f13.net

Yeah, so I'm trying to buy something for my wife and she's fucking impossible to buy for.  She already has a nook, an iPad and basically every item of electronics she could possibly want and therefore I need a little help. 

Also, I thought it would be a cool thread for people to put things in if they have already gotten something cool for somebody. 

My list of ideas so far: 

Waffle maker
Mont Blanc Pen

You're likely going for a pricey one, but if $40 is your game, this one has worked very well for me:

http://www.amazon.com/Presto-FlipSide-Belgian-Waffle-Maker/dp/B000TYBWIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1290982675&sr=8-1

We're limiting ourselves to $100 this year and not buying off lists for each other.  Going to be tough... Wish we had the cash to get her an iPad. 

I'm getting my wife a Livescribe digital pen (http://www.livescribe.com/en-gb/). When she writes things, she prefers to use a pen and paper for the initial drafts then types it up. The pen will make that a snap.

I'm having just the opposite problem. It's always easy thinking of gifts for other people but difficult as hell telling family what to get me. I'm Googling now to find gift ideas for myself.  :uhrr:

I did pick up an awesome R. Crumb "Keep On Truckin'"  incense burner (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/robert-crumb-keep-on-truckin-incense-burner) for my dad the other day at Planet K. He doesn't burn incense but he'll love it on display somewhere.

My wife is into pens. She loves these new Pilot inks.

http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/products_id/3515

Man I read that completely wrong, I was afraid to click on the link until I did a double-take.

I think my brain must have rejected reading it that way because they are no longer into those soon after they become a wife.

Bought my fiancée a banjo.  I can't wait to give it to her; I really feel like I nailed this gift.

That Livescribe digital pen is awesome.  It's something I never knew I needed, but would use constantly.

My wife is insistent that we buy a video camera.  I don't know why, because we'll never use the damn thing but it's what she wants.  ("Yes we will use it. There's lots of stuff I wanted to tape" "Why not pictures, which you also don't take?" "It's not the same!") Now I just need to find one that's reasonably priced and doesn't use proprietary memory sticks or mini DVDs.

That is a kick ass gift.  I would love a banjo, however I might as well get the wife a bowling ball with my name inscribed on it for as much as she would be interested in one.  She might actually have more interest in the unintended thoughts of Nerf, haha. 

Boom (http://www.wetanz.com/assault-rifle/). (Literally). Oh, wait, this isn't a what I want for christmas thread.

If she does dig Montblancs, my favorite is the stainless steel and carbon fiber Meisterstuck (http://www.montblanc.com/products/precious_white_metals_carbon_steel.05833.php).

I got a fountain for the missus for her birthday.

I read on an econ blog the other day a very interesting theory of optimal gift purchasing.

Buy them the thing that they would feel guilty buying for themselves. So when you're out shopping and they see something they really like and want to buy, but are contemplating really hard and just cant bring themselves to resolve the cost/benefit in favor of buying it.

Get them that.

The best gift you can give a woman is a gift that allows her to cook a meal for you. You both win.

 :oh_i_see:

To make this post slightly more worthwhile...

Guo is completely right in this instance, that is one of the best ways to buy gifts.

Actually, my intent was for it to be a place for all ideas, including stuff that you might want yourself. 

As for the waffle maker-  the other part of that gift is that I always make the waffles.....  :why_so_serious:

Makes sense, but harder to do than you'd think. My wife may have been wanting a quart sized jar of honey mustard back in Feb, but if I were to buy that now she would just laugh and throw it away.  :oops: She pretty much buys anything she *really* wants anyways, so that makes it super hard.

I think I will just get her some slippers, some jewelry of some sort, and maybe a gift card to Nordstrom.

My wife is a huge fan of Dominion, so I went and picked up all of the expansions for her.  She is however, also a woman, and while the games are nice, she'd be disappointed in those alone.  So to go along with the expansions, I picked up a nice set of Swarovski crystal oval drop earrings.  

Batter Blaster is actually good. Spray on waffles in a can sounds horrible I know, but give it a try.

I tried some and thought it was horrid. And you can never go wrong with blood diamonds or lingerie.

Anybody getting or asking for something cool for themselves? 

Rather than risk buying her earrings or a necklace that she'll only wear because I bought it for her, I've decided to buy the girlfriend a quality jewelry box.  The fact that most of her jewelry is currently kept in a drawer in the bathroom also makes me think this is a good idea.

Now, does anyone know where I can buy a quality jewelry box  :uhrr:

This looks like an alright place for jewelry boxes (http://www.jewelryboxmaster.com/main_cat.cfm?group_id=1&cat_id=19). 


