Community Chat

[Plaid Pants2]

My dad is a Depression Era baby, born in 1927.

Whenever I think that he could use something, if I can afford it, I'll get it for him.

I'm happy to do that.

Recently, I got him a nice, warm blanket.

What did he do with it?

He used it as a couch cover.

*Sigh*

So, I bought him a couch cover.

Actually, he has a futon, but it functions as a couch.

Also, these apartments doesn't have a ceiling light in the living room, so I got him a torchier(sp) floor lamp.

When I gave it to him, he said, "I wish you wouldn't spend your money on me!".

Parents!

*LOL*

What are you going to do?

[goldensrbest]

I sent my mom some things , she thought the shoes were ugly,the sheets have wrinkles in them,she wants to get them out!!!

[SharkE]

I gave up trying to please my husband long time ago. I sit there like a excited kid waiting for his reaction to a present and all I get is "what do I want with that"?   "I already got something like that and didn't like the first one", on and on like that.

Now, I just give him money and say Merry Christmas LOL

He did like the free car washes card I gave him for his b'day though.

That was practical and saves him from having to hand wash it himself.

Everybody likes cash, too. He got both.

[Love my grandkids]

To the OP: Give a nice donation to a charity your father respects in his name. Most will provde a nice card to notify the recipient.

Heiffer International is a wonderful organization. I've donated to them for years and they literally do a world of good, world wide.

And Charity Navigator gives them excellent "marks."

You can check their website for more info! I wouldn't bother buying him stuff he obviously doesn't want, but your heart is in the right place (hugs to you).

[Snowpuppy]

I'm like that, myself. I just don't want to feel the obligation to gift the person on the next birthday, holiday, etc.

I try not to be a social clod, but I forget many times and I suck at gift giving.

[Financialgrl]

@Plaid Pants2  If my father were not dead - I'd think they were the same person.  Children of the depression have little to no wants cuz for them it was all "needs".   I'm oldest of 4 and growing up we all thought we were poor. Christmas was sparse, there was always food on the table but nothing got tossed or thrown out unless it'd lived long past its usefulness.  

When he moved in with me once his memory was failing, he drove for a short time before his keys were taken away and I'd notice he'd come home with things and say he liked them.  I'd take him to the store and if the price rose 2 cents he'd suddenly decide they were too expensive.  I used to shop alone and take it home and he'd complain that I shouldn't buy those and I used to say "oh, it was on sale".  Every little thing that he enjoyed that he'd no longer buy I'd pick up and I always said  "look what was on sale today".  

[QVCkitty1]

I guess I was lucky, my parents were generous givers and gracious receivers. I did get my dad a new wallet once when I noticed his was falling apart, but did he use it , oh eventually, but he insisted his was still good. This was hard for his handbag loving wife and daughter to understand. LOL.

[nana59]

Exactly how I feel about gift giving at Christmas......don't spend your money on me....I don't need anything, and I don't want anything.......

[Zhills]

OMG!  Mama's back from the dead!

[Carmie]

I had to laugh, my father always said the same thing.  He did appreciate the giifs, but didn't wang me spending my money as I might need it for something else and I should save it.

i say that to my kids too.  I know they need their money.  

I would pitch a fit if they were to donate money to a charity in my name.  They are supposed to save their money and not spend it or give it away.