As always, I issue the standard disclaimer: I am not expecting gifts from anyone (okay, maybe my parents). This goes double this year, since I finally can't even start to afford gifts for anyone, and I get a lot more pleasure out of the process when it's two-sided.

This list is only to suggest options to those who would like to get something, and anything not on the list is still okay. I strongly recommend coordinating gifts with my mother (leslie@lwvba-ca.org) -- the memory sticks were great birthday gifts, but I didn't need quite so many :) .

CDs

I'm requesting that (if possible) music come used or burned. I am not particularly happy with the RIAA at the moment, and while my small boycott may not even register, it at least makes me feel better. And it brings CDs down to a halfway-reasonable price again.

If you want something where I am absolutely guaranteed to use and enjoy it years later, pick a CD... I pre-screen all of these as much as I can so that I know I'll like them.

• Sasha - "Involver", "Fundacion"
• Toad the Wet Sprocket - "Fear"
• Savage Garden - "Affirmation"
• Seal - "Human Being"
  "I'm Alive" single
  any other singles you may come across :)
• Banco de Gaia - Ten Years
• Ookla the Mok - Oh Okay LA
• The soundtrack to Run Lola Run
• Arrogant Worms - any other than "Live Bait"

Books:

• Tamora Pierce - Circle of Magic - Sandry's Book, Tris' Book, Daja's Book, Briar's Book
• Hush (1 and 2), Batman: Contagion (ask at Flying Colors) [$15-25]
• Hellboy: Odd Jobs, Lost Army, Weird Tales [~20 apiece, no particular order]

Other

• DVD of Howl's Moving Castle (oh, yes, we wants it)
• Pintsize hoodie or "Music + Science = Sexy" shirt, XL (http://www.questionablecontent.net/merch.php) November 30 is the cutoff date for guaranteed Christmas delivery! eeek!
• Renewal subscription for Seed Savers Exchange [$35]
• Single-earbud (no ear hook) hands-free unit for a Motorola i88 phone (Nextel has them) [~$25]
• Plushie microbes, if you're feeling silly; I particularly like the flu, beer yeast, and the common cold. :)
• DVDs: X-Men 1.5 and 2
• Gift certificates to Coldwater Creek and other large-woman clothing stores
• Gift certificates to bead or yarn stores