Gift it to me, baby!
Dec 12th 2007
Karen HawkinsGoddess Grins
Yesterday, my friend Beth and I were Christmas shopping. We were in one of our favorite stores when we ran into a display of the sexiest red shoes ever put on this earth. We instantly decided we both had to have a pair for Christmas.
Telling our DHs would take all of the surprise out of the gift. Mentioning it ‘casually’ meant we might not get them. So, in desperation, we resorted to the time honored practice of Menage a Giftation.
For those of you unfamiliar with the term, it’s where she called my DH and mentioned how she’d seen me drooling over these cute shoes and thought he should know while I emailed her DH and mentioned how I’d seen her hugging one and sighing, “Ohhhh! It’s perfect for my new dress!”
Now you know — Menage A Giftation.
Don’t pretend you’ve never done it; I know you have. Here on Mt. Oly we’re all friends so we can talk about these things honestly and openly.
But, for the virgin gifters out there, here are some other time honored giftual practices:
Gift Impotency: Where you don’t know what in the heck to get someone and no amount of ‘ideas’ seems to help.
Seductagift: When you get seduced by the idea of getting a certain gift and nothing else will satisfy you.
Viagift: After failing to get someone a gift, you get them one the day after Christmas and saying you forgot to put it under the tree.
Dominate-giftrix: Your weaselly co-worker who is always trying to give the boss a better gift than you did.
Secret Santarrea: When you end up with the tacky, sequinzed hula doll in the office gift exchange.
Mastergiftation: Where you buy your own gift, wrap it and lay it under the tree because you know no one could do it better.
Mission Gifter: Only gives to charity organizations and brags about it, making you feel badly for wanting a pearl necklace.
Kama Giftra: A person who knows and uses all of the gift positions, at the right time, and in the right way, without blushing.
Have you ever been in any of these gift positions lately? Which is your favorite? Are there any I missed?
96 Comments »
96 Responses to “Gift it to me, baby!”
Karen Rose on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:48 am #
Oh, Karen, these are hilarious and SO what I needed today!
Meg on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:56 am #
What great names! Definately the Sedcutagift. Happens to me almost every year. And I do know a few Dominate-giftrix. Even though I don’t give the boss a gift anymore, the ones who do always want everyone else to know how great theirs was.
Cookiedough on 13 Dec 2007 at 8:20 am #
perfect post today Karen!
I’m heading out Christmas shopping this afternoon and don’t have a clue what to get anybody!
So not in the zone this year.
But this perked me right up!
Gannon on 13 Dec 2007 at 8:22 am #
Karen, you are cracking me up! I love the names! I have been guilty of mastergiftation–oh no! When we were living in Italy, I found a beautiful, very expensive purse and an amazing Burberry trench coat. So I told my hubby that I found some presents, and I would just save him the trouble of figuring out what I wanted. And I bought them, wrapped those babies up, and put them under the tree! It was a very Merry Christmas!
cail on 13 Dec 2007 at 8:26 am #
i send a list out to my family with the exact things i want. i usually get some good stuff.
i was having a hard time with what to do for the dh for his present but i decided to take him to see spamalot. i’m excited. lucky for me the strike ended.
Marie Conley on 13 Dec 2007 at 8:28 am #
Kama Giftra-usually I’m great at gift giving. This year I’m not. Seems everyone has changed so much in the past couple of years. Probably because we are “adults” now.
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 8:58 am #
Ah, the emotional quandry gifting can put us in!
Karen Rose, you are a sweetie and deserve Good things. Perhaps a little Mastergiftation is in order today, hm? Go treat yourself!
Meg, don’t you hate those Dominate-giftrix? That’s like an anti-grinch, but not in a good way.
GookieD, find your inner Kama Giftra. And try Target.
Gannon, you go, girlfriend! Don’t tell anyone, but I already committed Mastergiftation myself. I bought myself a T-shirt that says IN FAVRE WE TRUST and I wrapped it and put it under the tree. I can’t wait to open it on Christmas morning!!!
