What do I want for Christmas?

[MissGreatBritain]

My parents will not take no for an answer, and insist on buying me a Christmas present. They want to know what I'd like... and I haven't a clue. There's nothing I particularly want, but I'd rather ask for something (then I can limit the cost - if they give me money they'll give me way too much). But what? Trying to lose weight, so don't really want clothes. Have lots of bags and boots, a decent phone. I really don't need anything. Any suggestions?

any dvds or books you'd like?
something for the house?

i try and think of practical stuff that i might end up buying anyway, that way at least it saves me some money

Magazine subscription always a good idea - gift that keeps on giving

Lovefilm membership also a nice idea (if your parents are technoliterate that is)

How about a voucher for a spa day or a particular beauty treatment?

....or a donation to a charity of your choice. Or they could adopt an animal (via Oxfam or similar) on your behalf.

Thanks all. Books and DVDs - not really (am studying so don't have much time for pleasure reading or DVD watching)

Magazine sub is a good idea, but they already do one for us both.

Not really a "beauty" person.

They would HATE a donation to charity - we do this instead of presents for the rest of the family and they just don't get it.

It just seems like such a waste of their money, when there's nothing I really want.

What about asking if they'd pay for a family day out?

A pair of leather gloves?

Really nice chocolates?

Subscription to Graze (yummy, healthy snacks delivered by post once a week - v. useful to nibble on while you're studying)

Cool memory stick to store all your research on

Comfy computer chair?

Voucher for aromatherapy massage thing (I too am not into spas etc but my Mum bought me one of these anyway so I was forced to go. It was UTTERLY fab!)

Posh bubble bath for relaxing in?

One of those strange blanket things with arms for snuggling on the sofa in

Gloves
Umbrella
Hat & Scarf
Lush stuff (or other brand of choice; this tends to be what I ask people for if I am stumped for ideas)
Laptop lap top tray (like this)
Some books related to your course that you keep borrowing from the library so it would be good to have your own copy
Annual membership to an attraction near you

theatre trip for family?
is there a print of a pic you'd like? getting something framed, family portrait session....(these are all things i'd like!)

I would like a subscription to Practical Boat Owner.
But I worry that people would think I am a bit strange, as I haven't got a boat.
I will have one some day, though.

Last Christmas I asked for a back brush for the bath/shower.

This Christmas I've asked for a sugar/preserving thermometer.

Kitcheny stuff? A lemon zester or a garlic peeler or a good set of knives or a new frying pan or something like that?

Doorstop?

New cedar hangars (I have an ambition that eventually all my hangars will be cedar so replace them a few at a time)

What about a weightwatcher subscription or a tesco diet subscription or something excercisey to help you lose the weight you hope too?

LadyGlen you would get on well with my dh - he reads those kind of magazines in hopes that one day he will live that life.

A jug. I NEVER have enough jugs.

A pot of Christmas hyacinths smelling wonderful.

Jewellery. e.g. anything from Catherine Jones

A case (or 6 bottles) of wine. My sister gave me this for my 40th, what joy. Majestic also do a lovely Elderflower sparkler if you are teetotal.

A lamp that you touch to turn on and off, or to make it brighter. A friend has one, it is very lovely.

A bookstand for your desk.

Some lovely frivolous stationery - adds a lot to life as a student.

A jug???? thats very random

......a gym subscription, sessions with a personal trainer? Or why not let them give you money and then you can donate it to charity?

Bizarrely, DP bought me a jug last Christmas! Already have lots of these things mentioned eg slanket, Graze box, memory stick. don't have a computer chair as use a laptop or the dining table. I really don't think there's anything I want, other than a second-hand bag that I'm bidding on on Ebay, but that's only about a tenner and they won't be happy with that. I feel a bit miffed TBH that I have to come up with ideas. I'd be happy with £20 in a card, but instead I feel pressured into coming up with something to make them happy, which kind of defeats the object doesn't it? Pinner - they'll want to know what I bought with the money, so no chance of giving it away. Honestly, this is turning into such a headache - maybe I'll just lie and say I want some perfume or something. I know I'm very lucky to have this kind of problem, but I don't feel I can relax until I've sorted it. Actually, that's it. Will ask for a bottle of perfume. Sorted.