I had good luck looking at local arts/crafts stores when I bought my wife hers for our wedding present.

Thanks for the link, Ghost.


I'm a bit of a coin collector and am considering asking for this pocket watch:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nz3JCKSeL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

But first I need to decide if it's tacky or just awesome.

This is probably going to be my Christmas present to myself. (http://www.barbourbymail.co.uk/Barbour-Classic-Beaufort-Jacket.html?utm_source=Barbour_Online&utm_medium=referral)



I think in this age pocket watches veer towards the pretentious in a somewhat unavoidable way. Your example isn't particularly tacky in my eyes, but I think you're going to struggle to make it work outside of steampunk conventions. YMMV.

I'm getting myself a new pair of shades:

Vedalo HD Rosso2 (http://www.vedalohd.com/product.aspx?id=153) (Cheaper @ Flyboy Accessories (http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=230&zenid=qisq0q4kmupmqrq0m245nihk36))

I bought a lot of computer parts with which I hope to assemble a running system.  I'm not particularly concerned that the 1156 socket is going away, either.

If you wife has a nook, maybe you could get something to put in it?

Oh man, I totally took that the wrong way. But it made me laugh the way I took it!

I bet you took it the right way.  In the back of a Volkswagen.

Bought myself all of the parts to do a new system build. Took two weeks to get everything.  First time I'll have done one in a LONG time.

I should probably buy a static mat while I'm at it.

In the desert, yes.  Mat and wrist strap, follow protocol.

Possibly your pens.

Misread Sky's response FTW - just as he no doubt planned.

I've apparently bought my husband the full six season box set of The Sopranos - or so he's informed me. 

I think my new computer counts as my Christmas gift this year, but I'm planning to hit the bookstore and throw copious amounts of money at them for the pleasure of catching up on some more books.

We just had a baby  2 months ago.  There are currently no pens or any other objects being placed in any nooks. 

Depends on how you define cool.  I like clocks.

http://www.bulova.com/brands/frankc/product.aspx?brand=frankc&id=3048&origin=search

That's my birthday and Christmas present to myself.

That's a very cool clock and a very reasonable idea for a gift.  It's certainly something I wouldn't have thought of. 

That makes it harder.

When i can't find something that I know they want but can't justify I end up going to "advocacy shopping". As in, i think about the things that I find really cool that I think others should find really cool and them get them that. For me this usually entails a lot of obscure foreign films or niche TV shows. For my Sisters husband i will be getting him proper shaving equipment (Brush, Proraso creme, pre-shave cream, alum, and a DE razor) because i have found just how nice a real proper shave in the morning is and want to spread the joy.

This might not work as well since your wife probably knows most of those things you're into, being your wife and all. And so both probably has some exposure to the things you would want to proselytize, and probably doesn't want anything to do with the ones she hasn't picked up already.

But its worth a shot.

That, or get them something unique relating to what she enjoys. It's probably too late at this point. But I've always felt that a personalized or signed copy of a book was something cool. It shows that you're paying attention and will go through the trouble to get something that will be kept.

I buy my mother household supplies. She is so cheap and buys absolute crap, it's annoying having to use her kitchen, the paper towels don't actually work and the plastic bags are flimsy and leak. Money's been tight the last couple years, but I used to blow a few hundred bucks stocking her up with quality stuff. It really does make life a tiny bit better, every day.

My list this year is still a Taylor nylon-string classical guitar. At least I should be pretty good by the time I can get it (around 2017). We've called off xmas this year, but the fiancee feels compelled, so I'll probably get a classical guitarist footrest and some new steak knives.

Here's my actual amazon xmas list:

Tell Mama: Comp Muscle Shoals Sessions ~ Etta James
Best of ~ Wayne Hancock
New Orleans Piano Wizard: Live ~ James Booker
De Stijl ~ The White Stripes
Biggest Thing Since Colossus (Sony) ~ Fleetwood Mac
Live at Filmore West (Dlx) ~ Aretha Franklin
Then Play on ~ Fleetwood Mac
What Duck Done - 2nd. edition (with tab) by Tim Tindall (Author)
Acoustic Guitar Play-Along: Vol. 2 by Hal Leonard Corp. (Creator)
Music People FS7850B Guitar Foot Rest
Ultimate Guitar Play-Along Led Zeppelin, Vol 1 by Led Zeppelin (Author)
Victorinox 48792 Cutlery 6-Piece Steak Knife Set Victorinox

I have This (http://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Choice-830-WafflePro-Waffle/dp/B00004RKG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291153435&sr=8-1) waffle iron, and I love it. Makes great waffles. And they're heart-shaped so it doesn't seem quite as bad as buying just an appliance.