Cail, you’re an overperformer. But boy, will you be happy Christmas morning!
Marie, maybe you could post some of your Kama Giftra ideas for those of us who are less talented? I could always use some good gift ideas!
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:07 am #
I think this is one of the funniest posts of the year. Phil the dog was so startled when I laughed out loud, he ran upstairs to hide. I hope I’m a Karma Giftra, but who knows. Your list was hilarious, but I was wondering why you forgot to mention the following:
Self Flagiftation: When your husband buys you a gift that he secretly want for himself. (Playstation III)
Son of a Gift: When your only son follows his father and also buys you a gift that he secretly wants for himself. (Game for Playstation III)
Sadistgiftation: When one of your in laws deliberately buys you a gift that they hope will piss you off. (Beautiful blouse three sizes too small)
Meg on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:14 am #
Sadistgiftation?! That’s great! Maybe I should try that on someone that I don’t like.
That’s not too devilish for the season, is it?
doglady on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:28 am #
OMG Karen, this was hilarious! I am sending your gift terms to all of my friends! And I am adding our Ellen’s suggestions too. Sadistgiftation= my MIL did this for years. My DH used to practice Sherlockgiftation. He would watch me like a hawk any time we were in the mall or in a bookstore. I would pretend not to notice when he whipped out this little notebook and wrote things down. It was a fun game because I would be sure to pick up things I REALLY wanted and then pu them back on the shelf. Worked like a charm! I have suffered from seductagiftation and secret santerra a couple of times. These were just brilliant!
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:46 am #
How bout FAKE ORGIFT: Someone ews and ahs dramatically over gift but gets spotted on the Return/Refund Line the very next day.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:48 am #
Doglady…we are married to the same DH. My guy is always two steps behind me in the mall. Whenever I look at something, he comes in right behind me and secretly looks for the price tag.
Kim on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:51 am #
LMAO! These are too funny.
What about Passive Agiftive: where someone insists “no, no I don’t want anything at all. No presents for me, just a card.” And then complains to everyone that all you got them was a card.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:57 am #
Dirty Santa: Your precious child decides to make your gift thus forcing you to use your maxed out credit card to scrape the glue and glitter off your dining room table.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:01 am #
I should warn everyone. We have a winter storm warning here in NY, so I am in my office all day long. Mwaaaahhhhaaa ha.
KariE on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:08 am #
I am plagued by the “Seductagift”. If there is something that HAS to be got for a certian person, get out of my way cause I’ll be getting it.
My dh, on the other hand, is the Passive Agiftive with a dash of Mastergiftation and a sprinkle of Premature Self Giftater.
Premature Self Giftater: This one can be eaisly confused with Mastergiftation, with a small exception. Where you buy your own gift but can NOT wait until Christmas or Christmas eve to open the gift. Chances are the gift is wore out before Chrsitmas.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:08 am #
Florence Nightengift: That one relative who A) doesn’t drink alcohol, B) Brings Holiday Cheer to a screeching halt, and C) ALWAYS give gifts that will either lower your cholesterol or save the environment.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:12 am #
LOL KariE. I admit to premature self giftation! Will I go blind?
KariE on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:16 am #
lol Doubtful Ellen, but I can bring out threats of great physical harm from your partner. Just be carefull.
Lisa H on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:29 am #
Karen H and Ellen - I’ve said it before, but you guys need your own show! I’m keeping these terms in a “naughty” folder!
Love em all!
Deppagift - What I gave myself this morning while grocery shopping, a peek at the new Esquire magazine with my Johnny splashed gorgeously all over the cover!
Gannon on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:35 am #
Ellen, I have finally learned not to drink coffee while reading your comments or else my computer would be covered. You are hilarious, my dear!
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:38 am #
Premature Self Giftator! Passive Agiftive! Florence Nightengift! Deppagift! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Oh my gosh, you all are CRACKING me up! Look at all of these new definitions! I’m going to put them all together at the end of the day and post them on The Forum. That way you can all copy them off to your loved ones for a little holiday cheer.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:42 am #
You gals just bring out the fun in me. I actually did a little “goody goody clap” when I read Karens post. I knew my snow day was going to be great! And Gannon, my husband told me “no more beverages and goddesses at the same time.”
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:46 am #
Karen, I think a list in The Forum will be very helpful. Don’t forget to include…
The Dreaded Giftus Interuptus: Your DH is on line to buy you the PERFECT pocket book but after spotting you in the same store, he puts the bag down because surprise is so damned important to him.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:48 am #
And…
Pleasure Toy Gifters: Those women who spend way too much time in Brookstone’s… looking at the neck massagers.
KariE on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:48 am #
(For all you coffee/soda/water spitters, I (virtually) gift to you those keyboard covers. I last remember seeing them in 1986 but I’m sure they are out there. OR I can send you (virtually) some plastic wrap and rubber bands and do it like the chinese resturants do with their calculators. I’m in the same boat.)
cail on 13 Dec 2007 at 11:19 am #
hey Ellen, where in NY are you? I’m currently up in a skyscraper watching the snow swirling around.
I was smart and didn’t go for my comfort tea till after i finished reading this list.
SuzyQ on 13 Dec 2007 at 11:37 am #
You guys are cracking me up! I suffer from Gift Impotency - especially for my father, who has just about everything! And also Mastergiftation but here I tell my DH it’s from my kids to me. Afterall, they are too young to buy me something themselves!
Spend-a-gift-itis is where you find out someone got a gift for you or a family member that cost way more then you spent on them. Now you have to go and get them something else to make up for the difference.
Lisa H on 13 Dec 2007 at 11:50 am #
I’m in Elmira NY—about 4 hours north of the city, and am enjoying watching the snow—we’re getting 2inches per hour and expect to keep getting it until 5:00 this afternoon. How much are you guys getting in the city?
ct009ct on 13 Dec 2007 at 11:51 am #
Once again - You guys are hilarious. Thank you for the chuckles!
Here’s my contribution:
Holy Crap-gift-itis: When the crappy gift you re-gifted 2 years ago, finds it’s way back to you!!
Dot C on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:03 pm #
I think I found the perfect Secret Santa Gift today. I do believe I have the sickness of the Valkyries in that I am perpetually distracted by glittery objects/clothing/shoes. Today I found glitter body sprays in fun Christmas scents like “Toasted Almond”, Powdered Sugar, Hot Chocolate, Spiced Apple, and Berry Crush. OHHHHH….PRETTY…….
So, did I do good? Will it be the must have gift?
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:23 pm #
Dot, perhaps you should send some of those to me to try and I’ll let you know if they’re up to muster.
I think that’d be an AWESOME gift — fun and flirty and very cool! Good choice!
ct, my family played the Holy Crapitis game for years with (no kidding!) a frozen zucchini. You know you had HC if you got the cold package and you immediately began to plot who you’d gift it to next birthday/Christmas/Ground Hogs Day.
SuzyQ, I got Spendagiftatis last year. My brother SHAMED me with his gift, so I had to engage in severe shopping countermeasures. He usually stays in our agreed budget, but not this time!
LisaH, I’m so jealous of your snow! Send some to me in Orlando, would you?
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:24 pm #
And Kari, THANK YOU for the virtual plastic keyboard cover! I need one — really!
Lisa H on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:30 pm #
I’d love to share my Christmassy snow with all you ladies…around here if one proclaims they love the white stuff, people eavesdropping will lynch you! Even though I am a native New Yorker—I LOVE the snow, and believe this is the first December in a while we’ve had any!
Kay on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:39 pm #
OK OK you have gotten me in the shopping mood. Thank you, Goddess Karen.
I am going out now to complete my shopping–I’m on a mission from the goddesses.
