OMG! That sounds so like me!! I use to get nice surprises from hubby for Xmas, he loved buying me pretty clothes and nice jewelry. That was before I got too fat for the really sharp outfits he liked, and before I had more jewelry than I can ( or do) wear. Now he wants me to make a list of what I want, show pictures, tell him where to get it, etc. and he will go buy . The kids do me the same. I KNOW they are trying to please me, but I would much rather have a surprise to open. I guess it is the kid in me, but I like to be surprised once a year. Forty years ago all I really wanted was a new sewing machine that did something more than my FW. I hinted and hinted for that, for many years,told my daughter what kind I would really like to have( so she could tell him if he asked her), and I never did get that as a surprise . For him, it wasn't "fun" to shop for something like that, it would sound so dull when he told the "guys at work" what he was getting me. I finally used my own money and bought myself one! And now I've done the same again. When I was a kid, my sister had a Singer toy sewing machine, and of course I got to play with it as I grew up. Two years ago I saw a replica of that toy at Hancocks, told hubby I really would love to have one ( "WHY?"). Explained my reason for wanting it( sister didn't sew, but wouldn't let me have it). I thought for sure he would buy it, but no, he didn't see the point. Instead I got a diamond pendant and gold earrings that I didn't even want. Yeah, I know, I shouldn't complain about that kind of gift, but for what he spent, I could have had a toy machine and the real thing. I sometimes wonder if they ever really listen to what we say. I'd just like a surprise gift!! I never get surprises anymore. Sure sound like a spoiled kid, but I like to surprise all of them. Of course, they usually take what I buy and return it for something they want, but at least I get the fun of surprising them with something unexpected. Not even doing that this year, so I am in a real bummer mood. WhewA!! Lots of venting there!! Sorry.