Unwanted Gifts

[Meadbh]

One of my friends got a neat gift from her daughter, who recently visited India. It was a copy of Indian Vogue. And years ago, before all the newspapers had websites, a friend of mine who travelled a lot would bring home a copy of the local newspaper (English language version). It was fun to read the local news in Uganda, Russian Federation, etc!

Simple, cheap and unique! (Of course you had to travel to pick them up).

[Khan]

If anyone really feels compelled to send me anything, I will inform as to which individuals/organizations to direct it to.

[JOHNNIE36]

The whole thing of gifting has gone crazy. Christmas is for kids and anything beyond that is all sales and marketing. Seems like the stores are in competition to see who can open the earliest and stay open the longest. I remarked to DW back around Holloween that stores were getting out the Christmas decorations.

I enjoy doing things like picking up the tab for lunch today at a golf course. Every now and then I like to do that for the guys. That was my Christmas present to them. Not too expensive and it made me feel good and they enjoyed me grabbing the checks our of their hands. It was a spur of the moment thing and felt good about doing it.

[Midpack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHNNIE36 The whole thing of gifting has gone crazy. Christmas is for kids and anything beyond that is all sales and marketing. Seems like the stores are in competition to see who can open the earliest and stay open the longest. I remarked to DW back around Holloween that stores were getting out the Christmas decorations.

+1

Best evidence of crazy to me, the annual Lexus ads where the spouse gives the partner a Lexus with a big red bow. Honey, I'm giving us years of car payments/leasing costs for Christmas! Preposterous IMO...but I wouldn't buy a "luxury" car to begin with. Sheeeeeesh!

[tightasadrum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHNNIE36 I enjoy doing things like picking up the tab for lunch today at a golf course. Every now and then I like to do that for the guys. That was my Christmas present to them. Not too expensive and it made me feel good and they enjoyed me grabbing the checks our of their hands. It was a spur of the moment thing and felt good about doing it.

Ha...I did the same thing with some guys that I get together with for lunch every week or two. Totally spur of the moment, and out of character. But I felt the Christmas spirit.

[youbet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever I would actually love it if someone dropped off a bag of potato chips at my door

And if the giver would be so kind as to include a six pack of a quality craft beer, it would really be special. I'd be delighted to hand write a thank you card!

[Z3Dreamer]

Received an expensive gift that I cannot use from someone who really cannot afford it. Talked to the company. Without a receipt I cannot return it. My options are 1> to nicely let the gift giver know so they can assist with a return. 2>Keep it/donate/dispose/sell and lie about it. 3>Take it out, once in a blue moon, turn it on, then put it away, so I will be able to say "Oh yes, I use it." I have read the post about not letting people get you upset. As a guy, I am not in tune with my feelings but I feel miserable. Any thoughts?

[Cassie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z3Dreamer Received an expensive gift that I cannot use from someone who really cannot afford it. Talked to the company. Without a receipt I cannot return it. My options are 1> to nicely let the gift giver know so they can assist with a return. 2>Keep it/donate/dispose/sell and lie about it. 3>Take it out, once in a blue moon, turn it on, then put it away, so I will be able to say "Oh yes, I use it." I have read the post about not letting people get you upset. As a guy, I am not in tune with my feelings but I feel miserable. Any thoughts?

The person who gave it to you may have re-gifted it and doesn't have a receipt. I would send a generic thank you and donate it.

[calmloki]

Sold my watch to buy a set of combs for my gal's beautiful long hair. She braided and gave me a watch chain made from her lovely hair. ayup. Just like old threads, some things never change.

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassie The person who gave it to you may have re-gifted it and doesn't have a receipt. I would send a generic thank you and donate it.

+1
This is the most likely way the gift giver acquired the gift. You know: unwanted present, ideal gift. If you donate it he or she will probably never know, unless he or she visits the same thrift store.