7 ms·
Ask HN: what's on your Christmas list?
Season's greetings,
I'm stumped when friends and family ask if I have a wish-list for presents. I don't know about others, but I'm hard to buy for (mp3s and ebooks have killed the traditional, non sock, options), vouchers are the safe bet, but leave the giver feeling like they're handing over a small amount of cash with no personal meaning.
So, what do you all do, and what are the HN equivalent of Buzz Lightyear dolls of 2010?
- catlike 16y agoI'm trying to convince my girlfriend to purchase http://ardrone.parrot.com/parrot-ar-drone/usa/ http://ardrone.parrot.com/parrot-ar-drone/usa/ for me
- seancron 16y agoI've seen that before, but I found it disappointing that they limit the height to 10 ft above the ground. It also seems like it may have some problems flying in wind judging by their instructions for outdoor flight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7K0O0YJnFo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7K0O0YJnFo
- joeyo 16y ago> I found it disappointing that they limit the height to 10 > ft above the ground. Time to hack it? Afaik, it has an ultrasonic range finder that it uses to maintain a safe distance to the ground (this could be tested by launching it from the top of a roof and observing its behavior). After that it's just a matter of finding the right pin and giving the onboard controller the right PWM signal. :) Of course the radio might be too weak for any sort of serious teleoperation.
- chadp 16y agoBugatti Veyron
- bd 16y agoHere you are :) http://mrdoob.github.com/three.js/examples/materials_cars.html http://mrdoob.github.com/three.js/examples/materials_cars.ht... (needs WebGL capable browser like Chrome 9 dev channel or Firefox 4)
- khafra 16y agoInteresting reversal: I have a Daytona 675 and wanted a CGI model of it for CFD testing on cheap ways to reduce drag. But the only CGI model I could find online was over $100; far more than I'd expect to save in gasoline costs over the life of the bike.
- mgkimsal 16y agoI'm not sure there's anything on my holiday list, as in, anything I would like to receive from others. I've never been very good at receiving gifts, and there's little anyone could provide for me in terms of material 'things' that I actually want to own. Don't get me wrong - there's material things I want - but no one in my gift-giving circle is able to afford those things :) I do typically get a few gift cards for restaurants from family members - these are nice because it lets me and my wife have a nice meal out. That's a key right there - the gift is providing me a nice experience, not a 'thing' to house and maintain. What I've started to do - as a bit offputting as it seemed at first - is sending pics of my gift-card meals to the giver. It's a way to let them know we did actually use the gift, and that we had a good time. It gets around the giver feeling like they just handed over cash with no personal meaning. For other sorts of gift-cards, I will send an email or phone call thanking them and letting them know what I selected. As 'impersonal' as this may be, it's the best balance I've come up with. Side note: The emails and pics feel strangely a bit like old-fashioned 'thank you' notes that my folks tried to get me to write as a kid after birthdays. I hated that experience, and when I didn't do it I felt like I was a bad kid. Between getting older and getting computerized, I'm much more willing to follow up with email. I don't mind the process of thank you notes, but I hate writing by hand, even as a kid. In my time, we had no real options (well, typewriter I guess) so I was forced in to writing by hand, which I was (and still am) horrible at. I can't write more than a few lines before my hand aches and the writing is illegible (even to me). tl;dr: I wish I'd had email as a kid and been mature enough to use it to keep in touch with well-meaning family members.
- jfb 16y agoI had a cherry '79 Yamaha SG2000 on my list; but it occurred to me that there are plenty of people who for whom that $1500 would go a lot further than it would providing the fifth (admittedly nice) instrument to hang on my wall. So I'm taking part in a local charity that collects wish lists from the indigent/desperately poor and I'm going to put that $1500 into making their Christmas' less shitty. The stuff on the lists, by the way, will break your heart. Used shoes (size 11)? EDIT: Just to torture myself: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230556612914&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1138wt_1141 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=23055...
- makmanalp 16y agoGood on you. I can't really justify paying that much for something I don't deserve, since I don't think I'm that good yet. How about this one, though? :( http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Ibanez-Artist-Guitar-1978-2622-Steve-Miller-/300500164154?pt=Guitar&hash=item45f7349e3a http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Ibanez-Artist-Guitar-1978-2622-S...
