Re-Gifting

I’ve decided to use my blog not only to writing, music, and other facets of entertainment, but, also to share my journey. I’ve had significant health problems for almost three years.

Thank you for listening, periodically, I will have a new installment chronicling my journey- ***

***we will return to Just Out of My Grasp with a special guest blogger next week.

Sexy Holiday Read from Yours Truly

RE-GIFTING, REALLY?

Learn how to be thankful…

Yes, I said it right, sometimes we have to relearn how to be thankful. I’m completely spoiled, as is most people around me, yet, I still complain about money. I think it’s just selfishness. I need to learn about being truly grateful 365 24/7. Count your blessings every day.

Before I begin, happy happy 30^th birthday to my baby brother, Samuel. Happy happy 26^th birthday to my oldest baby, Aaron. Happy Happy 27^th birthday to my bonus daughter, Ashley. Three most amazing blessings in my life.

Now, on to the fun stuff- Re-Gifting

Re-Gifting – “The act of taking a gift that has been received and giving it to somebody else, sometimes in the guise of a new gift.” Thank you Wikipedia

DISCLAIMER- the holidays are about being together, love, family, friendship, and the feeling of joy we may not always feel the other times of the year. The magic from October through January makes me smile. If your budget is stretched to capacity, please consider alternatives for those folks you absolutely must show your love and caring for. Think about offering babysitting for one date night, give them a cherished book you own, give them something homemade, that sort of thing. I guarantee you whoever receives your present will know it’s absolutely, 100% from the heart. My re-gifting blog post has nothing to do with shaming or berating anyone.

My Gma and her Dirty Santa Moose Wine Bottle Holder Gift

Most of us have had the opportunity to receive the “gift with purchase” around the holiday season. The .99 incentive that inspires us to drop one hundred times that much at the cosmetics counter. (raising my hand) We begin to tick off the names on our Christmas gift list and wonder if this free gift would take care of one less gift to purchase.

Well, as we say in Texas and Oklahoma, hold your horses!

I’m not saying it’s completely inappropriate, I’ve re-gifted.

There, I said it.

ONE- It’s no less than a fine art to master. When I buy presents for people, I know who they are, I buy with a sentimental streak, giving them something meaningful just for them. When someone receives a present from me, it’s from the heart. So, it isn’t always the free gift finds a home elsewhere. Sometimes, it ends up in my stocking, lets the husband do less work. Whatev.

Also, if you have a list including savvy shoppers such as yourself, chances are they’ve also seen the offer, shoot, they may have one contemplating giving it to you. Wouldn’t that be a hoot? Exchanging the same free gift. At least neither of you should get offended. (this totally has to go in a future book)

My advice is to make sure the person you’re giving the gift would not have seen the free ad offer/gift with purchase offer. It’s honestly offensive. I’d rather not exchange gifts with folks if that’s their idea. Shoot, bake me some dang chocolate chip cookies, I’ll love you forever. See highlight ONE

TWO- The thought is, for whatever reason, you’ve established this precedent to exchange gifts with people, if you have the $100 to plunk down on the face cream or perfume set, take a $10, go to Ross and buy your recipient something new.

IF and ONLY IF, the recipient would have NO idea this was a free gift with purchase, you’re probably in the clear. However, if you’re just being cheap for the sake of being cheap, see the above paragraph- spring for something new intended for the person. See highlight TWO

Gift cards are perfect for re-gifting. The recipient would have no idea. Unless you re-gift your stay at home mom friend who crochets a Bass Pro Gift Card, you’d blow your cover. The jig would be up. Instead, go TO Bass Pro and pick up a nice blanket, candy, blah blah blah, there’s more to Bass Pro than fishing. Trust me.

Popping some tags at the thrift shop. This is tricky territory. Again, if you’re really on a budget, and I say this with 100% sincerity because I’ve been there. Please don’t buy me, or your friends, anything. Save your money for you. Not being snarky this time, I’m saying if you’re on a very tight budget, give something homemade or offer babysitting for free for date night, something you can do without spending money. These holidays are about giving from the heart.

I’ve popped some tags at the thrift shop and gifted them. Heck ya. As long as the item looked new, no big deal, especially if it “fit” the person.

From my perspective, we put way too much emphasis on the commercialism of any big yearly event. Since when the hell did a sale on washing machines actually celebrate Veteran’s Day or Columbus Day? What is that day REALLY about?

i.e. BLACK FRIDAY – UGH, been there done that. But, I absolutely will NOT shop on Thanksgiving. No, hubby, you’ll have to go alone. J

In my house we celebrate Christmas. I spend way more on the kids than I should. I love giving presents. I love to see the joy on their faces, but, I’m just as guilty as the next one that I should stop worrying about the dollar figure and more about tugging the right heart strings.

Happy Thanksgiving! and happy SAFE shopping! (you might need to get a safe word...)

 

my son and his redman body suit for Christmas