It's that time again.

Christmas presents. The one thing in the world that can stress me out more than anything else. What the hell should I get them all?

I'm far too easy to buy presents for. Due to my perenially skint state, I see things on an almost daily basis that I want but can't afford. So I add it to the 'Things I Want For Xmas List' which is presented to family members around this time. Currently number one on the list (Warning: EXTREME nerd alert) is Michael Swan's Practical English Usage, invaluable for all grammar nerds. Also featuring on the list: new curtains, a few rugs, a new housemate, football talent, removal of porno ads from BCUK :), Berlin to grow mountains, a zombie etc. I realise that most of these won't happen, but I still have a damn list and my damn family and friends have a damn duty to provide.

My mother, on the other hand, makes a list of thing I'm NOT to get her. That list last year comprised of booze and sweets, and this year tea has been added to it. Funnily enough, my Christmas present to her last year was a selection of rather fine German teas. The year before? Some swanky German chocolates. The temptation to get her really sweet alcoholic tea was rather high, but then my infinitely more creative sister stepped in with a voucher for some sort of fancy heath spa, or something.

So for the sister? Usually she gets the shittest present of all, since she always assures me that she doesn't really care what she gets. To her eternal credit, either she really doesn't, or she is really good at hiding the disappointment in her voice when I she sees the crappy book, or socks, or nothing, that I got her.

My dad? He just called me the other day asking me to bring him home cheap European tobacco for Christmas, for which he would pay me handsomely for. Naturally it was tempting to give a present that would result in me making a profit, but, being a militant anti-smoker, I refused on the grounds that I didn't want him to die a slow and painful death. So, socks again, dear daddy.

It probably seems that I'm a nasty old scrooge who hates giving presents. Actually the opposite is true, provided I have a good idea that the person I'm giving the present to will like it. And, unlike most males, I am bloody good at taking hints.

So. Any tips for good dad and sister presents would be very much appreciated. :)