Holiday Wish List Shopping Guide

Okay, we've all heard that it's better to give than to receive. After all, it's the thought that counts, right? But do you really need another tie? One more bottle of cologne? Another flashlight keyring? You're a videographer and you're loved ones had better face it, you want video gear.
The winter holidays can be a great time to expand your video equipment inventory. But those non-video friends and family of yours may not know the difference between Mini DV and Minnie Driver or Hi8 and Hi-C. Take, for example, a reader named Dave, who after hinting endlessly to his family that he wanted an accessory bag, got a package in the mail from his Aunt Rose. It was an accessory bag, knitted with pink yarn.
The following tips, along with our Annual Holiday Gift Guide should help you avoid Dave's situation and help ensure that your, "Wow, I love it! It's just what I wanted!" is actually sincere.

Tip 1 Let'em Know What You Want

Start early and be imaginative with this one. While shooting your niece's birthday party, for example, be sure to drop hints and mention things like, "If only I had a new character generator (or audio mixer or whatever) this video would be so much better."
In the weeks before the holidays, step up the campaign. Leave this Holiday Gift Guide laying around in a prominent place, with your selections circled, highlighted or underlined. Cut out pictures and stick it on the fridge or wherever gift givers frequent: the bathroom, coffee table, car, …