The problem with Xmas...

[maxlords]

The real problem with Xmas isn't the commercialism or disgusting holiday cheer, it's what the hell to buy people. My family does gift giving, and while most of them are easy to buy for, apparently I'm the devil incarnate when it comes to people buying for me. It seems that no one can shop for me without a list, and usually, they can't find 3/4 of what's on my list at all (my family doesn't shop online except for me). The things I want are all obscure, expensive, and VERY hard to find. And I get downright unpleasant when I get stupid gifts that people know I woudln't want after I've made it abundantly clear that I only want VERY specific things. Nevermind that my clothes are falling apart into rags, I want games! :D

Has anyone else had a problem with their hobby making people's gift-buying difficult? Most of my family either doesn't send me gifts (which is fine with me) or just sends me money now because it's too hard to shop for me. Sry if this should be in the O-T forum, it's kind of a straddler topic!

[maxlords]

The real problem with Xmas isn't the commercialism or disgusting holiday cheer, it's what the hell to buy people. My family does gift giving, and while most of them are easy to buy for, apparently I'm the devil incarnate when it comes to people buying for me. It seems that no one can shop for me without a list, and usually, they can't find 3/4 of what's on my list at all (my family doesn't shop online except for me). The things I want are all obscure, expensive, and VERY hard to find. And I get downright unpleasant when I get stupid gifts that people know I woudln't want after I've made it abundantly clear that I only want VERY specific things. Nevermind that my clothes are falling apart into rags, I want games! :D

Has anyone else had a problem with their hobby making people's gift-buying difficult? Most of my family either doesn't send me gifts (which is fine with me) or just sends me money now because it's too hard to shop for me. Sry if this should be in the O-T forum, it's kind of a straddler topic!

[Flack]

For me, it's Star Wars. People come over and see my Star Wars collection and then when Christmas rolls around, I always get loads of that Star Wars crap that they can't give away at the dollar store -- stickers, pogs, paper plates ... what the hell does a 30 year old guy do with paper plates?

The worst is my wife's sister. She always gives me a bag of little "goodies" and I know she spends $20-$30, which just means it's a LOT of crap instead of just a little crap. Like, every year she gets me one of those mini tape measures and mini levels. So last year around November I told my wife to tell her instead of buying me 100 little things, pool the money and buy me one thing. She ended up buying me a pair of boots that I wore all year and really like.

As far as the video game stuff goes, I don't think I'd put stuff like "rare boxed game" on my Christmas list. If people are asking you for a list it's because they can't come up with anything on their own, and asking for "obscure, expensive, and VERY hard to find" things I'm sure doesn't help their stress level any.

If I were you I'd ask for gift certificates for specific gaming or computer places. Either that or just take the clothes and smile.

[Flack]

For me, it's Star Wars. People come over and see my Star Wars collection and then when Christmas rolls around, I always get loads of that Star Wars crap that they can't give away at the dollar store -- stickers, pogs, paper plates ... what the hell does a 30 year old guy do with paper plates?

The worst is my wife's sister. She always gives me a bag of little "goodies" and I know she spends $20-$30, which just means it's a LOT of crap instead of just a little crap. Like, every year she gets me one of those mini tape measures and mini levels. So last year around November I told my wife to tell her instead of buying me 100 little things, pool the money and buy me one thing. She ended up buying me a pair of boots that I wore all year and really like.

As far as the video game stuff goes, I don't think I'd put stuff like "rare boxed game" on my Christmas list. If people are asking you for a list it's because they can't come up with anything on their own, and asking for "obscure, expensive, and VERY hard to find" things I'm sure doesn't help their stress level any.

If I were you I'd ask for gift certificates for specific gaming or computer places. Either that or just take the clothes and smile.

[Chunky]

get them all Castlevania: Lament of Innoncence!

[Chunky]

get them all Castlevania: Lament of Innoncence!

