Disappointing/weird/inappropriate christmas gifts

Dozey_crow

thelittlestranger wrote: »

This thread has made me laugh so much! Thanks for putting a smile on my face this evening. :rotfl:

So this year my slightly strange presents included a potato bag, rubber gloves, toothpaste, and a meat thermometer, although all will be used! :-)

Unfortunately I have quite sensitive skin, so can't use some smelly sets (without sounding horrible, the more cheaper ones it seems). Bath salts make me itch (plus I don't do baths, just showers) and I can't use the little bottles of lotion. I'd really like to donate them, but any idea where would like them? Not sure if a charity shop would take them?

I have the same issue with toiletries. Fortunately most people know that now and don't buy them for me. In the past I have given them to the local food Bank or homeless shelters or women's aid who are very grateful for them.

Georgiegirl256

thelittlestranger wrote: »

This thread has made me laugh so much! Thanks for putting a smile on my face this evening. :rotfl:

So this year my slightly strange presents included a potato bag, rubber gloves, toothpaste, and a meat thermometer, although all will be used! :-)

Unfortunately I have quite sensitive skin, so can't use some smelly sets (without sounding horrible, the more cheaper ones it seems). Bath salts make me itch (plus I don't do baths, just showers) and I can't use the little bottles of lotion. I'd really like to donate them, but any idea where would like them? Not sure if a charity shop would take them?

Charity shops will take toiletries as long as they're unopened.

Georgiegirl256

TopQuark wrote: »

Jesus, you're nearly 32? You sound like a petulant 5 year-old reading this post. People were 'told' to 'specifically' choose from items on your pre-prepared list and not to deviate from it??! :rotfl:

I'd say you're lucky you got anything at all with such an attitude! Did you cry and stamp your feet when you opened those gifts that didn't correspond to your specific demands?!

I hope you're not passing your ungrateful, entitled attitude onto your child, although I guess you probably are as you talk about his best friend being 'so-called' because he/his parents dared to buy your son a gift that didn't match his exact wants/needs.

Apart from making my eyes hurt, your post also made me very sad that there are people out there who treat Christmas as an opportunity to milk their friends and family for material goods. People who also, if those goods offered don't meet their exacting demands, deride and complain about them. I really, really hope that none of my friends or family behave in such a poor manner over the gifts I gave them.

I don't think making lists is bad if people have asked what you want as they're not sure what to get you and want to get it right, but I totally agree with you that it's wrong if a list is just wrote as "this is what I want, buy me this, nothing else, just what is on the list....or I'll sulk!"

thelittlestranger

mcja wrote: »

Funny how different things are received, my Best bud is giving me a meat thermometer for christmas when I see her on Sunday and I am excited!!

Whilst I was surprised, I must admit, as an "emetophobic" I was over the moon to receive a meat thermometer! :T

Maz

Not a Christmas gift but I remember reading on a similar thread, maybe on another forum, about weird birthday presents.

One person got a Fray Bentos steak and kidney pie for her 21st birthday :eek: Yum!

sfm82

My boyfriend got a garlic crusher from my mum this Christmas.....

Torry_Quine

gozaimasu wrote: »

I agree, that should be the point of it, but unfortunately gift giving at this time of year is just a box ticking exercise. It's a social convention that most people are forced to take part in because they'd rather be known as people who give terrible presents than a miserly grinch who doesn't partake in a commercial festival. Cheap things on a grabbit might be the only thing people can afford.

It's definitely not a box ticking exercise for me and from the gifts recieved not for my family.

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

I don't think making lists is bad if people have asked what you want as they're not sure what to get you and want to get it right, but I totally agree with you that it's wrong if a list is just wrote as "this is what I want, buy me this, nothing else, just what is on the list....or I'll sulk!"

I agree. If someone wants to know what you'd like that's fine but it's wrong to demand certain items.

Maz

I don't think there's anything wrong with lists, personally.

My ex was the worst in the world when it came to buying for me so I used to compile a big list, give it to him and say 'anything on there would be great, surprise me'. So, I never knew what was getting but I knew it would be something I wanted.

No more delights such as an electric carving knife after that. Result!

jellyhead

I give my husband a few hints, not a 'list as such' but rather large hints I suppose (for cheap items) but I think it's different for a partner, than for everyone else.

thorsoak

My friend and I would discuss what we each would like for Christmas ...then when our respective OHs would ask the friend what she thought the wife might like ....the OH could get the right thing and feel very smug about it!