I just look forward to our children visiting home for a few days.

I think I’ve settled on a new 4k monitor to replace the pair of aging NEC screens I have.

I can never think of anything, which is worse as my birthday is in December too 😔

I am so bad at thinking of things to tell people to get me. But this year everyone is chipping in a little bit and getting me a cheap build your own bass guitar kit. It’s going to sound terrible but hey… at least might be a bit fun.

I mainly buy my own Christmas presents and then I set my sister-in-law a clothing challenge (I used to throw the challenge to my auntie but she’s got dementia). As I’ve lost weight and gone down two clothing sizes, so have been buying a new wardrobe. I have myself sorted for t-shirts now and my s-i-l got me a bunch of long-sleeved tops for my birthday so the current challenge is a hoodie with a double seam on the head (as it makes the hood lie flatter).

For myself from myself I have stuff stashed away:

• Kung-fu Kristmas - all Bruce Lee’s films, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In and various other films that have trickled in over the year that I have stashed away and some I will have forgotten about, which will be a nice surprise. All 4k and special edition where I can. I might also try and get the Clones of Bruce Lee boxset but that would be really spoiling myself.
• I have the 2000AD Annual on order as I haven’t had one under the tree for Christmas in decades.

Since I got a 3D printer, I don’t have to buy filaments myself and all my relatives are happy they have easy gifts for me. For bigger gifts I just get printer upgrades. It’s a fun hobby, can be useful and even make money, and it’s great when you don’t have to worry about the cost of materials.

Standing mat so I can take better advantage of my sit/stand desk.

Fun board/card games.

A new job would be a bonus.

beer, chocolate, crisps, running shoes

I fancy a Mathmos lava lamp, either green oil with blue water, or something a bit warmer with violet or purple…

As usual my mum doesn’t know what she wants and neither does my dad (although my mum did suggest getting him some Baileys). My boyfriend hasn’t decided on anything yet, so it looks like I’m going to have to do some last minute shopping

“even though you’re in your thirties and own your own home.”

What? Where are you living that you can own a home in your thirties?!

I’m a parent of teens, so am mostly in the side of your in-laws.

• for myself, I have money and most of my interests are too focussed for anyone not in those niches to successfully gift me. I would really love a treat or time.

• for my teens, wtf do you want? Let me shower you with gifts while I still can

Last year we built gaming computers. They got something they appreciate all the time and I got a fun activity with my kids! I have no idea how to match that, let alone top that

I drink whisky which means every Christmas people can buy me a bottle and by the following year they’ll be able to buy me another.

Otherwise, I just buy myself stuff and then give it to the kids to give to me.

I’m in this boat with my in laws always going hard for Christmas. Each year they complain how stressful and expensive it is trying to think of gift ideas for everyone. Since I joined the family, I’ve touted the “one gift per family member” system my family generally followed. They agree but never follow through.

When they ask for a list I’ve usually put a bunch of things on there of varying price so they can choose one. In reality, they just buy everything. So this year I’m hoping to force the issue by keeping my Christmas list short. A jacket, one yard tool, and a toolbox. I should go further and ask for experiences over stuff. I have more than enough stuff.