Here's the deal. I'm the hardest person in the world to shop for. This is universally acknowledged by everyone in my circle. My specific passions are very specialized - Flyfishing, drumming / music, diving, photography, wine, etc. When I need something, I save or sell something and just go get it. This leaves very little room for outside participation.
For outsiders to these passions, its tough to convey that a snorkle from Sports Authority isn't a gift for a diver. If you golf, you get the idea. If you fish, you get the idea. So everyone has pretty much given up. Which is OK, but not fun for me or for them when my birthday or Christmas come around. For my friends and family, lately its been fine dining and some great wine - and I love it. But for my wife and I, I have an idea for this year.
Here's the thing: I have a great life. Blessed, really. I don't need stuff. I got everything I need. Honestly. So Christmas is usually just a mellow affair, and the grand gesture days of mega giftage between my wife and I are past. And our Christmas celebrations have never been better.
So I've instituted a new policy: The $100 challenge. I think next year it will be the $50 challenge. But I blerted out $100 when I thought this up yesterday, so this year it is what it is.
Here are the rules.
1) $100 max all in. Including tax, delivery, set up... whatever. $100 all in. Less is OK, but not a penny more.
2) You can't start shopping until December 20.
3) Gift cards are cheating and will be cut up! You need to be creative and fun.
4) You must complete shopping by 12/24.
5) We are operating on the honor system.
I'm going shopping for Jaye tomorrow, and I'm so fired up. I'm the shopper in the family, so the pressure is really on her... she's going a little nuts. But she's the artist, so I suspect there will be some really interesting stuff. This is so gonna rule.
I can't wait. We didn't have a proper Christmas last year as we were traveling to dive, and were gone from 12/20 through New Years... it was weird. Its good to be home for the holidays.
This is gonna be fun.
---
Ken
For outsiders to these passions, its tough to convey that a snorkle from Sports Authority isn't a gift for a diver. If you golf, you get the idea. If you fish, you get the idea. So everyone has pretty much given up. Which is OK, but not fun for me or for them when my birthday or Christmas come around. For my friends and family, lately its been fine dining and some great wine - and I love it. But for my wife and I, I have an idea for this year.
Here's the thing: I have a great life. Blessed, really. I don't need stuff. I got everything I need. Honestly. So Christmas is usually just a mellow affair, and the grand gesture days of mega giftage between my wife and I are past. And our Christmas celebrations have never been better.
So I've instituted a new policy: The $100 challenge. I think next year it will be the $50 challenge. But I blerted out $100 when I thought this up yesterday, so this year it is what it is.
Here are the rules.
1) $100 max all in. Including tax, delivery, set up... whatever. $100 all in. Less is OK, but not a penny more.
2) You can't start shopping until December 20.
3) Gift cards are cheating and will be cut up! You need to be creative and fun.
4) You must complete shopping by 12/24.
5) We are operating on the honor system.
I'm going shopping for Jaye tomorrow, and I'm so fired up. I'm the shopper in the family, so the pressure is really on her... she's going a little nuts. But she's the artist, so I suspect there will be some really interesting stuff. This is so gonna rule.
I can't wait. We didn't have a proper Christmas last year as we were traveling to dive, and were gone from 12/20 through New Years... it was weird. Its good to be home for the holidays.
This is gonna be fun.
---
Ken
