To request no more of certain items?

[itsnosoap]

Only if asked what I want for future birthday/Christmas presents of course!

This Christmas I got three sets of Soap & Glory stuff (which I used to like but now makes me feel a bit queasy), two sets of 'cute animal' socks and two lots of Hotel Chocolat, of which I am not a fan. All gifts given by close family members.

WIBU to say I don't need anymore of these items, if asked what I would like in future? I will be donating it all to Women's Aid or a food bank, so it won't go to waste, and of course I was very grateful and thankful for the gifts. I just seem to get these items every year and it seems a bit daft to let it carry on.

Nivea men's sets and FCUKs body spray ( I suspect Boots 3 for 2)was a common theme in our house.

Time to have a word about future gifts!

YANBU.

I said “no more mugs” this year. It’s getting out of hand!

Instead I got 4 bottles of perfume and 4 scarves.

Yep - predictable!

I would love to say no more vases, picture frames or tote bags. But certain people would get so offended it’s not worth it.

7 bottles of prosecco and 8 boxes of chocolate (I only like a decent prosecco (not many around) or a champagne), plus I'm trying to loose 3 stone!

I also had 5 cheapish bath sets- I'd rather have had the money and put it towards a Jo Malone bath set, which I love (and was lucky enough to have a set and candle for Christmas!!). Instead it will be in the bathroom and ds2 will use them, because he's got form for that! (Jo Malone stays boxed in my room!)

I know what you mean, you don't want to sound ungrateful......

Yes no more prosecco (don't drink), body butters (drowning in the stuff), Thorntons chocs (hate them), candles or old lady scarves please!

Fark, I would love prosecco and chocs!

(This is why you can’t really complain, I guess - people are doing their best!)

Their year I said no bottles of alcohol as I have a 6mo and I just won't drink it...so instead I got endless boxes of chocolates that I won't eat

So next year it will be no drink or chocolate please. It's a waste of peoples money! I would rather nothing than have boxes of chocolates sat around my house gathering dust.

For me it's character pj's in bright colours. Completely useless to me as I wear black/grey/neutral toned loungewear in the evening & sleep in a chemise yet I was given 2 pairs by my mother.

I'm not sure how to broach the subject without sounding ungrateful though.

Then they will get you something else you don't like. Say no more gifts, please.

I had to tell my mum to stop buying me socks with daft pictures on every year.

I must be the oddity I love scarves, bath sets and bags... prefer gin to prosecco though

I hear you! I got a neals yard hamper with about 10 items in which cost about £20 each and there's nothing in there I really want to use. I do like some of neals yard stuff so I'm hoping they'll let me exchange. My mum got me this when I asked for no gifts!!

I was given loose leaf Earl Grey tea because I mentioned I like it on FB. I never did. Loose leaf tea but not Earl Grey.

I had a butterfly necklace at my request but I've made it clear I don't need anything more butterfly themed.

I always make out i'm pernickety and "I like what I like" so people mostly buy me vouchers for brands I like or get gift receipts. I might sound a bitch but I got years of gifts I would never use or enjoy and I had to make it stop. I appreciated the thought but it was such a waste.

It was the only way to stop the influx of stationery, bath sets, candles, picture frames and jewellery.

I'm glad it's not just me! I really don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I'd want to know if I was consistently buying someone something that they didn't like.

expatinscotland, I'd happily say 'no more gifts' but present-giving is a must on both sides of the family, and people would be really upset. I do say I don't need anything and not to buy too much, but I can't force them.

I used to end up drowning in Bayliss and Harding type shower gel/bath gel etc. Now I just decant it into pump bottles and use in the downstairs loo. I never have to buy handwash all year. Its all soap, no matter what the label says (shower gel/ bath gel/ shampoo)

Amazon wish list, or offer to organise your own present.

I don't know what happens to some people (especially family) when it comes to buying presents! I gather eBay is doing a roaring trade in unwanted Christmas presents currently.

If its any consolation, they probably hate what we gave them too!

scaryteacher that's a sensible plan in theory, but the people in question would just buy what was on the list and then a soap and glory set as well, so it wouldn't solve the problem. I don't want to organise my own present, that's just added stress, especially at Christmas!

Jaxhog I thought that too, I wonder how many of my presents to others end up in the charity bag?!

Blimey, hotel chocolat, prosecco and neals yard stuff all turned down.. present buying is bloody tough!

I actually said this, but it fell on deaf ears with DP. I said no more perfume or make-up, but I got 3 bottle of perfume as it will 'keep me in stock'.

This year I had a little party on 27/112 when I invited a few women who work for me and some friends and we all shared all my xmas gifts that were consumable - it was great fun

That’s such a good idea! I’m stealing it for next Christmas.