Cheap & Nasty Birthday Presents - what's the worst you've seen?

lady1964

Erinnire wrote: »

What's the difference? (Genuinely! I just thought EDT was what perfume was?)

EDT is basically toilet water, for want of a better expression. Really, it's a watered down version of perfume, so it doesn't last nearly as long (the smell that is). Eau de parfum is a stronger smelling version, kind of between EDT and perfume itself, with perfume being the strongest, longer lasting and therefore the most expensive of the three types.

At least that's what I think it all is, someone with more knowledge may come along to correct me

Valli

lady1964 wrote: »

EDT is basically toilet water, for want of a better expression. Really, it's a watered down version of perfume, so it doesn't last nearly as long (the smell that is). Eau de parfum is a stronger smelling version, kind of between EDT and perfume itself, with perfume being the strongest, longer lasting and therefore the most expensive of the three types.

At least that's what I think it all is, someone with more knowledge may come along to correct me

EDT = eau de toilette; a lighter version of a fragrance with fewer essential oils in an alcohol base; EDP = eau de parfum is more concentrated and should have more of the essential oils in.

This is reflected in the price; EDT is usually less expensive than EDP

here-

Eau de Cologne. At the bottom end of the range as far as concentration is concerned, is eau de cologne. This tends to contain about 7% essence dissolved in alcohol of 60º or 70º. It is delightfully refreshing in hot weather and because it doesn't last long, it can be frequently reapplied directly to the skin. It tends to be marketed in large sizes of up to 200 ml and is often applied by spray.

Eau de toilette. Sometimes used to describe the same concentration as cologne, eau de toilette can contain up to around 10% aromatic essence. The top notes – the first scent released by a perfume – are dominant, making it refreshing when it is applied, and it evaporates and fades away quite quickly. Eau de toilette and cologne are the most popular forms in which fragrance is sold, and are particularly appropriate for the summer.

Eau de parfum. After the top notes have died away, the middle notes or heart notes of a perfume become noticeable. This is the focus of eau de parfum which makes it perfect to spray on hair or clothing. (Be careful with delicate fabrics such as silk, though, as they may stain.) The concentration of oils is over 15%, sometimes reaching as high as 20%. Since it is less intense than perfume extract, it is also cheaper, but it usually lasts well and is sold in small sizes.

Perfume. Also called perfume extract or extrait, this is the most expensive version of any fragrance; it's also the most beautiful because of the whole symphony of top, heart and base notes released over a period of time. This is due to the high concentration of essences – as much as 40% by volume. Perfume is applied directly to the skin on pulse spots – insides of the wrists, behind the ears, at the throat... The average concentration of essence in a perfume is 25%, which makes it the longest lasting of all the scent categories. Only a tiny amount is needed, which is reflected in the sizes in which it is sold.

That takes me back - I did a project on the chemistry of perfumes back in my scientist days! I had to read books and everything! Thank goodness for the internet!

MarilynMonroe_2

She might have thought you were skimping on price getting her EDT. Like was she not worth the proper perfume kind of thing x

DS4215

MarilynMonroe wrote: »

She might have thought you were skimping on price getting her EDT. Like was she not worth the proper perfume kind of thing x

It might have been, but it was a choice between a single bottle (~£40-45) of Angel, or a gift pack with a bottle + some other stuff that was slightly cheaper. The actual bottle and contents would have been identical in either case. The problem was I bought the one in the gift pack which is "cheap and nasty" apparently.

Next year she is getting a gift card and can buy her own stuff.

Lizzie-S

My daughter was given a pack of emery boards by our aunt and uncle in South Wales: they were from poundland. Shortly after, they bought - outright - two cottages, which they now let out to people. So they're not exactly brassic!

AngelsMadv

fluffysox wrote: »

For Christmas one year from an aunt when I was 15 I received a pair of playtex briefs in a box marked "3 pairs". At least they were new lol.

Oh I could fill this entire thread with stories that one man in my life has given me - Uncle Brian.

It's a standing joke in our house. Each year you get a box of tat. It contains:

Old CDs, copied CDs, copied DVDs, Old books (already yellow and clearly read), Size S T-shirts (I'm XL), Poundland style electrical items and out of date sweets. This is EVERY year. It's got so bad now I hardly look at it (after smiling politely and saying thank you) and it goes straight to the charity shop.

The best ever though, and the reason I quoted this post, was when I was 16. I received a pack of 3 Y-Fronts with 1 pair missing! :rotfl:

Another of note is the sports illustrated annual of 2001. Only problem was I first received it in 2005! SInce then we all send it to one another in the family each year and burst out laughing when someone gets it!

taurusgb

My sister hadn't spoken to me for 5 years (long story and her choice), but after I was diagnosed with cancer she got back in touch. The first Christmas after this she bought us a bottle of wine and some nice chocolates. This was fine as my siblings and I agreed years ago to just buy something edible or drinkable per couple. The second Christmas she gave us a box of matchmakers (selling 2 for a £ in £land) and a very battered box of candles that were covered in the sort of sticky dirty residue that accumulates on anything left forgotten on top of a kitchen wall cupboard for a decade or so. Havent heard from her since either. Am guessing she was trying to make a point but am clueless what it might be.

mum26

My twins once received a joint card from two children invited to their soft play centre birthday party with £2.50 sellotaped inside to share!

phebe3

My bro-in law and wife bought my daughter a Boots own brand bath set...even though they knew she is allergic to lots of cheap bath stuff (and incidentally never has a bath..more of a shower girl) I reassured her saying we could exchange it but when we did the return price was 40p cos they had bought it in the sales! Not even enough for a tube of toothpaste. Needless to say I contributed to something else for her..... (incidentally...they aren't poor..lawyer and financial consultant!)

angeltreats

Not a birthday present, but a wedding present... and I am the one buying it!

A very dear friend of mine with an amazing sense of humour is getting married in two weeks and I've been trawling the charity shops looking for something hideous to wrap up and give to her and pretend it's their real present. Because I know her so well, I know she'll get a huge kick out of this, especially if I can engineer it so they open it in front of other people.

I found, in the charity shop for £3.50, a Leonardo Collection ornament of a bride and groom teddy bear in garish bright colours. The bride's wearing a pink dress and veil, the groom's wearing bright blue. And best of all, when you wind up the base, it revolves and plays the wedding march! It is truly hideous. And worst of all, someone probably once bought it as a "serious" present and the recipient had to hide their disgust

(I will also be buying them a proper present - I'm thinking a case of wine which I also know they'll appreciate far more than any house stuff or Argos vouchers.)

Maybe we need a worst wedding present thread