STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Kitty · Hermes

Should I be upset?

joy0302 · Kate Spade

It should be the thought that counts, but since she clearly put no thought into your gift I would be upset. I probably wouldn't say anything though, but would think twice if I participated with her in the exchange next year.

HeatherLynn · Gucci

I think it is the thought that counts. I bet most of us, at least I know I have, felt shafted at some point in a gift exchange. Ultimately I would just move on and forget it. However, I do think that she probably didn't put much thought into it. =)

cahabo · Kate Spade

I would be upset. There was no thought put into it. A plastic ring!? I highly doubt she picked it out with good intentions.

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

One year I only got one gift, because I'm not close with my family, and it was from a gift exchange. It was something really chintzy and cheap and homemade, dropped in a box with regifted candles. I'd spent way more than I had to on my person in the exchange, so I felt so sick.

But there's nothing you can do. People over-promise and then panic about the exchange, so they try to come up with something that will work, just to avoid the hassle. I think in my case, it was someone who just couldn't handle any more holiday stuff. And your friend may be in the same boat. Especially if she isn't making good choices right now.

I wouldn't necessarily take it personally. It could just be a symptom of her overall inability to cope right now. But I know how you feel. That one still stings, and it was a while ago.

blubirde · Chanel

I'd be pissed if I were you. But what can you do? You can't tell her because then you'll just sound petty. You just have to accept it and move on. Think of it as an excuse to buy yourself something with a $30 price limit - to make up for your crummy gift exchange.

Some people just aren't good with gifts, especially when they don't know exactly who they're buying for. It sucks but again, it's a great excuse to buy yourself something yummy! Hope that makes up for it at least a little.

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

I don't know....I wouldn't dwell on it...the annoyance over it could really ruin your holidays spirit if you let it. I think it's okay to be upset for a bit, but then just resolve to not go out of your way to put effort into doing things for here, I guess.
The only other thought is that maybe she had totally forgotten about the exchange and just grabbed something last minute?

littlebean · Kate Spade

That's annoying, but don't worry. If you get the opportunity sometime when you're talking to her in the future and it's appropriate, you could just tell her how much her friendship means to you and how you want her to know how any "tough love" in the past was just because you care.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

cahabo wrote:

I would be upset. There was no thought put into it. A plastic ring!? I highly doubt she picked it out with good intentions.

Agreed.

blink · Coach

Cortney1982 wrote:

cahabo wrote:

I would be upset. There was no thought put into it. A plastic ring!? I highly doubt she picked it out with good intentions.

Agreed.

Yeah. I would be annoyed. If it were me, I might stay away from her for a few weeks to avoid the topic. This friend probably needs you more than you need her. Be there for her when she needs your wise advice and empathy because you can probably help her, but don't go to her.