[Achika]

Two years ago, I wanted all sorts of stuff but my parents aren't really internet able (in terms of understanding eBay that is) so I can't ask for a "Zircon Channel F model 2 with detachable controllers", so I made the mistake of not asking for anything. I ended up getting Christmas Ornaments. A LOT of Christmas ornaments. After about a week of moping and hitting myself upside the head saying "you should have asked for SOMETHING" they took me out to get an MD Player.

Anyhow, that stopped last year. I asked for a whole slew of games and went so far as to send links to online stores that had what I wanted (it wasn't anything you could go into a store and get). This year, since there's nothing obscure that I wanted and to make sure I escape the fate of Christmas ornaments, I got an N Gage. :o

[Achika]

Two years ago, I wanted all sorts of stuff but my parents aren't really internet able (in terms of understanding eBay that is) so I can't ask for a "Zircon Channel F model 2 with detachable controllers", so I made the mistake of not asking for anything. I ended up getting Christmas Ornaments. A LOT of Christmas ornaments. After about a week of moping and hitting myself upside the head saying "you should have asked for SOMETHING" they took me out to get an MD Player.

Anyhow, that stopped last year. I asked for a whole slew of games and went so far as to send links to online stores that had what I wanted (it wasn't anything you could go into a store and get). This year, since there's nothing obscure that I wanted and to make sure I escape the fate of Christmas ornaments, I got an N Gage. :o

[Balloon Fight]

This year, since there's nothing obscure that I wanted and to make sure I escape the fate of Christmas ornaments, I got an N Gage. :o

I would have stuck to the Channel F!

Off Topic: Chunky, im digging your new look!

[Balloon Fight]

This year, since there's nothing obscure that I wanted and to make sure I escape the fate of Christmas ornaments, I got an N Gage. :o

I would have stuck to the Channel F!

Off Topic: Chunky, im digging your new look!

[maxlords]

Flack, my problem is that I can't ask for money. My family on my wife's side (everyone local) thinks it's "rude" to give money or gift certificates, they insist on gifts. It leaves me stuck grasping for the few things i think they can afford that are available in my area, and that's NOT much :D

[maxlords]

Flack, my problem is that I can't ask for money. My family on my wife's side (everyone local) thinks it's "rude" to give money or gift certificates, they insist on gifts. It leaves me stuck grasping for the few things i think they can afford that are available in my area, and that's NOT much :D

[BrAInDeD]

JESUS CHRIST! you guys had worst presents ever not to mention flack's magnificent collection of paper plates, man each time i say paper plate i feel like pissing myself.LOL

Wow Achika that really sucks having Christmas ornaments for christmas especially when

1.you only use it once a year
2.Its probably not you putting those ornaments up anyways
3.there probably not video game christmas ornaments
3.CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS HAHAHAHA!LOL
4.there probably not pointy enuf to stab your parents
5.Hey i didnt even have to list these im sure you knew

The only thing you could do with them is give them to someone else for christmas.

[BrAInDeD]

JESUS CHRIST! you guys had worst presents ever not to mention flack's magnificent collection of paper plates, man each time i say paper plate i feel like pissing myself.LOL

Wow Achika that really sucks having Christmas ornaments for christmas especially when

1.you only use it once a year
2.Its probably not you putting those ornaments up anyways
3.there probably not video game christmas ornaments
3.CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS HAHAHAHA!LOL
4.there probably not pointy enuf to stab your parents
5.Hey i didnt even have to list these im sure you knew

The only thing you could do with them is give them to someone else for christmas.

[Half Japanese]

I hate some of the presents I get sometimes:

a knife with Robert E. Lee on it. Sure I realize I'm in the South and all, but goddamnit it's pretty cheesy and I'll never use it.

Stray Cats cd. I have no idea where the hell this came from. Wait, actually I do, the half-torn Big Lots sticker on it gave me a pretty good idea. Anyway, they're not terrible I just wasn't expecting a cd by them. Alright, they're fairly terrible.

Clothes. I'm a picky motherfucker when it comes to clothes, so unless it's pretty comfortable or reasonably kickass I don't want it.


Gift certificates are the present for a joyride. Those who don't like to give them are probably just afraid you'll find out how ridiculously cheap your gifts have been for the past few years ;).

