The curse of homemade gifts

[Prudence]

I have to think of future generations. It's my responsibility to preserve items for display in my future Presidential library.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

But can I throw out the homemade stuff? Am I cursed to keeping it in a box hidden away? Do I really have to move them to my swanky new digs?

Oh crap! There goes my housewarming present idea for GD, CP. Anyone else want a gold spray painted, macaroni decorated, orange juice can, suitable for holding pencils?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by DreadPirateRoberts

Oh crap! There goes my housewarming present idea for GD, CP. Anyone else want a gold spray painted, macaroni decorated, orange juice can, suitable for holding pencils?

Ha. You think that's an exaggeration. You have not witnessed the horror. I just might unleash it on you guys.

Lash - great idea! I admit that part of my fixation has to do with having the actual object - but perhaps in a while I may be persuaded to follow your cool idea.

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

4) 1,2, or 3 above for the past, and on your mom's next birthday (or holiday), give her a book on crocheting afghans, a crochet hook, and several skeins of your favorite color yarn (hint, hint!)

THIS is an excellent idea! I just might. Shopping for mom is always tough. Thanks!

[Morrigoon]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

Ha. You think that's an exaggeration. You have not witnessed the horror. I just might unleash it on you guys.

I can think of a good time and place for that....

[Morrigoon]

Couple options here:

1) the "select one for sentiment, and toss the rest" solution
2) gather them all together, put them in a single box of maternal tackiness, easily stored, and easy to go to when you wish to be reminded of her, um, tasteful craftiness
3) toss them all
4) 1,2, or 3 above for the past, and on your mom's next birthday (or holiday), give her a book on crocheting afghans, a crochet hook, and several skeins of your favorite color yarn (hint, hint!)

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I'm with GC. Keep it, store/hide it, take it out when the gift maker visits.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Eliza Hodgkins 1812

I'm with GC. Keep it, store/hide it, take it out when the gift maker visits.

I find this POV interesting because my feeling is - why should I bend over backwards to show that I like a gift I actually hate? Lying when I receive it, lying when it's mentioned later - that's enough catering to crappiness in my book.

"Why should I change my name? He's the one that sucks."
~Michael Bolton, Office Space

[wendybeth]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I find this POV interesting because my feeling is - why should I bend over backwards to show that I like a gift I actually hate? Lying when I receive it, lying when it's mentioned later - that's enough catering to crappiness in my book.

"Why should I change my name? He's the one that sucks."
~Michael Bolton, Office Space

Then why did you ask? You already have your answer.

[€uroMeinke]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I find this POV interesting because my feeling is - why should I bend over backwards to show that I like a gift I actually hate? Lying when I receive it, lying when it's mentioned later - that's enough catering to crappiness in my book.

The dosconnect only persists in mistaking the object for only the object. It may also a symbol of love, respect, and family. In which case, you're not lying at all unless you reject the good wishes of your mother and have no desire to reciprocate through the object's display. It's the magic and meaning behind the object that makes it so difficult to discard, not the object itself.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

The dosconnect only persists in mistaking the object for only the object. It may also a symbol of love, respect, and family. In which case, you're not lying at all unless you reject the good wishes of your mother and have no desire to reciprocate through the object's display. It's the magic and meaning behind the object that makes it so difficult to discard, not the object itself.

Awesome post - I think you nailed it.