The holidays are just around the corner, and for many adults that means shopping for their co-worker, their family, and their kids because heaven forbid little Jimmy go one year without the latest Lego set. With so much love going around for everyone else, you can easily forget to take care of yourself. Thankfully, the internet is here to remind you that you want things, too, and that's okay.
Reddit user, u/danny_ish, wanted adults to be honest about what they wanted this year when they asked:
Adults of reddit, what gifts do you actually want for the holidays?
Holding On To Memories Of Now
bart simpson model GIF
Giphy
A really nice, digital camera with great zoom so I can take beautiful photos of my kids, my Siberian Huskies and the birds in my garden. 😍
Who's A Good Doggo?
same thing I wanted as a kid honestly - a dog
May I suggest looking now- a lot of shelters are crazy busy come Christmas, and then a lot of dogs get returned. If you look now you will have more to choose from, and you can still buy all the accessories on sale before Christmas
Something Sweet And Kind
Honestly I cherish any note or card my kids have given me especially when they say something positive or nice in it.
Keep It Clean
A basket of hygiene products. Hair care, razors and shaving gel, etc. That sh-t is expensive so if I can get a few week's supply for free for Christmas, YES PLEASE.
A Sleeping Hug
A weighted blanket. I heard it feels like a hug. It will also maybe prevent me from waking up with sheets on the floor as I am a tornado in bed.
Also crazy socks. I think they look cool.
Everyone Knows The Shapes Of Action Figure And Doll Boxes
I'm 24 and I still like getting toys and games for Christmas.
Things I would enjoy but feel guilty about buying for myself because they're "frivolous."
Holographic Darth Maul, Anyone?
Any Funko Pop. They're like $20CAD, and the variety is endless. For me I guess it's the gesture of getting a gift that makes me feel good, and a Funko Pop can be thoughtful depending on what you get/give.
Reminder To All Fellow Millennials Out There:
The full series of The Office on DVD because its being taken off Netflix January 1st
That Last One, Tho
A water heater
A better vacuum cleaner
Fuel Oil for the furnace
Reece's candy
...
Being an adult is sad and hard and that's why I need candy.
Nothing Better In The Morning
A coffee maker. Mine crapped the bed about 9 months ago. My parents are still pretty cool and always get me something for Christmas and my sisters.
My sisters both asked for a ton of crap and the only thing I asked for was a coffee maker. And maybe some socks because I can never seem to keep a matching pair.
Something Homemade, With Love
lisa simpson cat GIF
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My daughter-in-law always makes me things. This year she is making ornaments with all of her pets' footprints on them. This is the type of gift I prefer.
We Like Stuff We Can Eat
For most adults, I find consumable goods are the best gifts cause we all live in tiny spaces and theres no room for more stuff.
So bougie versions of normal stuff like cookies, fancy wines/beers, a nice perfume (if u kno their preferred scents) candles, snacks, soaps etc
If you want actual stuff I recommend small tokens that remind you of them. Socks or a Keychain of their favorite cartoon/show. Or Small pieces of jewelry, nothing fancy, you can find cute inexpensive jewelry at most department stores like Macy's or jc penny or online on Etsy. Stuff that fits their style.
If you're closer to the person then stuff that compliments their hobbies. I have art friends that die for art supplies, gamers always have another video game they want to buy, music obsessives love records or band merch, some people love doing weird makeup styles so new brushes or palettes (im srs pay attention to their hobbies)
If you're REALLY at a loss.... gift cards with a funny card. Write a cute message.... pick a restaurant, coffee place or major store (target). Pajamas. I feel like you can't f-ck up with pajamas or a nice blanket. But gift cards.
Getting Everything You Want, But Not All You Want
It's a bit of paradox now that I think about it.
When I was a child I lacked an income so I depended on my parents to buy me all of the material things I wanted which is why I looked forward to birthdays/holidays.
Now that I'm an adult with what most would consider a high income I can buy any material things I want but working hard to make that money by seeing patients, taking call and running a business often leaves me lacking quality time spent with my parents who aren't exactly going to be around forever.
So my answer is just a couple weeks off to go spend time with my parents. That's all I want and all I'm looking forward too during the holidays
Thinking Ahead To The Future
A pregnancy [massage] or a cheap 50' smart TV, which there are a lot of right now but its just not in my budget with Christmas, Hanukah and my Sons birthday all in the same 2 weeks plus a baby due a few weeks after. My parents are awesome tho so they might buy me one if I ask.
