My in-laws usually buy me really useles gifts,clothes ,parfumes, jewelery etc. I ´d never wear.I know they are just trying to be nice, and I ´m not being ungreatful..it´s just waste of money.Should I tell them and HOW?
2007-11-08 02:21:52 · 21 answers · asked by Mis 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Don't tell them that you don't like the gifts they picked out for you, but do tell them that from now on you would prefer it if unstead of buying you a gift they donate the money they were going to spend on you to a chairty that you like. Tell them that you are already blessed with all you need, and would like for someone who does not have enough to get something instead
2007-11-08 02:45:04 · answer #1 · answered by barristiababe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem with my MIL for years. Finally I just started jotting things down on a list well before Christmas. There was never anything too funky on the list - cds or videos I wanted, books, certain fragrances I liked, that sort of thing. I'd give my MIL part of the list, and the rest to other members of my family. That way everyone knew what I wanted. You can completely prevent the "surprise" gift, but at least you can head most of it off at the pass. And if you do get a "surprise" gift, just smile and say thank you.
2007-11-08 02:29:28 · answer #2 · answered by Buzzoff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not stop gift giving all together? That's what we did in my family. I get one nice gift for each of my kids, but that is it. We still have a nice family get-together, but it's just about spending time together not about opening gifts.
This is something that developed gradually in our family. It started with cutting out the adults. Then we did just a kid exchange. I have 2 kids - they each took 2 kids names from a hat and bought gifts just for those kids - not ALL of the kids. It made Christmas a lot more sane. Now all of the kids are grown and they don't mind not opening gifts. Some years we do a Chinese gift exchange - other years we just play other games. One year we all went to a special exhibit at the Smithsonian.
So much less stressful!!!
2007-11-08 02:41:48 · answer #3 · answered by J F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They probably have no idea what you want. You can return the stuff easily enough if they give you a gift receipt, but maybe they don't.
This year, suggest everyone make a "wish list", which is copied and passed around to everyone participating in gift exchanges. That way, they can select something right off your list, and you can do the same with their list. You can have small-ticket or big-ticket items on the list.
Ideally, they'll take note that there is no clothing, perfume, or jewelry on the list and not buy you any.
2007-11-08 02:29:00 · answer #4 · answered by Bill F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My in-laws do the same thing. Of course they wait until the last few days before Christmas to even start shopping.
Whenever my mother-in-law asked about the gifts she gave me, I told her that they were not really my style. She seemed a little offended but then I told her that by her buying me gifts that I don't like, she is wasting her money. Now, she asks if there is anything special I want for Christmas and birthdays.
2007-11-08 02:36:49 · answer #5 · answered by Leather and Lace 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may be a situation where you don't look at the gift so much as the thought behind it. These gifts, are they things that THEY would value? They may be getting you what they think of as the very best they have to offer. Your relationship with them is more important than the quality of their gifts. You could drop hints as to the kinds of things you want - but keep in mind their obvious budget and make it easy for them. If they still give you stuff you don't really want, be gracious and sincerely thank them for it. At least they are trying to be nice.
2007-11-08 02:31:51 · answer #6 · answered by Laney 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is really a very tough question. They want just to be nice to you. And you are surely not ungrateful at all. It is true. Money is not easy to earn, don't wast! Maybe You could not tell them directly. But they should be known. I think you can let them via other people. Just think over yourself, or you write a letter or something like that. I think frank, candid and affectionate is the best policy.
2007-11-08 02:57:13 · answer #7 · answered by freshman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to spare hurt feelings I wouldn't tell them. I get things all the time that I dont want or cant use and I know it's a pain but they mean good. I mean you could tell them but you aren't only taking the chance of having them buy you things you like, but your also taking the chance that they see you as ungrateful no matter how gracious you go about telling them. It's really up to you what you think would be the best thing to do.
2007-11-08 02:49:27 · answer #8 · answered by vanillashimmer21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, don't tell them a thing. Put it away in a closet, and just say thank you. If you tell them, they will be hurt. You could try to hint at things you want, when they are around, and they might catch a hint to buy that instead of venturing out into useless items. Good luck.
2007-11-08 02:27:42 · answer #9 · answered by jefskta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try having your significant other give them suggestions on what to get you. I'm sure they want you to enjoy the gifts they give you--there's nothing wrong with helping them along. Also, think about setting up a wishlist on Amazon or some such and have your S.O. pass along the link. Make it easy for them. :)
2007-11-08 02:27:45 · answer #10 · answered by witticist 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