excess gifts

19 years ago

Seems every year I get an unnecessary amount of Christmas gifts. I'll clarify by saying that they don't come from a variety of people, but mostly my *ma & pa*. They come from the school of quantity is better than quality. As I unpacked my giftware from my visit with them, I wondered what to do with these items. New pair of fluffy pajamas, too big shirt, juvenile shoes, beautiful talbe linens (in colors that I've never used), MORE books, MORE candles, more hand lotions, etc. Got a Hair Removal System from my mom - geesh, a 5 minute shave in the shower is all I need. I sat most of it to the side, considering taking it to the SPCA thrift shop. But it makes me sick. A few years ago, when asked what I wanted, I said a good knife or two. Thinking this would eat up about $75 and that would be the end. Instead I got a huge block of *inexpensive* knives and the usual boat-load of other items. I'm not really complaining in that I cherish that they take the time & effort in showering me in gifts, but I hate to toss most of them. Hope you don't get the wrong idea .... it just makes me mostly sad.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

berain
19 years ago
I can totally relate... mine come from all areas of the family... a new plaid blazer, slacks and a mock turtleneck sweater - I don't like plaid (never have) and I live in FLORIDA!! Also got a moose cookie jar... gee - from the same people who gave me a dog cookie jar about 7 years ago... and that one just sits on the refrigerator collecting dust.
Tinmantu
19 years ago
I make sure and devote "X" amount of dollars towards buying myself a few gifts and I get everything I want every year that way
Related Discussions
What To Do With Excess Plants?
Q
Comments (5)
Boy Scouts, or Girl Scout groups would want them, I bring them to kindergarten children, and teach them about plants, I had 6 request from teachers in the first grade. I did it. I have brought them to retirement homes, I have given them to the Cactus and Succullent groups, we have used them for charity fund raisers, garden clubs love them, they sell them to members to raise memey for a veterans memorial, each city should have one. We used them for christmas gifts at meetings, and decorations for luncheon tables. Given them away as thank you presents, and dinner gifts when I was asked to dinner, I gave two away to the people who dropped off a refrigerator, neighbors love them. Welcome new neighbors with a plant. That is all that I can think of. Norma
...See More
What would you do with excess tangerines?
Q
Comments (18)
I always scrub any citrus fruit I make marmelade out of, with hot soapy water. Don't know if that gets off much of the pesticide residue, but rinsing with water will not work since the pesticides are oil based. Soaking in a 5% salt solution may help too. But don't kid yourselves about the rind of citrus fruits, they drench them with pesticides. Clementines make marvelous marmelade, so if you don't make it, now would be a fantastic time to start. Homeade is well worth the trouble. Throw in a vanilla bean or a hunk of ginger to the stuff as you are cooking it for an extra special zip. Take out before jarring up. Here's a great orange tea loaf I make which also calls for grinding up the whole fruit in a food processor. Take out the seeds (pips!) first. This loaf freezes well and makes a nice holiday gift. Great spread with cream cheese for breakfast. Seems kinda weird to grind up the whole orange, but trust me, it is good. This got "best of" one year on this forum. Don't know about the pesticide issue though, you'll have to weigh in on it based on what you know about your fruit and risk tolerance level. Orange Loaf 1 orange, unpeeled 6 oz. pitted dates orange juice 1/2 cup hot water 2 TBLSP butter 1 egg 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. salt (I'd use less if I soaked the fruit in a salt water solution) 1/2 tsp. baking soda 3/4 cup walnuts Combine orange and dates in a blender or food processor, process until firmly ground. Drain juice off of this mixture and combine with enough extra orange juice to make 1/2 cup. In a saucepan, heat the orange juice, water and butter until the butter melts. When this mixture cools, add the egg and date/orange slurry. Combine this with the dry ingredients. Bake in a 9x5x3 inch greased loaf pan for 1 hour. Recipe easily doubled. And if you're prone to excess, could add some raisins or dried cranberries too. The way I bake, I routinely sub half whole wheat flour, 3/4 cup sugar for 1 cup, and use two egg whites instead of 1 whole egg. These tweaks make for less fat and calories and more nutrition, but the bread doesn't keep as long.
...See More
Excessive Contingencies Even in Buyer's Market?
Q
Comments (50)
berniek - actually, the agent did try to get them to negotiate, but the seller was so PO'd that their mind was absolutely closed to any other negotiation from the buyer who made the offer. When teh realtor approached the seller about a new offer, they flat out refused. They just didn't want to deal with the hassle that these people created. So, in essence, the realtors did try, seller said screw it.
...See More
Mother's Day excess makes me grin
Q
Comments (12)
bpath........rofl! I was truly surprised to receive perfume from son and DIL yesterday. It is called " Laila.....the essence of Norway." In the same vein....though not nearly as "deep" as bpath's lotion here is what was on the package... "I wanted to create a fragrance that would capture Norway in a bottle---a fresh, clean, and light fragrance that reminded me of the beautiful fjords and mountains where I grew up. I named the fragrance after another Norwegian beauty---my mother, Laila---who always encouraged me to appreciate nature and to follow my dreams. Enjoy!" It is a light, lovely scent.
...See More
jennmonkey
19 years ago
I told everyone I knew this year to please not get me anything, and if they must, please make it a gift card to REI. It worked perfectly, now I can go buy some new camping gear, and I have way less crap hanging around!! I don't like that everyone feels obligated to buy each other stuff and unless it's someone who really puts time into picking out what they know you'd love, everyone just gets "stuff". Of course it is the thought that counts but I am trying to downsize my "stuff".
jessiecarole
19 years ago
Hello Everyone!!!

In the case of parents buying gifts for grown children: if they can afford it, let them shop. Its so much fun for us to shop for you. If you live far away and they don't come to visit, dispose of the gifts as you like. Its harder if we (the parents) live close enough to see you often.

There should be a consignment shop in every town to recycle these poorly thought out objects of affection ~smile~

I once had a boss who bought me a skirt for Christmas that I could not make myself wear to work (or anywhere). I know it hurt her feelings. The gift was inappropriate, but I wish now that I had cared more about her feelings and less about my appearance.

I am so glad to see this forum moving!

what did you buy yourself for Christmas, tinman?
bunnyman
19 years ago
I need nothing so all gifts are an excess. Most of the adults in my family have dropped gift giving. We get together for dinner at holidays and that is good enough. The kids still get presents.

I was going to buy myself a christmas present but couldn't think of anything I wanted at the moment.
Tinmantu
19 years ago
Nice to see you posting JC....as far as gifts for myself, just some computer upgrades and a new digital camera...when you live the single life every day can be Christmas if you balance your checkbook right. :)

excess gifts

Comments (6)

berain

Tinmantu

Related Discussions

jennmonkey

jessiecarole

bunnyman

Tinmantu

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US