Arrrgh!!!

B uffy, I too used to feel that it was best to invest the time to get the 'perfect' gift for everyone. I don't anymore, gift cards are very perfect as you can get them for a book store if you know the person loves to read (and you won't get the same book they happened to buy for themselves at the start of December). You can get them for any kind of store that specializes in any interest the recipient has ... then they can add to their collection.

I did just give a gift card today - we are collecting things (food and gifts) on our ward for a family that is in need so they can have a more wonderful Christmas. Well, I just so happen to know a part of that family, and I put some thought into it, and figured on a gift card for a grocery store - my thought is this can go towards some of the perishables for the Christmas meal we are helping them with. I did actually present the recipient with it today as I didn't think a little gift card should be in the box with the foods that we are collecting.
The person receiving the card was very pleased and touched by the thought and the gift card. I know that her and her family will enjoy it.

As for your Dear Husbands familys discussion of gifts... I guess that happens a bit with me and MIL... only with regards to the kids, she wants to know what they want, so my kids make lists - they share the list and there is a bit of cross-checking with MIL & us, a good thing I guess as the kids don't have to wait on any returns them. We do NOT do this for adults. (sorry for being a comment hog... now, room for others!)

Our family gift protocol no lists, no suggestions. It's the old adage "No matter what the gift, it's the thought that counts". But obviously occasions arise when duplicates happen and they are too costly for one to feel comfortable having two of them. (foot massagers or some other similar thing that is likely to last a good long time). First I check to see if the giver has one as it turns out our family tends to buy things that they would really like to have for themselves but under no circumstances do I ever think the giver should return anything unless they are adamant at the time it is given that they will gladly exchange it if I already have one. If there is no offer to provide the sales slip or an offer to return the gift, I will keep it and as you suggested I will no doubt eventually find good use for it.

Desiree, I don't consider you to be a comment hog at all. I want to know how others feel about this, and appreciate your response.

I didn't know that you could get gift certificates for grocery stores! What a wonderful idea for those you know are in need. It gives them the chance to fine tune their meals and you know nothing will go to waste. And, it gives them some control in their lives.

I think the discussions I mentioned were about children's gifts. My stepdaughter is continuing her mother's practice. I thought it had to do with not wanting to take duplicates back, but I need to look at it from the point of view of instant present for the kids. Thanks for giving me a new perspective.

Roberta, I really like the old adage. In fact, I personally abide by it, and so does my side of the family. I can't remember anyone ever asking me to exchange a gift, but then, I make sure the gift receipt is enclosed. If I chose something unsuitable, they would never tell me.

We are so closely aligned in so many ways.... Tell me, are we conservative or liberal? (grinning)

The Red Cross (at least our local chapter) uses a fair number of "gift cards" to grocery stores and gasoline shops. Often, people who are in an emergency situation can benefit from one or the other--or both! The cards are normally provided in increments of $25 (used to be $20 for gas cards--prior to the big rise in the price of gasoline a few months ago). The number of cards provided depends upon the size of the family/household and the situation.

I usually love what I get. More often than not, I ask the kids to make me something. I know it comes from the heart and they exercise their artistic skills. :)

In our family usually we provide a list of what we would like and the giver choses from that. (It sounds more formal than it actually is - usually the person would say "well, I'd like 'X' or 'Y'"). Usually though there is at least a small "surprise present" too. There seems to be few duplicates with this system but should there be so I would think that the recipent should change the item concerned.

Lots of gift tokens are available over here from all sorts of stores and I believe are often given. I shall be giving one to a CD/DVD store to my nephew who I haven't seen or spoken to for years and have no idea what to give him for Xmas.

Cop Car, thanks for the info about both food AND gas cards. I'm sure they are needed this year, given the horrendous weather damage this year.

-=e=- Thanks for stopping by. I like the home made gifts, too, and it's sad to see them go by the way side. I think kids over eight think that they will be teased for their effort.

I have a sister who adores a dinner roll that I make. For some odd reason, it never bakes right for her. I know that I can give her a bag of those silly rolls at Christmas, and she'll be delighted. Usually, I try to find something else for her as well, but in case of hard times, I know one person on my list who will appreciate my effort. Sometimes my quilts are well received, too. *S*

Adele, I did a very simple list this year to make it easier for the kids. Most of the items were DVDs or books or gift certificates to book and fabric stores. Even after all these years it's sometimes difficult for them to choose something for me, even though I think I'm easy to buy for.

For that relative you've never had the chance to get to know, a gift certificate may be the only choice available. Here, some of the malls have a generic certificate that can be used at any store in the mall, so you can't go wrong!

Shaws has started up a program, to benefit the local food shelters, where they have pre-made bags of groceries that go for $5, $10 or $15. You just pick up a bag, ring it thru the cashier, then drop it off in a dedicated bin.

They make it simple and visible (by the checkouts) so there is hardly any excuse not to participate if you have the means.

Good for Shaw's!! Although Dillon's has a program similar to Shaw's, my annual contributions comprise a check (usually 1/2 of my weekly gross pay, while employed) so that the food bank can get what it needs most, and the turkey that the Little Airplane Company gives me each Christmas (and matches with another turkey when I ask that mine be given to the local food bank). Of course, now that I am retired, the check has shrunk--but, the turkey hasn't!

I wish my grocery chain did this same kind of thing! It's part of a nationwide conglomerate, so you'd think they would know everything that was being done in the industry.

Cop Car, I make a contribution by check to the Salvation Army, but when I leave the grocery store, I still feel guilty about not contributing to the bell ringer's kettle. So, I give them the change in my purse. I figure it's worthwhile, especially if it gets someone else to contribute.
I'd be just as happy to donate a bag to the food pantry.