[lrjohnson]

I really love everyone's thoughtful responses, I agreed with so many of you. I am a "depends" person. I like the idea of choosing an appropriate personal gift. Also, that way, maybe a $3 garage sale item makes a nice gift with a larger "value" than $3 (I always admit I bought it used, on sale, etc., if asked-I like people to know how many great things are out there for cheap).

On the other hand, it's nice to spoil someone (or be spoiled) so that they might treat themselves to something they might not otherwise do. And, I really dislike clutter and people decorating for me-I like the sparse, non-patterned, empty, wood only look, and I'm sensitive to buying any non-consumable, non-book item for people I'm not SURE of. This Christmas I got some WAY off gifts-things I really don't like. I totally appreciate the gift, and bestowed my honest gratitude for being thought of, and my boyfriend assured me that I showed no disappointment (though he could tell from second one that these were just serious misses) but I really don't like the items-a card would have worked.