most things that I acquire are pretty specific like tools or books or musical instruments, socks and underwear, etc, and I came to select those things through trial and error. I still appreciate gifts, but...

my ex bought me two things I wouldn't have bought for myself but absolutely loved: the red book - a red leather bound copy of the lord of the rings in one volume and a hello kitty fender strat. then my (adult) children got together and bought me a t-shirt that is a portrait of Anthony Bourdain using sort of ascii art of the first chapter of kitchen confidential. I struggle with depression and it was like an acknowledgement of that and them telling me they loved me.

goddammit I'm crying.

if I could receive one gift I'd pick for myself, it would be more time with them.