Christmas time is here again, and with it comes Christmas shopping. There is a certain irony in Christmas being a celebration of commerce, considering it's celebrating the birth of a man who once told his followers to give up their possessions. But I'm not here to complain about gifts, I'm here to once again provide you with my own holiday gift guide. It's an assortment of presents that I want, and I hope in vain that someone buys me. It never actually works, of course, but I keep hoping that somewhere, someone decides to drop a large chunk of change on giving me one of these wonderful presents.
For instance, don't you want to buy me a shiny new camera? The one I personally want is the Canon Rebel T4i, which is only slightly under $1,000. Think of the joy you'll bring me when I open my gift. Think of how much better off I will be with a camera that has better low light performance than my current equipment. I mean, I'm even being reasonable here, not looking at the much more expensive models, instead keeping grounded and looking for a pretty straight upgrade of the one I have now. Surely, someone has it in their hearts to spend this not inconsiderable amount of money on me.
That's a long-shot I admit, but how about buying me some movies? There's the Bond 50 blueray box set, which is a relatively reasonable $200 or so, depending on where you find it. It's a big set of 22 James Bond movies, a series I've been a fan of since I was a kid. Sure, not all of the movies are actually good, but I still want to watch them regularly, for reasons I've never completely understood. Unfortunately, I've never quite been able to justify actually buying the set, which makes it a superior holiday gift and one that I know someone out there wants to buy me, because Christmas is about giving.
Fine, that's still a pretty expensive item, I can admit that. It still makes sense to start with the most ambitious item you can find and slowly work your way down, doesn't it? So, something cheaper than the movies, but still something that would likely make my life better, what could it be?
If you're going to get me something inexpensive, I suppose that the best solution is a gift that shows you know me in some way, that you're familiar with me in whatever capacity. The best gift I was given last year was a mix kit for a drink I mentioned I would feel uncomfortable ordering at a restaurant. It wasn't expensive, but it made a statement. That statement was, I know who you are, you are a strange person, but for whatever reason I appreciate you anyway.
If you are planning to buy me something for Christmas, that's the guide you should use. It's also the guide you should use for everyone else in your life, buy something that shows you know their habits, their needs, and the many otherwise strange aspects of their personality. Put together stuff that shows the gift recipient that you actually put a great deal of thought into what they are getting and that you put a real effort into selecting that present.
But, since not everyone has the time to put that much effort into the perfect gift, the second best option is just get something expensive and extravagant, two qualities everyone can appreciate. I've given you two wonderful options if I'm on your list.
