As I read this thread, I am so glad I only buy for children at Christmas time. If you are over 18, you don't get a gift from me because Christmas is for kids.
I loved to shop, but hated trying to figure out what to get the older gang, had too many to shop for, was in debt yearly because of it, always wanted to get something personal and useful, but it was frustrating, and it drove me crazy to get gifts from someone that had nothing to do with who I was and I really felt many gifts were just obligatory purchases.
Now, I tell everyone to please purchase gifts for children who are needy through any agency of thier choice, and I will do the same. It makes Christmas such a wonderful time for me now.
My son is grown, he is 35, and gives me a novelty gift every year, but promises me that he spent money on a needy child too. I still won't give him a gift! He blessed me with a grand daughter this year, and I have 6 boxes all ready to mail for under the tree for her. I'm so excited to have a baby to buy for again!
I love gift cards too! I give them alot and love to get them. However, the best gift I ever got was from my little nephew who spent $1 on patriotic window clings for my car. He knows Aunti loves the American Flag and patriotic songs so he had to get them for me. Now, there is a kid who is paying attention to who I am!
Diane