Ah, now that Christmas is but crumbs and recycled paper, we stare at what counts as presents and ponder – did it really have to be this way? It occurred to me that I probably don’t voice my opinions on gifts that much, but Christmas is difficult to manoeuvre. People disrupt my brain!
After all, if one deigns to drop to material lows for a gift to me, why not make it count for one or two bigger gifts instead of buying me loads of small gifts I’m only going to throw away/sell.
Lest we turn into Dudley Dursley.
In no way give me chocolate. I don’t even like chocolate. (Unless it’s expensive. But even then it makes me sick.)
And thus, it occurred that I should have a wishlist. At least, or even, for my own sake. An eternal wishlist applicable any year:
> Lush products. ‘Til I die.
> Nightwear, pyjamas or nightdress. Also because these things have a limited life with me.
> Classic beanie babies, thrifted lovingly.
> Collectible or limited edition items.
> Tea/coffee things. Yum.
All Kermits aside.
> Vintage dresses I can’t afford on my own terms, i.e. Bernie Dexter, PinUp Girl.
> Lacy underwear sets. Yes, please!
> Personalised gifts or frames. After all, who doesn’t want a present tailored to their interests?
> Money. For Pete’s sake, money! In my engaged, student state, money is the most loving gift you can give me. I asked for money towards the wedding and the 1 I received (well, 3 if you count the 2 displaced money gifts of £40 in Starbucks and M&S vouchers) was from a family I hardly see.
Thank goodness for the love of strangers!
For once, it would also be nice to be spoiled with a pretty set of crystal earrings the likes of which are features on television adverts.
Just saying.
Alexandrina Brant 
LoL. Maybe you should communicate better with your gift givers?
Everyone in my family got gifts they wanted, including myself. I got a new TV (I’ve had a tube TV in my apartment, I kid you not). Bought my dad a smart watch that he’s fallen in love with, and mom got a new laptop. Hers died a few months ago. My grandma got the vaccum she’s been obsessing over for the past month. We’ve been telling her it’s out of stock to prevent her from getting it herself.
I think it’s important to drop the right hints before Christmas. Some people are just terrible gift givers, but with the right hints they can make better decisions.
All the best for 2017!