Makin' a List, Checking it Twice

So, how do you feel about Christmas lists? Are they helpful for shopping or a desperate beg for loot? Some people seem to like getting lists and others don't. I know some people who think wish lists are crass and buying gifts off them isn't very personal. On the other hand, I know some people who wouldn't leave the house to go shopping without one. I'm wondering about your opinion. What do you think?

Me, I like Christmas lists. I like getting some hints on what my family wants or needs. I often shop off the list, but it can serve as a jumping off point for when I am really stuck. Then again, I like how we do our lists. They tend to be fairly generic, which means the shopper still has a part in picking out the gift. For example, we'll ask for things like sweaters or earrings. So, I may get my mom a pair of earrings, but I get to pick out which ones, how much to spend, etc. Very rarely do we have really specific items, unless it is a CD, DVD or book. There are a few occasions where we pick out very specific items, but that tends to be a very small part of the wish list. Truthfully, I also like giving my family ideas. Almost always there are things I need that they wouldn't know about unless I told them, so it works out well.

You know what I don't like, though? Amazon wish lists - or any kind of incredibly specific gift list that has the brand, make, color, size and price all pre-determined of each and every gift. That doesn't feel like a list of shopping ideas to me - it's more like a bridal registry. I can understand how some people would love those though. Back in the days when I was in college I worked in the lingerie department of a large upscale department store. Every Christmas husbands and boyfriends would come in, looking a little confused and lost among the slips and racks of pantyhose. They would want help picking out nightgowns or robes, or worst yet, there were always a few men who wanted to buy bra and panty sets and had no idea what size their ladies were! "Ummm.... she's kind of that girl's size but a little smaller on top, and maybe a little bigger on bottom" were fairly common comments. Women, as you know, this is hardly a good method for accurate bra size! It got pretty silly and was a source of amusement to all of us salespeople, well it was right up until the day after Christmas and all the returns started piling in! I bet those guys would have loved a really detailed list!

This year I spent some time making the list I gave my family. I tried to make an even mix of things that I need and can't afford right now, and luxury items that I love, and can't afford right now. My family does Christmas pretty big - but that doesn't mean we aren't frugal. I bet there are very few cases of anything under the tree that was bought at full price! My mom, sister and I are all bargain hunters!

So what about you? How do you do your Christmas shopping?




Photo of his nephew and Santa by: Radio Rover