What is bought is cheaper than a gift.

The other day, my boyfriend asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I've always hated that question. I never know what to say. There are lots of things I want, but I don't like telling people because it makes me feel selfish. I told him I didn't know. He's like, "I could pay for your car to be fixed." I just gave him a look. He quickly back-pedaled, saying that would be kind of impersonal. Really? Ya think? Anywho, I told him that I wanted him to get me something he thinks I would like. I want something that, whenever I look at it, I can distinctly remember when I got it, who gave it to me and my reaction. Like my Christmas gift from him.

Last Christmas he bought me a Kindle. At the time, they were still expensive. Of course, now they're going for just under $200, but they were around 300 back then. Anyway, I didn't think I was getting one. I had originally told my parents I wanted one, but then I saw how much they were and knew they couldn't afford it. So I gave up hope of receiving it. On Christmas Day we were over at my house with my family, opening gifts. I get to one of the one's RD got me. I ripped off the paper and saw it was an Amazon box. I think the first words out of my mouth were "I'm going to kill you." I finally got the box open and there it was: My Kindle. I cried. I couldn't believe it. Even my mom got a little teary. We knew how much it was. That was a huge gesture.

I'm one of those people who gives really personal gifts. For that Christmas, I got him tickets to a Cleveland Cavs game, since he hadn't been to one yet, and there were rumors of King James leaving. For his birthday, I got him a new Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven shirt, since his got ruined. It took me forever to find that shirt. I think the best thing I got him, though, has to be the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, leather-bound, 50th anniversary edition. He's even said it's the best gift he's ever gotten.  I'm also being an awesome girlfriend again with his birthday coming up. (It's a week after mine.)

So when it comes to gifts that I receive, I like them to be just as personal. I want to see that he paid attention during the million times I've mentioned I want to see Chelsea Handler when she comes to town. Or when I pointed out the Pandora bracelet billboard and said "Those bracelets are so pretty."  I've also mentioned a bunch that I would like to maybe be a pastry chef and open my own bakery. It would be nice to see he paid attention and have him get me some book about baking, etc. But I'll never tell him any of these things. Why? Because I need to know that he actually listens to me when I talk. I know that I tend to ramble and go on unbelievable tangents when I tell stories. I know it's sometimes really hard to follow along with me. But it would be nice to know that he doesn't automatically zone out as soon as I start talking.

Wow...see what I mean about tangents? I started talking about my birthday, and now I'm rambling about how I'm not sure if my boyfriend listens to me. I think it's time to end this blog now.

What are some of the best gifts you've ever gotten? Or given? Either one, or both, will work.

Later lovelies!

♥