So, I've been dying to ask--what did you all get for Christmas?
My most awesome gift was the camera Mark surprised me with. I have really been wanting a new camera and the one he choose is even more than I'd hoped for. I was stunned and thrilled. He also gave me a Liverpool t-shirt, which of course is rad.
For the most part, I was also thrilled with how respectful both Mark's and my family were as to my desire for used/homemade/non-commercial presents. I got several books, which are always great gifts, several pounds of coffee and several bottles of wine from Oregon, which were on the very tip top of my wish list, and a couple of really lovely handmade gifts, including a multimedia piece from here and a set of beaded bracelets.
However, I also got a couple of things that are awesome, but not things I can use. That's where you come in. Contest time! Leave me a comment telling me what you got for Christmas, and two winners will be chosen to receive my awesome but unusable gifts. All I'll need is your snail mail address.
U.S. only, please.
I'll probably close in a few days, so comment now!
I'm jealous of your camera! I have a nice one that works fine, but I wanna little one I can keep in my pocket that still takes great photos.
Mark grumbles about gift shopping but always comes up with a winner...this year a Bose sound dock for my office. It's totally awesome and wasted in my little itty bitty office. I love it.
My MIL gave me the electric knife I've been craving. I'm on a turkey kick.
My grandmom made a donation to my name to Heifer and the rest of the family gave me cash and various smaller gifts.
Oh, and my mom gave me her Lush freebies when she bought her Dream Cream (says it cured her eczema).
Happy New Year!
I got a $50 gift certificate to Zabar's to get lots and lots of tasty smoked fish! That was the family grab bag gift.
And I got 2 handmade bowls from Etsy that were Zombie and anatomy themed (photos to come).
And I have one more yet to get to me!
I get few presents. No one I know is real present people.
I got a 50mm f/1.8 II lens (don't ask me what all the numbers mean, but all together, it's a much nicer piece of glass than my kit lens and I'm very excited about it).
I also got a huge leather bag (yay!!! need.). Several pairs of cute earrings, a new bracelet, the new Dar cd (wooh!!), some spending money, and some fun stocking stuffers like Hello Kitty bandaids.
Next year my mom's side of the fam is going to do a thrift gift exchange, and I'm really looking forward to that. We were going to stop xchging presents altogether because it was just too unwieldy, but I suggested a name-draw plus thrifting, and everyone went for it. I'm very excited about this.
My husband gave me a really hideous pair of slippers, but redeemed himself by also buying me some lovely bird-themed art from Etsy.
De-lurking to say I like reading about your Austin Bins adventures. I am in SE Woodstock in Portland, and used to live in Austin (Hyde Park area) Cheers!
It was a present-lite kind of year. Cash from the folks (YAY!), great Aveda soaps from CC, and of course the famous chili chocolate.
I always think it's interesting to hear what other people give and get as gifts. My parents always get me things I directly choose, this year: moonstone earrings from Etsy, Robot Dreams by Sara Varon (so good!), and the game Pit. My brothers got me small odds and ends (throw blankets, candy). My boyfriend got me a pair of silver and beaded earrings and a Christmas ornament from our equal trade crafty store and a bunch of uber-practical gifts: Swiss Army knife, knife sharpener, etc.
Your camera sounds awesome! I need a new digital camera... my is crap, but I have 3 nice film cameras so I hesitate to buy a new digital. But of course I only ever use the digital. Ugh.
Let's see… Robert got me a HUGE set of colored pens (so exciting) and made me a handmade ornament (which was even more exciting).
Parents got us slippers and fuzzy pjs. And some baking stuff (cinnamon roll dough in a box!).
Other people most got us gift cards or money, which was especially appreciated.
I got a light wool hoodie from my mom, and even though I haven't worn it yet, I know it's going to be my favorite for a long time.
Santa brought us a hockey goal. Woot!
How much do I love this? http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13654360
So much!
I got books, a Meyer Lemon tree, a cute handmade calendar from my daughter, a sequined Oscar the Grouch change purse, and some other stuff.
My family goes all out with presents. This was my boyfriend's first Christmas with my family and I was worried that it would be totally overwhelming to him.
The gift that I'm most excitable about is my programmable Crock Pot. Yay! I also got 4 seasons of Angel on DVD, some earrings I wanted, a new bluetooth for my phone, some clothes (oops - still gotta return one sweater), an awesome bracelet from my boyfriend, etc.
My husband and I received a camera for christmas too! The best gift from the inlaws by far. I also received a bread maker from them as well. mmmm... My husband surprised me with a handmade dress (not by him) and a beautiful poem he wrote for me. I absolutely love them both!
Thought I'd share what I got for Christmas. I get to go and see The Sound of Music in Toronto, got a new fuzzy robe, a subscription to a knitting magazine, some yummy wool and yarn, warm slippers, and a great pair of shoes. There were some other small things that I really loved too... all in all, I was seriously spoiled. :)
Take care,
El
My DD was 4.5 this Christmas, and it was the first year she could really help participate in picking out presents. DH took her shopping for me, and she got me a scarf and a bag of Jelly Bellies, and I feel like it was the best present EVER.