- the kitchen gift sets OR - Page 2

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

Our family has been watching Q for decades, so many of these multiple item sets we already have, but many were purchased over the years in sets, and given as 'gifts'.

Last year I bought those snips/shears that MCM sells, in a set of four, Used them as stocking stuffers. One for my mom, one for my son, and I kept two, one in the kitchen and one in the basement in reserve should anyone's break. Practical, works well, and both my son and mom were in dire need of something that worked like a scissors or a shear/snip.

In past years the same thing was done with Poo Pourie, Scrub Daddies/Mommies/ Supercloths, Bio Cleaner, Bio Cleaner cloths, the knife sharpeners, the Campanelli sponges, etc. Very useful and things that make our lives so much simpler, and we honestly love getting and using them.

In our Christmas celebrations, stockings are a major fun part of Christmas day, and they have always been filled with useful things. Postage stamps, nail clippers, WEN for those who live by it and won't use anything else, etc.

Different people like different kinds of gifts. I really don't want or need frivolous things or expensive trinkets. I'm way past that. I don't like fashion, expensive, handbags, don't need another piece of fine jewelry (although some years my mom gets me a nice new pair of gold earrings which I like and use), don't like costume or trendy jewelry, etc.

I'm the kind of girl, that if I need or want something practical, I'm over the moon to get it as a gift. One year my husband got me a florescent light fixture (decorative, not like you'd see in a shop or a store) for the kitchen (which had horrible lighting up to that point) and had it installed for me as a Christmas present. I spend hours a day in that room, and I rejoice every time I turn that light on, being able to have such bright and functional light (after years of trying to function in that 'dark cave') when cooking, baking canning and cleaning. That was probably 15 years ago, and I still am happy every time I get that great light when I need it.

If I was that 'bus driver, nail tech, school teacher, mail carrier, UPS driver, dog walker, neighbor that watches the the house when I'm gone, babysitter......' I'd be much happier with the knife sharpener, the shears, or the garbage disposal cover than a mug or baked goods or a gift card to someplace I'd never go (Starbucks...yuck!).

I guess the point is that not every practical present is right for everyone on your gift list, or that we all will only be purchasing only practical gifts. But they do have their place and QVC does indeed try to make it seem much more glamorous and desired by all than they actually may be, that is for sure.

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

I like the different POVs. I had no idea that some would want these items as gifts, so now I've learned something.

I tend to see things like that as something that somebody would need, so the practicality of it makes sense, but not so much as something to give them as a gift for a birthday or holiday - just more of a 'hey, I remember your peeler was broken/dull and I came across this and thought it might come in handy' type of thing.

Daysdee · ‎03-09-2010

I bought the MCM shears years ago and gave some for gifts. I use them all the time for most of the chores in the presentations. Particularly for opening boxes from my online ordering. I bought newer ones for myself a year or so ago and they are of lower quality now. I think when they keep offering more in a set, the bags or matching boxes, etc. the quality is going down. Sets of 5 are too many for me. JMO I do like to give practical gifts, but some they have I would not consider gifting to anyone on my list.

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

Daysdee wrote:
I bought the MCM shears years ago and gave some for gifts. I use them all the time for most of the chores in the presentations. Particularly for opening boxes from my online ordering. I bought newer ones for myself a year or so ago and they are of lower quality now. I think when they keep offering more in a set, the bags or matching boxes, etc. the quality is going down. Sets of 5 are too many for me. JMO I do like to give practical gifts, but some they have I would not consider gifting to anyone on my list.

I hate when they do that! I've found that numerous companies that sell products on QVC will make something of pretty decent, or really good, quality and then when the products become really popular they dial back on the quality.

You think you know what you're getting but the next time it's not the same at all. I had tht happen with something I purchased (years ago) and then I decided, within just a couple of months, that I wanted another one. Same exact item, in a slightly different color, and the second one is nowhere near the quality of the first one. That's just one example. That was a Stan Herman robe.

