Holiday gifts first world problems

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

Have any of you recieved a gift and wondered what the heck you're going to do with it? Most of the time depending on the item, I can regift or donate particulalry if it is small.

However last night my brother and his significant other gave me and my DH an expensive Sony turntable. They were both so excited when I opened it I played along and acted excited too. They even gave me an LP, "Eagles Hotel California". I asked what gave them the idea to get this for us?

He said that we had talked at Thanksgiving and I had mentioned that we gave our old turntable to DD and we still had over 1,000 LPs in the basement. You could say that I'm holding on to them for sentimental reasons but this doesn't mean that I want a turntable.

I decided to see if there was a place for it in our family room but it's been a long time since we had a traditional stereo and have long replaced the entertainment unit with a large flat screen TV stand with room for a few TV items....no room for a turntable.

No room for a turntable on any of the shelves. When I buy myself anything for the house or outdoors I always measure to see if it would fit.

Honestly I don't know what to do with this! What would you all do? There is no place to put it and I don't want to go out to buy a table just to put this on.

Would you just thank him and let it be? Or tell him the truth? I don't want to hurt his feelings.

I just don't understand why he would think that I would want something like this when it is large and requires work to set up.....I know it's a petty problem and many people have many serious issues.

beckyb1012 · ‎03-09-2010

I would keep it just for the excitement that they felt buying it for you. I still have two VCR's with a huge inventory of VHS tapes. I can always find room for memories and nostalgia, and that album they gave you is a great one.

eBay as a ton of LP records for sale and many still sealed.

"Live frugally, but love extravagantly."

Hoovermom · ‎03-19-2010

Does he live near you? If he doesn't, maybe find a closet that you can put it in and take out when you want to use it. Otherwise, if he lives nearby and comes by frequently, I don't have any suggestions for you. I am sure he was excited to give you this gift.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

@beckyb1012 Yes it is a great album....we already have it! Now I have two. I can always give it to DD.

However concerning the turntable, I feel bad but the only thing to do if I keep it is for it to remain in the box in the basement. There is no place other than my dining room table to put it and that's not going to work.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

@Hoovermom Yes he does live near me. It's not like taking out something that merely has to be plugged in. If it were that simple I would do what you suggested.

It has to be set up and connceted with speakers and a reciever we just don't have anyplace to do that.

SamBrown · ‎03-10-2010

@haddon9 just thank them and let it be. They don't need to know if you donate it or give it away. If it's ever mentioned, tell them you have it hooked up in your bedroom and you enjoy listening to the records in the evening before bed.

ValuSkr · ‎03-15-2014

That's a tough one. He must have thought you regretted giving your old TT to your daughter.

I would offer the new TT to your daughter, hoping that she takes it. Then take your old TT back from the daughter and assure your brother that she plays LPs much more than you and will appreciate something "not vintage" and you don't really have room for it in any case.

cindyNC · ‎08-01-2019

I would just store it in the basement. And punt if they come over and ask about it.

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

A lady in my discussion group sold her husband's albums and turntable to a used record store after he passed.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks for all of your thoughtful replies! This is such a silly dilemma!

Just because we were having a conversation at Thanksgiving about my record collection doesn't mean I want another turntable. We gave away the old one for a reason. DD really wanted it along with some LPs and loves the whole mid century modern vibe.

At my age I think I no longer want "surprises" except seeing someone important in my life whom I haven't seen for a long time.

A gift card is always an easy and welcomed gift ....I always appreciate a gift card to a local restaurant... Sigh.