topic Re: Gifting Decorative Items in Community Chat

Gifting Decorative Items

granddi — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 01:29:46 GMT

I think I'm going to answer my own question.

I do not like to be gifted items that I have to display.

I have enough do-dads!

But I have a gallery wall of travel prints that my adult children and others admire and make nice remarks. I'm thinking of gifting them small (5x7) prints of places that they have traveled.

What are your feelings about giving or receiving decorative items?

I just want my gifts to have some meaning.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

deepwaterdotter — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 01:34:08 GMT

Since I like to choose my own decorative items, I do not give them as gifts. I wouldn't want anyone to feel obligated to display an item they didn't like.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

Kachina624 — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 01:36:59 GMT

The only person I ever knew who had taste similar to mine and who could choose decorative items that I loved, was my mother, now gone. So I'd just as soon not receive such things. I've got more than enough anyway.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

haddon9 — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 01:47:20 GMT

I feel the same way about getting decorative gifts.

I think if I wanted to gift an item that I had I would just ask my adult child if he/she would like to have the item and make sure that they understood that you wouldn't be upset if they really didn't want the item.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

Etoile308 — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 02:06:26 GMT

I think it's like any other gift. If you see an item and someone immediately comes to mind, someone you know well, and you think from your heart they'd like it, then go for it. The receiver is under no obligation to display or keep it.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

beach-mom — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 02:09:35 GMT

@granddi - I think your idea is amazing! My children would love to have a framed print of a place they have visited. I treasure a pen and ink drawing of the city in Belgium where my parents met and lived (before marriage). I have prints of places that are special to our family.

About gifting decorative items - I belong to some different women's groups. When the holidays come around we exchange gifts. I alternate between food gifts (like mugs with tea, bags with candy, etc.) and decorative holiday items. I love picking up unusual little items. One year I found miniature reindeer made from heavy wire by a local man. Over the years I've wondered about giving the decorative items. A lot of the women in the one group of 8 are older than I am. I always justified it by thinking if they didn't want them they could give them to their children. A few years ago at our holiday luncheon one of the group members came up to me and told me how much she appreciates the different gifts I find. She said she has them all throughout her home, and when she gets them out each year she thinks about all of us.

I already have their gifts for this year (mini lanterns from here). We won't be having our luncheon, but I intend to leave their gifts by their front doors. And I will never stop giving the little decorative gifts I get for my friends every year!

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

ThinkingOutLoud — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 02:28:08 GMT

@granddi wrote:
I think I'm going to answer my own question.
I do not like to be gifted items that I have to display.
I have enough do-dads!

But I have a gallery wall of travel prints that my adult children and others admire and make nice remarks. I'm thinking of gifting them small (5x7) prints of places that they have traveled.

What are your feelings about giving or receiving decorative items?
I just want my gifts to have some meaning.

I'm not a fan of receiving them so I don't give them.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

rockygems123 — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 03:16:35 GMT

@granddi I'd say it has been a minimalist trend for a while, also as we age we tend to downsize, so I'd say no to gifting display items even if they are thoughtful ones like your idea.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

speedy girl — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 04:33:09 GMT

The people who give me gifts, know me well enough to know my taste, so I enjoy what they pick out for me. Especially from my children. I'm sentimental and if someone thought about me, then I am happy with the gift!!

