I always get a little panicked around my birthday or Christmas because inevitably people will be asking “What do you want?” First, I always feel a little sheepish because I really don’t “need” anything and I really don’t like asking for things. Second I never have the right answer for the right person. I don’t know anyone that is super rich and the only things I can usually think of require at least 2 months salary. It’s either that or a candy bar.

The conversation tends to go like this:

Gift Giver: “What do you want for your birthday this year?”
(translated – “please help me – I have no idea”)

Me: “You don’t need to get me anything.”
(translated – “I can’t think of anything you can afford.”)

Gift Giver: “Oh come on there’s got to be something.”
(translated – “I would actually like to get you nothing but we both know that’s really not an option.”)

Me: “Hmmmm. I really can’t think of anything I need right now.”
(translated – “Come on think! There’s tons of stuff you want. Doh!)

Gift Giver: “Really? Nothing?”
(translated – “Are you kidding me? That’s all you got? Thanks. That was very helpful.”)

Me: “Well unless you think I need a new LCD flat panel tv…”
(translated – I know you would never get me this…but just maybe if I mention it…”)

Gift Giver: *Laughs*
(translated – “In your dreams.”)

Me: “I’ll let you know if I think of anything.”
(translated – “I still can’t think of anything and even when I do think of the perfect gift in 2 minutes I won’t tell you because I’ll feel like a greedy scumbag.”)

Gift Giver: “Ok.”
(translated – “I’ll just ask his wife.”)

So to save the world from this pain and frustration the internet invented “wish lists.” The wish list is a list of items you would like to have from a particular website. The Amazon wish list is probably the most famous because they stock just about every product known to man.

This is the link to my wish list. If you have an affinity to give me a gift this year you check it and save us the awkward exchange.