I can be a little overbearing when it comes to Christmas presents. When I am on my game, I can and will find the one thing that will make the recipient of the gift weep tears of joy. Gift giving is a competitive sport for me, and I will try my best to win the “thoughtfulness” game. Christmas elf Leslie Knope would probably agree with me.
However, this also makes me a terrible gift receiver. The stakes are too high with me. If asked, I will definitely provide some options for gifts for me, since I know I’m a difficult person with nerdy tastes that can prove difficult for those adverse to online-shopping. I’m still sorry, Mom, for not being more amped about that Swatch watch a few years ago, but you had just given me a watch so was this just a year-long message about being punctual?
Are you a terrible gift-receiver, too? Are you a terrible gift-giver? Do you still do Christmas list exchanges to make sure presents are actually appreciated and wanted? Do people still wear Swatches?
3 replies on “Lunchtime Poll: Christmas Present Backfires”
I really hate to give mediocre or generic presents, especially for people who’ve been on the gift list a long time, where avoiding a repeat of a previous year is an added challenge. I sometimes get quite stressed from trying to get the ‘perfect’ gift without going completely broke, as my list of people to buy for is quite long. (My boyfriend’s uncles, aunts and grandad all got me presents last year, does that mean I have to get them something now?!) My gran, for example, I usually have a lot of trouble with (‘Don’t buy me anything, I don’t need anything!’). She had her 80th birthday this October so I had to come up with two decent present ideas in a short space of time :)
When it comes to receiving, I lie like hell and say I love everything, but to tell the truth I’m often a teensy bit disappointed. It’s been a long time since I got a really awful present (the teenage years were interesting), but it’s more the feeling that the gift-giver obviously knows nothing about me or hasn’t put a lot of thought into it. My aunts and uncles are particularly bad for buying me generic ‘girl’ presents like perfume, jewellery or make-up. It’s not that I don’t ever use those sorts of things, but they could at least check which brand/colour I would like, or, you know, guess based on observation (Have I ever worn green? Ever? Then maybe green eyeshadow, not such a good plan?)
I guess that sounds mean-spirited and I hasten to add that I am grateful for the gifts, and the thought, but I suppose I just expect even a casual interloper in my life (or my home!) to know that I like science fiction, fantasy, tea, kids movies and things I can eat. Better yet, just get me a book voucher :)
I totally get it. There’s only so many times I can get glitter lotion from my 26 year old cousin before I’m like girl, you’ve known me since we were babies. You know I hate glitter, I’m trying to be grateful, but you’re making me feel like you’re trying to tell me there something wrong with me for not loving the lotion and I just really hate glitter.
I am a mediocre gift buyer and receiver. I basically shoot for not receiving or giving a “… the hell is this?!” reaction.