Christmas Presents You Don't Want

We've sorted lovely, thoughtful not needed gifts we received from my husband's work. Thank you cards posted. Charity Shops will benefit.

I wish I could persuade my adult children to stop Christmas gifting, and just keep it to the children in the family. I don't mind carrying on with birthday gift but this Christmas, their wish lists were quite expensive. I am perfectly delighted to get the grandchildren whatever gifts they would like, it's just the adults that bother me, but I only have grandchildren via one child. The other two have not had children yet, and may never do so.
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When it became clear that the ACs were going to get me gifts, even though I'd asked them not to, I gave them a couple of inexpensive suggestions ( under £10.00) which they duly bought but they have added extra stuff I have no need of or use for. Now I'm retired I simply don't have the spare cash to keep buying the ACs expensive gifts, or the space to store unwanted gifts, nor do I want them wasting their hard earned cash on unnecessary stuff

This year I've actually decided to ask them for the receipt for the particularly unwanted gift to try to exchange it or get a refund. It was a gift that was going to cost me loads of extra money to actually use. I think this request has come across as extremely ungrateful . I did try telling myself that it is the thought that counts but on this occasion presumably they did not thing about the extra costs I would have to pay for .

I'm sure they meant well with their gift idea, probably thought it would be a nice surprise, but the waste of money has been really upsetting for me this year, not helped by both my retirement and recent illness.

I would just tell your children well in advance of next year that you will not be giving anymore presents and that you do not want to receive them. If you do get any presents then firmly return them, saying you had made it clear that you no longer wanted presents. No matter what the pressure do not provide any wish list, even items under £10.

Stick to your guns. Your children should get the messaage in the end.

The alternative is to ask for 'experiences'. Please take me to the theatre, zoo, away for the weekend, out for a nice meal., but insist no 'things'

Just imagine if, instead of buying someone yet another scented candle, everyone made a small donation to charity. There'd be less waste going to landfill for a start and Christmas is a terrible time of year for almost every charity. I stopped buying adults presents years ago, it is so utterly unnecessary. If anyone is determined to buy me a present (some people just don't get the hint) I ask them to make a small donation to an animal charity instead.

flappergirl

Just imagine if, instead of buying someone yet another scented candle, everyone made a small donation to charity. There'd be less waste going to landfill for a start and Christmas is a terrible time of year for almost every charity. I stopped buying adults presents years ago, it is so utterly unnecessary. If anyone is determined to buy me a present (some people just don't get the hint) I ask them to make a small donation to an animal charity instead.

Agreed.

I dislike receiving gifts, much preferring donations or experiences.

flappergirl

Just imagine if, instead of buying someone yet another scented candle, everyone made a small donation to charity. There'd be less waste going to landfill for a start and Christmas is a terrible time of year for almost every charity. I stopped buying adults presents years ago, it is so utterly unnecessary. If anyone is determined to buy me a present (some people just don't get the hint) I ask them to make a small donation to an animal charity instead.

such a good idea.. especially little local charities

My daughter used to "owe me one". (At her insistence)

So, perhaps six months later, we might be somewhere, and something would catch my eye, but I'd be just admiring, as I didn't want to pay more than two bob.

Up would pop herself "I'll treat you to that, I know you really want it, and I owe you one" "it's your Christmas present".

It was lovely.

Seajaye why don’t you (firmly) ask for gift vouchers (M&S covers food too) for things you really want?
I did that this Christmas and I’m very pleased.

A M and S voucher is my favourite present! Sad but true!

The alternative is to ask for 'experiences'. Please take me to the theatre, zoo, away for the weekend, out for a nice meal., but insist no 'things'

Last year we had a good day out with our son and daughter in law.
Our daughter had bought all of us a Brewdog voucher, which we used for a "bottomless brunch" on a day trip to London 🥞🥂🍻

I usually ask for "consumables" and make the point I don't want "stuff."
This year I've received a really nice artisan tea blend, a Branche d'Olive hand wash and lotion set (for my ensuite, so no sharing!) and a Tesco gift card to choose some wine (son had been unable to shop in person).

Certainly the first two are not things I'd spend the money on, so are a luxury treat 😊

hollysteers

Seajaye why don’t you (firmly) ask for gift vouchers (M&S covers food too) for things you really want?
I did that this Christmas and I’m very pleased.

Yes, that's definitely a good idea for next year and I hope it doesn't offend as it still places a monetary value of their gifting but at least then wouldn't be wasting their money on unwanted stuff and I wouldn't have to do d space to store it . Just have to remember where I've put them before they expire!

Not quite the same, but once I told people I'd be disposing of their cards as soon as they arrived, they soon stopped wasting their time and money.
Lots were really relieved.