How to deter gift giver??

[gayl]

I don't need anything. In fact I often wish people would just give me some homemade consumable. My eldest sister exists on social security so she can barely afford anything. Yet she has decided that I need all the Jerusalem glass that she can ever find. I can see on the tag at the bottom of the items that she is paying regular price in a regular store for them. How can I approach this matter with her? I would like to let her know that although l appreciate her intent, I would rather have a box of homemade cookies

FYI I wouldn't buy Jerusalem glass for me, I'm more of a clear glass person

 

[gwraigty]

I would like to let her know that although l appreciate her intent, I would rather have a box of homemade cookies

Your wording sounds good to me.

 

[gayl]

Thank you!! I know she needs to give and I need to graciously receive. I just don't want to sound like a scrooge

 

[Palmtree]

"Thank you for all the glass you've given me in the past. There is so much I don't have room for any more. You know what I would really like now? Your delicious homemake cookies."

 

[Jerry1]

I thin the main point is to give them an alternative. We’re trying to limit gifts from our adult kids and grand kids, but of course they want to give something. I would (and plan to) just say how blessed I am to not need anything else that it would really be great if they think about consumables or giving to charity on our behalf.

In the OP case, I wouldn’t focus on the glass, instead pointing to not needing “anything”.

 

[RunningBum]

Maybe hint for a gift card to a favorite restaurant? My GF told me she wants experiences, not things, for such occasions.

 

[Nemo2]

"We're thinking of becoming minimalists and unloading a lot of (unnecessary) 'treasures'."

 

[Aerides]

"how about we exchange <homemade things> instead this year. I'd love some of your cookies, can I make you a pie?"

 

[spncity]

I realize that, thanks to you, my Jerusalem glass collection is complete. In fact, all my collections are complete and I don't want to go through downsizing in the future. So, I propose that we switch to consumables. My choice would be your delicious cookies!

 

[Ready]

I got a puzzle with a random meaningless pattern on it from a sister in law. It has 1,000 pieces in it. We are not puzzle people so it will get donated to charity. I have an entire house full of candles that people have given me over the years. I never burn them so they last forever. I’ll eventually just throw them away.

Unless you really know a person well I think it’s inappropriate to give material items as gifts. Cookies, restaurant gift cards, anything that is consumable makes a nice gift.

 

[jollystomper]

I would like to let her know that although l appreciate her intent, I would rather have a box of homemade cookies.

I agree, this wording is just the way to express it. We said similar things to our family (family members to us), and it works out fine.

 

[Bigdawg]

the vast majority of our family is or was military. Very A to B. We tell people straight out NO GIFTS. The exception is a practical needed gift. On my birthday my family replaced my 27 year old shop vac and my old corded leaf blower with a cordless.

 

[CaliKid]

Some people are shopping addicts and it doesn't matter what you say. For example, my MIL. She can't afford it but can't stop shopping. It's painful to watch.

 

[Music Lover]

"Please stop buying me gifts. I have too much stuff."