Comments on: What Would You Do?

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:29:15 +0000

If I was the gift-giver, I would hope that the person would thank me and not feel pressured to give something in return if they hadn’t already planned on it. It would make me feel bad that I’d put them in an awkward situation.

If it were me, I’d feel pressured to find something to give in return. But knowing my schedule, I’d never find the time to make a special shopping trip and would resolve to get them something the next year. Most often, people give you something right before they leave for vacation and there’s not an opportunity to reciprocate until after the fact. I’d send them a hand-written thank you note, though.

By: More Style Than Cash

More Style Than Cash — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:09:56 +0000

I would write them a lovely thank you card and tell them about some trait that they have that I admire or some incident that we shared that we either both thought was funny or meaningful. I would also suggest a date to have coffee with them or invite them over. I have found in the past when someone gives me an unexpected gift that it is a tentative gesture that they want to build a stronger friendship or that they are lonely and trying to make friends.

By: Cindy Brick

Cindy Brick — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:54:25 +0000

Who knows whether your homemade goodies would be MORE treasured by this person than any expensive gift you could buy? We know people who don’t have the time (so they think) to bake, or the skills (ditto — though I disagree). Especially guys. They’d LOVE a homemade cookie or batch of caramel corn much more than some silly tie or box.
If you’re feeling especially guilty about it, though, combine the caramel corn with a cheap DVD from Wal-Mart. Looks much more substantial: problem solved.

By: Chrissy

Chrissy — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:52:17 +0000

My policy is to graciously say thank you and not to worry about reciprocating. I have a friend that I always give gifts and I understand that her financial situation is difficult and I never expect anything in return. She’s always graciously appreciative of everything that I give her.

By: Lora

Lora — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:53:20 +0000

I would go with the caramel corn idea that you mention. I made caramel corn from your recipe as a side or small Christmas gift for many of my in-laws and their friends a couple of years ago. Last year I didn’t find time to make it, and I received numerous complaints about not bringing that gift again! So this year it is on the top of my list of homemade gifts to prepare.

By: Jean Calabrese

Jean Calabrese — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:43:38 +0000

I have a box in the attic with afew “generic” items, a wallet, a foldup umbrella, a holiday pin, bath salts. I would take one of these items and wrap it up and give it to my friend. Jean

By: Amy Dunn

Amy Dunn — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:46:57 +0000

My go-to in-a-pinch gift is a jar of my homemade strawberry or fig jam. I give these as neighbor and teacher gifts and always have a few extra sitting on top of the pie safe in our living room during the Christmas season. They’ve already got ribbons and homemade gift tags on them — just in case.
And who doesn’t like homemade jam?

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:47:54 +0000

I’m whip up a basket filled with cookies, breads and homemade hot chocolate. Add a nice ribbon and you’re all set.

By: TJ

TJ — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:29:14 +0000

It really depends on the person. I have a stash of goodies that I buy at 75-90% clearance for Secret Prayer Partner gifts and they often can be pulled for the occasion. We don’t give many friends gifts, so I also buy inexpensive food stuffs (flavored coffee packets, teas…) and make candy or cookies that can be quickly arranged into a gift bag. Also a card of thanks is often sufficient.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:03:40 +0000

Gifts are to be given out of love or gratitude or a whole list of pure thankful emotions — not out of obligations. If I get a gift from someone unexpectedly, I thank them genuinely and move on. It is what I hope people will do when I give them a gift.