Have fun in the snow in NY. MN is going to get more snow tonight, but not the 2 inches an hour that Lisa H is enjoying.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:43 pm #
I am in the lower Hudson Valley part of New York. We are expecting 6 to 8 inches. The snow coming down right now is that big fluffy kind that immediately covers everything. The next beverage I shoot through my nose will probably be Hot Chocolate
Sabrina Jeffries on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:47 pm #
You’re missing two of the most important:
It may be a cliche, but it’s a fact of Christmas life–the Regiftinator. No, I do not mean those of us who OCCASIONALLY (very occasionally … really) regift. I mean the people who ONLY regift. Who haven’t bought gifts in years. They’re out there, people, just waiting to strike.
And the always dreaded cousin of the Sadistigiftator–the Assumagifter. They assume they’re getting a gift from you (for no reason YOU can see) and give you a gift, thus, when you do not reciprocate, making an A– … well, you know the saying. Suffice it to say, no one comes out of it looking pretty.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:52 pm #
Masochisgift: When the pleasure of giving a great gift is destroyed by the recipient repeating over and over “I don’t deserve this,” or “This is too much.” By the end of the day, I tend to agree with them.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:55 pm #
Homogifter: They mail you a fruitcake every year.
Lisa H on 13 Dec 2007 at 12:59 pm #
Masochisgift - I like that one Ellen! LOL
Sabrina - I never knew there were regiftinators who ONLY regift out there….how sad! I for one am a apprecigifter…I appreciate the gifts my family and friends give me and I enjoy them…don’t confuse me with a Pollyannagifter…she appreciates them but never uses them because they are “too nice”!
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:00 pm #
Snow Job Gifter: Your sister in law puts your cheap ass gift from Target into a Tiffany Box.
Lisa H on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:00 pm #
My husband actually likes fruitcake…and brussel sprouts.
Who knew?
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:10 pm #
Lisa H…can we assume he doesn’t like them together?
KariE on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:13 pm #
Ellen- TOO FRIGGIN FUNNY!!!
KariE on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:15 pm #
Ellen, does a WalMart sweater in a Macy’s box fall into Snow Job Gifter catagory?
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:25 pm #
Ho Ho Ho Gifters: She shows up at the office Christmas party flaunting enough cleavage to hide a Volkswagen, leaving lipstick smudges on every male coworkers face as she makes her entrance. She then proceeds to give the boss some chocolate syrup as a gift. This immediately causes her three female coworkers to mutter “Ho” under their breath.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:28 pm #
LOL KariE…anybody who has ever waited on Macy’s return line for 45 minutes, only to hear, “Sorry Ma’am, this is not from our store,” knows the answer to your question.
cail on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:29 pm #
here in midtown manhattan the snow has turned into (very cold and wet) freezing rain. extremely unpleasant. I’d much rather be upstate with Lisa H and Ellen, or down in FL instead.
I try to warn people if I’m giving them a gift, or if I think someone is going to give me one, that I dont think i should get one for, i suggest an alternative gift of buying eachother dinner for xmas this year.
actually thats a tradition with one of my bffs. we get dinner at a very fancy restaurant for xmas together. with another we see a play together. i think doing friend activities is better than giving presents.
Lisa H on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:31 pm #
Ho Ho Ho LOL!!!! Love it.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:33 pm #
I am issuing a blanket apology right now. By now, you all know that I can easily slip into a “Blog Loop” and not come out of it for hours. It’s just that part of my brain will spend the rest of the day thinking of new gift terminology.
I will step away from the keyboard. I will. Soon
Lisa H on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:33 pm #
cail— what a nice tradition for you and your friends. I like that!
SuzyQ on 13 Dec 2007 at 1:49 pm #
Ellen - love the Ho Ho Ho!!! LOL!
Cail - here in Jersey it’s turned to freezing rain too.
ZAMBONIGIRL on 13 Dec 2007 at 2:02 pm #
yesterday my best friend came over, sat down next to me, and let me know that the bourne trilogy is out on dvd. i asked if she bought it. she said that in the spirit of the season, she’d allow me to buy it for her. i guess ihave to take back the johnny depp statue now…lol! i love her.
