In an ideal world, I would hope that the people who give me gifts know me well enough to know what I would like.  However, it doesn't seem to work out that way.  For my mother, I do end up letter her know things that I would love if she was looking for something.  There have been too many things that she has given me that have gone unopened, unused, or returned.  

Sometimes I have tried to give subtle hints of things that I like. I feel uncomfortable saying, "I would like ...." even when I am asked.  Even if I have something I would like, I say that I don't. 

Having been a stay at home mother for 7 years, I am back to being a 5th grade teacher.   Learning how to balance being a mother and a teacher is a struggle, but so far it's been okay.  I am also a member of Mothers & More,  a MomsLikeMe discussion leader, and a member of the MomsLikeMe 1,000 Club.

Just ask me. I'll give a list of three to five things. The surprise is what they pick from my list.

"The only difference between "try" and "triumph" is that extra little 'umph.'"

Writer, lacrosse mom, and personal chauffeur of  two independent women-in-training.

MomsLikeMe Platinum Club

I actually was thinking of posting about this.  I'm getting sick of people asking me.  I always put a lot of thought into giving gifts and I guess I expect the same in return.  My husband every year asks me what I want.  He should know by now!   And I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I'm often disappointed by the gifts I receive because I feel there was no thought put into them. I guess I'm being selfish and should be happy with getting any gift.  But honestly, I'd rather not get any gifts than receive gifts that have no meaning. 

This is a topic that has been keeping me up a night.  I actually finally told my sister after she asked me what I wanted that she knows me and should surprise me.  About a week later, she told me she found something.  Now, I know she actually thought about what to get me, and that means a lot. 

First-time Mom to Lizzy, my very busy 1 year old.

MomsLikeMe 500 Club

I know how you feel Dance.  I want to be surprised, and yet, I want something that I really like.  I don't like handing someone a list of things I want--too much like giving someone a grocery list and expecting them to go shopping.  On the other hand, I don't want to receive a bunch of stuff I'll never use.  I guess I would have to go with tossing out a few ideas and telling them to pick one...but I'm not 100% happy with that either!  Oy. 

Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.

(Winston Churchill)

MomsLikeMe 2,000 Club

Can I answer both. I'd like my Dh or kids to surprise me with something nice but for others I'd rather be asked or get something I can use.

Sally

MLM 500+

 My family always asks what I would like and I oblige and give them a few options, hoping that this will mean I won't get stuck with things I don't want/need. Unfortunately, no matter how much I tell them what I want I get something completely different. I give up.

DH on the other hand, he never asks and I'm always pleasantly surprised!

~Brianna, other wise known as Mommy to one super silly, singing and dancing, robot-loving, outerspace-exploring, non-stop 3 year old!    MomsLikeMe 1,000 Club

I don't mind being asked what I want because there are often many things I want that I won't spend the money on.  Last year, I asked for Crest White Strips. I always wanted to try them but just couldn't bring myself to spend $$ on them.  For me, it is fun to get the things I deny myself.

That's funny, Eth!  I feel the same way about the Crest White Strips!  Maybe I'll put them on my list.  LOL

Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.

(Winston Churchill)

MomsLikeMe 2,000 Club

originally posted by DanceSMZ

 I always put a lot of thought into giving gifts and I guess I expect the same in return.  My husband every year asks me what I want.  He should know by now!   And I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I'm often disappointed by the gifts I receive because I feel there was no thought put into them. I guess I'm being selfish and should be happy with getting any gift.  But honestly, I'd rather not get any gifts than receive gifts that have no meaning. 

---

First-time Mom to Lizzy, my very busy 1 year old.

MomsLikeMe 500 Club

This is exactly how I feel as well. I would rather not recieve a gift than a gift out of obligation. I don't buy gifts out of obligation (i.e. teacher gifts), I buy or make something because I know that the person receiving it is going to love it. I love watching people open gifts. When people ask me I tell them nothing. Not because I don't want anything, but because if you knew me at all (and lately I feel like no one does) you would know that what I want is for the people around me to be happy.

Tree

I may not like what you have to say, but I support Free Speech, not just when its convenient or agreeable, but most importantly when it's not.  When we forget Free Speech is the freedom for everyone to say what they want/like/believe we begin our walk into darkness.

I gave up hinting to my hubby at the things I might like to get as gifts, no matter what I tell him, what I get is not what I described. One year, and I know this sounds crazy, he wanted to buy me a diamond ring, which I really didn't want at the time, so I told him if he got me one, I would return it and use the money for something I could actually use. Another year I told him I would love one of those fleece coverups, I got a scratchy pile robe that was a size too small.

I don't like to actually give out lists, but I do toss out a few hints long before the buying begins. My kids are very good at getting me things they know I will like and use. I also try to hint in a price range I know suits them. When my daughter mentioned that she had 2 things she was thinking of, I tried to steer her away from one that was on the expensive side and was more of a want than a need, to something that I would definitely use and was more affordable for her.

Over the years I have gotten many things that, while they were nice, they were not things I could or would use. Maybe I should have been flattered when hubby bought me clothing one year, pants, blouse, and a crocheted vest, not a one of them fit, they were all too small. He said he pointed to a shopeer he thougth was my size and let the sales girl pick the size.

I guess I like being surprised, and for me the surprise is that they were paying attention to my hints or know me well enough to get me something that I will like or be able to make use of.

I did used to have one caveat about gifts that I got, they should not be related to housework in any way. But I don't mind if it is something I have expressed a desire for.

 MomsLikeMe 1,000 Club

"...You may feel it's all righteous to judge another one, You haven't lived tomorrow, God bless you when it comes.... When it all comes down, when all is said and done, will you be ready when it comes?..." From the song "When It Comes", by Rita Coolidge

 May the spirits come on secret winds, and bring you love, health and happiness.