- cypherpunks01 16y agoI have waaay too much "stuff", so I usually strongly discourage anyone from buying me anything. Trying to give things away instead. Anything that can fit on a hard drive is OK though.
- DannoHung 16y agoDitto. I actually asked my parents if they could help me get rid of some stuff as a Christmas gift. I did ask for one book though: http://www.cookingforgeeks.com/ http://www.cookingforgeeks.com/ Since it's formatting heavy, I'd rather have a hardcopy of it.
- cypherpunks01 16y agoThat sounds cool. I usually just dig http://www.cookingforengineers.com http://www.cookingforengineers.com !
- DannoHung 16y agoYep, I love that blog. The new entry on Sous Vide makes me want to give that a try.
- tlrobinson 16y agoI don't have any specific suggestions, but thinkgeek.com is a good place to shop for our kind.
- tptacek 16y agoI just updated my Amazon wish list at my mom's request! http://amzn.com/w/1WO5IE7YF9N7H http://amzn.com/w/1WO5IE7YF9N7H
- iuguy 16y agoErrr... really? This? http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Play-Tents-Hide-Tunnel/dp/B00000IUX7/ref=wl_it_dp_v?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2236UV55LU5IW&colid=1WO5IE7YF9N7H http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Play-Tents-Hide-Tunnel/dp/B000...
- tptacek 16y agoNo idea. There's some old, old stuff on there. I just want the rotovap. Someone buy me a rotovap? Thanks! (I have two kids, for what it's worth.)
- iuguy 16y agoWhat's the difference between the 10k rotovap and the 2k one? It seems like pound for pound (of dry ice that is) the 2k one might be better for smaller volumes... unless you're trying to simulate martian polar ice caps in your back garden... FWIW I want one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nauticalia-Copper-Pot-Still/dp/B00491YMPU/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nauticalia-Copper-Pot-Still/dp/B0049... I'm trying to convince the wife that a 'purely ornamental' (due to UK legislation) still used in a 'demonstrative manner' should fit in a small two bedroom starter house. Somehow the fact that I don't want to cook meth in the house after seeing breaking bad seems to count against me with her...
- tptacek 16y agoWhere's the $2k rotovap? The $10k looks like an R-210, which is the one I keep seeing in demos.
- dunham 16y agoI think he means the $3k one, it's listed as a "related product" on the page of the $10k one: http://www.amazon.com/Cole-Parmer-Rotary-Evaporator-System-Vertical/dp/B003NV4W02 http://www.amazon.com/Cole-Parmer-Rotary-Evaporator-System-V... Looks like smaller "bath capacity" and smaller temperature range (5C-90C)
- xenophanes 16y agoChristmas gifts are dumb. If I wanted something in gift price range I would have bought it for myself already. I'm not living paycheck to paycheck. If you're really stumped, maybe think of something you don't like to shop for (clothes, bowls&plates, a lamp, laundry detergent? boring household stuff) and ask for that and let them pick what type.
- itg 16y ago"Christmas gifts are dumb. If I wanted something in gift price range I would have bought it for myself already. I'm not living paycheck to paycheck." This is not the reason why people get each other gifts.
- xenophanes 16y agoYeah, but it is the reason it's dumb. The reason some X is dumb rarely has to do directly with the reason proponents of X say X is great, but rather with something they don't think about.
- endlessvoid94 16y agoI work on a 30-45 min work / 20-30 minute break schedule. It really helps me to prevent burnout, but I need something to do every 45 minutes for 20-30 minutes, so I'm asking for an xbox. Nice headphones are always in high demand, as are a plethora of interesting books. What about something useful to your job? A new keyboard? How about a new bag to carry your laptop? I recently bought a DSLR and I'm also asking for a new lens.....
- JimmyL 16y agoA suit (my current black one is wearing out), a new desktop computer (the old one was in storage for a few years and died), and a few specific hardcover books. Realistically, I'm going to end up buying the first two for myself, but will probably get the books from my parents and a few friends to whom I send my Amazon list.