Karen Rose on 13 Dec 2007 at 2:22 pm #
I’m cracking up!
How about the Giftinator - the gift that is regifted year after year. I’ll be back!
Meg on 13 Dec 2007 at 2:51 pm #
What about the Spoil-A-Gifter: the person who gives their gift one shake, says “I know what this is. It’s …”, blurts out what it actually is, opens the gift and says “I knew it.” No appreciation whatsoever. I HATE that!! A family member actually did that to me one year and I honestly wanted to take the gift back.
cail on 13 Dec 2007 at 2:59 pm #
or the other version of Spoil-A-Gifter (me) who can’t keep the secret of what the gift is, and therefore you know well before you open it.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:09 pm #
The Bondage Gifters: The sister in law gives you a really cool gift, like a knife skills class at the local Chef’s Central. However, when you show up at the first class, she’s sitting there waiting for you. She thinks it will be a great bonding experience and your wondering if the family would believe your knife really slipped out of your hands and into her jugular.
ct009ct on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:16 pm #
LMAO!!
Oh Ellen, Please DO NOT step away from the keyboard!
STAY!! STAY!!! STAY!!!!
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:20 pm #
In Memory of my Sweet Brother, David:
Isotonergifter: He could shop for 34 people in ten minutes on Christmas Eve without ever stepping away from the Isotoner Counter. You’d be surprised how many different Totes there are!
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:21 pm #
Okay…I’ll stay for a little bit longer CT…but you have now become my enabler!
SuzyQ on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:25 pm #
Does anyone have a Dupligifter in their family? This is the person that buys the same gift for everyone.
cail on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:33 pm #
one year the aunts and uncles chipped in and bought all the male cousins unicycles. my brother was like… uhhh? why do you think i wanted this?
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:40 pm #
OMG SuzyQ. Yes on the Dupligifter. I have two versions of it.
My poor brothers are 11 months apart. So every year relatives would buy them the same gift in a different color and wrap it in the same box and paper. They were forced to open their gifts simultaneously so that the surprise wouldn’t be ruined.
AND
One of my brothers knows I love elephants so he buys me one every year. I don’t have the heart to tell him that he has purchased the exact same elephant every year for three years in a row.
KariE on 13 Dec 2007 at 3:57 pm #
Dupligifter-Me. I do this for my work parties. Mind you there are only 5 or six of us, but I normally give every a box of candles. WAHoooo! I know.
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 4:33 pm #
Ellen, your public cries out for you!
cail, I have the same tradition with some of my friends, but for New Years. It’s a wonderful way to start the year. Friends are so important!
zamboni, lol! What a terrific and funny friend! She didn’t Menage a Gift you or anything, just told you right out what she wanted. If you ah, want to get rid of your Deppagift, feel free to mail him to me. I can use him as inspiration. I do that already!
Meg, I HATE the Spoilagifter. I always want to snatch the present back, stomp on it, and then say, “NOW guess what it is.”
Karen Rose, that’s going on the list! The giftinator . . . oh yeah, I know one of those!
KariE, sometimes being a Dupligifter is just a safety move. You don’t want coworkers suspecting you of favoritism at Christmas time. Things could get ugly!
Laura Lee Guhrke on 13 Dec 2007 at 4:38 pm #
Giftphobic: the person you buy a gift for every year, but who never buys anything for you. (not that we keep track!)
Victoriagifter: the DH or SO who buys you uncomfortable “sexy” lingerie every year, no matter how often you say you really want flannel pj’s and slippers.
Minivictoriagifter: the DH or SO with Victoriagiftitis who also thinks you’ll look smokin’ hot in that size 4 teddy he got you when you’re really a size 12. And you’re hoping he kept the receipt so you can exchange it for the flannel pj’s and slippers.
