First world problem...what should I ask for for Christmas?!

[Thatsnotall]

(fun thread - no offence intended)

Following last year's 'I didn't get you anything because you said you didn't need anything?' Christmas morning surprise (yes, totally my fault because that literally IS what I said....) DH has asked me - very carefully - to tell him what I would like for Christmas. However, I genuinely do not know what to ask for, but it would be nice to have a little something to open on Christmas morning, and I'm pretty well stocked for socks and perfume TBH and I've quit alcohol this year so wine is also off the table.

Soooo, I need some inspiration.....if you could choose a Christmas gift that fits the topic of this board (e.g. not an Aston Martin/holiday etc.... but something that can be wrapped and put beneath a tree!) what would it be?!?!! I have no budget in mind so all ideas welcome....

I have loads of books on my wish list. I’m really wanting Nigel Slater’s Christmas Chronicle right now.

@GoodnightGrandma

The Velvetiser is worth the money, and I’ve seen money off it recently.

I’m going to sound massively thick but what exactly does it do?? I like the idea of this as it’s something I’d definitely use if it is to do with hot chocolate , but I have a milk frother thingy that is from Lakeland and sort of whisks/steams milk that probably isn’t used as much as it should be to justify the worktop space….. in my head a velvetiser is literally melting chocolate into a liquid smooth enough to drink - am I dreaming?!

@Thatsnotall I have one, you basically add milk to the line, then add in the chocolate shavings and it heats and whisks it together so its perfectly blended, a little frothy, and the perfect temperature. It would not work with chocolate only, but you could chose to add a smaller amount of milk if you like super rich hot chocolate. I have one and wasn't sure if it would be a gimmick but I love it and use it so much.

I don’t need/want much, but am asking DH for this oil diffuser
www.neomorganics.com/products/wellbeing-pod-essential-oil-diffuser

This, www.damart.co.uk/F-168839-outdoor-coats---parkas-w/P-414881-thermal-padded-longline-parka it's the one in the ad and it looks so snuggly and warm

[quote AnnieSnap]I don’t need/want much, but am asking DH for this oil diffuser
www.neomorganics.com/products/wellbeing-pod-essential-oil-diffuser[/quote]
I have the mini pod (pink) which I use around the house and also take to work - love it

Apart from this, I have no idea
Ibanez multiscale 5 string bass guitar

www.andertons.co.uk/bass-dept/bass-guitars/modern-bass-guitars/ibanez-sr-multiscale-5-string-34-355-scale-bartolini-bh-2-p-u-deep-twilight

@BeaLola I have been looking at the mini one too, but my gift request will be for the full size (I see they have just introduced a larger one gor open plan environments). I currently use one that I got from Neal’s Yard a few years ago. It’s nice enough and does a good job. I’ll still use it and have the beautiful Neom one in the main sitting room.

[quote AnnieSnap]@BeaLola I have been looking at the mini one too, but my gift request will be for the full size (I see they have just introduced a larger one gor open plan environments). I currently use one that I got from Neal’s Yard a few years ago. It’s nice enough and does a good job. I’ll still use it and have the beautiful Neom one in the main sitting room.[/quote]
Good plan

I have the Aromatherapy Associates atomiser for the house - fits in nicely

I’ve also been seeing these frozen facial globes everywhere…I might pop them in the list of ideas for DH

@BeaLola I do love essential oil diffusers of any kind. I can’t use scented candles or air fresheners as they trigger my asthma. Also I discovered a couple of years ago that wax candles are carcinogenic 😮

[quote AnnieSnap]@BeaLola I do love essential oil diffusers of any kind. I can’t use scented candles or air fresheners as they trigger my asthma. Also I discovered a couple of years ago that wax candles are carcinogenic 😮[/quote]
I think as with other carcinogenic products like alcohol and processed meats it's about having it once in a while. I don't light mine everyday and always make sure rooms are well ventilated.

@Treesandsheepeverywhere absolutely!

@Thatsnotall Definitely definitely ask for them then! Plum sounds lovely. I love them all but saw some white grainy leather ones with a zip which were lovely.

A solid gold bangle. I have wanted one for a long time now & this might be the very year to get one

[quote TheSunIsStillShining]Apart from this, I have no idea
Ibanez multiscale 5 string bass guitar

www.andertons.co.uk/bass-dept/bass-guitars/modern-bass-guitars/ibanez-sr-multiscale-5-string-34-355-scale-bartolini-bh-2-p-u-deep-twilight[/quote]
Bartolini pickups are nice, but that looks very much like my B4 and, if that's the case, it's wired in series rather than parallel, so you'll need to change out the battery before every gig, as even if you don't need the preamp/active, it discharges (the wiring isn't exactly robust enough for regular changes, either) and you won't get a note out of it.

As Cort make most of the bottom end Ibanez, it's a lot of money for something that will quite happily let you down whilst making the pound shop a fuckton of money over the years.

But I am still harbouring a tiny hope that a Hagstrom Viking is going to appear under the tree one morning...

Oh, yeah, OP. Forgot about you.

DMs. Preferably the ones with the lifetime guarantee, rather than cheap(er) ones made overseas.

Can't believe so many are thinking of xmas lists and actually SEEN things they want IN OCTOBER!!!!

@Middleagedspreadisreal

Can't believe so many are thinking of xmas lists and actually SEEN things they want IN OCTOBER!!!!

In my case, I haven’t so much seen something I want for Christmas, as realised I wanted Neom Pod months ago, deferred gratification and thought it would be an ideal present from my DH, who never knows what to buy me!

DH got me a Velvetiser last year and we love it! It’s not just for hot chocolate, you can get coffee/lattes too which are delicious!
My DM and DH are already asking for Christmas ideas! On my list are:
Babyliss Big Hair or something similar (I think there is a Revlon one?)
A voucher for a facial or massage
John Lewis gift voucher
Perfume (Byredo Gypsy Water or Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay)
Laura Mercier honey bath and moisturiser (fig sent)

@Middleagedspreadisreal

Can't believe so many are thinking of xmas lists and actually SEEN things they want IN OCTOBER!!!!

Christmas prep in my house begins on Dec 26th!! Saves an absolute fortune to buy bits throughout the year and then if any last minutes requests from DCs and DH come Nov/Dec it’s easily accommodated. I try and get it all done by Nov 30th so there’s less stress in December. Never again do I want to be shopping and wrapping on Christmas Eve

Though I should add, in my house this clearly only applies to me…. DH, not so much

My teen dd got a velvetizer last year & I thought it might be a bit gimmicky but it's fab & it's been used loads by all of us.
It's definitely been worth the cost already & we haven't bought a hot chocolate outside the house since (apart from in hotel chocolat as we were buying the refills)

Is there anywhere IRL where you can actually smell the Neom oils before you buy? I really want the diffuser but after coveting a candle my SIL has my MIL bought me a different one of their candles and it gave me a headache and I had to give it away!