derekmetaltron

Ohhhh, tricky. Well 9 out of 10 it's the former when it comes to Christmas and Birthday planning. I have to say that I love surprising someone with a Present I know they'll like... probably, and I actually managed it this year with my dad with getting something which wasn't on his list but I bargained he would like. I think I succeeded

For myself though, hard to say. I have to admit that I can be a bit difficult to buy for and often display shall we say less than graceful looks on my face if I receive something I'm not happy with. Certainly I'm better than I used to be but it does occasionally pop up. So in general when it comes to family asking what I want, I elect to ask for a combo of money and a list of things I'm happy with. I try to make the list big enough so it covers my birthday (not long after Christmas anyway) and with enough stuff so there can be options. That way I don't know if I will get certain items or not. Only downside with this strategy is the option that there is something I have really set my heart on... and don't get it. Selfish I think, but it has happened before. The strategy for this crisis is to put the more popular stuff at the top of lists and hope that works.

So that's my feeling on exact stuff vs surprise. I love surprises and do still get them at Christmas, but I admit to being a poor sport on occasion so do opt for lists where needed.

James