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

SouthernBee — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 05:44:11 GMT

@granddi : I hate receiving any decorative gifts. Yes- I was taught as a child to appreciate any gift. People have different style. In 2016 we remodeled the kitchen and added a large family room. People have told me they love the room because of wall color and not cluttered therefore feeling peaceful and calm. I have 3 friends that I love but there decorating style is to cover the walls and every inch of the room. I use a walker and need my space. They have given me things and have told me where to hang them. I hate to admit it but items are donated. I feel bad because two of the ladies really can't afford the gift exchange and I have tried to stop it. I have suggested several times that we need to stop and do other things together like taking day trips. They refused the idea. I have a small house and limited storage. I will include a typed letter in all the Christmas gifts explaining my desire to make changes for 2021 and the future- no more monthly gifts, special occasions, birthdays etc. I will not feel obligated if they continue and will not feel guilty for donating items. I don't drive and 95% of my shopping is done on line. This has become stressful trying to find gifts and hoping there will be no shipping delays.I have never believed in a gift closet. I listen to my friends during the year and keep notes because I prefer to give them something that they want or need. This gift exchange started with me and one other person and then she wanted to include husbands and several other friends. I have learned: Be very careful what you start. I am not rich but can afford the gifts. The process has become time consuming and stressful. Just my opinion.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

SouthernBee — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 05:53:09 GMT

@beach-mom : I have received more than enough gift mugs. Always donate at least two boxes each year. And don't get me started on the water bottles and travel mugs. I have explained to my friends that I need larger mugs to use- because I can have a decent cup without spilling everything since I am handicapped. Yet every gift bag includes the small like 6 ounce cup and a very small handle. I have decided that they have a gift closet for the sake of giving something and not considering what a person may want or need.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

Marp — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 11:39:05 GMT

Unless it is an item I've expressly mentioned I wanted and intended to get "some day" please don't.

In regard to most decorative items I see in someone's home, just because I like it does not mean I would want it for my home.or that I would have a place display it.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

tototwo — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 12:09:36 GMT

I'll echo what others said -- I don't appreciate getting decorative items that 'should' be displayed, so I certainly don't give them. I have more decorative junk than my house needs, and some decor is packed in boxes in the basement. Really need to donate most of them!

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

Spurt — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 14:18:53 GMT

@granddi

People's decorating tastes are so different, so unless the person has specifically mentioned a particular item they wanted, I would stay away from a decorative gift.... I wouldnt want someone to feel obligated to display something they didnt really like....I would chose something else....

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

Sooner — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 14:34:38 GMT

I think the days of stuff are over. I'd give some wrapped food items like tea, or mints, cookies, fruit "basket" (even in a lovely disposable container) or something practical like dish towels or cute oven mits or potholders, or a gift card in a handwritten note, etc.

I think this year maybe a gift card to a butcher shop or restaurant and say "dinner's on me!" or for pickup if they do pickup.

I especially have never seen the point of giving holiday decorations since they are for display then storage. I don't get that.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

Bri369 — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 14:39:54 GMT

I don't wish to receive decorative items. I don't usually buy people knick knacks or other items of clutter either.

Knowing what I have gotten rid of and given away the last few years, I don't wish to impose that task on anyone.

We don't exhange gifts anymore within our circle of friends. We've done other things during the holidays to make up for that.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

Krimpette — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 14:48:53 GMT

I don't like to receive decorative gifts, nor do I give them. But what I really don't care for is to receive any gift that is clearly Christmas related for Christmas. I find that I'd be merely putting such a gift away until next Christmas.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

Regal Bee — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 15:04:08 GMT

I don't mind receiving decorative items if they fit in with my decor.

I have a friend who gave me items, for years, that I could not make work.....it was awkward to say the least.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

wagirl — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 15:20:02 GMT

In my family we don't give gifts anymore--all of us have way to much"stuff". but i did make quilted xmas ball ornaments for everyone for their trees that were a huge hit--I have to say--they turned out beautiful and pretty easy to make. i got a couple, myself, way back in the 80's from a friend who made them for me for each of my 2 kids---still have them and they are on my tree every year. and are my faves still.

OP--I think your idea of the prints are great.

Re: Gifting Decorative Items

RedTop — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 15:53:41 GMT

I am not a fan of decorative items; not on my walls, not on surfaces. Outside of candles I bought and use as nightlights, you won't see that stuff in my house.

The friend who told everyone at work about my lighthouse collection, gave me lighthouse pictures that have never hung on a wall, and probably won't.

I have only gifted items that were specifically requested.