Michael ... you are trying to put generalities to something that is inately personal ... gifts are absolutely about the thought ... the thought you put into picking it, which means thinking about that particular person you are giving to ... knowing what they like, what is fun for them and what isn't. Never about giving them something you think they should have or think they need, or think they should like!!!

I spend a lot of time thinking about gifts for the people I give to ... I don't really bother giving gifts to someone I don't care enough about to spend the time in thinking and planning..... this is kind of a big deal for me ... most of the people I give gifts to tell me that my gift is the favorite thing the got for the year ... and years later they still are reminding me about how much they like it ... not because I fish for those comments either, I firmly believe that if you can't use something I've given, or I got it very wrong that time, and you know of someone else who would like it .... then give it to them and let them find joy in it!!!

OK ... trying to climb down from my soap box now, but though I've worked very hard year after year to give gifts that are a joy to the recipient, I have received a lot of gifts that were nice enough, but they frequently seemed to come with a message that had more to do with what the giver wants me to be or do.

I love giving gifts to people I care about and so I listen when they speak, pay attention when they say they enjoy X or collect Y or would like a specific item ... so I have a very good female friend who likes some things that are less conventional and she like a lot of very practical gifts ... when I give her such things, I look hard to make sure I've gotten her the best version I can afford, with some bells and whistles for her to discover if possible.

K - I've been up here way tooooooo long now!!!! climbing down and hoping Lixy will show up soon so my entry isn't the longest!!!