Is it just me or does everyone feel like they’re buying more electronics every year?? I’m getting an iPod for my little brother and am thinking about getting my dad satellite radio. I was pretty torn at first about whether to get Sirius or XM, but then I heard that Howard Stern’s moved his radio program to Sirius and is getting paid big bucks. I know that my dad really can’t stand this Stern character, so it looks like my decision’s already been made for me. If only buying a gift for my mom was that easy…

what are you getting or hoping to give?

Gift certificates is the big gift giver for me. Too many fickle people to buy for. Long as I know the shops they like to frequent, it's all ok.

Yeah, gift cards are big among my siblings, but then some "gift giving gurus" are saying that gift cards are too impersonal and not a real gift...I don't feel like that--I think they're practical and prevent the day after Christmas returns!!

Looked into XM a bit more over the weekend... seems like they have a great variety of channels...talk radio for my dad and oldies for my mom...I just have to bite the bullet and get it. Perhaps I'll go tonight!

Personally, I like gift cards. My grandmother can't get out easily, so she sends them. And many of the gifts I want already are gotten. So for some relatives, they can be useful that way.

As for XM, I'd go with it. I went with it because of Air America, but even if your parents aren't into that, XM is better with 40s music and Sinatra than Sirius is.

Elle,

I've had XM for about 7 months now and LOVE it. Best selection of news, sports, and commercial-free music out there. I dig Howard, but the rest of the Sirius selection doesn't stack up. And the fact that I'm an Anaheim Angels fantatic (and XM gives you every single baseball game played) sealed the deal.

And yes, gift cards to places like Amazon or Best Buy are perfect.

Oh, and gift certificates to fast-food places of your giftee's choice (like In 'N Out Burger for me) are also a lot of fun....

Heaviest gift I am giving this year: The Complete Calvin & Hobbes. I swear the sucker weighs at least 38 pounds!

Wow! Thanks for all the positive word regarding XM. Sounds like I'll need to pick up a unit for myself since their programming sounds so good. I just heard Bob Dylan is getting his own show...Dad's gonna be excited for that one...

As far as other weekend purchases, we got the King Kong game for a cousin and I'm anxious to play with it!