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[LdyBugz]

A few years ago I was gifted a six month subscription to "Adults and Crafts".  Once a month I received a different craft to do.  There was a hanging macrame plant thing, a hooped embroidery project, a couple of wood painting crafts, a small glass etching craft, and a wire wreath kit.

I held on to those kits, out of guilt.  Today I cleaned out the closet that stuff was in and tossed it all out.  I feel bad, but all of the kits were so tacky and none of the items would be things I would have in my home.  The only half decent kit was the wreath, but the faux flowers were all crushed and smelled so musty.  None of it was even worthy of donating to an organization.  

I just didn't have the heart to tell the gifter that the stuff was awful because she was just so proud of her gift!  She has never asked about the crafts though, so I finally decided it was time to ditch it all.  I still feel bad because she did something thoughtful, unique, and spent good money.  😔

Have you ever received such a gift?  Geez, this all just made me think of the Everybody Loves Raymond episode where Marie complains about the monthly fruit subscription......"There's too much fruit in the house!".  

[Q-Checker]

I have received gifts so far from my taste that they have made me cringe. It's always hard to say thank you when that happens. I try to appreciate the thought when I do not in any way appreciate the gift. I well remember the  episode on Everybody Loves Raymond when Marie and Frank got the Fruit of the Month gift. That was hilarious and the script and the acting by all of the cast on that episode were just perfect.

[LdyBugz]

@Q-Checker  Yes, like you, I appreciated the thought.  I'm very grateful and think it was so nice that she came up with something different.  Plus I know how had it is to find gifts for people (like me) that have all they need and really don't want anymore things.  That's why I feel bad.

That episode of Raymond was hilarious!  I loved that show, and still watch the reruns!

[SouthernBee]

@LdyBugz : I totally understand. I was taught to appreciate any gifts but have received so much totally opposite from me. I am almost 71 and trying to do a major purge of my house. Anything now received that I can't do or use is immediately removed from the house.  I hate doing  this .I have managed to talk with friends and 1/2 have agreed not to exchange gifts. Still working on the other group. I am home bound and not able to go or have friends over for  lunch.

[LdyBugz]

@SouthernBee   Thank you for your reply and understanding.  I finally got my sister to agree with stopping the gift exchange routine.  Took me a few years, but she finally gets it now!

[Carmie]

I tell everyone not to buy me gifts, but they do anyway.

I get candles, water bottles and hand cream, lotions ...all of which I do not need. Sometimes I get gift cards too to places I am not interested in.

I just donate them or give it away.  I would never toss it out.  Someone else might enjoy the items.

[SouthernBee]

@Carmie : My SIL loves to " shop"  my stash and takes anything else to donation center.

[LdyBugz]

@Carmie  I donate a lot of items locally.  Books for our library book sale, clothing drives, canned goods for the town pantry, etc.  There are several drives at work during the year, too.  I just brought in a bunch of new Beekman soaps and lotions, and puzzles for the Veterans drive.  I also just gave some toys and games that my granddaughters had outgrown to a family down the street.  

I had asked a few friends and a couple of neighbors if they wanted the crafts, but no takers.  Our senior  center only accepts womens clothing right now.  Some items just aren't wanted or worthy of donating.  Many places are very particular in what they will accept, and I can understand that.  

[Q-Checker]

When I was in my 20's, I knew an older woman who said, in reference to gifts, "If I can't eat it or wear it, I don't want it." At the time I thought it was a strange remark, but now I understand. As for me, now much older, edible  gifts are ususlly welcome but the thankfully rare "wearable" gifts usually do not work. Flowers, a small plant, a book (especially one that is in the quality literature category), or a shared meal at a nice ethnic restaurant are always especially appreciated. Gifts that I do not want or need are discretely donated.

[Roscoe the Rascal]

Funny how things change and no longer need or want extras.  I stopped exchanging with friends and my daughter only buys me what I really want which is hard to come up with for me.  But keep it simple I always say.  I do not need a bunch of gifts.  

What I do appreciate is a gift card to places I like to shop or go.  That way I can pick out something that I find useful.  

During the holidays I always go to a play with my daughter and grand daughter and out to eat.  That is a great gift.  Kids love Prindables Apples so I always get those as one of the gifts.  Things like that.  Doesn't have to be under the tree gift.  Just spending time and doing stuff together is appreciated.  

Today we are taking a short road trip and that is always nice.  Just head out and go to someplace we would like to go.