It happens to me every year… the dreaded question, inevitably from several different family members – “what do you want for Christmas?”

I should be – and am – grateful that there are so many people who want to spend money on me but, whilst I’m sure I could happily go out and buy multiple items right now, that question always leaves me with a complete mental block. I would love to simply say that I don’t need anything but I do understand the strange social obligation that means people will still feel the need to get me something. Answering that way just makes their life more difficult and increases the chances I will get something I don’t want and can’t use… and come January I will be faced with the dilemma – to keep or not.

Given some time to ponder the question I often find myself thinking of things I want, only to realise that I actually have quite specific ideas in my head and therefore the only person who could choose such items for me would be …me.

So this year I have reminded myself to find the time to really think about things in the right price range that people could buy me that I do really want and will appreciate getting.

And here it is:

Boot Cuffs from Twysted Yarn

I love the look of boot cuffs. Last year I did buy a pair of long, chunky knit socks but, in San Francisco, it’s too warm to be wearing thick socks like that so boot cuffs are the perfect solution. I think this oatmeal shade is a great colour to go with most everything. If I got 2 pairs I think my other would be a dark grey.

Camera Strap from August Blossoms

I’ve wanted a pretty camera strap for a long time but somehow never got around to buying one. One of my problems was not being able to find a design I liked – I like the patterns and colours but I need it to be subdued and vaguely neutral so it goes with everything. I also really like the lens cap pocket but that’s something I usually only see in a camera strap cover rather than an actual strap.

Crochet Infinity Scarf from shelby1998

I love scarves! Can never have too many scarves, I almost never leave the house without one unless it’s baking hot! I do already own several scarves but only 2 infinity scarves and, in a city as windy as San Fransico, infinity scarves are so much easier to deal with! I love the chunky knit/crochet look for winter and you can never go wrong with sea foam! I would never buy a scarf online, though, because I have a *very* sensitive neck.

Jersey Infinity Scarf from designs by Ferdi

Yes, this is another scarf, did I not just tell you I can never have too many scarves!? This one is jersey so nice and soft on my neck and also suitable for more seasons. I love the neutral shades on this, though what I’m really searching for is a copper-coloured scarf, ideally with some metallic thread or printed design!

Dakine Backpack from Amazon

Why do durable, sturdy backpacks always have to look so sporty!? I appreciate that you can now get backpacks in colours other than black but they usually still use very bold colours in geometric patterns. Just a few weeks after I took up figure skating I broke the zip on my cheap backpack. I replaced it with a regular, shoulder handbag but there really aren’t enough compartments and I always end up rooting around in the bottom of it for my wallet, so I could really do with a new backpack.

I know, this one is black but the pattern on it is much more feminine and I love the touches of yellow on the zips! (I also love that it’s still masculine enough that I could get my husband to carry it if we go hiking together ) I considered for a really long time between choosing this one or the ‘feather’ design. I also looked up reviews for Dakine backpacks and they seem to be very good so I’m hopeful this bag would last longer than my previous one.

Gelish Gel Nail Polish

I’m totally hooked on this Gelish gel nail polish. It works just like regular nail polish aside from two key points: You have to set it under a UV light. That sounds like it might be annoying but the light isn’t too expensive and it doesn’t take that long to use but it does mean that each coat of polish is completely dry as soon as they’re done under the light – no risk of smudging one nail while you paint the other, no need to redo from the base coat because you messed one up etc.!

The other great thing about this stuff is that it’s much tougher than regular nail polish and forms a thicker layer over your nail so, if you have weak nails (like me) or you work with your hands a lot (like me) the polish doesn’t chip off so easily and it protects the nail underneath better! I buy mine from amazon, where it isn’t too expensive.

OK, that seems like a decent list, I’m sure I will think of more things in the next few days and then promptly forget again if I get the opportunity to write them down! What do you want for Christmas? Share your wishlist in the comments