But I don't want a Sherbet Dab.......

onlyroz

Person_one wrote: »

Talk about a first world problem. If someone gets you a slightly naff present for Christmas you act pleased, say thank you, and then quietly get rid of it.

Not too pleased, though, otherwise they'll buy you it again.

My mum got into trouble as a kid because, although she doesn't really like chocolate, a particular relative would always buy her a quite expensive easter egg. A number of years later she mentioned to this person her dislike of chocolate, and they then got super-offended about the money they'd wasted on all those easter eggs.

lolly_896

I've seen the micro pedi things in poundland. Maybe buy one on ebay £1.99 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PED-EGG-Pedicure-Pedi-Foot-File-Hard-Skin-Remover-Skin-massage-feet-Care-Kit-/300811200942?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Nails_Manicure_Pedicure_CA&hash=item4609bea9ae

aliasojo

lolly_896 wrote: »

I've seen the micro pedi things in poundland. Maybe buy one on ebay £1.99 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PED-EGG-Pedicure-Pedi-Foot-File-Hard-Skin-Remover-Skin-massage-feet-Care-Kit-/300811200942?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Nails_Manicure_Pedicure_CA&hash=item4609bea9ae

I've got one of those. That's not the same thing.

I want a proper micro-pedi now.

*throws self on floor*

:rotfl:

mrcow

Person_one wrote: »

What a horrible response to a present! It sounds like the OP has been seen eating sherbet dabs which is pretty unusual for an adult, so clearly some thought has gone into it.

Talk about a first world problem. If someone gets you a slightly naff present for Christmas you act pleased, say thank you, and then quietly get rid of it.

If you want something yourself, you buy it yourself, Christmas presents aren't a way to shop for yourself with someone else paying.

They are if it's you that's indirectly paying for it!

AJ hasn't said who this present is from. I read it as it's someone relatively close, perhaps even her OH.

After 17 years together, I have absolutely no problem with telling my OH what would be a waste of money and what wouldn't be. It's me that going to end up paying for it anyway as all of our money is shared.

I also have no problem with saying "no" to my mother either. She wouldn't want to get me anything I wouldn't want, just as I wouldn't want to do for her. I want to get her something that she'd actually want - something that she wouldn't buy for herself and that would be wanted and appreciated.

Someone who's not as close to me, i couldn't be as bothered about how they feel about what I get for them.

It's got nothing to do with being horrible.
Yes it is a first world problem that some seem to want to spend copious amounts of money on unwanted old crap. AJ is just trying to avoid that problem occurring!

Hermia

mrcow wrote: »

It's got nothing to do with being horrible.
Yes it is a first world problem that some seem to want to spend copious amounts of money on unwanted old crap.

Exactly. It's not great that every year tons of crap is produced that will just be got rid of after Christmas. I'm sure a lot must end up in landfill because of the restrictions on what you can take to the charity shop.

I don't understand why I get such rubbish. I have lots of hobbies and there are plenty of inexpensive presents you can buy related to those. I do drop hints about what I would like and it all falls on deaf ears. I've been asking for book tokens for about 20 years!

Any

I find that giving presents thay someone doe sn't want/use is THE biggest waste of money there is. I would rather someone gave me hints/or directly tell me what they want (also-not necessarily need, but actually want) so I can get it for them. There might not be massive elements of surprise but the gratefulness is there and I know I made them happy. Lots of people would not get such a thing for themselves as it would be 'frivolous', or just not within budget. I try to 'catch' when they are looking at something, but it's not always possible.
Today I marched my OH to a book I saw in the shop and he got it. I cannot see it now until christmas but I am still super excited!!
He knows it's something I will use, and better then third purse in my dawer!! (Yes, I already have 2 and as they are good quality they are not worned out and I really don't need another one!!):-)
Their feeling about their present actually matter to me. I want them to be happy and perhaps think of me when using it, not think 'well it's the thought that counts..' Draw shuts quietly while filled with lots of things they won't ever look at again..'l

aliasojo

Hermia wrote: »

I don't understand why I get such rubbish. I have lots of hobbies and there are plenty of inexpensive presents you can buy related to those. I do drop hints about what I would like and it all falls on deaf ears. I've been asking for book tokens for about 20 years!

I think people sometimes 'judge' gift ideas on their own scale of likes/dislikes and if they register something as being boring or not very exciting, then it gets dismissed regardless of the recipient's feelings.

Well meaning of course, but perhaps not all that wise at times.

MissKeith

My mum's insisting on buying me perfume this year. I don't like perfume, I don't wear perfume and on the odd occasion I have indulged in a spritz, it smells revolting on me. I've already told her she's wasting her money and so has my sister but she's adamant I should use it. I've already warned her it's going to be tossed in a drawer or donated to someone who would appreciate it.

Hermia

aliasojo wrote: »

I think people sometimes 'judge' gift ideas on their own scale of likes/dislikes and if they register something as being boring or not very exciting, then it gets dismissed regardless of the recipient's feelings.

Well meaning of course, but perhaps not all that wise at times.

True. I asked for a classical music CD once and the person didn't stop moaning about having to buy such a dull present!

Hermia

Any wrote: »

There might not be massive elements of surprise but the gratefulness is there and I know I made them happy.

Exactly! Knowing what the present is just brings a different kind of excitement. I love Nigel Slater's books and one year my friend said she would buy me his latest as I couldn't afford it the time. Every time I saw it in the shop I would think about how I was going to be getting it soon and thinking about what I would choose to cook first. I was actually quite excited opening the paper even though I knew what was inside!