When I was a kid, my five siblings and I would make up a list of toys, clothes and other things we wanted to receive as gifts. It was a lot of fun drafting it, even knowing that we’d only get one item (if things went well) off the wish list.
I’m 36 years old (yep, getting up there) and I’ve recently been working on a similar list. You see, I’m very difficult to buy for. I have almost everything I want and the few things I do want, loved ones can’t give me (unless the loved one is the hubby with delivery in 9 months).
So I make up a list of fun things that I’d get a kick out of receiving… like colored paperclips. I don’t know why but colored paperclips make me happy. When I’m at contract gigs, I hoard them. One of the toughest things I have to do is leave those paperclips behind when I leave.
Of course, I could buy them for myself but they do cost more. To take away some of that supply bloat related guilt, I put them on my wish list. When people ask, I distribute the list. Sure, it takes away a bit of the surprise but I am less likely to get yet another rice cooker (being Irish/English married to a Chinese guy, the assumption is that I can’t make proper rice… okay, they might be correct about that).
What’s on my list this year? Besides an overly generous buyer for my drilling stocks, items like books, notebooks (a staple for most writers but the ones I receive as gifts are fun and funky), cleverly designed memory cards (which I constantly lose), binders, etc.
Comments (4)
Ironically, I'm having to write one up for my boyfriend (and distributing to my mother). He says he is drawing a blank on what to get me. I SAY he is being lazy and not putting effort into it.
Posted by Vixen | November 2, 2007 10:36 AM
Posted on November 2, 2007 10:36
I loved my wishlists as a kid! I was fortunate enough to get a few items from the list, courtesy of relatives. Now I try to make them as a way to curb spending. I space out my purchases and sometimes decide not to buy because after 3 months it doesn't seem so urgent.
Posted by Mrs. Micah | November 2, 2007 2:52 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 14:52
I love that you put things like colored paperclips on your list. Do people ever get you those? I hope so :)
Posted by bluntmoney | November 2, 2007 5:58 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 17:58
Actually Bluntmoney, you're seeing my stash from last year.
My big bro gave them to me, shaking his head in wonderment and then grinning when my face lit up.
Yes, I'm a strange one but obviously I'm not the only one or they wouldn't upcharge us for the colored clips.
Posted by Kimber | November 2, 2007 8:05 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 20:05