I don’t fancy having to buy presents. I don’t fancy receiving presents either. Maybe it’s because the last great present that I got, the last one which made me really really happy was when I was 10: I got an encyclopedia that I first learnt about sex from. Yeah, it was awesome. Everything else after that? Not so much.

Ok correction: there have been some awesome presents that I’ve bought myself. I bought myself a bike when I was 13, a Sega Megadrive after my Year 12 TEE, my two cars, customisations and sound-systems for both, a TV and a home theatre system, and an Xbox 360 and games for it. And I’ve been buying myself clothes and shoes too.

So it’s not about the money. I can afford it and I don’t mind spending it on friends either. But it’s the thought of having to buy something material that drives me nuts sometimes. And sometimes the effort goes unnoticed too.

Take for example, buying gifts for secret-santa and gift raffles. Even though I don’t like the idea of buying presents, if I’m tasked with doing it I would put an effort into it. I’d think of what I’d like to receive myself, and I’d even find the best gift for the budget that I’m limited to. I take pride in what I buy. But sometimes, what you receive in return can be greatly disappointing. Chocolates? Are you kidding me?! I rather that you’ve given me the $20! It’s like the other person hated buying presents too and unlike me, really couldn’t give a shit about it. So why bother?! Ugh.

The old saying goes: it’s the thought that counts. Ok but why must that thought be in the form of a physical gift? Because buying presents for the same person year in and year out can get quite difficult, right? Why can’t the present be treating your friend to a nice dinner and drinks later, and being nice to them all the time? You know, doing favours without expecting any in return, or helping them out anytime that they asked for it?

Perhaps this is all because I am not a sentimental person. I don’t place values in “things”. Or it could be because my family don’t place much thought on birthdays and buying presents for each other. This may be cliched but “everyday is Mother’s Day” and “everyday is Father’s Day” with us.

Whatever the reason, I admit it: I don’t get the concept of buying and receiving presents. I’ve been told as much too. Though if you are my friend, you’d know that it’s not because I’m cheap or I don’t care about you. It’s quite the contrary. And seriously, there’s no need to buy me a present. But you can throw me a party if you want to. :mrgreen:

My 3rd or 4th birthday, I think