Impossible to buy for!

My husband refuses to give a list most of the time because he doesn't want gifts. I end up getting him shirts and socks because I don't always know what else to get him.

My husband "doesn't beleive" in gift lists or ideas. I had to go through hell to let him know that getting people things they might actually want rather than his picking random crap for people is probably a better use of money and friendship. (or worse, his habit of buying people CDs HE likes and then going, "Why wouldn't they like it? It's good!")

He refuses to give me ANY idea what to give him for any gift. Last year I spent $40.00 (which is a lot for me) and bought him a T Shirt with a guitar that plays chords on it (he's a guitar player) and has a little amp. He tried it, couldn't play notes, said, "I'll never use this." And it has sat in his closet, unworn for a year. The year before I spent more than I could afford for a nail gun.... never used it. I could go on and on. One anniversary, I got him NOTHING, (because he said to get him nothing) and he got all bent out of shape that I didn't get him anything. WTF?

My G*d his parents did a number on him. (for them, gifts are a way to manipulate people, their gifts come with caveats and conditions. And they don't actually BUY people anything, they give money, then tell you what you have to spend it on. His mother gave us some money to put in our daughter's college fund (as all MY parents have done, with NO conditions) and then said if we didn't get her braces, too, she would take the money back. WTF?) He has a very unhealthy relationship to gifts and holidays because of these people who "raised" him.

So, no, today is my "internet shopping day" and I am clueless as to what to buy him.

My mother solved it with my dad and brother - shirts, pants, socks, and underwear. If they really want something, they have to tell her directly and in no uncertain terms of what it is, otherwise she'll pick out the wrong thing. It's rather easy for me to shop for them, as my brother's into giant robots and dad is into blues and barbecue. Mom ... just give her anything about musicals, Barbra Streisand, or Mexico. My family has always been direct with each other (immediate family) on our wishlists, because our tastes/collections are so particular.

Master is interesting to shop for, especially since I have no money to do so. He asked me for baked goods, which I sent him. I wanted to get him some sort of photography or travel gear, but that'll have to wait for next year or so. He didn't ask what I wanted, but he sent me a package anyway ... I'm going to honestly be surprised by his gifts.

All else fails ... gift cards.

My father is incredibly difficult to shop for; he has so much of the stuff he likes it's hard to find new options.

I admit, I'm horrible to buy for! With a birthday being so close to Xmas, people have said to me "If don't wait until the last minute to get you something, I'll end up getting you something you just bought for yourself!"

Gift cards all the way!