It always seems like there's at least one person in every family who's extremely cheap and/or last minute.

[Half Japanese]

I hate some of the presents I get sometimes:

a knife with Robert E. Lee on it. Sure I realize I'm in the South and all, but goddamnit it's pretty cheesy and I'll never use it.

Stray Cats cd. I have no idea where the hell this came from. Wait, actually I do, the half-torn Big Lots sticker on it gave me a pretty good idea. Anyway, they're not terrible I just wasn't expecting a cd by them. Alright, they're fairly terrible.

Clothes. I'm a picky motherfucker when it comes to clothes, so unless it's pretty comfortable or reasonably kickass I don't want it.


Gift certificates are the present for a joyride. Those who don't like to give them are probably just afraid you'll find out how ridiculously cheap your gifts have been for the past few years ;).

It always seems like there's at least one person in every family who's extremely cheap and/or last minute.

[Rev. Link]

Maxlords, I understand your problem. My family knows very little about the things I'm into. I've learned to not bother asking for, well, anything anymore. 'Cuz if I ask for a movie I may get a VHS instead of a DVD, or a full screen instead of a wide screen, etc. If I ask for a game, I may get it for the wrong system. And so on and so forth.

Plus, my family usually doesn't spend much money on gifts, so even if I did ask for a few games, I might get one. I don't mind this, really, though. I'm pretty particular about the things I want, and buying them myself gives me control over what I get. Plus, Christmas is about being with your family, not getting gifts.

The one thing that does bug the crap out of me, though, is that my family insists on giving gifts. I usually do get $50 cash to go buy myself a game, but then I'll also get another $50-100 worth of generally worthless stuff that I don't need, just because my family wants to give gifts. I try to tell them that there's a lot of particular things I'd like to get and they could just give me a bunch of money and I'd be happy, but they won't hear it.

[Rev. Link]

Maxlords, I understand your problem. My family knows very little about the things I'm into. I've learned to not bother asking for, well, anything anymore. 'Cuz if I ask for a movie I may get a VHS instead of a DVD, or a full screen instead of a wide screen, etc. If I ask for a game, I may get it for the wrong system. And so on and so forth.

Plus, my family usually doesn't spend much money on gifts, so even if I did ask for a few games, I might get one. I don't mind this, really, though. I'm pretty particular about the things I want, and buying them myself gives me control over what I get. Plus, Christmas is about being with your family, not getting gifts.

The one thing that does bug the crap out of me, though, is that my family insists on giving gifts. I usually do get $50 cash to go buy myself a game, but then I'll also get another $50-100 worth of generally worthless stuff that I don't need, just because my family wants to give gifts. I try to tell them that there's a lot of particular things I'd like to get and they could just give me a bunch of money and I'd be happy, but they won't hear it.

[Sotenga]

Excerpt from depressing Christmas song:

My table's been set for but seven
Just last year I dined with eleven
God Damn Ye, Merry Gentlemen

Type O Negative rocks your socks. \^_^/

Okay, about yer dilemma, Max, it doesn't apply to me. I don't have to get anyone gifts. As the youngest child, I only take. I don't have the money to give. I'd like to give, though. But no one expects me to. Does anyone think I'm taking advantage of this situation? Maybe I should spend at least ten dollars... but I've only got $55 right now, and I'm going to spend that today! *sigh* Yeah, maybe I can be a bit selfish sometimes. :(

Oh, well. As long as my family has a Merry Christmas with whatever gifts they get, I guess that's good enough.

[Sotenga]

Excerpt from depressing Christmas song:

My table's been set for but seven
Just last year I dined with eleven
God Damn Ye, Merry Gentlemen

Type O Negative rocks your socks. \^_^/

Okay, about yer dilemma, Max, it doesn't apply to me. I don't have to get anyone gifts. As the youngest child, I only take. I don't have the money to give. I'd like to give, though. But no one expects me to. Does anyone think I'm taking advantage of this situation? Maybe I should spend at least ten dollars... but I've only got $55 right now, and I'm going to spend that today! *sigh* Yeah, maybe I can be a bit selfish sometimes. :(

Oh, well. As long as my family has a Merry Christmas with whatever gifts they get, I guess that's good enough.

