I’ve gotten lots of great responses so far to the wish list, and I want to respond to so many of them, plus give people additional chances to enter the contest. The rule was that you have a random chance of winning if you suggest something that I might actually want. Part of this post is to help narrow it down for Joe, who is reading along and still looking for ideas about what to buy me, so I’m going to be honest about what works and what doesn’t. Still, there were some great ideas that just aren’t right for me at the moment, so those people will get a name in the hat as well – because I like to imagine that there are readers out there just like me who are still trying to figure out what they want for the holidays, too, and maybe your suggestions will help them.
Allergicmom suggested a Wii. Great idea! and I loved the idea of the game you suggested. But, Joe – not for me this year. Too hard to find, too expensive, and honestly I just don’t have the time to play it. I’d rather be knitting and blogging. You get your name in the hat, though.
Several people suggested an IOU or coupon-type gift for time off – a vacation or just time to myself or a night out. I’m sorry, but none of you win the prize – come back and enter again with a different idea. Here’s the thing – I’m blessed with a husband who understands that everyone needs time off to go have fun. I get to go out and teach my classes, I get to go have afternoons or nights out with the girls when I want them. And I’ve already been promised a trip away by myself when I’m ready (after Sophie is weaned, and it’s really my choice when I’m ready to wean her – I’m getting close.) There is only so much “extra” time available in our lives – only so many times when it is reasonable for me to be away – because things have to balance out with his time alone, family together time, time for chores to get done, etc. I am confident that I get my share already, and I’m sure as heck not going to accept what I consider a baseline part of our relationship in place of a Christmas gift. And neither should any of you! Besides, when people give coupons like that, it’s really not fair because most of the time we still feel guilty for cashing them in.
Serenknitity suggested a gorillapod. Interesting idea, but we already have a tripod, and I have the feeling that I’d never have it on me when I’d need it. If you’re into photography, though, go take a look.
Okay, a couple people suggested chocolate. I’m sorry, but if you’ve been reading here, you know that I just lost 15 pounds and one of the major habits I changed was the chocolate habit. Hi, I’m Shelly and I’m a chocoholic. I’m in recovery, people. We don’t keep fancy chocolate around the house right now because I have no willpower. Hell, I’ll even dig into the chocolate chips if I get desperate enough. I can hardly keep those around even. Joe, under no circumstances should you consider buying me chocolate any time soon. Anyone who made that suggestion, you’re not in the hat yet – come back and give me something more appropriate.
Another suggestion was additional knitting needles. Believe it or not, I have more size 0 dpns and circulars than I care to admit. There are probably some gaps in the other sizes, but it’s because I don’t use them very often. Nice thought, but that’s one of those items I’d buy if I needed it. And I’m too lazy to go figure out what I might want. You’re still in the hat, though.
Some people suggested various yarn clubs. Joe was all hot on this suggestion, specifically the Rockin’ Sock Club. He was all ready to whip out his credit card. I think it’s a great idea, and anyone who suggested something like it is in the hat. But here’s the thing. I already have tons of sock yarn. I love surprises, but I hate it when I get surprised with something that doesn’t suit me. A big part of buying sock yarn for me is the falling in love with a specific skein. It’s seeing it, fondling it, loving so much that I can’t bear not to buy it. There is no way I could actually keep up with knitting along with a sock club, and I have a feeling it would just end up making me less happy over the course of the year as it all piled up unknit. So that’s a no-go.
Lynn suggested various knitting notions for the stocking stuffers. That’s a maybe. Joe, if you can find something cute and funny that you think I’d love, I’d be down with it. You know that stitch marker you found in the car the other day (and readers, go check out his post – it’s hilarious!) I could use another packet of those. Seems kinda silly sending him to the yarn store for them, though – I’m in there twice a week.
A couple people suggested digital picture frames and/or photo albums. My Sidekick takes care of the portable pictures thing, and I like regular frames for around the house. I do need to buy and fill some more, though. Still, good idea for other people.
Oh, and Tupperware was another suggestion. I like Tupperware too, but in my mind, that is not a Christmas gift. That is a household necessity. It’s not like I’m the only person who benefits from it – the whole family benefits from the work I do in the kitchen. Still, it’s fun to go to their site and poke around. Maybe after Christmas spending is over I’ll pick up a few new pieces. But I always do worry about plastics and food…must find balance!
Heather says I should get a magazine subscription. I already subscribe to a cooking magazine or two, and no fewer than four knitting magazines. I love getting mail! It’s a great idea, but I’m already taken care of.
