STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Escrime · Kate Spade

WHY?

jen · Kate Spade

Yep, this girl I talk to sometimes in my sorority informed me that I'll be getting me gift soon. Damnit, now I have to get her one and I don't know what she'd like...

Hermione · Kate Spade

I also am hating the unexpected gift thing. I went to lunch with my old boss and co-workers (I quit in August) They invited me to their holiday lunch thingy - one of them - this is now our third christmas and we have NEVER gotten eachother anything - surprised me with a gift! I feel crappy for not bringing her anything, but I have no idea why she did.

p.s. - one guess though - I think she just needed to get rid of it. It was this ugly candleholder set from pier one and there was still the tag on it to her from "uncle john" lololol!!! I, of course, was too polite to mention that she forgot to remove it.

Karina · Chanel

I always buy a few extra candle gift sets or something just in case.

blink · Coach

anyone buying a gift should not expect that they will get one in return, a gift is a gift, not a purchase, not a trade off. otherwise, why don't we all just exchange $20 bills?

I have bought a gift, usually a game, every year since about 1999 for my Aunt and her family because I love her kids and I am unable to visit them as often as I would like. I live in TX, they live in Richmond, VA. They don't buy me a gift in return and I COMPLETELY don't expect them too, although they did buy my baby son some clothes last Spring. Accordingly, I hope that they do not feel guilt that they don't buy for me, I hope they understand that I buy for them because it makes me feel good to give and show them I was thinking of them.

blubirde · Chanel

I agree COMPLETELY with lorelei! I buy people gifts because I want to, not because I expect something in return. And conversely, I expect the same from others. If someone gives me a gift so they'll get one in return, too bad. Next year they can keep me off their list of money exchanges. We did a gift exchange party at work and afterwards one of the girls went around and gave everyone something anyway. Thanks, I appreciate it. But I'm not buying gifts for everyone (or the person who gave to me). That's why we did the exchange thing. And I'm not going to feel guilty about it either.

I love to buy gifts for people because I see things that I think they'll love. (Plus, I am a shopper!) I want to see the looks on their faces and make them happy, not receive gifts for myself. And if someone wants a gift in return and is upset I didn't get them one, next year we'll avoid the whole problem. Plus, it serves people right who give gifts expecting one in return to not get one!