Community Chat

[Sooner]

A lot of people are cutting back on sweets or are on some other kind of special diet, or just don't want homemade food. For whatever reason! Food can be iffy in any case it seems.

Give people gifts that they want, not what YOU would want. If they have 500 monkey figurines, they probably will love another even if you think "They have too MANY of those!" or "Why would ANYONE want that?" Don't try to "surprise" them with something they would never have bought themselves. Therein lies the issue--they don't want one. Of course if you KNOW something they are longing for, that's different. In general, trying to be too creative leads to problems (I know that myself from hard experiences).

Many people don't want "stuff" that they have to dust, display or water. Remember, this IS a shopping channel board! LOL!!! I hear so many people trying to get rid of stuff they love, so they don't want your stuff they don't love. This includes picture frames, candles, decorations, etc., magazines, books, cds or other such "storable" things. A little flower arrangement they can enjoy and toss, not a plant. If you KNOW they want some of this fine, but don't assume. No kidding, for some of us "stuff" is a problem.

Check before you give ANY woman a vacuum cleaner. Please. Be careful about bath products since many are allergic to or don't like scented things. If it is because they don't bathe that is a whole other deal. . .

If you aren't SURE of what the person would want, give them a gift card. Even a small one seems to be appreciated -- car wash card being a great and novel idea (read this a while back!). How about a pharmacy gift card? You can get anything on earth there or pay for your upcoming cold and flu season supplies! (He has a fever)

Gift giving has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. Blame China and all the junk we have too much of!

Clothing is iffy--mittens or gloves seem pretty safe. A 75-pound L.L. Bean terrycloth robe is not a good idea. LOL!!!

Any other points you can think of? I'm going to print this off to remind myself and any help would be appreciated.

Stuff that can be used is pretty safe--items for a meal, coffee or tea, breakfast kit, something you use and it's gone. Maybe a service like maid for a few hours, tickets, dinner paid for, etc. Would they like a night at a local bed and breakfast? A boat ride? Maybe take them to an outdoor lighting display or church play and pay for dinner or snacks afterward?