tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post2527535206354248929..comments2023-11-05T05:56:59.725-05:00Comments on Mrs. Furious ... Recipes, Rants & Reality: I'm Just AskingMrs Furioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-70151971982846441992008-02-20T11:19:00.000-05:002008-02-20T11:19:00.000-05:00Chris,The funny thing is I don't generally like ge...Chris,<BR/>The funny thing is I don't generally like getting a gift card. I don't mind it and I appreciate that I am hard to buy for but I tend to not use them. I currently have a wallet full of Gap, ON, & Target cards from Christmas.<BR/>But we do LIKE getting cash and my dad and grandparents have taken to doing that as we've all gotten older. And NO we don't end up buying something special but we do pay off our Christmas bills and really that is even more important. In fact my Dad sends the check (which is generally very generous) with a card that says "To ease the strain of Christmas." I find his thoughtfulness, of where we are at financially, the best gift of all.Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-57793111203214585162008-02-20T11:04:00.000-05:002008-02-20T11:04:00.000-05:00I have to say, I dislike gift cards except in very...I have to say, I dislike gift cards except in very specific situations. Obviously, they're good for kids because they get exciited about having the freedom to pick out what they want. It's kind of empowering. I think it's also ok to give them to younger adult relatives who don't have any money. But in that case, I think you should stay away from Target ot Walmart as they're just as likely to buy groceries or necessities. Last, as a gift of last resort for someone you absolutely must buy for, but refuses to help you understand what they might enjoy. Michelline's step-father is in this category. He's very picky and has no hobbies. And I'm sick of buying him solid color polo shirts in earth tones. So we have gotten him gift certificates to a nice restaurant where he might not go very often.<BR/><BR/>However, I am completely against gift cards for peers and family in general. I figure, if you wouldn't give someone cash, don't give them a gift card, especially something rather generic like Target or Simon. I realize I'm in a minority here, but I like to enjoy giving the gift as much as the recipient enjoys receiving it. That's why we enjoy Christmas shopping so much.<BR/><BR/>I know this is a tangential issue, but I wanted to get this off my chest. Hmm, I probably should have just posted this on my blog.Chris Howardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12846210490891202637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-38611205745858203472008-02-20T09:41:00.000-05:002008-02-20T09:41:00.000-05:00Cheryl,Oh I don't think you are a bad gift giver.N...Cheryl,<BR/>Oh I don't think you are a bad gift giver.<BR/><BR/>Not present?... like for showers and whatnot? I can go either way on that it depends on the person. I used to send stuff to all those types of things but now I just usually forget and then before I know it it is 2 years later and they have a baby (Lindsay!) Plus my budget is a bit tighter for stuff like that.<BR/><BR/>Gift cards... yes.... anyone between 8-28 is getting a gift card from me now. I had a moment and realized I'm a 30 something mom no one in that age group wants what I'm going to pick out... even if I think it is cool. I'm over it. If I know someone wants something specific I'll get that otherwise I know they just want to get something that <I>they</I> want... and I'm not going to "discover" what that is while roaming the aisles.<BR/><BR/><BR/>YES I got the email. sorry I've been kind of overwhelmed. Matt was supposed to call you on Monday night... guess he forgot. We'll call tonight! I promise!!!Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-19660315936364320012008-02-20T01:47:00.000-05:002008-02-20T01:47:00.000-05:00(Cheryl here)This one is tough, I always feel guil...(Cheryl here)This one is tough, I always feel guilty if it's from family and hold on for awhile. Or hold onto just a few things that can be seen if someone visits. As a teacher, I get a ton of crap. I feel bad that people actually buy some of the stuff they do. I often hold onto it for the school year, just in case (not that my kids ever come to my house, but what if they ask if I have something?). I am a purger (suprising in my family), I give stuff away all the time. I have no space (no basement/attics and small closets), but I also hate clutter.<BR/><BR/>I am very lucky in the MIL department. Great, thoughtful gifts. Always thought out and well-intended. And always some giftcards for some guilt-free shopping or coffee.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure I'm guilty of some bad gifting to people. I try to think about what people would like or buy from registries for gifts. I often give giftcards for those type of gifts too. Like I don't know what my babysitter would want and wouldn't want her to feel bad not using/wearing something - so she got a giftcard. I'd rather spend money that way than the wrong gift.<BR/><BR/>I do have another thought on this too. I was not taught good gift giving. As I got older I learned more about what is proper for different situations. That isn't an excuse, but I didn't know you should send gifts when not present, etc.<BR/><BR/>Oh, (off-topic) did you get my Cape Cod email?