Newsycardster: the person who always sends you one of those “newsy” Christmas letters instead of a Christmas card; you know, the letter packed full of info about how wonderful their family is doing, how all their kids are getting A’s, their spouse just got promoted, their job is just so much fun (all the while knowing darn well your job sucks, your DH doesn’t have a job, and your kids all got C’s, except your oldest who’s out on probation.
DebMarlowe on 13 Dec 2007 at 5:00 pm #
You guys are cracking me up!
How about ebay-gifticus? People who only buy gifts they can get for 30 cents on ebay. I know a few of those!
Ann in IL on 13 Dec 2007 at 5:24 pm #
HEY !!!!!!!!!!! I am a Dupligiftor and proud of it. I have over 35 immediate family members to buy for. The guys are getting Travel kits with all the goodies inside including their preferences for toiletries. They were a great buy, reg $30.00 I got them for $3.00 on clearance. The ladies are getting cosmetic bags with tissues, nail file, nail clippers, gum breath mints, tissues , lip balm and hand lotion.
Kids get more individual gifts til they are 18 and considered adults.
I am also guilty of some of the other offenses.
Ellen, you are priceless.
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 6:36 pm #
LLG! That’s too funny! I have a cousin who is a Newsycardster! She always makes it sound as if the most stressful part of her year was picking which perfect family picture she’s going to insert with her letter. Blech!
Ann, it sounds like you’re a Master Dupligiftor. And with such a huge family, good for you! I wouldn’t know where to begin with such a huge shopping list. Sheesh!
Kay on 13 Dec 2007 at 6:48 pm #
I am a Dupligifter and very proud of it. It keeps S-I-Ls from comparing, and trying to see who I spent the most on. They get the same gift. No more comparisons.;-)
This year I gave my sister, her daughter & D-I-L (to be) the same gift–but in different colors. They will all be together for Christmas, and I don;t need to hear form my mom that my niece, or sister, didn’t get the nicest gift. *SIGH* aren’t families fun at Christmas?
Kay on 13 Dec 2007 at 6:55 pm #
Karen R, our family had a Giftnator–a plastic statue of liberty–that showed up every Christmas. My mom had to keep track of who got it each year, so everyone would get a turn. When my parents moved, it was “lost” and I think my mom got sick of it. LOL
I have given up on hints to my DH. I simply tell him, “I’m asking Santa for XYZ for Christmas this year.” (this year it is a GPS thingy for the van–I always get lost) I have to say, he is a good sport about it. I even did it for my birthday last year, and took him to the store and showed him the exact pair of earrings that I have wanted for years.
I think he was relieved.
Ann in IL on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:09 pm #
Kay,
“*SIGH* aren’t families fun at Christmas”
AMEN, Sister, AMEN. My four SILs are exactly the reason I became a dupligiftor.
I feel that I should add I am the TERRIBLE SIL who does not help with the dishes at family gatherings. My reason………..I NEVER ask anyone to dinner at my house and expect them to help clean up. I do not allow any of my SILs to help clean up in my house and will not play maid in their homes. I extend this same courtesy to my friends.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:18 pm #
Sheeesh Ann…with 34 other people in the house, who would even notice if you were in the kitchen. If any of the SILs give you a hard time, just tell them you wanted to give them enough space to do a good job cleaning.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:28 pm #
Costofgifticus: You open their gift and say all the required ohs and ahs. Then the crazy aunt says, “Well don’t lose that. I bought it at Bloomindales and it cost over a hundred dollars.”
PS These Aunts are notorious Snow Job Gifters (see above)
Lisa H on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:33 pm #
Ann - I am with you on that! I never expect people to help clean up at my house—I shoo them out of the kitchen. I feel if they are my guests, then they should relax. I like to relax if I am invited out, yet I often am made to feel guilty and so I do end up helping out.
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:37 pm #
Karen…Thank you so much for today. You took what could have been a boring snow day and turned it into a ton of laughs. Sorry if I am too “posty” today. Every time I step away, I think of another one.
I love the Blogs that you can chew on all day long. It’s like being at a great party with your best friends.
KariE on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:38 pm #
I have just re-read every single reply and they are still funny.
