To be honest, last year I donated in my parents' name to Heifer. This year, my brother (10) will be giving books to incarcerated kids, and my parents, well, I don't know, maybe they'll be giving microloans through Kiva. I also asked my parents to do the same for me, but I told them if they have to get something for Boring Guy & me, we could use a nice dinner out.
I love getting and receiving gifts, so I don't think you're a greedy bastard at ALL. It's just that over the years, my parents' inability to get me what I want (when I ask for something very specific) or is useful or my taste (if I don't ask for something) has gotten to me one too many times. Likewise, my parents don't appreciate the things I give them (even if it's exactly what they want), so I've ceased giving them stuff. Another part of it is the spirit of the season; I have given them all REALLY nice birthday presents, and I feel like we should help others as well.
But, why not give them a board game? If you still have siblings near your folks, it could be fun for them. Settlers of Catan is popular and not complicated, but something like Go or a nice Cribbage board would also be good (if they're into that sort of thing). And, yes, the USPS prohibits shipping of liquids (especially alcohol), so unless you go to a shop and have them ship, the tequila's off the table.
I love getting and receiving gifts, so I don't think you're a greedy bastard at ALL. It's just that over the years, my parents' inability to get me what I want (when I ask for something very specific) or is useful or my taste (if I don't ask for something) has gotten to me one too many times. Likewise, my parents don't appreciate the things I give them (even if it's exactly what they want), so I've ceased giving them stuff. Another part of it is the spirit of the season; I have given them all REALLY nice birthday presents, and I feel like we should help others as well.
But, why not give them a board game? If you still have siblings near your folks, it could be fun for them. Settlers of Catan is popular and not complicated, but something like Go or a nice Cribbage board would also be good (if they're into that sort of thing). And, yes, the USPS prohibits shipping of liquids (especially alcohol), so unless you go to a shop and have them ship, the tequila's off the table.
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