That is a tough call.

Techy gadgets can be an okay gift only if the person recieving it thinks so. You have to know someone pretty well to venture into that territory. Plus all the really cool stuff (still don't know if he would like it) would be well over your $30 budget.

Stay away from sporting good unless you really know that person wants some gear. You could send them the wrong signal if you say get a dumbell set and they think you think they need to lose weight or something.

I always fall back onto books if you know what they like to read. He must read some type of material, muscel cars? outdoor guides? sports? biographies?

Well I'm out of ideas. As long as you give it from the heart I'm sure he will appreciate it.

see, that's just it, I don't really know.

I need generic guy ideas. he drives all over the place for work - currently framing, I think - he likes the outdoors, or at least he used to... um, he works, he hangs out with his girlfriend, they played dodgeball this summer, um... seriously, NO idea. he's not a big gamer or anything like that. and I don't think poker stuff would be a good idea... but otherwise, that's literally all I know. and I'm tired of getting him movie gift certificates, though I might end up just doing that...

What are his interest?

um... let's say $30.

Hmm, I guess we're collectively unhelpful. What's your budget?

I think I do this every year, but what do you get a guy for christmas? my cousin is 30 this year, and I have NO idea what to get him... I might cop out and just buy movie passes, but that seems rather boring...


so, ideas anyone? what do you GUYS want? maybe that'll spark some inspiration...


or I could try and find out if they have a smaller version of this thing more in keeping with my budget: The ONLY Radio Toaster.

$40 isn't a whole lot to drop??

that's practically FREE!

it includes frames AND lenses?

man, I think I paid something like $350 for my last pair, but they were 'high tech' thin lenses... thank goodness for health insurance.

Has anyone ever bought prescription glasses online? I got pointed to this post this morning, which goes through the process step-by-step and is pretty positive about the result. (And you can't beat the price.)

That led me to Glassy Eyes, a blog devoted to the purchasing of eyewear online, and they're very positive about stores like 39 Dollar Glasses and Goggles 4 U (the latter of which has a name that doesn't exactly inspire confidence, but boasts free shipping anywhere and packages starting at about $25USD, and is well-reviewed by Glassy Eyes.)

In any case, I'm curious now. I mean, $40 isn't a whole lot to drop on prescription glasses. I'm thinking about giving it a shot, but I'm wondering if anyone here has had any experience with this kind of thing before.

George bush does yoga!

okay... another concert:

Hawksley Workman is coming March 24 to the WINSPEAR. This should be an awesome show. The Orchestra section has already pretty much sold out.

I will be buying tickets next week... let's say... Tuesday.
If you are interested, please let me know. I'm going to buy for a whole bunch of people, so please check your schedule.