The monkey is back. I repeat. The monkey is back. (sounds a bit like a spy code word, doesn't it?)
...and he's being welcomed home by a friend.
Yup. JP's sister handed it to him over in a plastic grocery bag across the table at lunch. Unceremoniously. If it had been me - which it wouldn't because I appreciate hand made gifts - I would have said something, like maybe "thanks but no thanks" I don't know. It's very disappointing and feels like a life lesson you'd when you were a kid. BIG Lesson I learned. I wonder how many other things I've made for people that have been discarded like that?
A couple years ago I made a serving tray. I had used some left over tiles that my dad used when he built the basement fireplace in our childhood home. I had painted a leopard and a tiger on it, positioned like they were a fight, but done so the tray could be either way and either one or the other cat would like like it was winning the fight. The tiles were glued in and grouted and the wooden tray was painted an aged brown. My SIL loved cats and their living room, dining room, hall and bathroom were brown so I thought it was something my brother and SIL would like being all sentimental and all that.
One day my brother and I we were visiting my mum and he started talking about getting things back, so I took the opportunity and I asked my brother for the tray back. I was pretty sure they had thrown it out already. I could tell by his answer that he didn't remember it which was a good indication that his wife had already discarded it.
As we approach Christmas, once again I will be trying really hard to give gifts that people will like and keep. But tell me, is expecting a 100% success rate in gift giving really possible? I really strive to pay attention to what people like, but maybe it's an impossible dream.
2 comments:
that's a strange issue- i experience and think of the same thing. I made a crocheted blanket & matching hat for my brother & his wife's first baby. at the shower they opened it and weren't exactly gaga over it, just a quick thanks, it's cute then on to the next gift. the hip thing to give? diapers. and bottles with some special tops on them. who knew.
anyway, apparently after we left(we hightailed it right after all the gifts were opened) one of the other guests pulled it out and was remarking on it and how special it was that i had made it. then sil realized, and she emailed me after to tell me.
i think some people just don't get it or realize that you made something, thinking of them, and spent time on picking out the right things and to make it for them. i guess it's the store bought mentality that kicks in, like anyone could go pick one up from the store for less money and faster, but they miss the fact that you *made* it from scratch especially for them and that is what is important.
i don't know about a 100% success rate, as often store bought stuff isn't a hit either, though i guess it's easier to return to a store if it's not liked. i guess all you can hope is that the recipient appreciates the fact that you gave them something at all. but i too am now more selective as to who gets handmade stuff- i decided i will only give things like that to people i know who "get" it. everybody else? gift certificates to their favorite store. not very personal but at least they can get something they want or need. and i can spend my time making stuff for people who like and appreciate that kind of thing.
i personally think everything handmade is so much more cool and beautiful than any store bought plastic thing, no matter what it is or who made it.
Thank you! You know that blankie and hat was absolutely gorgeous so they obviously missed the point. I'm glad that the guest educated your sil. To me, something handmade should be so cherished as the maker took time to consider the gift and pick out the materials and the whole time they are making it, they are thinking of the receiver. That makes it so much more special. But I guess non-makers aren't able to understand.
Thank you for the detailed message, so very much appreciated.
I too have given gift certificates, I don't like to because I think they are not as meaningful, but they do seem to be the best choice for some people. So I have to give them to some people.
I too love handmade things,especially when someone's made it just for me.
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