They think they take the surprise out of the gift and are more like a "chore". I think that's nonsense. I prefer a list with a few items to choose from so I can preserve the surprise but I'm also totally cool with hunting down the one item someone really wants (as long as it's in my budget). And really, ANY Christmas shopping can be a chore so finding the exact thing someone wants isn't all that much more complicated, IMO (usually) than wandering around, hoping inspiration strikes.
Speaking of...I was *really* hoping this was the year Sis would get the hint and not send Christmas gifts, but of course she did. And since I no longer get lists, or even really know what anyone's into these days, I did a LOT of wandering around, hoping inspiration would strike. I had a few successes...and one HUGE fail <g>. There's a toy store next to my workplace that sells both toys for kiddos and novelty items for the kid at heart. My first purchase for my sister's family (I do a lot of group gifts) was a tin of possum-flavored candy. The outside had a picture of a possum saying "tastes like me!" and had the tag line "Sweet! Spicy! Tangy! Gamey!". I was assuming it was a fakeout and the candy would taste like strawberry or grape...nope. Sis said it was disgusting and actually DID taste like some kind of gamey meat. I bet my nephew ate it anyways <g>.
