All present and accounted for

There's a bit of a colliding of worlds in my life when it comes to Christmas. My family are fairly reserved, quiet (when there's no alcohol involved), non-confrontational kind of people. We're all pretty nice to people, sometimes to a fault but on the whole, I think we're happy that way. At Christmas, we pick gifts on what we think the other person might like depending on their tastes and what we can afford. If we're really stuck we might ask for a few hints or ideas, or we'll just tell mum what we want, so if anyone else gets stuck they can ask her. That way you might have some idea of what you'll get but never know from whom. The alternative approach preferred by C, is to tell each family member what you expect them to get for you. Then they go and get it, wrap it, and on Christmas day, you unwrap it and say thank you. Both approaches have their advantages. The former is more spontaneous and allows for surprises but these surprises may not always be good ones. The latter may seem less in the spirit of giving, more in the spirit of receiving but is by far more practical and it sure cuts out the possibility of a bad present, which, when the wrapping is cleared up and the turkey devoured and everyone has an afternoon nap and comes back to examine their haul more closely, is a waste of money. I'm not saying one approach is better than the other. But when the two are combined the results can be a little wrong. See, I never have much idea of what I want people to get me. There may be a book or a CD I'm particularly keen on but for the most part I either think I have everything or don't know that there's something I might really need. One such thing is a new manbag. Manbags have been around since guys started carrying mobile phones and found out that clipping it onto your belt makes you look like a wanker. I like the manbag. I have a manbag and find it's perfect for carrying life's necessities: wallet, phone, notebook and digital camera. C decided it was time I had a new one as my current model is showing signs of wear/tear/out-of-fashionness (the last option being the most important in the eyes of my SO). So the other night, after a major expedition to the city, she comes back with bags full o' stuff and asks me to have a look at something. "Here's the bag I was telling you about," she says. "Is this okay for you for Christmas?" "Wow," I thought. "Won't that leave me speechless come Christmas morn". What's your preferred method?