Ellen, I’m in stitches girl, stitches I tell ya.
Gifthumphter- You open a gift expecting it to be one thing you really really wanted, but you find out it’s not it. *humph*
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:39 pm #
By the way, is that picture of the red high heel you?
Ellen on 13 Dec 2007 at 7:41 pm #
KariE. I reread them and laughed a second time too. Just the word “Gifthumphter” made me laugh.
Kelly Ann on 13 Dec 2007 at 8:39 pm #
I didn’t realize that mastergiftation was legal! I’m on it! Though my hubs always gets me awesome gifts! He knows exactly what I want, books, camera stuff & one year he took his mother with him to go clothes shopping and I got a new wardrobe! My mother in law buys me the best clothes ever, I think she may be better at picking out then I am. She calls them Kelly Clothes, I apparently have a specific style that makes it easy for her! Love her to death!
I feel bad if someone already said this and I missed it, I apologize ahead of time! What about the giftcarder-wanter! Why does everyone want gift cards? Isn’t what I pick out special enough? I give from the heart and I give good gifts too. I know I do, because my gifts are never re-gifted! Ha-ha (that I know of)! And no, I’m not a Kama Giftra! I feel like if I give a gift card the whole gift giving thing is lost! I’m probably just the odd one! They are easy, but to me, they are boring!
Ann in IL on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:01 pm #
Kelly Ann,
Gift cards say two things.
1. I don’t care to spend my precious time finding something for you.
2. Your taste s***s so just give me money/giftcards.
I think they are the most impersonal “gift” ever.
Ann in IL on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:02 pm #
Karen H
Can’t wait for the list to be posted.
I plan on sharing it at work.
Karen Rose on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:13 pm #
Now, wait a minute. I have a 13-year-old whose eyes get big at the thought of gift cards. I can never know what she’ll like as her tastes change with the slightest breeze. She’s getting some gift cards for her favorite stores. I think it’s also a good way to teach her the value of a buck. It’s easy to spend my money when we go shopping. Harder when all she has is the value of the card.
I stand by gift cards! Especially at deadline! PS - DH does most of the real shopping. I just sprinkle with gift cards as topping. But I guarantee my 13 year old will love the gift card. Besides, I actually had to go into her favorite store to buy it. I hate that place. They play their music at about a million db. I have a major hearing loss already and I fear my infrequent forays into that store will further damage my ears. SO I SACRIFICED for that blankety blank gift card, people.
So there.
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 9:45 pm #
This was a great day because you guys added such fun stuff! Thanks, guys!
And Karen R, my daughter loves gift cards, too! I think I had to go into the same store — the music is soooo loud and it’s dark - ugh!
I love gift cards. They let me indulge in Mastergiftation, which I excel at (hey, if you can’t be the best for you, who can be?) but I also get EXACTLY what I want, no holds barred. So to me, a gift card is a double gift and I adore getting them.
And no, Ellen, the shoe-pic isn’t of me, although I actually have that exact pair and while they’re uncomfortable, they make my legs look THAT good, so I forgive them and wear them anyway.
Which makes me realize that the perfect gift for me would be a gift card to a shoe store. Oh, be still my heart!!!
Gannon on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:24 pm #
What did we do before gift cards??!! They are the best!
Hey, Karens (Rose and Hawkins), the unnamed store with the very loud music wouldn’t happen to begin with an H and end with an R, would it? You’ll be both blind and deaf after you leave there! Ha ha.
SuzyQ on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:26 pm #
I never used to buy gift cards until last year. My teenage nieces love them! They think of it as two gifts - first the card itself, and second the fun they have with their friends spending it at the mall. Besides, everything is on sale the week after Christmas (and no school) so they get more bang for the buck. Hey, I don’t mind as long as it makes them happy.
SuzyQ on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:29 pm #
Gannon - I’m thinking of the same store! It’s so dark in there I have to bring the clothes into what little lights they have just to see what it looks like. All the kids seem to love that store!
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 10:43 pm #
Gannon, that’s the store!!! Whew. Glad to know I’m not the only one with that reaction. My daughter LOVES it while I so DON’T. (The clothes are cute, though.)
SuzyQ, the after Xmas sales are the best. I restock my Christmas ornament fixation that week and it makes me smile for weeks.
Karen Rose on 13 Dec 2007 at 11:01 pm #
Gannon - that’s the one. The posters on the walls totally creep me out. And my 13-year-old knows it. “Mom, isn’t he HOT?” Shudder.
I told the kids behind the counter that they were killing their hearing and when they got old like me they would regret it. I was surprised when they didn’t roll their eyes. The one girl was very polite and informed me it’s a corporate rule that the sound system be set that high. Sad.
Karen H - I’m so jealous that you can wear those shoes and that they make your legs look that good. I’m relegated to the Naturalizer store because I have feet shaped like bricks. It’s not pretty.
Awesome Blog, KarenH!! Awesome comments, everyone!
Karen Rose on 13 Dec 2007 at 11:04 pm #
PS - Karen H, do you want me to menage a gift to your DH? I can tell him you really want a shoe gift card.
I don’t think it would matter if you returned the favor with my DH, because he’s been finished with his shopping since October.
Karen Hawkins on 13 Dec 2007 at 11:12 pm #
Oh, Karen Rose, that’s sweet of you to offer to Menage a Gift for me and my DH! You’re SUCH a sweetie! Let me see if he’s spent the budge yet or not and I’ll get back to you.
If you decide your DH might be up for ‘one extra gift’ let me know and I’ll give him a menage a gift nudge, too.
Ah, the joys of friendship!
Btw, i can’t believe that’s corporate policy for that store. Looks as if they could get sued. All I know is that I often hand my daughter my credit card, sit outside on a bench, and wait for her so I don’t end up curled in a fetal position in a corner of the store under a rack of ‘totally cool’ shirts. And even from that distance the music sometimes makes my head ache!
Georgie Lee on 14 Dec 2007 at 1:09 am #
I cracked up reading this. I’m suffering from severe gift impotency this year.
Marie Conley on 14 Dec 2007 at 6:49 am #
giftfinder.com. Seriously even if you can’t find a present you will have fun taking the quiz.
I want a writers planner. Something that will buzz at me when I’m wasting time.
I need to finish revisions on a couple of chapters and for the last 2 days I’ve completely ignored it. And I have a deadline. It has to be finished by Sun.
Ellen on 14 Dec 2007 at 8:05 am #
And to all a Good Night
Karen Hawkins on 14 Dec 2007 at 9:42 am #
Ah, Georgie, you are among friends here and can share all of your giftual issues in confidence knowing we will never judge you in any way. Many of us have the same problems. I’ve been fighting Gift Impotency for the last week and it’s been a tough road. Fortunately, Xmas is coming soon and I’ll be forced to perform, come what may. I think we’ll all pull through ok. You know what they say, when in doubt, give chocolate.
I think that’s a brilliant idea.
Marie, I’ve heard of giftfinder.com. Sounds like a great way to kill an hour or two . . . hmmm! thanks for the tip! I will certainly look at that jewel today. Best of luck with your deadline!
Thanks for coming out to play, Ellen!
TheNightPoet on 14 Dec 2007 at 11:53 pm #
Those are good little “gift” descriptions. I had no idea there were specific terms for those many gift dilemmas. What is it called when a good friend of yours buys you for every birthday and Christmas either candles or generic brand lotion and shower gel from Walmart, because it’s cheap enough? I have a friend that does that to me. Not that I don’t love candles, but seriously, I try to be original when I get my friends their presents. As for the generic lotion, I came to find out recently that I am allergic to it. So to get the message across, I now have to put in my list of things I want that I can not have generic brands of the lotions and shower gels I love from Bath & Body Works. Even though I put that in my list, she has still given me the generic brands. So where do they end up? In the trash can. haha
Andrea