Are You Listening, Santa?
New flooring for the kitchen and dining room. Never ever buy the cheapest flooring, because we now have holes in our linoleum.
Also, jobs for my kids as soon as vaccines are all over the place, I would like them to move to their own place(s) for a little peace and quiet.
A job for me would be nice too.
Can I Get Some Sweet, Sweet Silence?
I want 48 hours all to myself. In my house.
Did I mention, ALONE?
God that would be awesome.
I love my family and all but I am NEVER alone. It drives me nuts.
They Can't Not Think Of Things They Want
Kitchenaid Pro 600 mixer in the color Ice or Aqua Sky
Camera gear
Switch games
Clothes (I rarely shop for myself so Christmas is usually when I get clothes or any other necessities I need)
I used to hate getting socks and underwear as a teen but for the past 17yrs I've been thankful that my mom still gets me a new pair because they aren't cheap.
Nothing Like Right Out Of The Oven
As a an adult man with a good job who can buy anything he wants - home made chocolate chip cookies are still always appreciated.
Building Your Own World
I'm a grown man and I still want some more Lego.
I'm a grown man and I bought waaaay too many Legos this year hah
Oh Yeah...Worldwide Pandemic.
A warm hug from people I care about. There can never be too much hugging.
Same, stupid virus. I hope you and yours are safe and healthy
You Never Know What You Have Until It's Gone
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For the whole family to be able to get together for Christmas. I will not have that this year, but hopefully next year
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Redditor churned_applesauce wanted to hear about all the belongings many of us have that could cause quite a stir.
They asked:
"What is the most controversial thing you own?"
I'm not telling you mine.
I'm not that brave.
But let's see who is...
Pennies...
"I have an old Iraqi bill with Saddam Hussein's face on it. It's worth about 17 cents according to Google." ~ postsingularity
Giphy1937
"My grandfather went to the World Scout Jamboree in the Netherlands in 1937, and while he was there he traded patches and gear with some scouts from Germany. By 1937, the German boy scouts had transitioned into the Hitler youth, so I own a Hitler youth boy scout uniform with a bunch of swastikas on it." ~ iamagainstit
Walrus Parts
"My family owns a petrified walrus penis, my grandmother took it to get it identified at the Smithsonian several decades ago. Apparently her grandfather or maybe it was her great-grandfather brought it home after he spent several years on some type of expedition up around northern Alaska and points north."
"It has been loaned out to several museums at different times. The family has talked about selling it but everyone has to agree and so far there is no agreement about selling it. So I own 1/67th of a petrified walrus penis." ~ Robyn_withaY
Propaganda...
"When I was 18, I bought a print of a 1918 German zoo advertisement from a thrift store. I thought the artwork was neat. It had a leopard on it and I was completely cat-obsessed at the time. Turns out the artwork was by Ludwig Hohlwien. He would go on to produce Nazi propaganda." ~ wolfmoral
Jars
"An ornate, Boer tobacco jar from the 1800s. My great grandfather looted it off a dead militiaman during the Second Boer war." ~ deathtotheminutemen
GiphyInteresting.
Nothing too crazy thus far.
Hey, to each their own.
Shut Tight!
"I have a glass vial/small bottle of pure histamine. If anyone would be exposed to this they would get a deadly allergic reaction. I have it double sealed." ~ TheRealMonreal
GiphyHoliday in Kenya
"A complete ivory and ebony chessboard bought a sale of confiscated poacher stuff to fund elephant preservation. When I lived in Zambia and was on holiday in Kenya. My dad bought it and I got it as a hand me down. We were friends with someone who owned an animal sanctuary and their security had shot the poachers as far as I remember. They had a parentless baby hippo as well. It stole my sister's chewing gum and tried eating their cat. It was moved further away from the main houses after it tipped over their Land Cruiser." ~ xxrumlexx
Oh Grandma...
