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DEL.ICIO.USDo you buy presents that you secretly want?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last year for my environmentally conscious husband’s birthday I bought him a soda carbonator. Now, don’t get me wrong, he also got clothes, hobby stuff and other more personal items. But, he had been commenting on the massive amounts of seltzer water bottles he was dragging out to the curb for recycling. Not to mention the lugging I was doing from the supermarket every week. I thought the gift showed that I listened to his concerns and creatively tried to support his “going green” sentiments. Even though he deemed this more of a “family present” it’s one that he (and I’ll admit I) use more than most items in our kitchen.
This year after returning from summer vacation another item caught my eye for his late August birthday. When we go to the beach or to the mountains, he practically lives on Dairy Queen chocolate dipped cones and other “creamy” deserts. We had also recently dined at Floataway Cafe and they served the most amazing soft serve ice cream topped with chocolate, caramel or, I kid you not, olive oil and sea salt. It is amazing! While reading an article on soft serve going upscale, I noticed that they now sold machines for the home that were highly rated. What could be better than that?
When I gave him the present, he asked if it was for him or me. Does it count as a present if everyone gets to enjoy it? Especially if it’s used to make something special for him?
Comments
By Stan
September 19, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
I’d feel kinda cheated by that kind of gift, unless, I asked for it. I want an ice cream maker (just plain counter top model) and even though my wife would get to enjoy the fruits of it, it is something that I asked for. I learned that many years ago. Who knew? I though a vacum cleaner would be a great Valentines’ present for her…
By Stacey
September 19, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Being that I am very practical, it wouldn’t bother me in the least to get a family gift for my birthday. I’m not into fashion and I the only jewelry I wear is my wedding ring set yet the only thing my husband can think of the buy is either clothes or jewelry. I would love to get play tickets or a trip for romantic holidays (V-Day, anniversary) but since my husband isn’t into those things he doesn’t even think about it (despite numerous hints).
LOL at Stan. While I may not want a vaccum for Valentine’s Day, I actually wouldn’t mind for Christmas or my birthday. My supervisor said she and her husband agreed years ago to buy what THEY really want and wrap it and give it to the other. She said everyone got a big kick out of her recieving a big Craftsman toolkit and her husband getting a diamond necklace last Christmas!
By ATLmom
September 23, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
My dad once got my mom an ironing board cover for Christmas (among other things). She said she needed a new one. He’s never lived it down.
I don’t mind getting family gifts. I say it totally counts. Stacey, your coworker’s idea sounds fun!
By FCM
September 30, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
I think it depends on the person. My exMIL started to chomp my exHub (we were not ex’s at the time) about a Christmas gift he gave me. It was a 4 qt Kitchen Aid Upright. It is AWESOME. She was thinking a mixer was a horrible gift….to her surprise, not only did I love it, but my exBILs & exSILs did too! They wanted to know why they got shirts and socks and stuff and I got a cool kitchen too. That mixer is currently sitting on my counter next to the coffee pot.
This year my children were thrilled to give me a coffee grinder (Krups) for my birthday. They insisted I open it before my birthday so I could use it on my birthday.
On the other hand I own a crock pot. My mother knows I do. So I was less than thrilled when I got one for Mothers Day a few years ago. Seriously, how many crock pots do you need?
A good friend gave me a smoothie machine. I was less than thrilled. I hate smoothies, actually I am not fond of cold beverages other than margaritas, tea or milk.
Same person gave me a new DVD player. That certainly is used by the whole family…Love it.
Maybe it just depends on what it is. If it is like they just bought something ‘because’ without real thought…no I am not going to be happy.
Although, the person with the smoothie machine would do better to think about upgrading to some bling. Actually anything personal that is not a poster (I did get that one year) would be nice. Money isn’t the object….but then a certain piece of bling would be nice. :o)
By Becky
October 3, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Stan, I can’t say that I blame your wife about the vacuum cleaner..Of course, me being upset over getting one is based on the fact that I work for a wholesale dist. of vacuum cleaners & parts..FCM, i would of loved to have been given a smoothie machine..
I don’t want anyone buying me clothes or makeup..Most everything else, I’m ok with..You can buy me any kind of book & I’ll read it..Lotions, candles, stuff like that..A day at the spa??