to think buying toiletry gifts in the Boxing Day sales for next Christmas is tacky?

[crinkle8]

So today I was talking to a colleague about Christmas, and how quickly this year is going. She then said she's done all her xmas shopping I said you must be very organised! She said she did it all in the Boxing Day sales.

She then said she broughttoiletry sets from Boots for all the women in her family when they were 90% off. Is it just me who thinks this is a little TOO cheap? I'm all for a bargain if it's something that can keep, but I'm not convinced toiletry products can lost that long. I've had toiletries I've left unopen for a year, and when I open them they've either lost their scent or really runny.

Also, anyone who shops at Boots will know the packaging is from last year, and know the person got it at 90% off a year ago.

Great idea,I do it.read the manufacturer label will be fresh for years if unopened

Crickle - has your view changed now people have told you they don't go out of date? As you say that was your only reason for finding it tacky?

Most toiletries are fine for years and years. It's only lotions that might go a bit funny after two or three years.

It's not tacky to buy sale items as presents. They were expensive once. They are still the same product.

Having said that, I don't like toiletries as presents as I have too many already. I prefer gift cards so I can buy other people presents with the money.

I donate all shower gels/bubble bath I receive at Christmas to the local food bank as they are always desperate for toiletries.

Sets like Lancôme, YSL, clinique all good solid buys I a sale
I buy joules stuff, candles,cups etc in sales for secret Sandra,leaving gif

Yes all my toiletry gift sets get donated to the food bank too.

I like the idea of Secret Sandra. I see her sneaking round the office at night leaving passive aggressive notes on the communal fridge.

I can't use most toiletries because my skin is very reactive.

Any shite stuff I get like that goes straight into church raffles.

For most sets the shelf life depends on how they've been stored. In hot countries it's around 18 months. In the UK they last for years.

Lots of people love the toiletries sets - even the cheaper ones. People ask for specific sets and get excited about what's included.

I think it can be a bit thoughtless unless you know they really love them.

So many people buy Christmas presents in the sales these days and regifting seems much more typical. I don't think it's tacky.

WifeOfMao

I have soap which is 20 years old, it's fine.

neon you say that you LOVE the sets therefore if you receive one it will be a good gift for your and not tacky however lots of people don’t like them and would find it thoughless .

Buying toiletry gifts is tacky full stop

I also regift things I receive that I don’t like
I Put a post it note on it say who it’s from,so they don’t receive own gift
Genius,a bn gift ready to recycle to someone else

I bought makeup brush sets in the boots sale when they were 75% last year. They’re real techniques. The brushes stay the same every year. You can buy them individually now for £10-£15 each. The people who receive them will get three times what they’d get otherwise. We all win surely?

Also I don’t see how any of this is ‘tacky.’

Do people still use toiletry sets?

I don’t like toiletries and wouldn’t appreciate them as a gift . I just don’t buy Christmas presents for adults anymore with exception of my parents, sister and a good friend. I usually have sister’s and friends present bought by September . I’ve given them £50 Emma Bridgewater serving bowls for Christmas beforewhich I got in the Christmas sale the previous year for £20 . They both have lots of EB though so I knew they would like them .

I got loccitane in Sale, used it for a birthday.recipient was delighted
I can’t see how it’s tacky to buy wanted thoughtful gift in sale.knwing what they like
Unless you measure regard by how much was spent. And think a sale gift is insult

the Boots January sale implies that either
A) you have a freakishly skewed group of loved ones who all happen to love body lotion (fine but unlikely)
B) you aren’t really that close to anyone (sad)
or
C) you’re a crap and thoughtless present giver

D/ you’re clever because you know the Boots sale isn’t all “smellie sets” and you were able to buy some fantastic stuff for birthdays and even summer-oriented stuff to give to all the hard working TAs and admin at your kids’ school, who usually receive fuck all.

Sale shopping is savy if you know what would be appreciated and have room to store it .

So many people on this thread can't stand to receive toiletries and get rid at the earliest opportunity- do you people not use toiletries at all? So many of you sound utterly ungrateful.

To anyone who wonders what the purpose of body lotion is. Just wait. There will come a time when your skin will drink the stuff!

Perfume also smells longer if you apply it to moisturised skin.

Those boots sanctuary/ soap and glory etc sets are just generic thoughtless gifts. I would never buy those brands.
I'd rather someone didn't waste their money. I don't need gifts at Christmas. Company is more important