topic Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them? in Community Chat

Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

Twins Mom — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:24:40 GMT

In our effort to purge and simplify my life, I come across a lot of “stuff” that I was given as gifts for coming, etc. Since I am also very practical, I look at many of these items as a waste of money, more stuff for landfills, etc. I was recently given a “gift” for attending that is a “leather” ?clutch that is fur lined. The company’s initials are embossed on side. Do they really think I would use this? Maybe I am not aware of its real purpose but I am stumped. I would have much preferred a $5 gift card for a coffee, juice, etc.
Any insight appreciated.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

ItsME — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:27:33 GMT

I agree with you 100%! Most giveaways are fodder for landfills. Not useful or used. Just space clogging junk. There are some good ones, but not many. Similarly, I HATE when companies send calendars. I don't want or need them, but I won't throw away a calendar until it is out of date. Just a weird superstition I have. It's such a waste of materials and space.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

tends2dogs — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:28:35 GMT

Promotional gifts? I agree with you, I would rather have a lower price on what I want. I am sure the landfills are full of these "come on" gifts.

These free giveaways (which are never free) never entice me to go, either.

Good topic .

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

Mz iMac — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:28:56 GMT

As someone who had to downsize & get rid of "stuff" when I moved, all I can tell you is that the Salvation Army knows me by my first name.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

CelticCrafter — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:47:07 GMT

@ItsME wrote:
I agree with you 100%! Most giveaways are fodder for landfills. Not useful or used. Just space clogging junk. There are some good ones, but not many. Similarly, I HATE when companies send calendars. I don't want or need them, but I won't throw away a calendar until it is out of date. Just a weird superstition I have. It's such a waste of materials and space.

My mother-in-law will take a calendar from any place that's giving them away and gets po'd when you tell her you don't want it as she tries to give it to you.

"Why, it's a good calendar"

I'm particular about my calendars! The wall calendar has to have pockets and the little page a day I keep on the shelf over the kitchen sink has to be a Mary Engelbriet.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

phoenixbrd — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:55:10 GMT

This is one of the reasons why I always have an ongoing bag for the Vietnam Vets of America. Couldn't be more pleased....I call and make an appointment (up to 15 bags), they pick up and leave a tax donation confirmation on my front door. So easy, I don't even have to leave my home and I feel like it is a worthy cause.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

Cakers3 — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:57:48 GMT

@phoenixbrd wrote:
This is one of the reasons why I always have an ongoing bag for the Vietnam Vets of America. Couldn't be more pleased....I call and make an appointment (up to 15 bags), they pick up and leave a tax donation confirmation on my front door. So easy, I don't even have to leave my home and I feel like it is a worthy cause.

@phoenixbrd This is wonderful.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

jeanlake — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:59:48 GMT

I knew I was over trinket gifts when I stopped putting my name into drawings at conferences, meetings, etc. I had a work friend who loved to return home with door prize trinkets. It's just junk to me.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

Cakers3 — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 18:00:40 GMT

I'm surprised companies still give out calendars. I remember we used to receive a Currier and Ives Calendar from some company decades ago. Maybe it was a bank.

But those ugly ones from some oil company and the like-just no.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

sunshine45 — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 18:04:21 GMT

love freebies and giveaways.

whatever i dont use myself i pass along to my mom and/or daughters.

whatever is left i sell online via facebook groups. easy way to get some money back and not have it take up space.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

sunshine45 — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 18:07:42 GMT

@jeanlake wrote:
I knew I was over trinket gifts when I stopped putting my name into drawings at conferences, meetings, etc. I had a work friend who loved to return home with door prize trinkets. It's just junk to me.

i save these types of things to send overseas......pens, pencils, magnifiers, bottle openers, bags, and more. you would be surprised how much people who dont have much appreciate these types of items......even the little mcdonalds toys.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

sunshine45 — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 18:10:53 GMT

i get so many calendars in the mail every year from charities. i think last year i got over 20. my daughter took them (she works in a senior care facility), wrapped them in holiday paper, and gave them to some of the residents last year. many of them love having the calendars to write notes on and to brighten up thei rroom a little. they LOVE small hand creams and lotions also.

if you are thinking about dumping items, think twice please. it may make someones day to receive the item you are throwing out.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

chickenbutt — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 18:52:08 GMT

Nowdays it seems like a lot of 'freebies' come with strings. I don't do social media at all, and I find that a lot of stuff requires that you join social media so they can keep their eye on you. Not interested.

Otherwise, I have things pared down nicely so I don't get hardly any unsolicited stuff in the mail anymore. I like it that way. I have enough 'stuff' for a couple of lifetimes already.

Re: Freebies, Giveaways: How do You Feel About Them?

SeaMaiden — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 23:22:05 GMT

I do not mind freebies etc,....

what I do mind is those FIGGIN PHONE BOOKS that they throw on your driveway. WHO WANTS A PHONE BOOK? One time I actually caught the guy tossing the phone books on the driveway and I ran up to him and shoved them in his arms and said NO Thank you!