[GaijinPunch]

My father a bitch to shop for. Until he retired, he was only into pens or golf. Every year, I either got him a box of Titleist or a nice pen. Now, he's into computers. I splurged and got him a digital camera one year (I had just gotten a raise) and he uses it all the time. That was 3 years ago I think.

Now, I'm 28 and live 6,000 miles away from home. I don't ask for anything. It's gotta be small, so I usually just get some clothes. My mom tries to give me cash but I tell her not to bother, b/c I know she hates giving it. Oh, I also get a box full of junk food that I'll definitely be giving away this year... on a diet. :)

[GaijinPunch]

My father a bitch to shop for. Until he retired, he was only into pens or golf. Every year, I either got him a box of Titleist or a nice pen. Now, he's into computers. I splurged and got him a digital camera one year (I had just gotten a raise) and he uses it all the time. That was 3 years ago I think.

Now, I'm 28 and live 6,000 miles away from home. I don't ask for anything. It's gotta be small, so I usually just get some clothes. My mom tries to give me cash but I tell her not to bother, b/c I know she hates giving it. Oh, I also get a box full of junk food that I'll definitely be giving away this year... on a diet. :)

[maxlords]

LOL @ the junk food, Gaijin Punch!

@ Rev. Link: Sounds like you're in the same boat I am. They INSIST on giving gifts, and insist that the stuff on my list can't be the only stuff I want to get (which it pretty much is). I just can't win here because they usually don't give money since it's "impersonal!" Gah!

@ DrJustinRamone: AUGH! CLOTHES! Every year I SPECIFICALLY tell my family that I DO NOT WANT TO RECIEVE CLOTHING AS A GIFT! I HATE getting clothing, I'm picky about what I wear, and unless it's a gaming or pop culture t-shirt my wife knows I like, I'll be all pissed off. And I get them anyway. *sob* I personally feel that spending money on clothing is a waste of time...I wear my stuff till it falls off and then buy a couple more items. I've never cared about fashion or anything like that. But I can't escape people buying me clothes! *sigh*

As for awful gifts, one year my aunt heard that I collected comics and I'm a big Batman and Spider-Man fan, so when I got her Xmas gift, it was a Batman Returns miniature pillow. Seriously, wtf am I going to do with an ugly tiny pillow from an awful movie?? It's bloody well not the thought that counts in my book, because in a case like that, they didn't think! I was so irritated about it that I told her what a crappy gift that was and she's never sent me anything since. Which suits me fine :)

[maxlords]

LOL @ the junk food, Gaijin Punch!

@ Rev. Link: Sounds like you're in the same boat I am. They INSIST on giving gifts, and insist that the stuff on my list can't be the only stuff I want to get (which it pretty much is). I just can't win here because they usually don't give money since it's "impersonal!" Gah!

@ DrJustinRamone: AUGH! CLOTHES! Every year I SPECIFICALLY tell my family that I DO NOT WANT TO RECIEVE CLOTHING AS A GIFT! I HATE getting clothing, I'm picky about what I wear, and unless it's a gaming or pop culture t-shirt my wife knows I like, I'll be all pissed off. And I get them anyway. *sob* I personally feel that spending money on clothing is a waste of time...I wear my stuff till it falls off and then buy a couple more items. I've never cared about fashion or anything like that. But I can't escape people buying me clothes! *sigh*

As for awful gifts, one year my aunt heard that I collected comics and I'm a big Batman and Spider-Man fan, so when I got her Xmas gift, it was a Batman Returns miniature pillow. Seriously, wtf am I going to do with an ugly tiny pillow from an awful movie?? It's bloody well not the thought that counts in my book, because in a case like that, they didn't think! I was so irritated about it that I told her what a crappy gift that was and she's never sent me anything since. Which suits me fine :)

[BrAInDeD]

Max thats fucking funny but usualy grannies are the worst my friend last year got fucking SOCKS for fucks sake atleast a T shirt or pants NOOOOO A FUCKING SOCK, i kept trying to persuade him to take that sock piss on it and smack his granny with it.

