To think that most gifts for adults are a bit crap?

[thereareflowersinmygarden]

Most adults can buy little odds and sods that they want. Like a fiver for a pair of earrings etc.

Just thinking that almost every gift we received in the last few years has been while a lovely thought, a bit pointless? Just stuff to clutter up. I lived out of a rucksack for years (by choice) and find having loads of stuff very annoying!

Considering having an adult gift amnesty in our family this Christmas.

Think if depends what you mean.... are you talking about the sort of small gift you would give to an aquintance, child’s teacher, etc? Or gifts from family and friends?

Both. Both are generally clutter. From a small picture frame to an occasional table. No room!

I definitely know what you mean. Unless I'm very confident of something somebody actually wants I usually go for consumables or gift vouchers for something safe.

Yep, agreed. Having lots of stuff around stresses me out and I’ve tried for many years to convince one side of my family to stop gifts at Christmas, but to no avail. Looking forward to another year of craft fair tat that goes straight to the charity shop, along with a load of guilt at our throwaway culture and the impact on the environment. Sigh.

I disagree.

If you don’t often buy yourself treats then it’s lovely to be given a gift.

Maybe I’m lucky enough to have good gift givers who know me well. (And I’m not afraid to ask/drop hints.)

We dropped all gifts to adults at xmas about 10 years ago. Instead just all bring nice food. Totally reduced the amount of rubbish. And made it much less stressful

Why not have a charity gift instead? Where a goat or chicken or something else is bought for someone in a developing country.

I would prefer to not give or receive gifts and just buy myself something I really want for Christmas. Me and my friends just give each other vouchers, which is fairly pointless too, but not as pointless as an unwanted gift.

We stopped presents for adults last year. They were nice but not worth the expense and stress. Martin Lewis did a great video about this the other week. He wants people to end gift giving to all and sundry.

Absaloutly !

All I want is expensive nice cosmetics
Or cash

Nothing else

There is definitely the environment issue too. Recycling is a nice idea but how about we just have less shit in the first place? I think I read this week that around 80% of clothes end up in landfill. That is insane. What happened to charity shops?

I don't really like "toot" which thankfully most people don't buy me.
Within the family we not down a list of things we'd like (up to a set value) and present-buyers choose from there.
My most recent gifts were vouchers for a shop my sibling frequents, and a magazine subscription for another relative.
With other parts of the family, we don't exchange gifts between adults.

I completely agree. I don't need any more stuff. I've been de-cluttering all year (boxes and boxes of stuff gone to charity shops) and I just love how much clearer and calmer my house is now.

We did secret Santa for years in our family for adults & this year are knocking it on the head. Still have to buy dh's family but cutting back in a big way this year. I'd rather have consumables as not many have the budget or knowledge of my preferences to get me something great

We just ask for what we actually want or need in our family. I hate receiving tat, we just do not have the space and I feel so wasteful throwing things. If you’re giving gifts to friends/acquaintances food or drink is perfectly acceptable.

We don’t do adult presents- anything I want I will either buy myself or go without. If I cant afford it for myself someone buying it for me doesn’t help as I then have to spend the amount on them in return.

I totally agree! Ornaments, candles, bath cream.. and worst of all BODY LOTION! All just sat in a drawer until they expire and go old. I'd rather get something I need like boots or shoes, so I find vouchers are actually quite good gifts! If someone needs/wants clothes-new look voucher.... makeup-boots voucher etc

100% agree.

I'm desperate for a new hoover (Shark DuoClean )

Instead of getting it for myself I've asked for it as my Christmas present.

First Christmas I've been excited for (for myself, always love it for DD) in YEARS!

Adults don't need lots of shitty bits. I can't wait to unwrap that bad boy!

Oh yes toiletries (looking at you MIL)! Why do people think they are good gifts? If I want body lotion or a bath bomb, I'll them...

(Clue- I don't want either)

I get you OP.

I only like things I can eat or drink as gifts really, I don’t want stuff to clutter my house and I am very particular with earring/necklace type things that even them that now me unless it’s dh will probably get it wrong.

Luckily the family know I love food and never say no to alcohol so that’s what they buy me

I don't know, it depends how imaginative you are - I have had a piece of artwork made to celebrate DH and my wedding anniversary, which I know he will love and will be a great keepsake for me after he has gone. Yes, the alcohol and toiletry sets are a bit boring, but if you know the person well, you can find things that are just right for that person, without them being generic. I love thinking of unusual presents that the recipient would enjoy but may not buy themselves.

Physical gifts can be a bit dull and pointless. Instead of buying adults things, our family now buys experiences. DB likes gigs, DM afternoon teas and DF loves going out for fish and chips. As we live quite far apart these gifts give us time together doing something fun. As a bonus DD loves the afternoon teas and DS love fish and chips. The inlaws didn't like the idea so I just buy them things of the wishlists.

“I love thinking of unusual presents that the recipient would enjoy but may not buy themselves.”

Who has the time to do that when you work full time and have kids and busy weekends? I barely have the time to think what I woukd like for myself when people ask me what i’d Like, never mind think of something imaginative and special for everyone else.

That’s why vouchers are a great idea for me. I can pool them and buy something nice or useful that I really need instead of receiving loads of individual things that I don’t really want. But my in-laws don’t see vouchers as a proper present. They are very much into “stuff” and bargains.

Agree. I really don't like "stuff" so unless you know for sure it's something I want, it will end up being clutter, sold or charity shopped. I am happy to have wine , chocolate or toiletries, but I'd like them to be my favourites (and in the case of toiletries, ones that don't exacerbate my eczema).

Actually I'd really like people not to buy my gifts at all but for some reason people find it hard to accept this. Why?

"I love thinking of unusual presents that the recipient would enjoy but may not buy themselves."

There's possibly a reason they haven't bought it... sorry!