"I wanted a chinchilla really badly as a kid, but my parents said hell no. One Christmas my grandma got me a teddy bear made out of chinichilla fur. Luckily my parents told me it didn't hurt the chinchilla its just like getting a hair cut for them, but they were like WTF to my grandma. I now know better and am also like WTF grandma." ~ lebrunjemz
Snuffed
"I have a set of small bone carved snuff bottles from China (dated to the 19C) with explicit images on them. They’re kind of curiosities in themselves but when my in laws separated my MIL called my husband and asked him if there was anything in the house that he wanted and he said, nothing but the explicit snuff bottles."
"She took them and left them with a note that said ‘I’ve left you, please don’t contact me again. I’ve taken the snuff bottles; they were the only things in the house I liked.' After their separation we got all sorts of controversial hoardings, including a suitcase full of ivory and an abundant collection of Enid Blytons first edition books." ~ waireti
Luggage
"I have a few Ivory jewelery pieces from the early 70s my parents bought back from Botswana, and a poison arrow kit. Mum has the 3-metre long python skin she just put in her luggage from back then too." ~ Icy_Hippo
GiphyWho doesn't have cursed or ancient jewels hidden somewhere?
At least nobody on this thread mentioned faces or eyes.
That's what I was waiting for.
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Reddit user Money-Associate1601 asked:
"What’s something you look forward to every single day?"
A few years ago I wouldn't have had an answer to this, but as I read through I suddenly realized that I have one.
Also, that I enjoy it!
Mornings spent relaxing in the hammock before my day gets punted into shenanigans by my kids, my dogs, my job, or some unholy combo of the three have become crucial for my mental health.
Huh. Who knew?
Let's see what Reddit loves about their routines.
Going To Work (!)
"Going to work."
"It sounds strange, but I love it because I'm working with my son. He’s 23. I’m 50. We spend M-F working together building homes. We laugh all day long."
"It’s the happiest time of my life. I know it’s finite, so I’m enjoying it as much as possible while it lasts."
- thecrab87
"This hits me(23) so much. My dad (50) gave me a job at his company a year ago and always tells me how proud he his of me."
"Just before Christmas he got sick and almost died. When he got out of the hospital he told me how much he cherished our relationship and how it meant everything to him."
"It makes me emotional every time I read things like this."
- Qc-ripguru67
"My brother and I did landscaping together on the weekends. We use to complain about it, but after we sold the business I really missed spending time with him."
"What I miss the most is eating lunch together and riding home after a long day."
- ripped-p-ness
GiphyPajama Party
"Changing out of work clothes and into pajamas"
- send_boba
"My pajamas are my real clothes. Everything else is a facade."
- sharkittens
"The best thing about the pandemic: I work from home all the time and I can wear pajamas all the time!"
- circle_jerker_2000
"Sometimes I get home by 3pm from work and get right into my PJs."
"Even if I’m going out later, I’ll just change out of my PJs when I need to. If I’m home for an hour or longer, I’m in my PJs."
"It’s the only way."
- dat_girl83
GiphyPick Up Time
"Picking my daughters up from daycare."
"As soon as they see me, they drop whatever they were doing and run to me with the biggest smile on their faces and yelling 'Daddyyy!' "
"The absolute sh*ttiest day at work just disappears in that moment."
- all_the_fun_stuff
"100% this."
"Basically anything to do with my kids. Waking them up for school and hanging out in bed for those 5 minutes in the morning is always so much fun."
"Meeting my daughter off the bus from school. Seeing my son when he gets home from preschool and just wants to play."
"Kids are the best cure for a sh*t day at work."
- pdxrunner82
"My 2 year old screams 'IT’S MOM!!!' in absolute delight every day when I get home from work. Nothing else compares!"
- thetermagant
GiphyEmployee Of The Month
"My baby dog’s big morning stretch. He's actually a senior but he will stay about 5 lbs for forever, so we call him our baby dog."
"Oh! And then watching him go back to sleep in his office bed when I start work. He works so hard. Employee of the month, every month."
- maltymawma
"I love working in the morning and then at about 11 am my dog finally gets up. She does her morning back scratches on the carpet and then demands snuggles."
"It's my favorite unscheduled break time that happens daily."
- Food_is_my_Motive
"My cat Ygritte is my supervisor. She works so hard sleeping and making biscuits on blankets/beds/boxes with blankets."
"She yells at me if I stop working, yells at me when it is break time, and starts getting in between myself and my computer 15 minutes before the end of the day."
"She won't stop until I clock out, it is her everyday being like Nahhhhh you done. Pet me instead."
