I first posted this in 2002 and feel it’s time for review:

Just a little reference list as we approach the gift-giving season; the intent is not to be churlish – although no doubt it probably seems that way. I would just rather have something thoughtful that cost 50p, rather than a 8-quid bottle of whisky that I’ll never drink. it seems unfair not to warn people, or to not be up-front about it.

Anyway – the list:

• artwork
• whisky
• chocolates and/or other candies and sweets
• clothing
• cookbooks
• electronic or optical equipment
• mugs and cups and other drinking implements
• teatowels
• teatrays
• coasters

…i think that’s about everything. now i just have to spread it round the family.

For 2004 the basic blacklist stays prettymuch the same, but frankly there isn’t much anything that I want or have need of – unlike my youth where Christmas was an opportunity for my mother to lard me with new and necessary socks, in terms of material need there is not much on my needs-list anymore, and I am becoming inclined towards my sister’s idea of dumping presents for ourselves in favour of our soliciting contributions towards some charitable causes in Africa.

ie: Don’t buy me a gift, in favour of buying something for someone else who really needs it.

Hmmm…