I always have a list of what I would really like - something I would buy for myself if I had the extra cash flow.

I usually will do a little of both things I need or want for the household or myself. I really don't think that there is anything I want for the house this year-besides my usual jar candle set. My mom insists that we (brother, DH and I) make out a Christmas list every year- currently I am working on that and can only think of 3 things I want (she likes long lists) and I think that is all I am going to ask for.

Now as far as DH goes- I usually will get something for the both of us- last year he got a VCR/DVD for in our bedroom- . I think this year I will specifically ask for him to finish the bathroom or a giftcard to Barnes & Nobles.

I actually keep a word doc year round of things I am wanting, books, or kitchen things, of DVDs, or the like, so when Christmas comes around, I can give a list of things in all different genres and price ranges, like this year I want an apron, a particular set of yoga DVDs, some casserole dishes, cutting boards, a video game, some books. It makes it much easier on my DH and my MIL to give suggestions. I don't mind getting practical things sometimes I'd much rather have that than something I wouldnt know what the heck to do with, or something I already have a few dozen of. I'm less likely to splurge on stuff for the house, I'd feel guilty, but as much as I love to be in the kitchen, it's like a treat to get new stuff for it.

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"And the state of his bathroom -- I'm not one to gossip, but there are things crusted on his sink that have not simply developed intelligent life but have in all probability by now evolved their own political systems." Cain describes Abel in in SANDMAN #70

I like the practical stuff! (as long as it's something I picked out) I don't want someone trying to guess what color bathroom shower curtain to get me, but since I want a shower curtain I'd love for someone else to pay for it! Since I'm pretty particular about the household items though, I usually instead suggest a Lowe's/Home Depot gift card to fix up the house.

DH's grandma usually buys us an ornament every year, but since she know's I like Willow Tree stuff she gave us a Willow Tree plaque last year! (I'm hoping she does that again this year)

Most times I'd want the practical stuff, but it's fun to occasionally get the fun stuff too!

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Stay at home mom to my 3 boys... ages 5, 3 & 1!

I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

If it's someone I know really well that's asking me, I am honest. I will ask them how much their gift was going to be, if they say $30, I ask them to give them to me.
Then of course, I turn around and put it in my daughter's youth savers account.
Some might think this is weird, but it's worked for me in the past, and these people don't have to pay me any taxes
If it's someone I barely know or starting to, I tell them whatever they want will work.
However, if they insist, I'll tell them a gift card to Target will do!

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

i feel guilty asking my husband to buy me frivolous things (Victoria's Secret stuff, movies, Bath and Body works, etc.), so i ask friends for those kind of things when we do gift exchanges.

I always ask for gift cards, that way I have a good excuse to go shopping which is also a gift! I like Amazon.com, Ebay, Target, Home Goods, etc. Then when I get around to using them, sometimes I get stuff I "need" and other times I get stuff I "want". Depending on my mood.

I would love gift cards, but would never ask for one. Well, come to think of it, it wouldn't hurt to mention that to my mom. But mil enjoys picking out presents, so I do give her ideas if she asks. Problem is, she usually asks dh what I want, and he doesn't always know. He does well him self, when he has bought a more expensive item, but on the smaller things, he is clueless. I would love to drop hints to him, but he is not that kind of person. His gifts have always been awesome, except when he buys me clothes. Just get me a gift card! Oh and I love things for the kitchen. I would like a food processor, a stand mixer or a new blender. I would not like a can opener, iron or a vaccum as a present.

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"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching."

-- St. Francis of Assisi

I want my "needs..." and now that we have our own home, a gift card to Lowes or Home Depot is always appreciated. With my $$ from last year's Christmas gift I got to get rid of the ceiling fan in our kitchen that made no sense.. replaced it with a new fixture & added another light over the kitchen sink!! No more washing dishes in the dark. Every time I turn on that light switch I still smile! This year if I get $$ I will probably save it for the veggie garden I want to start next year!