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-2804172993586962142008-02-19T22:32:00.000-05:002008-02-19T22:32:00.000-05:00Dinah Soar,"I tell them my daughter loved it and I...Dinah Soar,<BR/>"<I>I tell them my daughter loved it and I gave it to her</I>"<BR/>If only that could work for me! 5 years down 15 or so to go on that front :)<BR/><BR/><BR/>Michelline,<BR/>We should have a white elephant party for Easter with explicit rules that everyone HAS to bring a re-gift! That would be so funny.Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-37036789583589129282008-02-19T22:19:00.000-05:002008-02-19T22:19:00.000-05:00I regift if it's nice...or get a refund if regif...I regift if it's nice...or get a refund if regifting is not an option. If it's tacky, junky or trashy I throw it away or donate it to the Salvation Army/Good Will....somebody else may like it. <BR/><BR/>And to keep from possibly offending anyone, I tell them my daughter loved it and I gave it to her...and so that I don't lie, I actually do give it to her...knowing she is free to do with is as she pleases (which is to generally toss it, unless she happens to like it.)<BR/><BR/>No one is upset with a mother giving up a treasure to her child...hahaha...<BR/><BR/>I do have a couple of oil paintings family members made for me...I hung them in my house for a bit, until they could see them...then they got put into storage.<BR/><BR/>If my children were still small and they received gifts that weren't a health hazard, I'd allow my child to play with it for a week, and then at the end of the week they would have the option of keeping the new item and donating another item from their stash to the Salvation Army/Good Will so other children would have toys, or they could donate the new item. I'd explain that they had to pass along stuff to make room for the new stuff...heheheDinahsoarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03877872564454797447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-91918945337987475852008-02-19T22:16:00.000-05:002008-02-19T22:16:00.000-05:00I throw a huge Christmas party every year and we h...I throw a huge Christmas party every year and we have a great time with a <BR/>White Elephant Gift Exchange. That's the perfect opportunity to regift that horribly tacky sweater Aunt Edna gave you...<BR/><BR/>It's amazing, but most of the stuff finds a good home.michellinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05034726778989565660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-56571505273847043052008-02-19T17:19:00.000-05:002008-02-19T17:19:00.000-05:00Amy,Carpenter?!? What on Earth is that about?!Unb...Amy,<BR/>Carpenter?!? What on Earth is that about?!<BR/><BR/>Unbelievably... and really I mean it is a little weird paranormal-ish... I just went to get the mail and found a belated "Valentine's Day" box out there for the kids.<BR/>Like you we often just leave it sealed up for as long as possible just kind of hoping it will disappear ;)Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-49151698427409600492008-02-19T17:02:00.000-05:002008-02-19T17:02:00.000-05:00I'd like to see a -bad gift- flickr group. I wish...I'd like to see a -bad gift- flickr group. I wish I had the large Christmas wreath with the humongous carpenter(!?!)attached to the front. I honestly asked my sister if that gift was supposed to be a joke - it was not, and I was a "little bitch" for laughing at it if you're interested.<BR/><BR/>BTW, I get the crappy kid toys for EVERY-SINGLE-HOLIDAY too. We get such an impending feeling of doom when "the box" arrives. We often put off opening it for days, because of the sad vibes that emanate from it.artscihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14098416743343754087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-88769412888467422632008-02-19T16:58:00.000-05:002008-02-19T16:58:00.000-05:00My take on re-gifting is this:If you get something...My take on re-gifting is this:<BR/>If you get something that you don't like or need but you KNOW someone else would like/need and it is something that you would actually buy for them yourself than re-gift with no qualms. All you are doing is saving yourself one returns trip and one shopping trip. But I really try to get people something I really think they will like so perfect re-gifting opportunities are pretty few and far between.<BR/><BR/>I'll also without qualms re-gift small things that make a good housewarming gift/party gift.... a bottle of wine, expensive soaps (people LOVE to give us soap.. you can only use so many soaps shaped like cows!... seriously we have a herd) because that is just a gesture gift and it isn't intended to be the perfect thing or even necessary to give.<BR/>But I don't try to make a bad gift fit someone else or give it just to fulfill that new gift obligation.<BR/>Mostly because for some reason re-gifting just feels wrong.<BR/><BR/>Other things we just dump in a pile in the basement. 5 years later we donate them. Seriously... we don't need anymore oven mitts, dish towels, picture frames, or crafty santas.....and the kids don't need anymore sweaters, purses, or beaded hairbands.... really. We definitely don't need anymore cute shaped or expensive soaps. We have a whole drawer filled with expensive soaps.Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-89436144949312332682008-02-19T16:46:00.000-05:002008-02-19T16:46:00.000-05:00Preppy Mama,We had a "shit list" on our fridge aft...Preppy Mama,<BR/>We had a "shit list" on our fridge after our wedding.... and I mean literally called the "shit list" with people like your hubby's "friends" on it! Just so we could stew over how outraged we were by their bad gifts/lack of gifts! The people on the shit list were varied and SURPRISING. You never know how cheap people are until you get married ;)<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Shirls,<BR/>If you ever find yourself earning to re-gift to you could always start with Jodi ;)Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-52774585690922105852008-02-19T16:41:00.000-05:002008-02-19T16:41:00.000-05:00Andrea," I even have my MILs credit card number fo...Andrea,<BR/>"<I> I even have my MILs credit card number for the one depatment store she buys most of babys clothes from so if the receipt didnt make it they can look it up by her cc number</I>"<BR/>WOW! Now that is one hell of a MIL!<BR/><BR/><BR/>Robin,<BR/>"<I>Wow, I didn't know I felt so strongly about this.</I>"<BR/>LOLMrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-34255550315256181512008-02-19T16:09:00.000-05:002008-02-19T16:09:00.000-05:00I got a bread box and canister set as a wedding gi...I got a bread box and canister set as a wedding gift, it was U-G-L-E-E and I had no intention of using it, got it home took it out of the box and out flutters a note "Jodi, I hope you love this canister set, love Mom".. <BR/><BR/>I've never regifted because of this one experience of being on the receiving end of a re-gift, I donateShirlshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17994163338238494346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-44173501138480131322008-02-19T16:04:00.000-05:002008-02-19T16:04:00.000-05:00Mom,LOL about the sushi set!Yeah the shirt for Dav...Mom,<BR/>LOL about the sushi set!<BR/><BR/>Yeah the shirt for David I didn't feel bad about one little bit.... if I had seen it at Kohl's myself I would have bought it for him anyway... I mean that shirt might as well have had his name embroidered on it!Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-85973388967404430862008-02-19T16:00:00.000-05:002008-02-19T16:00:00.000-05:00Oh, I forgot. If I know where it is from, I will ...Oh, I forgot. If I know where it is from, I will absolutely return it without the receipt. My mom calls me the return Queen. I will return <I>anything</I>.Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10443312525591908741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-52677105868658065382008-02-19T15:33:00.000-05:002008-02-19T15:33:00.000-05:00I have to say it truly depends on the gift. If it ...I have to say it truly depends on the gift. If it is jewelry (real stuff) I keep it forever and only wear it in the presence of that special person. Other things, like clothing or toys, I pretend I love and try to return with out a receipt. If I am SOL, then I save it for someone and give it as a "thought you might be able to use this" gift. I hate regifting. <BR/>When hubby and I got married we invited a couple with whom we were friendly with (friends of Hubby's from HS). We went to their wedding about 3 months before ours and in NY it is typical to give cash, however we had heard that since her family was from CT that everyone was giving gifts. I went to Tiffany & Co. (the real deal) and bought her a beautiful set of candle sticks with gift receipt in box!!! Guess what we got? A regifted gift card for $60 (they wrote on the gift card in marker) and a cheap glass vase you get at the dollar store that broke in two seconds, not to mention ugly!! Guess how I knew it was a regift?? No, I'm not secretly Nancy Drew...they left a tiny note card in the box with the vase that said "Congratulations Dave and Ashley"....ummm we are Gina and Dave!!!!!! Hello, check the gift before you regift!! I still can't even look at them. Cheap skates! Think I hold a grudge?Preppy Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13376529270725759004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-24320355645530946892008-02-19T15:26:00.001-05:002008-02-19T15:26:00.001-05:00Donate them. I have too much crap to keep them, a...Donate them. I have too much crap to keep them, and I can't remember who gives stuff to us five minutes after it's opened if I don't make a list, so bring it out when they're around wouldn't work unless I had a database on my computer. Regifting scares me, because of the story Canteloupe told.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13850825844277186930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-19472481710150662112008-02-19T15:26:00.000-05:002008-02-19T15:26:00.000-05:00Just so you know, the shirt you gave David is his ...Just so you know, the shirt you gave David is his new favorite and he wears it every week for about a three day stretch. I think regiftiing is brave and a perfect solution.<BR/>Not being brave, I pretend I like things. I know I am not alone as last time we were at David's mom's we opened the closet to find four in the box foot massage things. Now we give her flowers and a check and she's thriled.<BR/>The chocolates on the pillow is a sweet idea. Next time we have guests they might enjoy finding the sushi making kit that my husband gave me for our anniversary on their pillow.lucindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04822372324731632309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-6133375063505184232008-02-19T14:57:00.000-05:002008-02-19T14:57:00.000-05:00Good topic! Sorry I've been MIA. My darn husband...Good topic! Sorry I've been MIA. My darn husband had a four day weekend. I can't get anything done when he is home. :)<BR/><BR/>I pretend I like it. If it is something I think someone else might like, I will re-gift it. You just have to be <I>really</I> careful about that. If it is something so hideous, I wouldn't wish it on someone else, I donate it. I defnintely don't keep that crap in my house. If you are going to come over to my house and look for it...go ahead. Maybe you will notice my style, and that the gross thing you gave me doesn't go with it!