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

@Mominohio- thank you- you must be my twin sister , I feel the same way but could never express it in such thoughtful words. My first Christmas with DH- he gave me a kitchenaid stand mixer, the next year the attachments - food grinder and ice cream maker.My mother and I had wanted one for years. My friends thought he really messed up. One Christmas he gave me a speed queen washer and the next year the dryer because we were fed up with 3 other brands we tried. One year the Cuisinart food processor. Last year gift cards because we were in the middle of home improvements adding a garage for DH and for me- a new kitchen and family room. This year celebrating another year together and enjoying the home improvements. SouthernBee

sissel · ‎08-13-2010

Those little gift box items that you buy 4 or 3 at a time are fun stocking stuffers. I would never just give it as single gift. Our family gives serious gifts & fun gifts. We only have my FIL & DD, her boyfriend, dog & Dh. we stopped giving gifts for neices, nephews, etc.. So 4 knife sharpners & 5 Mrs Pringles apples are not for me but it may be for other people. .

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

@chickenbutt wrote:
@Daysdee wrote:
I bought the MCM shears years ago and gave some for gifts. I use them all the time for most of the chores in the presentations. Particularly for opening boxes from my online ordering. I bought newer ones for myself a year or so ago and they are of lower quality now. I think when they keep offering more in a set, the bags or matching boxes, etc. the quality is going down. Sets of 5 are too many for me. JMO I do like to give practical gifts, but some they have I would not consider gifting to anyone on my list.

I hate when they do that! I've found that numerous companies that sell products on QVC will make something of pretty decent, or really good, quality and then when the products become really popular they dial back on the quality.

You think you know what you're getting but the next time it's not the same at all. I had tht happen with something I purchased (years ago) and then I decided, within just a couple of months, that I wanted another one. Same exact item, in a slightly different color, and the second one is nowhere near the quality of the first one. That's just one example. That was a Stan Herman robe.

Oh, I have complained about this for years too!

I would rather pay more money, and keep the great quality of a product, but QVC makes sure once it has caught on, to make it cheaper and cheaper.

It has almost become a game (or a full time job!) to find something you love and is of great quality, then beat the clock to get more while the quality is still the same! LOL

catchersmom · ‎07-20-2017

@Mominohio Thank you for your posts and thoughts on this. I completely agree.

Never mistake kindness for weakness

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

I started this thread only because I saw the set/3 garbage disposal stoppers & wondered why would that become a "perfect" gift - unthinking of the many ways multiple gifting can be "affordable" or perhaps practical in many ways!

I haven't "gifted" in the real sense in so long (just $ and a few things for GD) and I only have a small list that it didn't occur to me the concept of "everyday" things as "gifts". When I think "gift" my brain processes luxury or something someone would not necessarily buy for themselves.

On the other hand, if I buy something useful/practical from Q - I buy a "backup" because more times than one it's gone! Case in point, my Kuhn Rikon can opener, shark knife sharpeners, Temptations oven gloves, etc.

I just wanted to say the posters here "opened my eyes" about "gift sets". I only watch ITKWD mostly therefore perhaps I was short sighted that Q offers many other gift sets in other categories.

I gift thru the year to those when I see something useful - but I must say I've gifted my niece & her husband some beautiful pieces from Valerie this year for their new beautiful home. She has enjoyed those Q boxes arriving!

Just wanted to clear up I may have not been thinking clearly for gifting in all situations! (Can I blame it on pain meds😉)! And didn't mean to offend anyone....

Happy gifting everyone!!!🎄🎄🎄🎅🏻🤶

catchersmom · ‎07-20-2017

@homedecor1 I don't believe you offended anyone, definitely not me.

I enjoyed a lot of the discussion. I also don't believe everyone is going to all agree on everything, but respectful disagreements are good things in my book. It's the best way to gain insight on someone else's point of view.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

(this is the part where I wish I had some of those neat pics that Spurt or meallen uses lol....you'll just have to pretend there is a picture of a smiling turkey and some pilgrims and indians)

Never mistake kindness for weakness