I think this is the waffle maker (http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-electric-belgian-waffle-maker/?pkey=cwaffle-bread-makers) that she wants.  It will be all that she's getting, if that is the case  :why_so_serious:

I've been thinking about looking at some really kick ass headphones to request for my gift. 

Something like this (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V900HD-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000EGJTLQ/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291171050&sr=1-24).  I don't know if anyone has any experience with them. 

Or possibly some of the new edition D and D books, just for shits and giggles. 

How about these headphones? (http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Headphones/Headphones/P5/Overview.html) Wired has them on their top 100 gifts list.

Girlfriend asking me what I want for Christmas. Can't decide between the Tritton AX Pro (http://www.trittontechnologies.com/index.php/products/gaming_audio_technology/ax-pro/) or the AX 720 (http://www.trittontechnologies.com/index.php/products/gaming_audio_technology/ax-720/).

I also need a new keyboard, but I can't decide which keyboard I'd like.

Headphones? What good is hearing a game you can't see? You need a set of these! (http://store.gameshark.com/viewItem.asp?idProduct=4833&idCategory=321)

Or a wicked steampunk keyboard (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/86041/dad/P1010141.JPG) I got chastised for on some douchey steampunk forum for not using cheap materials and a knockoff model-m.

I've got one of their Zeppelin iPod speakers, it's pretty damn good. I've tried the headphones, and if I went for that form factor I'd probably get them.

How was the sound?

Yeah, so I ended up buying these since my wife already has a gift for me.  The sounds is very, very good overall.  You'd expect that for the price, I guess.  Also, the construction seems pretty good, although I wish the cables were a bit thicker/sturdier.  

I also purchased some of the Etymotic MC3s (http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/mc3.html) for working out and when I don't want big headphones.  These are really spectacular sounding, well balanced earbuds.  My problem is that they're a little too balanced, i.e. the low end sounds are a bit lacking.  The sound quality is spectacular for stuff like jazz or easy listening, but if you're pumping out some Tupac it' probably won't make you happy.  So buyer beware on these.  

In-ear headphones rarely have that great of bass sound as the driver is really too small to push the amount of air needed for bass efficiently.

Pretty damned good.

Think I'm going to get my dad the Life on Mars DVD set. Sadly he is very difficult to buy presents for since whether he'll like something or not depends largely on his mood, very, very immediate first impressions and the phase of the moon. I remember being forbidden to have Father Ted on when he was around because it was an awful programme and he couldn't stand it. Then about two years later he absolutely loved it.

At least if he doesn't like this one I can just keep it, I'll probably get him some Port as well just in case.

Something something uncomfortable.  Sorry, I can't remember the quote.

They're worse than a lot of the other earbuds I've tried for bass. 

I was stuck for a while on what to get my grandparents this year, and then I realized that the Firefly DVDs make a great gift for pretty much anyone who doesn't already have them.   :awesome_for_real:

For grandparents?  They must be pretty cool. 

Anyone have any recommendations on bluetooth earpieces for the iPhone 4?

I was thinking Plantronics 975 (http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Discovery-975-Bluetooth-Headset/dp/B002JIMZU4/ref=sr_1_6?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1291925594&sr=1-6), but am open to other suggestions if anyone has some personal experience with them.

For the guys buying for ladies, you might check out a place like Etsy for some one-of-a-kind jewelry if she likes that kinda stuff.

http://www.etsy.com/category/jewelry

I got my wife a pendant with a dragonfly on it, it's better made than I anticipated. (Your mileage may vary).

The Year's Work in Lebowski Studies (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0253221366/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER) makes for a good gift as a book for movie buffs.

Labbits (http://www.kidrobot.com/Toys/PlushToys/stacheLabbitPlush14Inch.html)

I'd recommend Etsy too. I bought a gift from DesignsByLEahBest (http://www.etsy.com/people/DesignsbyLeahBest) for a friend and the quality was really good. She also responded really quickly when I couldn't get the international shipping option to work.

There is some cool stuff on there, but a quick perusal shows two things:

1) Hard to find good post earrings.
2) Apparently steampunk now means gluing some watch parts onto cheap jewelry.

I am getting lots of people Kindles this year.

For myself I am asking for Logitech G930 (http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/internet-headsets-phones/devices/7248) wireless headphones.