OK for my gifts i just get money that im very fucking glad to receive because before they gave me some gifts and they were awful.
U KNOW HOW MUCH GOD DAMN FRUSTRATION BOARD GAME I GOT
FUCKING 3!

if i see another God damn frustration game im gonna go throw myself down a bridge.

just look at the monstrosity :eek 2:
http://images.etoys.com/g/toys/big/123909B.jpg
the only one whos gonna receive my frustration is whatever dumb ass who gave me that peice of crap in the first place :angry:

[BrAInDeD]

Max thats fucking funny but usualy grannies are the worst my friend last year got fucking SOCKS for fucks sake atleast a T shirt or pants NOOOOO A FUCKING SOCK, i kept trying to persuade him to take that sock piss on it and smack his granny with it.

OK for my gifts i just get money that im very fucking glad to receive because before they gave me some gifts and they were awful.
U KNOW HOW MUCH GOD DAMN FRUSTRATION BOARD GAME I GOT
FUCKING 3!

if i see another God damn frustration game im gonna go throw myself down a bridge.

just look at the monstrosity :eek 2:
http://images.etoys.com/g/toys/big/123909B.jpg
the only one whos gonna receive my frustration is whatever dumb ass who gave me that peice of crap in the first place :angry:

[RJ]

Wow...no frustration there... O_O

BTW, that game looks like "Trouble" from way back when...down to the "Pop-O-Matic" di(c)e roller in the middle!

[RJ]

Wow...no frustration there... O_O

BTW, that game looks like "Trouble" from way back when...down to the "Pop-O-Matic" di(c)e roller in the middle!

[RJ]

WHOOPS!

[RJ]

WHOOPS!

[BrAInDeD]

Frustration came before trouble and why the hell am i talking about that monstrosity and i had the old skool box for it not the box i sent link i cant find the old skool one but really i dont give a flying fuck. :evil:

[BrAInDeD]

Frustration came before trouble and why the hell am i talking about that monstrosity and i had the old skool box for it not the box i sent link i cant find the old skool one but really i dont give a flying fuck. :evil:

[BrAInDeD]

CHRIST NOW THIS http://store6.yimg.com/I/thetoyhunt_1763_54515437
thats it im going to bomb whatever place created this monstrosity its too much now caillou is on it DAMIT i better not receive that version next christmas or im really going to be frustrated. :angry:

[BrAInDeD]

CHRIST NOW THIS http://store6.yimg.com/I/thetoyhunt_1763_54515437
thats it im going to bomb whatever place created this monstrosity its too much now caillou is on it DAMIT i better not receive that version next christmas or im really going to be frustrated. :angry:

[kainemaxwell]

That's why i try to be more specific with the games I do want with family, etc.

[kainemaxwell]

That's why i try to be more specific with the games I do want with family, etc.

[kainemaxwell]

That's why i try to be more specific with the games I do want with family, etc.

[kainemaxwell]

That's why i try to be more specific with the games I do want with family, etc.

[BrAInDeD]

I never said i wanted board games AT ALL i dont even play with them the only board game i like is chess thats all the rest can crawl up my ass and rot there :evil:

[BrAInDeD]

I never said i wanted board games AT ALL i dont even play with them the only board game i like is chess thats all the rest can crawl up my ass and rot there :evil:

[Gamereviewgod]

Slighty off yet still on topic, has anyone seen these "credit cards" that are basically gift cards for anywhere that card is accepted? You take the "credit card", put an amount of cash on it, then give it to another person as a gift. Their made by Visa/MC I believe. They can be used at any location that accepts the standard credit cards.....I have one question:

WHY THE HELL WOULDN'T YOU JUST GIVE SOMEONE CASH THAT'S GOOD EVERYWHERE!!!!!!?????? :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

Seriously, am I the only one who sees a complete waste of resources used to make millions of cards that will most likely be tossed at the end of the usage period????? My god companies can piss me off.....