Sue suggested an annual pass to the zoo for the family. That’s another one of those not-really-for-me gifts. I think it’s a great idea if someone like the grandparents wanted to buy it for all of us. But I’d kinda be offended if they bought it just for me. Try again, Sue!
TheBon had some great ideas. A digital food scale – yep, I have two! They’re great! Digital probe meat thermometers – I wouldn’t try to cook without mine. I have a great one that has a probe attached with a wire to a unit that sits outside the oven. You can set the temperature you want, and an alarm will go off when the meat reaches it. It has a timer built in, too. Put that on your list if you don’t have one. Oh, and we have Here Come the ABCs (not a gift for me, though – that’d be for the kids!) and we love it. Thanks for the heads up on Here Come the 123s, and if you haven’t already, go check out N0! We love that one too.
J. Denae suggested a massage or facial. Hm. Interesting idea – I’ve never had a real massage, and it might do me good. She also suggested classes of some sort. It’d be tempting, but it runs into that time commitment thing, which I think I’m already maxed out on. I will say that the next time Susan Rainey teaches her zipper class at the Yarnery, I’m planning on finding a way to take it if at all possible. She also suggested DVDs of a tv show I want to watch – I use Netflix for that and love it. If you don’t have Netflix already, ask for a subscription! I gave one to Joe last year for Christmas, and he loves it. I just added an extra DVD to my subscription and set him up with his own queue. He didn’t think he would use it at all, but he does, and in fact it has saved us a lot of money because he was buying those DVDs before instead of borrowing them.
Wow – it’s getting late, and I’m nowhere near through the comments so far. One last thing, though – lots of suggestions for PJs. And that’s one that I’m 90% sure he’s going to get me. I showed him the pajamas in the Eddie Bauer catalog. I like the flannel pants and the long-sleeved t-shirts. Some day I will wear silk pajamas, but they’re just not practical right now.
Okay, I’m going to wrap this up and head to bed. But tomorrow, I’m going to head to the mall while Julie’s at pre-school and see about trying on some coats.
I DO have a probe thermometer that has the unit with the temperature setting. I use the timer all the time for just timing things and I cannot live without it. Well, I could, but I’d rather not. We do own No! as well as Bed, Bed, Bed, Bed, Bed. We’re huge TMBG fans, so they belong to my husband and I, and will continue to do so even once we have kids. I suspect we might be bigger nerds than some folks though out there though.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help, in terms of gifts for your list though.
how about an ant farm?
You may not know it, and it is too expensive for this year, but maybe another time: you want a Kitchenaid. I borrowed a friends to make the girl’s birthday cake, and I was transported back to the days I worked in catering and used such equipment all the time. It make tasks so easy, and out of reach tasks so accessible. If you cook and bake, and you do, this is essential to your happiness.
rosesmama
Sounds like you have all you want and need at this time, so what about a donation to your favorite charity in honor of you and your children.
I have an idea. Rather than starting a whole new hobby and collecting cute, pretty shiny beads for jewelry, how about
collecting cute, pretty shiny beads for
adding to your knitting? You know all the stuff the Yarn Harlot has been posting is very cool. Even though I don’t make lace shawls, the beads make me want to try sometime. They’re small so they could be a stocking stuffer Joe. Carolyn in NC
This might sound kind of goofy, but what you might want it is an item that recently, made me very happy. A new STYLISH purse. Now, I am not talking the normal “mommy purse” we all carry, I am talking a stylish purse that you can carry when you go out with the girls. Like, a purse that the models on the Today show carry with their “what clothes are new and hot for the winter season”. Now, we don’t have Prada money, but I went to a Filene’s Basement/DSW, and found a purse that would normally be outside of my comfort zone with it’s “hipness”, for the marked down price of $29.99. This purse is so different than my normal purse! I can carry this thing while wearing my yoga pants and winter coat(ha, like I do yoga!) and I look trendy! It is big enough to carry the essentials (including some small kid toys) AND a small knitting project without it looking like a tote bag! I think you need/want a new trendy purse to spice up your errand running days! It did mine!
Kelli
weaverDOTminerATgmailDOTcom
OK. Here I am, trying for another gift idea. This one won’t cost Joe a thing, except his time.
Ask Joe for the ‘gift’ of finding your circulars, sizing them and building a spreadsheet of what circulars you have. I’m not kidding. I use my spreadsheet all the time to look up if I have a certain circular for a project. If he (and you) like this idea then ditto for a DPN spreadsheet AND a spreadsheet of knitting magazine back issues.
When I read about a certain pattern or article in an old IK or Vogue I love to be able to open my spreadsheet and see if I have that issue.
