Really felt this over Xmas, I appreciate that not everyone is so fortunate but in general nobody ‘needs’ or often wants any of the stuff we exchange over Xmas (or on birthdays).
Many people these days are in the position to just buy what they want. Things that would once have been a treat to receive can now be picked up easily at any time and no longer feel particularly special.
When receiving gifts, I appreciate the thought but very few people know me well enough to choose something I’d really like - and tbh most things I’d really like are more than my friends/family’s budgets (not talking hundreds of £ either).
There’s also the waste aspect - if I’d like eg a pair of silver earrings there are certain styles that suit me and so on but unless I specify exactly which - taking all the fun and surprise out of the gift buying - I end up with something I’m unlikely to wear.
It’s also stressful buying gifts, spending money on things just for the sake of giving ‘something’. I try really hard not to go overboard and choose something thoughtful but it just feels a bit pointless knowing people probably feel like I do. It’s often suggested on here to give consumables but who needs more food hanging round - our office kitchen was full of people’s leftovers yesterday and it’s just wasteful and depressing.
I know this sounds spoilt and ungrateful and it’s really not meant to be but I have a small home and limited budget - it depresses me to spend money on things other people don’t really need or want while receiving things I won’t use and don’t have space for.
AIBU to say that gift giving just doesn’t work any more? Or ask for ideas how to improve it!