Thanksgiving is next week, and, while I don't like getting in the Christmas spirit until after giving thanks, I do like getting my Christmas shopping done before November even begins. I find that it is easier to buy gifts for others when I am not out searching for something but instead can take the time to consider who the person is and what they may like. I also like snagging deals when I can and find that Black Friday does not always present the kind of deals of the items I would gift. Generic gifts are usually not my things and I don't really enjoy giving them unless I know that person loves throw blankets and has dogs that destroy them every year. Same thing that I would only buy candles for someone that truly loves candles.
Two problems always present themselves every year. What do I want to gift my parents? My dad can pretty much buy whatever he wants or needs. My mom, on the other hand, can't buy whatever she wants or needs but doesn't truly want anything. She presents the bigger challenge of the two. My dad and I bond over a few interesting items like coffee or candy. So, that is pretty easy. Send a bag of coffee or some unique candy. Done! And I generally think he is happy. However, despite the fact my mom should present a wider array of options, she only a has a few interests. None of these interests lead to any clue on potential gift giving. The gifts would either completely blow any budget (i.e. way too expensive) or require technical expertise to buy. Usually the fallback options with moms are feminine or girly things. Yet, she lacks interest in typical feminine things and hates to spend money. So, while she may light the occasion candle, this is not an option. Nor is make-up, salon gift certificates, jewelry, soap, lotion, clothes, etc. I simply refuse to give her any additional trinkets to clutter up her house and only to collect dust.
Here I am halfway through November and I just finished all my Christmas gift shopping. What will my dad receive? Candy. Because being cracked out on sugar Christmas day is always a bonus.What did my mom end up with? Some relatively generic stuff - a glass nail file (because hey she does have nails), some cozy fleece socks (because she always says she has cold feet), and a reed diffuser with the scent of apple cinnamon pie (because who doesn't like a house to smell like pie). Deep down inside I feel guilty like I should have done something better because I truly love my mom. Yet, I realize that this is a problem that presents itself more than just this time of year.
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