comes with responsibility - to maintain, store, use, dispose of properly... and I am all for minimizing my responsibilities. Fourth - it's not a deal if it's not what I need. I was very poor for many years through college and grad school and so I got in the habbit of collecting what came my way. Now it's finally sinking in. If I don't need it - I don't actually want it. And it's worth paying 3x for something that lasts 10x longer. (appliances, clothes, shoes, gear)

With those mind sets, little changes over time have been my thing (still are). I moved a lot which is convenient for unloading but more recently I'll have an empty laundry bin and have a goal being a room. I'll go through that room and evaluate what's actually needed or where simple solutions or changes could simplify.

I think it's human nature to like provide things that tend to "needs" - like it feels good to get stuff that could make our days so much easier in theory... but I think often that desire is a misdirected feeling. Like it's not actually an effective way to fill that void. So instead when I'm feeling that way I tend to do something else that feels satisfying... whether it be go somewhere for an experience, make some freezer meals, or if I'm feeling spendy - donate to one of my go-tos.
I'd say I'm successful redirecting about 50% of the time but that percentage has been going up every year.

PensiveCrayon · November 2016

@l9i Good choice on the Nest thermostat! We love ours. We might eventually get the camera to match, but right now, just due to our living situation, it's not needed.

High fives for minimalism! I also strive...struggle...haha. But @DiFazette have you discovered The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up? Marie Kondo's philosophy on stuff is comparable, I think. That book seriously changed my mindset about things, and I was able to get rid of a lot of stuff I'd been hanging on to. Then H caught the KonMarie bug, which was soooo nice.

@slartybartfast I love your idea of redirecting. Buying stuff for myself that I think I "need" is a huge pitfall of mine.

slartybartfast · November 2016

@pensivecrayon - i think it's a very natural impulse and that's why advertising and marketing are so effective! It's super easy to exploit the idea that we have all these needs for ourselves and our families and that there are all these solutions just ready for purchase. Things for convenience is a huge one. At some point, realizing I don't actually have all these needs was like lifting a huge burden off my shoulders.

One thing that's funny is I've always been more of a minimalist than my friends and I have a couple of friends that go NUTS trying to convince me I need this thing or that. I think the fact that I just don't sort of calls into question their own feeling of need and they want me to feel it to validate them. Nope, sorry.

sourlemon · November 2016

@slartybartfast Ill never be a minimalist but I wish I could cut back SOME! My life goal is to not leave my house like my grandma did when she died. It took my mom and I 3 months to sort through the stuff and there was stuff we found that was NEVER OPENED. She had a 4 bedroom 2000+SF house and it was full of clutter (not dirty like hoarders, just clutter...bookshelves everywhere, closets full of gifts never given, years and years of books and magazines).

I find it really hard to declutter / cut back...especially with kids. We have toys everywhere. Every time I think to pack up a toy or get rid of it, DD develops a new interest in it. Its like she KNOWS what I am about to do...and obviously in 2.5 year old thinking, she cant live without it.

Toller · November 2016

@DiFazette I totally agree with you on previous generations having a more simple/enjoyable life!! Smaller houses, less "stuff". And yes- people still wear Uggs- at least where I live (though I am no fashionista so... maybe im out of date). I LOVE mine- hopefully will get another pair for my birthday

I am no minimalist (well, at least what I am is not by choice but by income), but for me, I've found that not comparing what we have to our friends, helps a lot. I try to stay "our family needs" focused- and remind myself of that every day. DH has a number of very wealthy friends, which sometimes makes things a little harder at times, but we've gotten better about not focusing on that. We would be much farther ahead financially if we didn't have to "buy our babies" (IVF- but it's all paid off!!), so I always think of the things we have that money can't buy and others don't necessarily have.

now I'm just rambling and avoiding work....

KateH1216 · November 2016

@DiFazette definitely not a minimalist, but I will say that I treated myself to a new pair of ugg boots in September. And I'm asking for a pair of ugg slippers for Christmas. We do live in MN, so I get a good 6 months of wear out of my boots each year

ajstevenson · November 2016

I am not ashamed to admit that I have 3 pairs of Ugg boots (black, chestnut and knitted) and a pair of slippers. although I pretty much wear all 4 for slippers. On multiple occasions I slipped and fell outside while wearing them. We're in Ohio and winters can be gross, but usually colder rather than snowier.

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