It Is The Thought That Counts
 

KAPPAtivating inspired an idea for a new threa. Now that the gifts have been opened what have you ever received that truly had to be considered as it was the thought that counts.

I have a cousin only went as far as a GED. He really knows nothing about college or fraternities and sororities. All he knew was that my Mom, sister, daughter and I were members of a sorority that used these funny letters. So one Christmas he and his wife got us all white sweatshirts with the letters D E O hand sewn on them with red ribbon.

It truly was the thought that counted.

Several of my in-laws have given what I have learned are 'annual' gifts. The first 2 years I was was like "what is this supposed to be", only because I went through great pain to pick nice gifts since I was new to the family. Then as the years have gone by, I have come to look for these things to 'complete' my holiday. Now, I don't go through great pain to pick the perfect gift and give something simple.

Aunt In Law #1: A crocheted Christmas ornament
Aunt In Law #2: English muffin/crumpet breakfast set complete with jellies and tea
Family Friend of AIL #2: Annual Christmas letter detailing the events of the year (always posistive) and now includes gift cards for my kids to Target.

This year...I made scrapbooks for everybody. Time consuming, yet well loved (I hope) by all 3 ladies.

my aunt gave my mother a lotto ticket for Christmas...

My solution is to regift! Although, Soror LG, I would probably just put it up.

My LS received a t-shirt after we crossed with the wrong chapter designation on it; the chapter designation on the shirt was for a chapter in her home area rather than our actual chapter several states away. I believe she tried to modify it but it didn't work.

It wasn't Christmas, but my husband recently gave me a small plush poodle. The Blue and Gold poodle that has always freaked me out. Hubby always knows that I like sorority stuff, so it really was the thought that counts.

My father got me a fake iPod that never worked. Kind of pissed me off. Wound up buying a real one for myself last month!

I take it that you didn't win?

Awww, man. My hubby did that, too. I've never liked iPods personally, but my hubby got me some anonymous mp4 player with a touch screen. We shall see how that goes. It's still the thought that counts, but I don't know what has him buying me random stuff, and he knows I'm picky...but appreciative.

I will admit it...I got each of my kids a Meizu music player. It costs about half of what an iPod costs BUT we are having major issues with importing music due to file formats. I will probably suck it up and plunk down the $100+ :o

My mother lost her father when she was 12 and still hasn't dealt with what happened.

My uncle called me before Christmas and informed me that he had a surprise for my mother. When he came over for Christmas he gave her a painting of her mother and father. She was moved to tears and really loved the gift. The thing was is that it was a painting he had gotten done for himself and had hanging in his house for 3 years. I thought it was nice. My mom knew it came off the wall in his house, but she didn't care. To her it was the best Christmas gift she got this year.

My other uncle and his wife (haven't had the heart to refer to her as an aunt yet) saw the picture when my mom unwrapped it and my uncles' tactless wife says, "Isn't that the picture that was hanging on your brother's wall. His wife (soon to be ex-wife) don't mind?" My mother gave her a look that said, " And your point is...." So yes it is the thought that counts and I am glad it put a smile on her face.:)

lol The thought right...my nephew bought me a sculpture that has a scripture on it. Bless his heart, its probably one of the worse gifts I have received.

^^^ That reminds of all of the people on "Showtime At the Apollo" who sang gospel songs because you can't boo them because they're singing about God. So, you couldn't not like the gift with the scripture because that's like not liking God. Something tells me he really might have had that rationale. :p

for my 24th bday my ex went to the corner store and got a pack of muffins and put candels in them........sigh that was really the thought that counted cuz nothing else did...

Exactly!! Now I have to find somewhere to put it so it won't look like I totally don't like it.

For christmas, my cousin gave me a pack of BIC disposable razors, a dry erase calender, a pack of pencils and a shower toy....WTH!!!!