Alright, so it's about time to start picking up gifts for family and friends. It's still a little early for some of you, but this is something to think about before Thanksgiving. When my family gets together I normally try to get a feel for what they want (or at least don't have) after the meal.
Simply asking what they want never yields acceptable results for me, Grandma always says something like "Oh, just seeing you is enough," and then an Aunt will say she "Wants her neighbor's Lab to quit leaving steamers on her lawn." Even if someone does actually tell you exactly what they want, then you're done, but then maybe you've got to deliver something lame, like an electric toothbrush. With this in mind I normally just try to coax a good idea out of them with trickery. Believe me, you don't want to give an electric toothbrush.
This is done quite easily, just ask something like 'Have you ever tried playing Wii?' or tell them how awesome it is to TiVO football. Whatever you do, just make sure to gather some basic intel. One year I bought my Grandmother Disney's 'Finding Nemo' DVD, only to discover that she doesn't have a DVD player!
The theme last year was 'make something', and that's a good way to save money in the poor economy. This year let's save the earth and money, by recycling old stuff!
Craigslist is a green way to save some dollars and find something dope. It's not hard to find a Wii, TiVO, NES, DVDs, games, etc., for cheap. A quick search will normally find ten of these even in small markets like Oahu. But start soon, because you want to have time to find the right one.
Everyone knows eBay will find some cool stuff too. But you've got to get something cool if you're gonna use eBay. Nothing new, and nothing common. Don't get a comemorative spoon collection. I'm a fan of giving old editions of books, hardcover Hemingways, Steinbecks, Kerouacs and the like can lend some real class and sincerity. Just take a look at their bookshelf and get them something similar. This is perfect for your girlfriend's/boyfriend's mom or dad. Just make sure that if you're gonna use eBay that you buy it with plenty of time for it to be shipped.
The thrift and consignment store inventories have also been stocked up pretty well in the recession too. All the girls who bought their designer handbags on credit two years ago are starting to give them up, leaving a pretty good selection of used pieces. And if you're not a female, take one with you to help you pick it out. You don't want to see the unmistakable face that says 'this is hideous.'
Lastly, keep in mind that you can get rid of some of your old stuff using all these exact same processes. Sell your old DVD player on Craigslist (because you bought a PS3), and put your 'Seinfeld: Season 4' on eBay. This way you get rid of unneeded stuff and finance the gifts at the same time, a win-win.
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"All the girls who bought their designer handbags on credit two years ago are starting to give them up"
ReplyDeleteSo we should by them for our incredibly irresponsible girlfriends that already had to give theirs up? lol
But seriously, Ken makes a damn good many true points. And giving books is always an excellent way to go. Not a person I can think of in the day and age reads too many books.
Also, recycling electronic via craigslist and ebay.... interesting concept.