Christmas always seems to sneak up on us, and you may be at a loss for what to ask for this year. Here are some of the things on my list for the holidays, from practical to creative, you cannot go wrong with the items on this list.

1. Socks

Although it was a lame present to receive as a child, you can never have too many socks. Socks get stretched out and form holes, thus new socks are needed from time to time. From fuzzy stockings to striped ankle socks to fun hipster socks, holes in the toes no more with this upgrade.

2. Good Pair Of Winter Boots

It is time to replenish from the salt encrusted, stretched out and leaky boots that are sometimes just not warm enough anymore. Every couple of years, new boots are a necessity, especially if you live in a winter climate. Plus, it never hurts to feel good about yourself in a new strut.

3. Original Art

Whether it be for your dorm room, apartment, or office, original art on the walls is always a better alternative to cliché movie posters or generic landscape photographs. Something to study and appreciate; eye candy for the wall to keep yourself inspired. It is also a good way to spruce up a room and keep it from being bland. Amazon Handmade and Etsy are great places to find unique items made by artists and craftsmen.

4. Blu-Ray DVDs

If you have a Blu Ray player, you will understand how exciting it is to buy old movies and watch it in a new way. There is also not enough time to see every movie you want that hits theaters. New movies and old are available on Blu-Ray and why not add to the collection? It can be hard to pick out new movies to buy, but this way you can add movies you would not normally buy for yourself to your collection and to enjoy watching.

5. Gift Cards

...for your favorite stores or restaurants to shop or dine at. Gift cards are better than giving money because then you can show the giver of the gift card what you spent their money on. Money to spend at your favorite stores give you a reason to go shopping and this way you can pick out exactly what you want, rather than getting a couple items of clothing that may or may not be your style. If it is for a restaurant, you get a meal or two paid for, not bad if you ask me.

6. A Blender

A blender can do so much that other kitchen appliances cannot. With a blender you can make smoothies, shakes, use it as a food processor, and more. This provides a way to be healthier by not having to buy an overpriced smoothie with too much sugar from somewhere else to fill your smoothie craving. An appliance your kitchen would not complain about.

7. Money Toward Festival Tickets (or actual tickets!)

Although it feels like festival season just ended and the summer is far away, tickets are going on sale soon, if they are not on sale already. You want to be able to buy them as soon as possible and when they are cheaper. It can be hard to come up with that kind of money when it is the holiday season and extra money is going towards other people's Christmas gifts (or you're still broke from previous festivals and shows). You want to be able to guarantee an amazing summer as early into winter as possible, for something to look forward to through all the blizzards and bundles of layers needed to survive it.

8. Jewelry

Always a good gift to give since there is such a variety on the types of jewelry. There are necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, etc. It can be a hard thing to pick out for yourself which makes it a meaningful gift, because they spent their time looking for something you would like. It makes it that much more meaningful to wear jewelry that someone gave you since you may think of them when you wear it.

9. A New Book

There are new books and authors getting published all the time. It's hard to keep up with. For the book lover, this is the perfect gift because it is always good to take a break from watching TV and reading a book. Reading is something people need to do more of, and this gives you a reason to read something new.

10. An Adventure

Around the holidays, it is easy to get wrapped up in the presents and food and business this time of year brings. Christmas brings the whole family together but the day can be centered around the presents and food sometimes. One of the best things you can give someone is your time. Spending quality time with someone you love doing something exciting, is much needed after a season of hard work. Whether it be taking a trip downtown and going window shopping, going to see a movie, or going for a hike, what matters is that you are having fun. Get out of town, or do something different in town and create new memories. This may not fit the rest of the list since it is not an object to receive, but it serves as a reminder to fully appreciate this holiday season with the ones that you love. At the end of the day, whatever gifts you receive does not matter, but the fact that they took the time to get you something that makes you smile.

Happy Holidays and stay warm!

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