Metal Meredith

Simply Doesn’t Exist

When I was little, I was under the impression that people just gave you stuff. That was the definition of a gift, right? It was your birthday and your family and friends guessed what you might like and got it for you. Some good, some not-so-much.

Who doesn’t have a childhood memory of tearing open paper and biting through tape to get the box open only to be faced with a sweater made from the world’s itchiest fabric? On the other hand, I remember getting this panda for Christmas one year. I never knew I wanted a panda! But I loved that thing and still think of it often. It had pose-able arms and legs and was so darn cute. Once, I left it too close to the heater and some of the fur turned this rust color. It was one of my favorite childhood toys.

Somewhere around my teen years, my parents started asking for a list of what my sister and I wanted. We would sit for hours making lists of what we wanted, clothes, make-up, music, electronics, shoes, jewelry, posters, room decorations and many other random things. Sometimes, in desperation to not forget anything, I would spend hours in front of the TV watching for commercials of things I forgot to add.

It was never a disappointment to open a box and see something you put on the list. Better getting what you wanted rather than another itchy sweater, right? Suddenly, this became the only way we gave presents in my family.

I am here to announce that I don’t think that embodies the spirit of gift giving. I will most likely piss a few family members off by doing this, but I am hoping not. My sister called me recently and told me I was the hardest person to buy gifts for, Phil being a close second. Funnily enough, I don’t think I am.

In my humble opinion, gifts are presents you buy for someone that YOU want to give THEM. The only break in this rule is wedding registries and baby showers. Of course, I am not one to follow those either. Just ask Ronni if she is enjoying her pink Vespa light that certainly was not on her registry…..haha!

I feel like good gifts are something you have to work for. It requires the given to pay attention, listen and think ahead. Keep a list of what people say they need, mention they want, discuss liking at the moment, show curiosity for. If you don’t have the advantage of these things, then the burden is off you to find the perfect gift. Instead, find something that you would like to give.

Oh, and if anyone ever tells you that the gift you gave them stinks, then I think your giving spirit would be more appreciated elsewhere. No one should waste time on being underappreciated.

On that note, happy buying!

Meredith

PS. I got my hair cut last week and the guy made me look like a muppet. I took photos to share in my gigglefest. Anyone else would have melted into a pile of tears. Not me, I laughed and took photos!