I love my 330's - I think I've gone through 3 pairs of them.

Complaining bitches get whatever catches my eye on a stroll through Target.

I don't know what to get Ingmar this year, and he's one of those assholes who just sort of shrugs and says "I dunno!" when you ask. To be fair, I am also one of those assholes, but still! Waaah!

Last Exit to Nowhere (http://www.lastexittonowhere.com/) has t-shirts based on companies from popular and cult movies. High quality. Good stuff all around. They have fantastic minimalist movie posters too.

(http://www.lastexittonowhere.com/media/images/uploads/featureimage-picture-featurebox-11.jpg)
 :drill:

Now I'm going to buy everything on that site. Fuck.

Stupid weak dollar.

Yeah, that store is spectacular.  I don't generally buy stuff that requires international shipping though, and my tee shirt wear has been drastically reduced in the past 5 years. 

Sadly, the international posting dates for Christmas have passed, but if you're in the UK, there's still plenty of time to order. Forgot to add that before.

The "lots" part sounds expensive. 

Hey I need one since you are buying in bulk.   :why_so_serious:

Well, considering the price, and the total number of people on my list, 3 feels like lots.

Bought my daughter a Yume Pet (http://www.segatoys.co.jp/yumepet/neko-venus/) because nothing says I love you like a battery operated... aw crap.

The dad's getting a bottle of Laphroaig quarter cask.  When all else fails, buy them booze.

Am I missing something or is this an amazing price?
HP 14" laptop (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Laptop+/+AMD+Athlon%26%23153;+II+Processor+/+14%22+Display+/+3GB+Memory+/+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Biscotti/1630039.p?id=1218274970383&skuId=1630039&st=1630039&cp=1&lp=1)

Best Buy's website makes for shitty links, SKU is 1630039.

2.20GHz AMD Athlon II Dual-Core Processor P340, 1MB L2 Cache
3GB DDR3 System Memory (2 DIMM), 8GB Max
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 Graphics, up to 1405MB Memory
320GB (5400RPM) HDD
8X DVD±R/RW Dual Layer
14.0” diagonal LED display (1366 x 768)

1. That processor is #4 from the bottom of AMD's 2010 mobile lineup.
2. Mismatched memory (unknown effect on command rate, probably easier to replace it all than to upgrade), no listed clock speed.
3. Graphics are okay for WoW, probably.
4. No Blu-ray, this is getting to be a common feature now.
5. Shitty display.

My sister tells me that my niece (almost 6 years old) will be getting a Nintendo DS for Christmas. I'd like to buy a game or two for her, but I'm warned that:

Nicole is getting a ds for christmas but she will only play 'girl' games. She is getting the littlest pet shop and my little pony games so anything other than those (with a girlish theme).

Thankfully my nephew is still loving legos, and those I feel confident buying.

Any suggestions (given the age/theme constraints)?

DS Princess Peach

Before the iPad, my daughter loved the "Petz" series of games.  They have cats, dolphins, dogs, hamsters, horses and so on.  Never bought her the "littlest pet shop" games, so not sure how they compare.

Also would suggest the Disney games, they are quite well done:

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/JUpgSPAK3PlsbjUO2Tsd_3t3ILbEbrO_ (http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/JUpgSPAK3PlsbjUO2Tsd_3t3ILbEbrO_)

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/GORlyEjZDoCEayAD9Sxa9wqjBy25XyDQ (http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/GORlyEjZDoCEayAD9Sxa9wqjBy25XyDQ)

Son?

lol, subtle.

....ok, why the fuck is the cat saying "Go Go".

(http://imgur.com/t8eL9.jpg)

Jesus, little girls are lame.  Staring at a wall sounds like more fun.

What part of Afghanistan are you from?

Im getting skydiving lessons I hope. Its what I asked the SO for.

So my staff got me the Queen blue ray "Live in Montreal/Live Aid" DVD for Christmas.  It's fucking spectacular.

From this DVD, I was able to make a few comments about Queen as a band:

1.  Holy fuck they were talented.  Wow.
2.  Holy fuck Freddy was gay.  I can't believe it was even in dispute. 
3.  Holy fuck Freddy was talented. 
4.  I think, even though I've known that Freddy was gay for a while, I just realized that the name Queen might have some significance.
5.  It's a worse world without Freddy Mercury in it.  Man that guy was the shit. 

They also got me a Talking Heads concert DVD.  I can't wait to see it. 

And their live performances looked pretty good too. But yea they were incredible.