Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. There’s that family member who thinks that they “get it”. You like your comic books and your Trek Wars with the X-wing Enterprise captained by Mal Solo (yeah, I cringed as I wrote that). They watch Big Bang Theory and know what the nerds are into these days. So, Christmas Day comes around and you, having firmly made it known that you are a Marvel and Star Trek fan, have to put on the brave face when you get a Batman travel mug and a Rebel Alliance portfolio. The intent is well meaning, true, but it stings a little thinking about how something so important to you gets so easily missed. That’s true for all of us… but, this is a geek blog and that’s where it’s going to stay.

There’re several ways to ensure that when you go geek gift shopping (for alliterative purposes, I ALMOST said “getting’) that your purchases will be met with joy and adoration. Don’t be afraid of the list. Yes, I am suggesting asking for or giving a list of items that are of interest. No, it does not take away the element of surprise, but it does eliminate the possibility of epic failure.

There’s also the frank “I want (this), get it (there), in (that color)”. This approach if for those who don’t feel the need for surprise in their exchanging of gifts. Some see it as being a killjoy to the spirit of the holidays, but other embrace it for the sheer practicality of it all.

Then, there’s the easiest of all… the gift card. If your geek loves Best Buy/Game Stop/Local Comic Store and you see too many choices, the gift card may be the best way to go. I have always loved gift cards, although I have been in discussion with others over how “lazy” they are as a gift. But to the receiver, in this case me, I still feel like the giver cared enough to note what I am into, but also knows that my tastes are very specific. I applaud the thoughtfulness and strategic restraint that facilitated the purchase of the card.

This is not to say that there are many of us out there who dive bravely into the fray and come out the other side victorious and unscathed. But, that comes with YEARS of observation, cohabitation, and experience. Some of you can walk into that comic shop and get the graphic novel that your significant other has had their eye on for months or walk into the gaming store and buy the expansion pack that your best friend has been going on about since the spring. I applaud you… that will serve you well in life and help to make the holiday a joyful one. Because, at the end of the day, it really isn’t about the gifts under the tree, it is about family, blood and chosen. It is about taking a moment to show them in some way that they and their happiness matter to you.