Hints for gift giving - Page 4

vermint · ‎04-05-2010

We don't buy presents for anyone except each other, and my dad, anymore. We don't have children, and the nieces & nephews are all adults now, most with kids of their own...and there are 19 of the great-nieces/nephews, just too many to buy for!

Even my BFF & I stopped exchanging gifts several years ago...in our 50's we just don't need anymore "stuff". What we do now, is go out togther with our DH's for a very nice dinner. We actually spend more than we did on gifts, but we have such a good time! We go somewhere different every year.

DH & I do participate in the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox program thru our church. Church also has an "angel tree" every year that we pick a child from. We love doing both of those!

Madisson · ‎10-13-2011

We give each other lists of ideas. One year I had on my list a ceramic 5"" x 7"" picture frame with light pink roses on it. I received four different ones! Now we check with the other people in the family to see who bought what so someone doesn't end up with four of the same thing.

DH and I go shopping before Christmas and point out things that we would like. Then we go back and buy the items on another day.

I have a friend who thinks the way we do things is silly as there are not really any surprises. She insists that she loves everything that anyone buys her and would never dream of returning an item that someone took the time to pick out just for her.

Some people do drugs. I do shoes....Celine Dion

misspammie · ‎03-14-2010

On 11/14/2014 NoelSeven said:
What not to give: Things meant to be displayed in the home. Not unless you know they've always wanted it or collect them.

I've had people give me ornate pieces for the mantel that I would never want to look at every day. One was a large, ornately painted ostrich egg that was really garish, and the next year she gave me another one just like it only in different colors.

Remember, your taste may not be the same as the person you're giving to.

hysterical, Noel, think I have one of these, blue dresden looking,,,,,made me LOL

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

Please please please don't assume that we all like scented *anything*, candles, lotions, soaps, etc. I for one do not and more than once have had to toss this stuff as I didn't know anyone to give it to.

Please don't assume that *everyone* likes wine! My late DH wasn't a wine drinker and since I am on a variety of meds I have given up even having a social drink for the last few years.

JJsMom · ‎03-10-2010

Buy what the recipient wants, not what you want them to have. I have so many candles, frames, and clothing that are totally not my taste. I often think the buyer was shopping for herself rather than me.

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. ~ Desmond Tutu

Topaz Gem · ‎03-10-2010

There are many items that people have given me that I never would have bought for myself, but I ended up liking them. Not everyone knows you well enough to be able to pick out exactly what you'd like, but the fact that they try is a nice thought. If they give you wine and you don't drink, for example, use it in cooking or serve it to guests. You can always find a use for most gifts.

Clothing is a different story, though. No one should feel pressure to wear something that is just not their style. In that case, a trip to Goodwill might be in order. Wink

"Summer afternoon-summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." ~Henry James

brii · ‎06-20-2010

I always include a gift receipt with any gift I give to anyone. If they don't like it or it doesn't fit, they can return it without any guilt. I hate when people keep things just because it was a gift. It either sits unused or is given away.

Jannabelle · ‎03-09-2010

On 11/18/2014 brii said:
I always include a gift receipt with any gift I give to anyone. If they don't like it or it doesn't fit, they can return it without any guilt. I hate when people keep things just because it was a gift. It either sits unused or is given away.

Me too, it is money thrown away, why do people feel that way,like it is a insult to return something?

brii · ‎06-20-2010

Janna, I have no idea. I wouldn't feel Insulted.

dex · ‎03-09-2010

Where is th fun and memories IV you just give cash.I love to remember my strange gifts and really get a good laugh,if you just get cash under the tree they better start opening the stores early so people will spend their money before it becomes gas or grocery money.