Community Chat

[haddon9]

@wagirl Thank you!

[goldensrbest]

The other choice would be,if your close to your brother,and on good terms,speak to him explain it to him.

[Zoe]

I would do anything to receive just one more gift from my only sibling (who has passed). 

It sounds like your brother was actively listening to your story about having thousands of records but no turntable. He picked up on that and selected a very thoughtful present for you. Actively listening throughout the year is when the best gift ideas come up! It is perhaps curious to keep 1000+ records and have nowhere to play them or enjoy the music, but that's your choice. 

You seem very set on not keeping this present. So, you should just have a courageous conversation with your brother and tell him that while you appreciate his very thoughtful gift, it's too much & you have nowhere to put it, emphasizing that YES you have 1000+ LPs but keep them just for nostalgia & are OK not playing them or hearing the music. That gives him the opportunity to at least return it and get his money back. Or maybe he would be open to you both gifting it to your daughter instead. Or maybe there is a community center or youth group or senior center that you both support that would welcome such a kind donation. If you can't be honest with your sibling, then who can you be honest with?

Still, I think it was an extremely thoughtful present. And I'd give your brother a big old hug for listening as carefully as he did and gifting you something so generous and thoughtful. Yes, even if you don't want to hold onto the item.

[haddon9]

@Zoe I will give him a bit hug!!!

Actively listening means listening to the whole conversation not just selective hearing.  I did say that the reason I don't have a turntable is because I gave it to my daughter because I wasn't using it.....which means I really don't want it.

Thanks for your thoughts.  Lots to weigh pros & cons with all of the comments.

[San Antonio Gal]

@haddon9  -  If you decide to keep it, I like the suggestion of keeping it in your office and asking your brother to help set it up.   I don't think putting it on the coffee table is a good idea.

[faeriemoon]

Are you sure the setup is as complicated as you think?  Bluetooth speakers are really not a big deal to set up. You can probably set this thing up quite easily in a bedroom, and enjoy your records when you're in the mood for some nostalgic music. 

[qbetzforreal]

Sounds like your brother believed he was giving a thoughful gift.  Alas, it was not appreciated.

Tell your brother the truth, don't hide or donate the turntable. Return it to your brother so he may get his money back for it.

[San Antonio Gal]

@haddon9  -  Have you made a decision yet?

[haddon9]

@San Antonio Gal I spoke with my brother last night.  He asked if we had gotten a chance to set up the turntable. 

I told him how excited I was when I opened the gift!  I saw how excited he was and I was excited too!  There was a lot of chaos at the time with a dozen people opening gifts....it was fun and a bit crazy!

I told him that even though I was very happy,  grateful and appreciative for the thoughtful gift I realized that after going through measurements in several places in our home there was no practical place for it.  I offered to have him come over to help set it up.   

He also mentioned that he had forgotten that we don't use WiFi or Bluetooth in our home since DH is stubborn about it concerning his health. (another whole topic)

He said that it wasn't a problem for him to take it back and return it.  We agreed that it was the best thing and instead he is giving me a restaurant gift card....I will take him out to eat.

At this point in my life I don't want or need gifts but prefer experiences with family & friends.

[San Antonio Gal]

Glad that worked out well @haddon9  and your brother was okay with returning it.