The other day I was listening to the radio and the subject under discussion was receiving (and/or returning) gifts. I really need to put my two cents in on this discussion.
First, let me set the scene. A woman, probably in her thirties, called in, and said that she knew a family where everyone, INCLUDING the adults wrote wish lists. My head just about snapped off, because I thought she was going to talk about the family into which I have married. They all make wish lists, and now so do I. At first it was really upsetting, but then DH explained it all to me. These lists are what the kids WISH for.....not necessarily what they receive.
So, back to the radio. An Aunt had several CD'S on her list, and this woman and her husband thought she might like a different performer in the same genre who was not on the Aunt's list. They were pleased to share the CD with her, thinking she would enjoy learning about the performer. The Aunt handed the CD to them, and politely told them it wasn't on her list. They would have to take it back and exchange it for something that was.
Now, when I heard that I blew up. I can't believe how rude people have become. When you are given a gift, you should thank the giver. Under NO circumstance is it acceptable to say "This is nice, but you have to take it back and buy me something else." You say "Thank you! I'm delighted you thought of me!" and take the gift home with you.
IF it doesn't fit, you take it back to the store and try to find one that does. You NEVER suggest that their gift was anything less than perfect, or that they are obligated to try again until they get it right! Remember, it's the thought that counts!
For the third time in twenty years, I have received duplicate gifts. The first time it happened, it was two Walkman. I kept, and have just about worn out, both of them. The next time, I received two of the microwaveable gel packs you use to ease back pain. I kept both of those, too.
Today, however, I am the proud owner of two Xmen-2 DVDS, two tiny vacuum cleaners for cleaning out computer keyboards and sewing machines, two cans of pressurized air, and two of the same book on gardening.
I plan to keep the canned air, but this week I will have to do my first exchanges. I'll wait until later in the week. I have a different movie in mind, and an additional gardening book. I'll have to see what I can do about exchanging the vacuum. I wonder, with a cat in my house, do you suppose I should KEEP IT?? No matter what I decide to do, you can be sure that a written thank you will be on it's way shortly to tell the giver how much I appreciate them remembering me this holiday!
Happy Holidays to you all! May you be as blessed as I have been. *S*
Comments (8)
Totally agree about gifts. I cannot believe how rude some people can be.
And glad I'm not the only one who still believes in handwritten thank yous.
Posted by Blue Witch | December 26, 2004 6:38 AM
Posted on December 26, 2004 06:38
A written thank you...you are terrific. I do agree that that woman was right out rude to demand the CD go back to get a specific artist on her list. It'd be the last gift she'd get from me with that kind of reaction.
I do like lists, we use them to guide our shopping and do share the kids wish lists with hubbys parents... a way of helping us all get suitable gifts that will get used rather than be dust collectors. Of course, there are friends that don't know of the lists and they get gifts based on what they know of us etc... I thank them very happily with a smile for even thinking of me at all and do find a way to enjoy the gift regardless of what it is.
I do have a footbath (plain and simple, a basin) that I was enjoying, but have now received a fancy one that has a remot control and bubble, vibration and heat... despite my happiness with my original foot-bath I'll use the new one as it was a gift, given to me with care and consideration for my dry troubled feet.
Posted by Desiree | December 26, 2004 9:44 AM
Posted on December 26, 2004 09:44
Wow, Buffy, I've taken that rude, complaining woman off of MY gift-giving list!! She'll not receive a thing from me in the future--not even my thoughts.
I knew what a gracious recipient you could be by the way you accepted the priceless heirloom that I brought you in October. (Of course, your Elegant Mother saved you from actually having to figure out what to do with the thing!)
Posted by Cop Car | December 26, 2004 12:48 PM
Posted on December 26, 2004 12:48
(laughing)....Yeah...I lucked out there, didn't I??
When I heard that story about the rude recipient, I thought to myself that I would take her gift back....and keep it! I agree, someone so rude shouldn't be on our gift lists.
Posted by Buffy | December 26, 2004 3:00 PM
Posted on December 26, 2004 15:00
Oh, Desiree.....a high class foot bath! Somebody really LOVES YOU!!! I read that and practically turned green with envy. I didn't know things like that existed, or I might have put it on my wish list! I bet you become addicted to it. *S*
Yeah....I've become a devotee of wish lists, and like you, we only share them with immediate family. I love surprises, and it's fun to see what someone thinks you would enjoy.
Happy Holidays, hon!
Posted by Buffy | December 26, 2004 3:16 PM
Posted on December 26, 2004 15:16
It's so rare when I receive a written thank you, that I've come to assume that they have gone out of fashion. I'm heartened to see that you ladies all believe they are still proper. Even a short "Thanks for the gift! I'm really enjoying it." acknowledges that the gift has been received.
Thank you all, for stopping by! *S*
Posted by Buffy | December 26, 2004 3:52 PM
Posted on December 26, 2004 15:52
I have received several gifts over the years that I can't use such as earings. Not that I don't wear earings, but I can only wear silver or gold - and the earings that I received were of surgical stainless (a recipe for infection for me).
However, I am always thrilled by the gifts because someone thought enough of me to give them to me. I haven't exchanged them or complained (in fact, they have been beautiful and I know the person went through a lot of trouble to pick them out). They keep a valued place on my earing tree as a reminder of their thoughtfullness.
There are of course times when exchanging is the best alternative (2 of everything doesn't make sense to keep), however, being rude and ungratefull is not acceptable. That woman would definitely be off my Christmas list (not even a card in the future!).
Posted by bogie | December 28, 2004 9:06 AM
Posted on December 28, 2004 09:06
Like Mother, like daughter....and surrogate family member! lol It seems we all agree, she wouldn't get another gift from us!
Posted by Buffy | December 28, 2004 1:37 PM
Posted on December 28, 2004 13:37