When you buy a gift for somebody what criteria do you use?
Is it a quick run to the local off-licence for a couple of bottles, not knowing the preference of the giftee so you play safe with a red and a white?
Do you buy the latest blockbuster from the stand alone display just inside the door of the nearest multi-branch Bookseller?
Is the gift selected because it is something in your favourite colour that you would love to have?
Perhaps you spend time, maybe months watching and looking for that special item that you know will be treasured.
Have you ever purchased a subscription to a magazine for twelve months, a season ticket to a particular sport, or concert hall?
What was the most successful or appreciated gift?
Last Christmas I got my other half a voucher for Ballymaloe Cookery School, he loved it! He got to spend a day down there learning how to cook authentic Mexican food. He had a fun day and learned loads so it was a win-win.
Marian – A well thought out gift that will benefit both of you for a very long time.
Many years ago, I gave my then 4 year old Grandson, Francis, a subscription to a Child’s magazine that I was SURE he would enjoy.
The following year when the magazine was up for renewal I asked him if he liked getting the book every month. He said,”No, Nanny, that book STINKS!”
That story was told and retold in our family for years and a few years ago I ordered a subscription to a Financial Magazine for my son who is interested in Wall Street.
The next year when it was renewal time I asked him if he liked the magazine and he said,” Mom, remembering the immortal words of Francis, please do not order that book again.”
So, GM, I have to conclude that one red and one white is a safer bet……
I always choose with care and am sometimes amazed that others do not…… however I had a major breakthrough last year – my sister reads my blog, its easier than calling (?) and having read about my Good Housekeeping Christmas Cake – she bought me a subscription for a year to that very magazine! It’s lovely, I look forward to every issue and can’t wait for the Christmas ones this year!!!
That’s very hard to say, because you know what people are like about gifts. Even if they’re close friends, they’re not going to be frank enough to say “That’s horrible. What made you think I’d like THAT?” They’ll always pretend, more or less convincingly, that they love it. In fact I can’t recall a single person who said point blank they hated something.
@ Nick
Dear Nick,
You didn’t talk to Francis!
I usually have a small stockpile of home-made gifts which SEEM to be appreciated, one can never tell. One year it was knitted hats, next scarves, sometimes dishcloths, sometimes an old frame with one of my pics, sometimes a used book I know they’d enjoy. I don’t usually run around like a mad woman. And oh yes a pedicure or spa time prepaid.
I think thought and care is called for and not the moolah spent.
XO
WWW
Nancy – Out the mouth of babes….! At least Francis saved you from wasting money.
Kate – It sounds like that gift was just right for you. Well done your sister!
Nick – Most people put on a smile as they thank you, but if you take note of the eyes you can tell.
WWW – I love useful gifts that I can use over and over again.
I have solved the problem of what to give. I give money; the color and size are just right and it’s always welcome.
I do all shopping on line now, my family are scattered and I don’t have a clue as to what they want or need. So I have taken the easy way out. I admit that it isn’t as much fun to receive as a pretty packge with a beautiful ribbon, but it’s easier on me and that’s what I am intersted in. 😉
Darlene – Money is handy for the giver and the receiver. The latter has the choice of how to spend the money. Young people particularly like this type of gift.
Good question. I guess I buy gifts that I would like to own but also take the giftee into consideration. I think I’m pretty careful about what I buy for people although I find men a challenge, haha to buy for .
It never fails. I always present books. I choose particular ones for particular persons at the appropriate time.
Baino – Men can be a challenge in many ways besides buying gifts for them! 🙄
Ramana – I had a feeling that you would do and say that!
A couple of Chrismasses ago I gave my three children ( all girls but that’s got nothing to do with it ) gifting certificates from World Vision. The idea was that they could contribute the value of the certificate in the form of livestock ( chickens or a goat or whatever) or other sustainable goods ( seeds, tools etc.) to a village in Africa. Although they got nothing for themselves that year, they were over the moon at the idea of giving away their presents. Gotta love them kids.
Paulo1 – A great way to teach your children to share.
I’m probably the world’s worst gift giver. And I have the most amazing gifts given to me. I can’t decide if I’m lucky or unlucky.
Alice – i think you are very fortunate.