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Yes! I think the same of handmade gifts. What a treat that someone would spend hours of their time creating something just for you. It’s not “cheap” it’s incredibly thoughtful, creative, and unique.

A gift should not be about the cost. One Xmas, many years ago, I just didn’t have the cash to spend on gifts, so I gave my children, vouchers for weekends away, with me caring for the little ones.....

Someone once dissed a $7 gift I carefully picked out for them, thinking they'd love it. Apparently they did not, somehow found out the cost of it (no, I didn't leave the price tag on it) and turned their nose up at it because it was too meager. It was years ago and still stings a bit when I remember.

I can’t imagine being that ungrateful. It’s the thought that counts.

I have a friend who never liked my gifts I could tell so I stopped giving them. Then she actually asked me for something I had and I found out she donated it .

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your " friend " don't people realize that we spend a lot of happy time and energy to find them a great gift? And that it hurts when they're dismissive of it. Glad you stopped giving to them, that was smart.

Some people are jerks.
I’m so sorry that happened to you! That’s a reflection on that person, not on you. Gifts should always be appreciated, no matter how big or small!

I had something similar happen to me. That was the last gift I ever gave them.
My mother said "They were raised wrong! Always say thank you and be grateful that someone would gift you anything" and I shared that story with my friends and they all agree with never give gifts to people who don't want to appreciate your kindness and the spirit of giving.

This is why I am done with gift giving. If people want to do activities together, or have meals, that's fine, but no more money spending just to be judged and put down.

My favorite gifts have been homemade: air freshener based on midevil timers, literally an orange with whole clovers poke into it, to make different patterns. Smelled wonderful. Another friend gave me a homemade candle holder. Both took time and was creative.

I appreciate the thought that is behind any gift. At 66, however, I have de-cluttered my home and do not want more "stuff." Make me home baked goods! Buy me some wine. Be my friend and let's go dutch treat to dinner. It's your friendship I want and need. It stresses me to get more "stuff," knowing how hard I am working to keep to a simplified life.

Honestly I would love any gift. My son has autism and even at 20 never even makes me a card.  He’s verbal and capable but doesn’t.
My BF just tells me to get something and he’ll pay me back.

Tell him that’s what you’d like for Christmas. Maybe he hasn’t learned yet about reciprocity?
Teach him.
I feel your pain. I don't mind having him give me money, but I would like a small gift that he picked out himself.

Exactly! I can buy what I want or need. It doesn’t have to even be a gift. Sitting for my son to allow me to take a yoga class or something would be great.

I just want to know if you mean gifts are a token of someone’s regard? Duh! That’s why it’s hurtful when no one puts effort into a gift. That was an insensitive and insulting statement. You can take your toxic self somewhere else, thank you.
I bet you are the sort of person who says god has a plan after someone dies.

I love small, inexpensive gifts....if someone gave me a small plate of cookies they made themselves, or a handmade "anything " (a painted rock, a knitted or crocheted scarf, a card, anything), I'd be very happy. If they reused or recycled something to make my gift, I'd be thrilled with that.

Such a wonderful way to put it. To appreciate the gift and not snub the giver. Also wise words for me to be mindful and more frugal with my time making and gifting. No more time / gift wasting for the ingrates.

For me it definitely is the thought behind the gift. If it is an expensive gift, but no effort or thought was put into it, then I don’t like it. I love anything handmade or sentimental. My favorite gifts have been from thrift shops or handmade. I like it when someone just gets me.

Plus the time spent choosing it, wrapping it etc.
Meaningful gifts often cost less but there is so much love given with them. Priceless

Very well said!! I love my thoughtful gestures more than a costly gift. I buy what I want.

Agree 100% because I'm a cook on y spare time! My friends love my cooking. I started making big huge pots of spaghetti sauce and freeing in quart size bags. I make them dinner baskets. They love them. With covid shutting every thing Las year, I didn't make the basket and didn't do my normal get together. Boy they were upset about not getting their dinner baskets but not upset about not seeing me!

If a person drinks coffee a $5.00 gift card to their favorite coffee house is perfect. Don’t worry about expensive gifts try thoughtful ones. A hand written note is also nice.

If you have listened to your kids through the year and know what is going on this is so easy. Stores online for shopping...a few local products and a lot of love. Never show until the day and nothing has to be expensive. Just LISTEN to the people around you. Most of us just want sleep, peace, a roof over our head and food. My daughter just wants to make a gingerbread house....she is 13y old.

I only do my husband and kids. Everyone else gets little baskets or baked treats.

Thank you for this!! Unfortunately I don't think we'll have Christmas this year (as I've had small 2 babies within a year age distance and still paying hospital bills) so maybe this will help put into perspective that we should all be more appreciative Happy Holidays, You all!