Now, if I’m STILL not in the hat yet then I suggest a specific
pajama idea:
Karen Neuberger PJs. They are the only ones I wear. I love them. Macy’s probably has them. Nordstrom’s definitely has them:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/2383220/0~2376776~2374325~2383219~2383220?cm_ven=google&cm_cat=women&cm_pla=karen_neuburger_missp&cm_ite=karen%20neuberger%20pajamas
They aren’t cheap but they are wonderful.
PS. Good idea about keeping the zoo idea for your parents or in-laws to give.
OK. Here I am, trying for another gift idea. This one won’t cost Joe a thing, except his time.
Ask Joe for the ‘gift’ of finding your circulars, sizing them and building a spreadsheet of what circulars you have. I’m not kidding. I use my spreadsheet all the time to look up if I have a certain circular for a project. If he (and you) like this idea then ditto for a DPN spreadsheet AND a spreadsheet of knitting magazine back issues.
When I read about a certain pattern or article in an old IK or Vogue I love to be able to open my spreadsheet and see if I have that issue.
Now, if I’m STILL not in the hat yet then I suggest a specific
pajama idea:
Karen Neuberger PJs. They are the only ones I wear. I love them. Macy’s probably has them. Nordstrom’s definitely has them:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/2383220/0~2376776~2374325~2383219~2383220?cm_ven=google&cm_cat=women&cm_pla=karen_neuburger_missp&cm_ite=karen%20neuberger%20pajamas
They aren’t cheap but they are wonderful.
PS. Good idea about keeping the zoo idea for your parents or in-laws to give.
This may or may not float your boat…
Hallmark has this cool thing http://tinyurl.com/2k8nhj
I know it’s not just for you, and maybe it would make a better family gift.
I too am blessed that I can pretty much go a buy what I would like without a problem, and I have a Dh who is an awesome gift giver, so family memories take on a whole mew meaning, because they cannot be purchased.
Good luck finding something to put on your list.
since you have done so well at WW, how about a fruit of the month club? harry and david has a great one.
chgoknitgrl@yahoo.com
I just caught up with your holiday weekend posts and saw that you were looking at J. Crew coats. While they are expensive they are worth every penny. I have a black one in the style you like, only longer. I bought it five or six years ago and it still looks great. It’s a classic style, well made of great material and I’m pretty sure I’ll get another 3-4 years out of it.
I just remembered… audible dot com
a subscription for books for the mp3 players.
DH subscribes for his travel time… loves it
I’m coveting a portable tabletop swift (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6465064)
Love my subscription to Cooking Light (great awesome magazine)
Wear my Karen Nueberger PJs (from Macys) all the time
And am hoping to get a Sean Corne Yoga DVD in my stocking.
PS – Kitchenaid mixers ROCK!
I can see why you’re so hard to shop for. In fact, considering how you’ve shot down every single idea so far, I wonder why you even asked your readers for their input?
If a Kitchenaid is too expensive, how about a Magic Bullet? It’s a fun way to make individual smoothies (or mixed drinks), and comes in handy in all kinds of situations – like making a quick iced coffee…
Two suggestions: 1) tickets to a concert/event. (This could be either the main gift or your stocking stuffer.) 2) Tivo – I know this sounds odd, but with two kids the ability to pause a t.v. program when you are interrupted and then resume is great. I thought this would be too expensive, but at Circuit City they have a $290+ option on sale (plus rebates)for $99.99.
Good luck with your holiday preparations!
Shelly, I suggest a cashmere sweater set. You’ve lost weight and deserve a little something special, don’t you? Classic, practical, yet luxurious! It will probably outlast any tech gift you could get!
Happy holidays!
Molly
I’ve got another suggestion for you, in the hopes that something was keen enough to get in the drawing. New boots or some sort of waterproof shoes. I’m not sure what your preferences are, or what you are already wearing, but you probably either need something for sloppy slush days or for bitter cold days or for better walking comfort.
Clark’s Muckers are at DSW right now (I’m getting a pair for Xmas from my parents) and my mom is convinced that they are going to be good for walking babies around in Chicago winter.
Hmmm–sounds like my suggestion of a knitting/dyeing class/retreat did not make the cut. So, I’ll enter another suggestion. Right after I finish this comment I will put this item on my own wish list. How about a membership to Curves.
ok, how about a photo album, put together by Joe and the girls, that include highlights of the last year? Based on the blog, you’ve had some good times together as a family, and wouldn’t it be fun to get their impressions of those fun times, too?
minneapolismamaATgmailDOTcom
Wish list: How about more boxes of raisons to bribe the girls with!!!