- TamDenholm 16y agoIs anyone else just kinda over Christmas by now? I dont see why we have to have a specific date to give someone a gift, or spend time with our family or enjoy a nice meal. Then again, everone calls me scrooge this time of year. PS: I made this site a few years back: http://whychristmasisbullshit.com/ http://whychristmasisbullshit.com/
- watty 16y agoPeople call you scrooge because you are just like scrooge... seriously, you made a website because you don't like getting off of work, getting gifts, and spending time with family?
- TamDenholm 16y agoYou kinda missed my point, i dont see why you need a specific occasion to do any of those things, i like doing those things as much as the next guy, its christmas itself i cant stand.
- evilduck 16y agoThose 3 things aren't really listed on his site, just some of the negative behaviors around them. If you'd care to refute the things listed, you'd have a point. The prevalence of gift giving using consumer credit is just dumb, moreso when it's crappy gift cards that don't mean anything. Only spending time with family during Christmas doesn't feel genuine, and the arbitrariness of getting time off for the holidays is irksome to anyone who is aware of how fabricated the holiday is. Call me scrooge too if you like, but I agree with most of the stuff listed.
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- seancron 16y ago* A kinect sensor so that I can have some fun coding hacks for it. * Possibly an e-reader, although I still can't decide between the Nook and the Kindle right now. * Hopefully not too many gift cards to specific stores, since I never seem to use them. I know I'll inevitably receive some. * Almost anything from ThinkGeek, like these Miracle Berry Fruit Tablets that I want to try: http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/wacky-edibles/ab3f/ http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/wacky-edibles/ab3f/
- PStamatiou 16y agoget the kindle- you will not be disappointed
- evilduck 16y agoI've had both the Miracle Berries whole, and the tablets. The tablets are less strange tasting, but they're not quite as potent or effective as whole berries. Both will last for about 30 to 40 minutes. They're fun though, I suggest getting a group of friends who are interested and setting up a buffet for everyone to sample from (single ingredient or simple foods work best, and try various beverages too).
- Tyr42 16y agoI want some Terry Pratchett books, as well as books/chapters by Knuth.
- maw 16y agoA good introductory classic Greek (Attic) textbook. A nice, small tube amp. I'm unlikely to get either since I haven't made these wishes known to anyone who's going to be buying me anything. In any case, they're both the sort of thing you're better off buying for yourself.
- zackattack 16y agoYou should make them known. People REALLY want to help, they often just don't know how.
- dunham 16y agoMaybe there is something in Google Books you can use: http://www.google.com/search?tbs=bks:1,bkv:f&tbo=p&q=attic+greek&num=10 http://www.google.com/search?tbs=bks:1,bkv:f&tbo=p&q... (query is for "attic greek" restricted to "full text available".)
- DanielBMarkham 16y agoTime to continue working on my startup. More runway.
- swolchok 16y agoA WakeMate. Here's hoping they ship before Christmas...
- zackattack 16y ago1) tooth whitening- brightsmile or whatever the best in-house solution is (I hate applying the disgusting gel) 2) anything from here: http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3CLNZ1QEZAO6S/ref=cm_wl_sortbar_o_p_page_1?_encoding=UTF8&page=1 http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3CLNZ1QEZAO6S/ref=cm... (the first page of the list especially) 3) a new timing belt for my Camry
- seltzered 16y agomost of my family is trying to be more minimal, so we stopped giving each other gifts years ago unless it was something important (baby, etc), or something they needed but was easier for someone else to find. What I'd value personally: high quality outdoor clothing. I'd be happy if it was just a merino wool pair of socks. I'm tired of buying cheap jackets and want to finally invest in a good layering system for wintertime outdoor fun. I like books/music, and things that get me out of the house. What I hate: Best Buy gift certificates. I usually end up donating these to someone else.
