Community Chat

[freakygirl]

sooner, speaking of paper towels... there was one year my husband and I thought of giving his large family an unusual gift, but it had to be a necessity. we came up with a huge package of toilet paper. like 50

rolls big! we were happily surprised when they loved it! even the kids thought it was a great idea. so they asked for it every year and we indulged them, until our supplier got out of that business. they all felt bad. lol!

that gift card to a car wash was genius!

[RedTop]

I enjoy giving gifts, but HATE the shopping experience of going to different stores looking for ideas.  By September, I have already asked my daughters to start thinking about what they would like for Christmas.   I always have my shopping done by Thanksgiving, so they still have a few weeks to let me know what they want.   It would be really nice if they asked for cash or gift cards this year.    

[Sooner]

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@freakygirl wrote:

sooner, speaking of paper towels... there was one year my husband and I thought of giving his large family an unusual gift, but it had to be a necessity. we came up with a huge package of toilet paper. like 50

rolls big! we were happily surprised when they loved it! even the kids thought it was a great idea. so they asked for it every year and we indulged them, until our supplier got out of that business. they all felt bad. lol!

that gift card to a car wash was genius!

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@freakygirl

That is spectacular!  TP!  WHO wouldn't love, want, or need TP!!!!  Thanks for the story!  

[Cakers3]

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@bri20 wrote:

Not a fan.

If I have to tell somebody what I would like, I can just go by it myself. 

I understand the theory behind it, but to me a gift is something I pick out for the person.  There should be some element of surprise.  LOL

I place no expectations on the recipient to keep my gift.  They are perfectly free to return or exchange it.

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@bri20  I agree.   I always include a gift receipt,  even though the only gifts we buy now are for immediate family.

I also couldn't stand those gift grabs at work - people posting lists of things and the pressure put on folks who didn't want to be involved with Secret Santa, YankeeSwap etc.

[SahmIam]

Love it and prefer it.

[Winter Holiday]

I feel lists are the best. I don't like when people give me stuff I don't like or can't use (stuff like candles and picture frames come to mind). Buying stuff for people that they might not like wastes both the giver and receivers time and definitely the givers money if its tossed out or donated.

I would ask for a wish list and create a range with an amount you can afford and are willing to spend. If you say $1-50 then you can buy someone a couple movies or some nice bath and body stuff. I lot of people don't like buying gift cards either but those are a good option too.

[Winter Holiday]

@bri20 "If I have to tell somebody what I like, I can just go by it myself" What if a person is willing to spend $200 and up for a particular item for you. Are you saying you can freely buy a $200 item any single time you please?

"They are perfectly free to return or exchange it" How would you feel if they decided to throw it out or donate it?

Unhappiness is avoidable if you get a person something they say they want.   

[GRACIE]

I never buy a gift just to buy a gift. A close or a good friend you know their likes and dislikes or their favorite store to shop. For those friends gift card. For some their favorite restaurant, a gift card.For jewelry lovers bracelets, or earring( not that 5 for five dollars stuff).My sister loves bracelets and gemstone earring,handbags and books.  Never buy something just to say you got them a gift.I also started Christmas shopping, almost finish. As for myself my family and close friends give me gift cards to my favorite stores, flowers,(I love plants) books, music, or something for my fur babies.

Never give me jewelry for I very picky.My family and close friends(2 of them) know this. Usually get my own Christmas gift also, from my bonus check. This year it's King baby jewelry.

[Isobel Archer]

I appreciate it when I get a list.  I have never understood people who object to giving someone what they actually want - rather than what the giver apparently thinks they "should" want.

[vermint]

@freakygirl That reminds me of the year my nieces (both new mothers and single) asked for diapers when I asked what they wanted. After buying them, I understood why they asked for that...never having had children myself, I had no idea diapers were sooooooo expensive!