My neighbors came round last year with some gifts and then looked expectantly at the gifts under our tree but we had not anticipated giving them anything and were caught short. All we could do was say thank you while our faces went red.
2006-12-07 12:38:17 · 9 answers · asked by Suzanne S 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
So give them a gift these year it ok
2006-12-07 13:06:31 · answer #1 · answered by bigdogrex 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gift giving although proper etiquette in some cases such as at the office or between family member is also sometimes just done from the heart. You are out shopping and see something that makes you think of the receiver of the gift and so you buy it because you want to not because you expect something in return.
There is a chance that when you are recieving a gift the person was thinking just that. Who knows you might feel inspired to get them a gift next time you are shopping but you should never feel obligated.
Hope I was able to help.
: )
2006-12-07 12:53:42 · answer #2 · answered by Julie Z 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gift giving is definitely something that should be done for the right reasons, not for what can be given in return. It is generally nice to get something thoughtful for a good neighbor... baked goodies are great gifts for neighbors too! Just remember that it's enough stress to get everyone on the list from the family... Don't be too hard on yourself, if your neighbors are expecting gifts as an exchange, then a white elephant or token gift would be fine...
2006-12-07 13:02:41 · answer #3 · answered by MaggieO 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gifts are not owed, ideally. They are given. That's why they're called gifts.
Although your neighbors were acting perfectly human in peeking under your tree, they had no right to EXPECT a gift from you in exchange for theirs to you. And who knows: maybe they didn't expect one, but were just curious about what was under the tree! I've done that many times.
The only thing owed in exchange for a gift is gratitude.
That said, if you want to have some standby presents for unexpected visitors, put aside some baked goodies, candy canes, silk Christmas flowers, or inexpensive books, CDs, or costume Christmas jewelry. Or maybe a little jingle bell on a ribbon. Or tiny calendars or inexpensive bookmarks.
You can have a punch of pens and pencils "personalized" for the holidays to give away. You can go to Visitaprint.com and create some magnets to give away to visitors.
2006-12-07 13:36:24 · answer #4 · answered by MNL_1221 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could buy one or two "emergency" gifts for these situations. Something everyone would like, something you wouldn't mind keeping.
2006-12-07 12:46:25 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just bake them someting. I have someone that does that to me too and I tell her I am not buying for my friends, but she does it anyway. Just bake em something.... there will always be someone that does that.
A plate of cookies and candies will show you care. Plus, folks LOVE that.
Its life... I'm with ya.. I think we ALL have had that happen.
2006-12-07 12:41:53 · answer #6 · answered by SunValleyLife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe invite them to dinner or a bar-b-que. or buy them a little"late gift"
2006-12-15 07:44:48 · answer #7 · answered by Tonya M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell them the truth.
say sorry and don't lie and say "oh its in my room" or somthing stupid like that u should say sorry we forgot.
that way u don't have to live with them bugging u all year long!!
2006-12-13 06:14:19 · answer #8 · answered by KyLeE jO 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try making something extra just in case. Look under:
http://www.make-stuff.com ,
http://www.familyfun.com ,
http://www.foodnetwork.com
2006-12-14 12:23:27 · answer #9 · answered by miladybc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