<BR/><BR/>Re: thoughtless gifts. I hate that. Just don't get me anything. If you feel the need to get me something generic, just give me a gift card. I don't need some random candle set or something that you obviously bought 20 of to give to all your friends. And don't expect me to give you something just because you bought me some random crap. I don't buy Christmas gifts for every person I know. We buy them for our immediate family and our friends' kids...that's it.<BR/><BR/>Wow, I didn't know I felt so strongly about this.Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10443312525591908741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-68269679345063010942008-02-19T14:04:00.000-05:002008-02-19T14:04:00.000-05:00Michelline,I like your new pooh bear :)Thanks! I ...<I>Michelline,<BR/>I like your new pooh bear :)<BR/></I><BR/><BR/>Thanks! I finally figured this stuff out :)<BR/><BR/><BR/>And I really do think this is a good topic. Everyone has to deal with this periodically. But what you do with it will usually depend on who gives it to you and how much you care about their feelings and/or keeping the peace.michellinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05034726778989565660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-79585609889386027502008-02-19T14:03:00.000-05:002008-02-19T14:03:00.000-05:00I actually try to return most gifts for store cred...I actually try to return most gifts for store credit or give them to someone who might like them my ILs are the easiest they always send gift receipts and I even have my MILs credit card number for the one depatment store she buys most of babys clothes from so if the receipt didnt make it they can look it up by her cc number, and I can exchange for something different or get a gift card to use at a later date.<BR/>Im all for not keeping things if they dont make me smile if I have to even give it a second thought if I might use or need such a gift its gone within the next couple of weeks hubby on the other hand is another story.Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06847721520965081711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-16240051526651323252008-02-19T13:26:00.000-05:002008-02-19T13:26:00.000-05:00Heather,"They just weren't my style and I find it ...Heather,<BR/>"<I>They just weren't my style and I find it a waste of emotion/space/energy to have them sit in my drawer and make me feel bad everytime I look at them. </I>"<BR/>Yes! I can totally relate to that!!<BR/><BR/>Love the chocolates on the pillow.Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-53990032209371412502008-02-19T13:23:00.000-05:002008-02-19T13:23:00.000-05:00Re-gift as fun gift = Seriously. Example: we just ...Re-gift as fun gift = Seriously. Example: we just got a box of See's chocolate truffles. Truffles aren't my thing. If they were the See's dark chocolate caramels, I'd hide them under the bed. But truffles = meh. So our friends are staying at our place Saturday night, and I'm going to put them on their pillow (the box, not the truffles themselves [ew!!]) as a fun gift. <BR/><BR/>I also find that for those relatives that always send/get something that's horrible, just remember that it's not a reflection of how they feel about you. Gifts are weird, and people bring their own issues into selecting gifts, but the more I detach the emotion about feelings about the whole thing (when I receive a gift), the better off I am. Really. The earrings I got this year (that I gave to my aunt) were from one of my closest girlfriends. I know she loves me dearly. They just weren't my style and I find it a waste of emotion/space/energy to have them sit in my drawer and make me feel bad everytime I look at them.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12013504768642605916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-23748143680696991992008-02-19T13:18:00.000-05:002008-02-19T13:18:00.000-05:00Okay, I got nervous and deleted the comment - like...Okay, I got nervous and deleted the comment - like I said there is a lot of investigation. I do like the idea though - just think of venting to understanding ears, relieving your husband and no one has to know it is you.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17093539691215750130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970661341243634764.post-61855800395568291952008-02-19T13:13:00.000-05:002008-02-19T13:13:00.000-05:00Eurydice,"i can't really give them away either bec...Eurydice,<BR/>"<I>i can't really give them away either because they are so hideous and it would reflect poorly on my "rep" as someone who has good taste</I>"<BR/>LOL. I think that is a perfectly valid belief! <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>SFG,<BR/>"<I>Gifts that are just plain thoughtless or generic really chap my hide.</I>"<BR/>I concur. It actually really pisses me off when we get some kind of cheap crappy dish towel set or whatever EVERY Christmas and it is like "did you even look at the COLORS of this tacky set?!?... do you OPEN your eyes at our house?!?" I would genuinely rather get nothing then get crap that is just a waste of the giver's money and now one more thing that we have to deal with. One of my biggest pet peeves!Mrs Furioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18082932653215907248noreply@blogger.com