I really try to find things that fit the person and sometimes a gift card is the best way to go. The Christmas after my BIL and his wife had their first baby, we gave them a gift card to a very nice restaurant and my other SIL (who lives closer than we do :D ) gave them a babysitting "coupon" so they could have a date night. They loved it.

I know my preference as far as what I like to receive has changed since I've gotten older so I try to keep in mind that my friends and family have probably changed too.

OMg, I have this one aunt who, when I was 15, gave me... A COLORING BOOK for Christmas! A COLORING BOOK -- a Barbie Coloring Book, to be specific. I was 15 years old and her rationale was that, as the "baby" of the family, I should love the gift. I was 15.

(and no, this aunt is not extremely old and/or senile; he was in her late 40's at the time...)

Originally Posted by yoyodieterinvegas:
I know my preference as far as what I like to receive has changed since I've gotten older so I try to keep in mind that my friends and family have probably changed too.

Practical gifts for sure...sometimes things for the house such as pots & pans, bowls, dishes, sheets, etc. something I know the person needs or wants and/or gift cards. For the picky people in my life I buy the gift cards a lot so they can get what they want and they don't get a useless gift.

i love getting practical gifts. Last christmas though, the hubs and I got a gift card for Chili's from 4 different people. Thanks...?
We like to put a lot of thought into what we get for others and admittedly we were taken aback by the lack of thought people gave us. Anyway, my hubs and I always get each other pretty practical things. He says I'm ridiculously hard to shop for because I don't wear a lot of make up OR jewelry. sheesh.