Spending those holiday gift cards

so for the holidays i got a couple gift cards (all for amazon.com, incidentally). i haven't decided how i want to spend them yet. amazon offers lots of options, and that's a plus and a minus. the plus, i can get something i want. the minus, i have to decide what to get.

i thought a brainstorming thread might be interesting. how are some of you planning on spending your gift certificates, holiday money, and other open-ended presents?
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Reply #1 Top
my two main options: computer parts or DVDs.

i've still got a couple more components i want to put into my new computer: specifically a new sound card.

my DVD collection is in some need of expansion, as well. i've got a few more of Miyazaki's films i need to complete my collection. there are a few sci fi shows i've been wanting on DVD as well - especially Farscape, but the first season seems to be out of print, and i can't find the complete first season for less than $200. i could try to get each volume separately, but it doesn't seem like that'd be any cheaper. that's pretty discouraging. Babylon 5 is also on my list, and it's much more affordable. i'm more interested in Farscape because i wasn't ever able to watch it regularly, whereas i watched alomst every episode of B5. then again, i might always get Futurama.

getting some new video games is another option, but i don't know what to get (any recommendations would be welcome - i like strategy and RPG games mostly).

the difficult decision is what to get. what do you all have your sights on?
Reply #2 Top
I was lucky enough to get several gift cards early enough to re-gift them to others who needed them more than I did. Some suited the various personalities pretty nicely.

As far as Amazon goes, they have some of pretty much everything. Depending on how much you got in giftys, I'd probably go for something practical.

I got one of those smoothy makers for Christmas. Those are nice. Made a couple of frozen cappaccinos last night for the mrs and myself. A recommended purchase.

Do you have a Toaster Oven? It's one of those handy things to have, but are never there when you want one.

You can't go wrong with power tools either. Maybe one of those newer Ryobi kits with the lithium batteries. Best thing about them is that the new batteries will also fit the older stuff. Good potential for the future there.

Edit - Oops. Posted before I saw your second post.
Reply #3 Top
Edit - Oops. Posted before I saw your second post.


no worries, those are some good ideas!

I got one of those smoothy makers for Christmas. Those are nice. Made a couple of frozen cappaccinos last night for the mrs and myself. A recommended purchase.

Do you have a Toaster Oven? It's one of those handy things to have, but are never there when you want one.


*gag* you found my kryptonite -- i used to work at a jamba juice. i hate smoothies and pureed fruit in general SOOOO much :LOL: we're actually pretty set on appliances: toaster oven, deluxe rice maker, food processor/shreader, blender, ice cream maker, george foreman grill. a waffle maker would be fun :)

You can't go wrong with power tools either. Maybe one of those newer Ryobi kits with the lithium batteries. Best thing about them is that the new batteries will also fit the older stuff. Good potential for the future there.


that's a good idea too! i've been peaking my head around for a dremel/drill combo kit - for case modding and as a general "it's a nice thing to have" purchase.
Reply #5 Top
lol, That's great dipiction for power tool safety.

As for a good way to spend them cards, I'll Pm you my addy and take care of them for you  :LOL: 
Reply #6 Top
...so that's 12 wool snowman sweaters for DethAdder... :P

Qui-Gon, that's too funny
Reply #7 Top
Well, today I went to Best Buy and got The Orange Box (for xbox360). However, I didn't think to get an xbox live card to renew my subscription, so I won't be able to play Team Fortress 2, but until then there's Half-Life 2 and Portal, both of which are very good games.

Other than that...I haven't really thought of anything. I'll need textbooks for the new quarter (ugh). I haven't ordered TA yet...

Does Stardock accept Best Buy cards? :LOL:
Reply #8 Top
Amazon? Spend it all on a bulk order of Cheerios.
Reply #9 Top
Dremels are good, but it depends on what you are doing for case modding. For larger cuts, I'd go for a jig myself. Dremel cutting wheels just don't last very long. I've actually had a dremel and jig for several years before I finally bought a drill.

I do swear by my dremel though, I think when I bought mine I got a box of 100+ spare bits and wheels for 20$ more. Good investment, still haven't used all of them yet and its almost 6 years later.

What about office/work/school stuff?

Personnally, I'm buying "work stuff" including some underarmor as the low for the next few days doesn't get past the 20's (F).
Reply #10 Top
well, i could use some new clothes (including work clothes), but other than band merch i don't really buy clothes online. i'm too picky about what i wear for that.

school stuff, eh? i wonder if i could pay for the GRE on amazon... :LOL: