Christmas list?

That really sucks. It gives me headache every time I need to shop for items and gifts. As what you have quoted, you need to out do what you gave them or just to simply give something else unique apart from what you gave them from the past. Or else you might end up unoriginal and boring. Spicing things up and a couple of surprises is recommended, but then again, stressful. lol

yeah it gets incredably hard to shop for family im around them all the time but they never hint to me what they like or want

Well im guessing you've tried and worn out the online thing? I found this funny store: http://www.baronbob.com/tshirtfunny-fedup.htm But I cannot say that I know of where you would shop in the mall I get bored doing that myself. Dont even mention gift certificates. I'd rather just treat my friends to an exotic dinner, like some kind of food they've never tried or somewhere out of town which shouldnt be hard to find with a little research. I find that many people dont think to try Russian food and knew that Russian people loved to party on Fridays, lol. Its a different experience is all.

I tend to keep my eye out year round for things that my friends and family would like to have. If I have the money to buy something when I see it, I tuck it away to give at Christmas or for a birthday. It's easier to do it that way than to try to come up with the perfect gift for everyone on my list in just a few weeks.

I like to just go into a store and see something that would suit the people that I am buying for. I do not make plans on what to buy. I find that if I try to plan it nothing ever works out that way. It is not about how much it costs, it matter whether it is something they would love.