:End of major rant:

[Gamereviewgod]

Slighty off yet still on topic, has anyone seen these "credit cards" that are basically gift cards for anywhere that card is accepted? You take the "credit card", put an amount of cash on it, then give it to another person as a gift. Their made by Visa/MC I believe. They can be used at any location that accepts the standard credit cards.....I have one question:

WHY THE HELL WOULDN'T YOU JUST GIVE SOMEONE CASH THAT'S GOOD EVERYWHERE!!!!!!?????? :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

Seriously, am I the only one who sees a complete waste of resources used to make millions of cards that will most likely be tossed at the end of the usage period????? My god companies can piss me off.....

:End of major rant:

[BrAInDeD]

Gamereviewgod very good point but there is not answer to that

[BrAInDeD]

Gamereviewgod very good point but there is not answer to that

[RoboticParanoia]

My family is good with the gift things...trouble is that I don't know what I really want for christmas any year...

The only really "funny" story I have.
My grandmother's the only one that gives me clothes, but she's old and senile anyway. One time, she gave me a skirt for Christimas. And it wasn't close to a kiln. It was a leather miniskirt. "This is the fashion nowadays" she said. Then I was afraid she would give me something like croutchless panties next, and thank god she didn't. I use the skirt as a lamp shade now.

[RoboticParanoia]

My family is good with the gift things...trouble is that I don't know what I really want for christmas any year...

The only really "funny" story I have.
My grandmother's the only one that gives me clothes, but she's old and senile anyway. One time, she gave me a skirt for Christimas. And it wasn't close to a kiln. It was a leather miniskirt. "This is the fashion nowadays" she said. Then I was afraid she would give me something like croutchless panties next, and thank god she didn't. I use the skirt as a lamp shade now.

[BrAInDeD]

HAHAHA, holy shit i was really gonna piss myself that time a mini skirt hahahahahahaha but i like what you turned it into if i ever get a mini skirt i will know what to do with it LOL

[BrAInDeD]

HAHAHA, holy shit i was really gonna piss myself that time a mini skirt hahahahahahaha but i like what you turned it into if i ever get a mini skirt i will know what to do with it LOL

[jaydubnb]

I'm glad that no one in my family has even bothered to buy something related to my gaming hobby...i probablly would end up with 5 copies of Superman 64. Max, I'm sure you remember the oh so cherished monogrammed hankies I received as a gift two years ago. After that display of ineptness, I struck back by buying my aunt the crappiest birthday present ever: oneof those $5 "leather" wallets found on any busy NYC street corner. Her look of disgust and anger was my early Xmas present of 2002.

This year its been broadcast that I've officialy given up Xmas as a whole, and will not be backed into buying someone a present because its the socially acceptable thing to do. ,,!,, that. I'm saving my chips and this year on 12/25, in Jaydub's, apartment will occur the first annual "Liberation Day" where I blow a wad a cash on myself. I have too many Neo and DC games I want to worry about getting Frank from Accounting a "something special". I believe "Bah humbug" is Latin for "Expect a present from someone esle."

[jaydubnb]

I'm glad that no one in my family has even bothered to buy something related to my gaming hobby...i probablly would end up with 5 copies of Superman 64. Max, I'm sure you remember the oh so cherished monogrammed hankies I received as a gift two years ago. After that display of ineptness, I struck back by buying my aunt the crappiest birthday present ever: oneof those $5 "leather" wallets found on any busy NYC street corner. Her look of disgust and anger was my early Xmas present of 2002.

This year its been broadcast that I've officialy given up Xmas as a whole, and will not be backed into buying someone a present because its the socially acceptable thing to do. ,,!,, that. I'm saving my chips and this year on 12/25, in Jaydub's, apartment will occur the first annual "Liberation Day" where I blow a wad a cash on myself. I have too many Neo and DC games I want to worry about getting Frank from Accounting a "something special". I believe "Bah humbug" is Latin for "Expect a present from someone esle."