my favorite gifts to buy? For Buffistas. It was very cool last year to go into the bookstore, admire the van Gogh notecards and know that Anne would get why I thought they were cool. And I can buy Buffistas books without it being considered a "Take the hint," present. ETA: Because, apparently, if you buy books for people that don't read, you are calling them a moron and gift-wrapping it. Which never occurred to me when I did it. I thought they would enjoy whatever-it-was.

Oh, and gift certificates were also a sign You Didn't Care.

I can kind of see how people think that, as it can seem to be a gift without thought. But I tend to prefer getting them myself, and I usually give gift certificates to my mom and one of my cousins specifically because I know it gives them the fun of going shopping in addition to being able to get exactly what they want.

my favorite gifts to buy? For Buffistas.

OH! That reminds me that I really loved the idea of the lists of Buffista preferences that Deena used to (still does?) keep. Like, favorite colors and scents and what not. I always thought something like that would be good for my family to have. So I could indicate, say, that I love nice lotions but I am sensitive to floral scents. or whatever.

I'm dealing with this right now, since my birthday is next week.

ME TOO!

When??

8/26! I'll be 40!

good call. I should add some stuff to that list, come to think of it. Also, wish my brother kept up a Wish List...not even for me to duplicate exactly, just so I know things like "He's over rap," or something.

8/26! I'll be 40!

Heh-- 8/25 and I'll be 41

I am a big believer in wedding and baby registries. Especially for babies. Because there really is a ton of stuff most people having babies NEED and it's especially helpful for people who don't have kids or haven't had any recently.

I see those regristies the same way I see my family's occasional custom of "chip in and get me X" -- setting up a new house or nursrey as community effort is sort of beautiful. And its a much more effective community effort if there is some organization.

Heh-- 8/25 and I'll be 41

Sweet! I'm a leeetle freaked out about the big zero-year birthday but mostly I'm okay with it. We'll see how I am come next week! My friends are throwing a big party, casual cookout style, which is my favorite way to celebrate. But I think a bunch of my family is coming down for it. Chicago boyfriend will be there and I think that's even more of a draw then me turning 40!

I have a standard "bring me back from foreign" list, and I forgot it's probably too pricey for her. And bulky.

And hard to get through Customs.