Community Chat

[Bird mama]

I've been there and affectionately call it the Slipper Incident. My dad (was in his late 50's) wore leather house slippers that were structured. He wore his out and lamented about not being able to find another pair. I tormented his eldest sister to find out where I would find the slipper he loved. At the time, Crowley's sold them and I think they were over $75, which was a considerable price for a slipper in the early 90's.

I bought the proper size and was on cloud 9 - I finally cracked the code to what to buy my father that he would surely, finally like.

I was on pins and needles, grinning ear to ear when he finally got to my present. I was so excited I thought I was going to jump out of my own skin. My sisters and Mom were rooting for me.

He opened the box, looked at the slippers, said not one word and put them aside. They ended up in the closet and I believe dry rotted from non use.

Hyacinth - try not to take it to heart.

[ROMARY]

Read #16. Good advice, even if I do say so myself!

[foundinlv]

I think people that age want less clutter in their lives...my stepmom wouldn't have wanted the Keurig either. In fact, she is always telling me not to buy her anymore new things unless she specifically requests it. Works for us.

[Group 5 minus 1]

He may think it is too hard to learn how to use it. He is old.

[Clover29]

My mom is 82 and bought herself a Keurig earlier this year. She wouldn't dream of telling someone she didn't like their gift, but she also wouldn't hesitate to re-gift or donate it.

I've been giving my uncle nuts and candy-with-nuts-in for years, and only found out this year that he hates nuts. He never said. I heard it from my mom. I guess he gives the candy to neighbor kids, and the plain nuts to squirrels.

[Group 5 minus 1]

DH and I talked about my Mom and Keurigs. She is gone now. I do not think she would have wanted one. She was 98 when she passed.

[deeva]

My in-laws are both in their eighties and they would never use something like a Keurig. That's why they get cash for Christmas.

[ROMARY]

Nothing like stainless steel small appliances/percolators! I'm not a fan of plastic anything. Or non-stick items. I can actually smell plastic odors from a variety of items. (Don't know about K., or other new items, though.)

[CouponQueen]

Seriously he is probably 87 and a bit crotchity and while you tried ..it is what it is. I think when people reach a certain age you gotta wing it.

I liked to buy my g'mother the upgraded fancy things like that too..and she was the same age at the time and she would much prefer the old fashion simple things. Just like the Phone..LOL..

I know you thought you nailed it as he loves coffee..but the THOUGHT was there and don't let the SIL who just couldn't wait to tell you..that I think irked you more really...she just had to rub it in..she probably brought him a pair of socks and was jealous you put thought and money in your gift!

[ROMARY]

Yes, sometimes SIL's are a bit jealous, no matter what you do or say. The secret is to be very cheerful to the older/senior relatives! No matter what they don't like or like, a cheerful smile is sometimes the best way. Just box the item, and just say 'Don't worry', 'I'll take it back', etc. Sometimes that makes the recipient very happy!