"She is the best boss I have ever had."
- AltruisticProgress9
GiphyNightly Read
"I live at a friends family house. They offered me shelter after I became homeless and every night I go to my car to read."
"I find that reading in my car every night before going to sleep gives this family a chance to get a break from seeing me and I get a chance to be calm and away from everyone."
"They are amazing people and It’s been so fun. I’m so thankful that they let me stay in their living room, but they tend to use it at night to watch a movie or have family time so I take a chance to let them be and I get a chance to learn something and relax in my car."
- AvocadoSaltAndLime
GiphyFueled By Coffee
"My morning coffee. I get a different coffee every week and drinking it is the most relaxing part of my day."
- hafilax
"Same."
"I had a Colombian blend last week, this week I got a black roast that is so strong I swear its making me grow a beard."
"I'm up at 5 every morning for 'me time', which you dont get with 3 small kids and making my coffee and staring into space for an hour is amazing."
- 2_kids_no_more·
"Coffee is mine as well."
"I love to get a big-ass black coffee with a little cream, put on a good podcast and chill out for a bit while I wake up. Quite possibly the only thing I consistently look forward to every single day."
- instinctbluess
"YES! I set up the coffee pot the night before, every night."
"In the morning my husband gets up to start it and crawls back into bed while it brews. When it's ready he puts his robe on and quietly brings me a cup, sets it on my nightstand and goes into the living room to peacefully wake up on his own, staring at his phone."
"In between alarm snoozes I briefly wake up and take a few sips of coffee. After several snoozes, I need a refill and that's usually when I get up to join him. It's such a great way to wake up, I love it so much."
"Some mornings he has to just get up and go off to a job site but no matter how early it is, he brings me a cup of coffee in bed before giving me a kiss and going. He's the best."
- theredheaddiva
GiphyMid-Day Text
"That mid-day text from my husband, asking me if I can please come home early because he and the dogs miss me, usually accompanied by a photo of the 4 of them looking wistfully at the camera."
"It never, ever gets old. So thankful for all of them!"
- luisapet
"Ugh. Mine always wants to know when I’ll be back because he wants something."
- Funny-Tree-4083
"Oh my god I want this. You are so lucky."
- __Vixen__
"I also want this in my life."
"All I get is calls/messages from scammers or customer service."
- amrit-9037
GiphyObserving This Scene
"The sheer, spontaneous joy my dogs have when my wife gets home."
"I tell them 'Who's home?' Then they hear the garage door opening and know Mommy's Home!"
"Batsh*t-crazy pandemonium ensues until I open the side door of garage. Even cuter, my wife is just as happy to see them, too!"
"Nothing beats observing this scene every day, for 11 years."
- Complex-Value-5807
"Absolutely this."
"I adopted a little baby potato two years ago. Now he’s a big old spaz and he has an absolute fit with joy whenever daddy gets home from work."
"He’s so excited he can’t even sit still for pets and kisses. Jumping up and down on the furniture, running around in circles, pure happiness."
- FunnyQueer
GiphyAt Peace
"I have 30 mins in my day in between work where I just sit on a bench in this park."
"No phone, no earphones, nothing but just me enjoying the sound of birds and whooshing of the trees. Feel most at peace during that time."
- DJTISTA
"I have recently started doing this towards the end of the day."
"It has started filling me up with peace and enthusiasm. I highly recommend this. Half an hour, daily, setting sun/rising sun, somewhere not too noisy, near water if possible."
- pappugulal
"Time like this is essential! Good for you for giving it to yourself!"
- Zebsnotdeadbaby
GiphyLunch
"The last 15 years of my working life was running a route, checking into about 235 businesses each month. It kept me very busy, I seldom had time for lunch over 1/2 hour."
"I always thought how nice it would be when I retire, to have time to set down and actually enjoy lunch."
"Fast forward 5 years, I've been retired and now I get one full hour of lunch and reading whatever book has my attention for those 5 days a week instead."
"It's heaven."
- zerogravity111111
GiphySo what have we learned today, dear readers?
The thing most of these Redditors looked forward to was a moment of peace or affection.
Whether it was from a pet, a kid, a book, or a hot cup of coffee it seems people wanted a literal or proverbial hug.
Does that track for you? What's the part of your day you look forward to most.
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