Would this Xmas gift offend you?

[MsChnandlerBong]

I'd be grateful for opinions on this one please.

Money is tight this year, we are getting by but don't have hundreds of pounds to throw at Christmas presents. Throughout the year I have sent off for various samples, with the intention of selling them as a bundle on eBay to raise some money; however, I thought I could potentially save the cost of two gifts by making up gift boxes full of these samples. They are good quality, make up, perfume, hair products etc. and I would buy a couple of bits to go along with. Honestly, would you think I was a scummy person if I gave this to you as a gift?

I'm at work now, on my break, so will check back in morning for replies! Thanks.

I’d love it.

I wouldn’t include anything that says ‘free sample’ on it

If you get a good gift back I wouldn’t do this. Suggest to friends ye skip
Gifts this year.

I personally wouldn’t like this, I’m particular about skincare and perfume. I don’t even use the samples I get from shops.

I'd be more than happy with that. A bit different from a bloody 3 for 2 gift set from Boots!

I think it’s a lovely idea, and definitely wouldn’t think it was scummy, but I wouldn’t want to receive it personally. When I get samples I chuck them in a drawer and then add them in to parcels if I am selling stuff on eBay, unless it’s something I have specifically wanted to try.

You can buy foot / hand / face masks in poundland as well as hand creams and body sprays you can add those.
Primark do gloves / socks for £2 ish...
This would be a nice present i think :)

See it depends on the type of samples in my opinion... if it is mini bottles/tubes pallets etc then ya I would like that alot... if its mini packets from say a magazine then to be honest i wouldn't b overly impressed

Sorry but...no

I'd love it - obviously you know your recipients and can judge what they like bit I think it's great- you can personalise to suit. Go for it !

I wouldn’t want it, but I’m sure plenty of people would. Only you know what your friends would like. You could always donate the items to food-banks if you have lots.

Little free sachets from magazines or beauty counters ... no.

Nice proper mini or travel sizes with a few extra personal thoughtful things, yes.

Depends what you mean by samples.

If it's miniatures with a proper seal or things like those tiny vials of perfume you get to see whether you like it, I think that could be very sweet if done with a bit of care.

If it's freebies from magazines/ not properly packaged, I would feel embarrassed. I definitely wouldn't be offended (unless I happened to know you were rich as fuck and just lazy, which you're not). But I would feel awkward.

Is it not possible to cut costs by suggesting adults only buy for children this year, or similar? My brothers and I all do that and it is honestly so much nicer and less stressful.

I’d find it a bit odd if I’m honest but you sound so lovely that you obviously really want to make sure you give people a nice gift. Sorry!

Can we see some pictures of your samples

I'd like the idea of it. But I'd be a bit if I got a box of even nice things marked 'sample only' or 'not for individual sale'.

Sounds perfect for the recipients !

@Babysharkdoodoodood those boxes are gorgeous. I'd love to receive something like that as you've clearly put a lot of time, effort and thought into it...much more important then the cost imo.
Op, go for it but personalise it for an extra special touch.

I’d love that! Personalise it to her and go for it!

I’ve just bought some samples from eBay for ds3’s Christmas Eve box. They are he little shampoo and shower gels you get in a hotel. Ds loves things like that. I can’t think of any friends I would give them to though.

From the fact you seem to be getting a lot of positive responses, I'm beginning to think that you must all be thinking of something different from what I am picturing when you say 'samples'

Like Sarahanduack says - are you honestly talking about things that come free in a magazine, or the tiny bottle of shampoo that you've swiped from a hotel stay ??

I'd be if someone gave me that.
I'd be more than happy if someone said "Let's not do gifts" or "Can we do a "Gifts under £3" or something, but I'd find it really odd if you gave me a box of things you'd collected for free.

No, I wouldn’t like it. I have sensitive skin and very choosy with my skincare and make up products.
Chocolate is the best present imo between friends ( or wine). It could be very personal and thoughtful.
I always share samples with my sister but it’s never a main present.

I wouldn’t appreciate it as I don’t use any make up or skincare products so it would be opened, appropriate noises made then consigned to a carrier bag somewhere in the house to be found months/years later and either to a charity shop or thrown out. It would leave me feeling the person doesn’t know me at all.

I’d love the thought that you took the effort to get me a present despite your own financial troubles.

And as a cosmetics junkie, I’d love such a gift.
Great chance to try out new products without having to buy / finish a full sized item.

Some adventurous people would love it. I would not. I'd prefer a small but good quality present like a bar of lindt chocolate, rather than a box of samples.

Nice idea! I am currently obsessed with subscription boxes and some are little more than samples but I still get such a thrill from them. And if you were to personalise with little extras I would wet my pants with excitement!