Thanks but no thanks! (Unwanted Gifts)

Member Name: Krystal

Product:	Unwanted Gifts
Date:	20/11/00 (89 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Someone else will probably like it!

Disadvantages: Inconvenience of having to return things to the shops

Well, we've all received them haven't we? And sometimes you have to give an Oscar winning performance when you open a truly awful gift and thank the giver; when all you really want to say is "You shouldn't have. No really. You SHOULDN'T have".

When I first saw this category my initial thought was "how ungrateful". But that didn't last very long and I soon remembered some absolute turkeys that have been given to me in the past.

My husband and I are now in our mid 30's, but 10-15 years ago we would receive without fail a "Christmas jumper" each. You know the kind, usually bright red with some sort of wintry motif eg. snowflakes. The sort of thing favoured by Val Doonican as he croons "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" or similar from his rocking chair.

Other horrors include tiny handkerchiefs with lace edging; very pretty but highly impractical - initialled of course. And who remembers 4711 eau de cologne - yes I had that too. As worn by anyone over the age of about 90.

Not too many years ago I hinted to my husband that I'd like a new jacket, hoping he would give me some money to choose one. I think I should mention here that my husband likes football and supports Crystal Palace. Are you getting the picture?

Christmas morning came and I was handed a large, soft parcel. On opening it I discovered a red and blue anorak-type jacket (complete with Crystal Palace logo), as worn by the manager and coaching staff. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Needless to say, it went straight back to the shop.

It's not all bad news though, you can usually exchange your gifts after Christmas without a receipt. Just make sure you say "It's the wrong size" and not "I wouldn't wear this if you paid me". Failing that, charity shops are always grateful, or do a car boot sale. Or you could always save it to give to someone else nex
t year......

Summary: