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Original poster

Would this Xmas gift offend you?

69 replies

MsChnandlerBong · 09/12/2019 22:04

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.

OP posts:
MoiraRose · 10/12/2019 07:20

Babysharkdoodoodood Those boxes are lovely

OP, I would love that! Especially in one of Babysharkdoodoodood's decoupaged boxes Grin

AlternativePerspective · 10/12/2019 07:31

I think scummy is the wrong word. But I do think that giving away a load of free samples as Christmas presents is pretty off and I’d much rather the person didn’t get me anything at all.

The thing is that people would know that they’re just free samples of products, in fact they might even think that you’d bought yourself the full product and were just giving away the free samples to save them being stuck in a drawer at your house. That’s a bit tacky IMO.

If you’re going to give a personalised gift then just give the personalised gift nicely wrapped without padding it out with a load of freebies to make it look like something it isn’t.

OhWellThatsJustGreat · 10/12/2019 07:34

Like a hamper? That's brilliant, especially if the samples are things the recipient is into, also seconding posters that have said make it a bit personal with favourite drinks, snacks etc

Interested in this thread?

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Christmas General shopping
PrettyPurpleFeather · 10/12/2019 07:37

Why don't you sell the samples now as people are still buying for Christmas. Best time to shift them, market then really well on local Facebook and local selling pages like gumtree.

Original poster
MsChnandlerBong · 10/12/2019 07:51

Thanks for all the responses, much appreciated!

To clarify, they aren't crappy little samples that come in magazines! They are what I would class as travel size miniatures; things like GlamGlow face masks, Becca primers, mini 5ml perfumes, some mini pots of MAC eyeshadow etc.

One is for a friend, and we are close enough that I can say, look i'm skint this year but i've made you a box of 'bits' up and will buy little things to add, like false eyelashes, face pack, small box of chocs. The other is for my niece who is 17 and is obsessed with make-up - I have also got her one of the Victorias Secret body mists and some american candy to go with it.

I think I will do it as most responses seem to say that they would like it!

Thanks again for all the replies Smile

OP posts:
Beansandcoffee · 10/12/2019 12:59

They sound absolutely lovely and full of thought and love.

misspiggy19 · 10/12/2019 13:04

I wouldn’t like it. I’d feel a bit...I don’t know...insulted. I’d rather have nothing than a collection of free things, I think.

^This

Original poster
MsChnandlerBong · 10/12/2019 13:20

I must admit I am surprised by that. Surely it is about the thought? I am going to make nice boxes, nicely wrapped, with glittery bows and all that jazz! Oh well.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 10/12/2019 13:22

It is about the thought. But this is Mumsnet where people prefer how much than how much thought Wink

Kelsoooo · 10/12/2019 13:36

I love hair, makeup and all things beauty.

I'd hate this.

I'd end up using it for "welcome packs" for au pairs.

I have very specific needs, SLS/Silicone free for example. I have varied products, from a 3.50 serum to a £81 foundation....samples just aren't for me. Unless they're samples of what I already use in which case, AWESOME. I travel a lot, they're handy.

FrenchJunebug · 10/12/2019 13:39

I would love that!

Livpool · 10/12/2019 13:44

I would love something like that

Mumdiva99 · 10/12/2019 13:44

I'd love a selection of perfume samples. (I did buy some on ebay this year as I couldn't afford a whole bottle at the time. And I rarely wear perfume so a small sample is better than a big bottle which might go off).

TheJoxter · 10/12/2019 13:51

With the context of who they’re for then I’d say definitely go for it. I’d love to receive something like that

Abouttoblow · 10/12/2019 13:54

Babyshark

Can I ask how the 3 for 2 offer got you 6 £30 necklaces for £30? Genuinely interested.

ChristmasCakeLover · 10/12/2019 13:54

I wouldn't be keen as i have loads of free samples I'm still working through plus very sensitive skin. It depends on the recipient.

Hazardexhausted · 10/12/2019 14:01

Sounds great and i would love it.

Sagradafamiliar · 10/12/2019 14:02

I don't know why random MNers need to give you their specific requirements and issues, OP, when you've said more than once that your recipients love this kind of thing.
Your presents sound awesome and...thoughtfully curated to use a wanky but apt term! The teenager is going to be be particularly thrilled.

charm8ed · 10/12/2019 14:41

I think they are lovely presents but I’d like to think a friend would be able to say to me they’re skint this year so let’s not do presents.
If I was to receive a box like yours I would be happy. I like trying new products and appreciate the thought and effort put into making it.

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