- pasbesoin 16y agoI discovered Browning brand wool socks at Fleet Farm (in Wisconsin; I'm not sure about where else they have stores) a couple of years ago. So far, they've been quite comfortable and durable, for me. Two years ago, they struck me as quite inexpensive, although I don't recall the price -- they might have been on sale. This summer, $6.99 a pair. The ones from two years ago are still going strong, despite my walking around a lot in socks, at home. Edit: Although the particular line I purchased are not the very heavy, thick socks that one may sometimes want for outdoor wear.
- nzadrozny 16y agoAnything related to the production and consumption of coffee and tea. Mugs and the like fit nicely in the gift price range, allow the giver to express themselves a bit, and are easy to collect and enjoy. Really, who doesn't love an awesome mug? Then there's my other Christmas list, the one with the SSD featured prominently on it… ;)
- jlees 16y agoSome more spare time. Please. Failing that, a ton of books -- my Amazon wishlist is pretty up to date (if anyone's interested: http://amzn.com/w/OW6V76NBR5HF http://amzn.com/w/OW6V76NBR5HF); An iPhone 4, which I'm avoiding buying for myself since I have a perfectly awesome Nexus One, but which I wouldn't mind being given; And a Garmin, for the upcoming London Marathon.
- egb 16y agoI'm hoping for an EcoSphere - kind of like Sea Monkeys for grownups, or maybe it's just like a tiny aquarium that never needs feeding, just indirect light and making sure it doesn't get too warm. http://www.amazon.com/EcoSphere-Small-Sphere-4-inches/dp/B000068ZIC?&camp=212361&linkCode=wsw&tag=g03de-20&creative=380801 http://www.amazon.com/EcoSphere-Small-Sphere-4-inches/dp/B00...
- grantbachman 16y agoI've always been interested in robotics, but I've never actually built one, so an Arduino, servos, and some sensors are at the top of my list. I really want to build an autonomous quadcopter.
- PStamatiou 16y agoif interested you can have my arduino if you cover shipping. been sitting in my closet for a year and never really got the chance to use it. email in my profile. cheers.
- PStamatiou 16y agofunding for my startup
- gyardley 16y agoWhat's wrong with socks? Seriously, socks are a great present - I always need some. Failing that, t-shirts. Cotton whites are fine although I send along a few links to some 'funny' shirts I'd wear for those who want to get me something a little less generic.
- freiheit 16y agoI have socks on my list. Smartwool. After trying merino wool socks I'll never go back to cotton.
- pjuska01 16y agoUncrate.com is a good source for finding covetous material goods.
- rglasgow 16y agoI'll take anything on my Citizun profile http://citizun.com/profile/ryan-glasgow http://citizun.com/profile/ryan-glasgow Funding for my startup works too.
- henry81 16y agoI'm not a Christmas person. I don't want people spending hard earned money on me unless it's something I really want, otherwise I think it's a waste of money. I am fine with cards or trinkets. My dad is getting me a plane ticket to fly home, that works.
- makmanalp 16y agoSecret santa anyone?
- bradly 16y agoI've started asking for non-tangible gifts recently. Things like piano lessons, sailing lessons, rock climbing gym membership, Flickr Pro subscription, etc.
- mgkimsal 16y agoThat's a great idea. Gifts such as those will give you experiences and the basis for more experiences over a lifetime. Physical gifts can sometimes do that, but not as often.
- araneae 16y agoMakerbot :)
- revorad 16y agoFor the first time ever I'm asking for presents: Kindle, Arduino.
- marcocampos 16y ago* Books (politics, philosophy, scifi, fantasy, etc...) * Clothing (socks, plain tshirts, a nice pair of jeans, a coat?) * No more gadgets, I have enough of that. * A toaster (mine broke recently and I loves me some burned bread!)
- NZ_Matt 16y agoI don't really ask for stuff but I have bought myself Rugby World Cup tickets and I plan to go Skydiving in January.
- sz 16y agoMathematica 8
- urza 16y agoA friend of mine has a very nice wishlist: If you want to buy me a xmas present, donate to Tor, Wikileaks, Wikipedia, Caring for Cambodia, Unicef, ffii.org... It will make me happier than gifts. There are people starving, our privacy is dying, world is changing, help it move the right way.
- zzo38 16y agoI want to win a big spider which is bigger than me