What's the point of wish lists?

[Blablabla1984]

..... if people don't follow them?

As our family and extended family are growing and there are so many to buy for, we all agreed to do Amazon wishlists with a few items up to £20 so people don't waste time on thinking what to get and buy unnecessary stuff. My DH and I followed everyone's lists and sent the wished items to their address. Come Christmas morning, I got a Bayliss & Harding set and a candle, DH got Lynx Africa set and novelty socks (none of this was on our lists)....
While these things can still be used, we were a bit confused why we were the only ones who followed other wishlists and ours were ignored. I know this is very much of a 1st world problem but has anyone had similar experience or advice? xx

We do a family secret santa now so you just buy one present for one family member .we set it at £100 but obviously can set whatever you like . Then it's quite good fun asking their partners or family what they would like or they can put links on the WhatsApp group ? There's also a website called elfster that shuffles and stores links for you . We do stick to the suggestions though! Hence I've got tickets to a musical which is great !

We're they're no more items left in their budget bracket?

No because nothing from our list was bought. Our items were ranging £5 - £18 but nothing was touched......

I'm guessing they already had stuff they wanted rid of

I’d put money on them being regifted gifts.

Haha we thought the same, but didn't want to admit they went for regifts.

I thought the point of wish lists were so that IF people wanted they had guidance on something you'd like. Can't see the point in gifting at all if it's a prescribed list you HAVE to pick from.

@DyingForACuppa

I thought the point of wish lists were so that IF people wanted they had guidance on something you'd like. Can't see the point in gifting at all if it's a prescribed list you HAVE to pick from.

I would agree with this, IF the buyer had found something else that they thought the receiver would really love. Something which was better than an item on the wishlist, a nice surprise or something different and special. Lynx Africa and socks hardly falls into that category.

I think wish lists are more of a guidance for those who don't know what to get you but they aren't supposed to be 100% followed. It's just something you do to help people a bit but it doesn't guarantee you'll get everything (or anything at all) from the list. I remember being kinda dissapointed about it too some years ago so now I don't do any wish lists at all as people usually don't follow them.

There is nothing special about baylis and harding, lynx, a cheap candle and novelty socks. How unthoughtful. How insulting. I'd go no contact. What friends.

That being said, my OH got me cheap tat. But he saved it with a more substantial gift.

I would suggest moving to no gifts between adults.

Nearer Christmas 2022, advise everyone that you’re only buying presents for children and that you and DH aren’t expecting any gifts either. It’s the only way to nip this nonsense in the bud.