|
So I have found two things out during the last few months. First I am a terrible gift giver, and second, I am a terrible gift receiver.
I think the first problem stems from the face that I lack any creativity whatsoever, and every time I think of a friends interests it doesn't seem like something that I can give them a gift of. For example, I know my female friends like clothes but honestly, I couldn't buy them anything. I don't know what sizes they wear, what they like in general, and what they already own. Plus, usually another one of their female friends is already getting them clothes (and their gift will look better anyways. Unless we get the same thing). Usually I am reduced to buying them fancy chocolate, or gift cards, or money, but they have figured out my clever ploy. Now I'm screwed for whoever wants a "personal" gift next. Any thoughts?
For the second, gift receiving, does anyone else have more income than they know what to do with? I'm in high school with a job that doesn't have enough hours to really make a difference in a college, but does pay well enough to give me more money than I need. I wouldn't say I have no life or am particularly un-materialistic but my parents pay for my outings maybe half the time, and I don't buy every new game or anything. So if I want something I usually own it. This is fine, until it times come to ask for gifts. I usually ask for cash, or nothing, or a gift card, but every once in a while some person wants to give me something I'll "really use" (these are usually the same people who want personal gifts) I mean it's nice of them and all, but it puts me in the position to come up with something. Thoughts on how to avoid this?
edit: I know it probably seems odd to ask for advice about a personal gift to a person you guys know nothing about, but it's the illusion of personal i'm going for.
 
|
Baa?21247 Posts
Buy books. There are so many books are there, just look for something that suits their tastes/interests/personality, and it will seem really personal, in addition to being convenient for you.
|
ya man i suck at receiving gifts. it just puts you in a forced awkward situation when you get something you don't really care for, but you still force a smile and be polite.
|
On May 29 2009 09:43 Carnivorous Sheep wrote:
Buy books. There are so many books are there, just look for something that suits their tastes/interests/personality, and it will seem really personal, in addition to being convenient for you.
WOW. This is fantastic! I wish I had thought of this, most of my friends even read. And I can tell the ones that don't that they should.
|
|
|
NeverGG
United Kingdom5399 Posts
People find me both easy and hard to buy for as a woman - I have really strong hobbies (Asian cinema/music, photography, sewing etc.) but I also have the habit of already having bought what I want using my own money. Oh and I'm not keen on the typical 'girl' presents like flowers/chocolates etc because they're so temporary. I prefer practical items.
I personally wouldn't mind it (and haven't in the past.) if guys have asked me what I'd like in a straightforward way for birthdays/holidays etc. I'm not sure about other women, but it doesn't bother me when they're a bit stumped by what to get.
|
On May 29 2009 09:46 DamageControL wrote:Show nested quote +On May 29 2009 09:43 Carnivorous Sheep wrote:
Buy books. There are so many books are there, just look for something that suits their tastes/interests/personality, and it will seem really personal, in addition to being convenient for you. WOW. This is fantastic! I wish I had thought of this, most of my friends even read. And I can tell the ones that don't that they should.
This is what I ask for/give to people anymore, I've found it's a great gift, and you can almost never miss. Books are miracles. Plus, it gives me an excuse to hit on the cute cashier at Borders (Ulterior motives ftw!). But seriously, get a membership card for your local bookstore, find out people's hobbies and just spend 20 minutes looking in that section. When they ask for yours, just list off a few random hobbies that you'd like to read about (for me running, music, computers and sci-fi, case any of you want to mail order me a birthday gift ^^).
|
Australia1272 Posts
On May 29 2009 12:55 NeverGG wrote:
People find me both easy and hard to buy for as a woman - I have really strong hobbies (Asian cinema/music, photography, sewing etc.) but I also have the habit of already having bought what I want using my own money. Oh and I'm not keen on the typical 'girl' presents like flowers/chocolates etc because they're so temporary. I prefer practical items.
I personally wouldn't mind it (and haven't in the past.) if guys have asked me what I'd like in a straightforward way for birthdays/holidays etc. I'm not sure about other women, but it doesn't bother me when they're a bit stumped by what to get.
Listening artosis?
|
On May 29 2009 12:49 geometryb wrote:
stuffed animal
This only works once.
... trust me...
|
You want advice on giving "personal" gifts to girls, it'll have to be flowers but at an odd timing. Like leave it where they'd find it and know it to be theirs.
Leave no name, leave a riddle/memory you two have had together. And one "allow me to pay homage to your existence".
CHEESE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPT
