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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Perhaps the Most Practical of Gifts I've Ever Received (but I did ask for them)


When it comes to asking for specific gifts, what could be more practical that giving me the opportunity to buy food and/or deeply-discounted clothing or housewares? I told my husband that I really, really only wanted a gift card to the grocery store as my gift from him. To my surprise, he was enormously pleased with what I wanted. I guess this made gift shopping super easy for him this year. I'd also say it's very easy to wrap a gift card, so I made his "job" that much easier. And what I ask from one of my daughters was a gift card to Value Village (thrift store chain). 

Now why would I want grocery and thrift store gift cards? When I'm grocery shopping, not only am I shopping for value, but I'm also shopping for items that my whole family will enjoy. Fairly often, I want something that I rarely buy, either because I'm the only one who would enjoy it, it's an expensive item for what it is, or both. I also wanted the ability to buy special foods for myself to help jump-start healthier eating in the new year. So, I'm a happy camper when it comes to grocery shopping now. As for the gift card to Value Village, my daughter knows that I love buying casual tops from there for the value (if I ruin them, no biggie), shopping the housewares departments for bargain kitchenware, and I now have a need for a new pj top to go with my newly-made pj pants (fabric courtesy of my other daughter).

How about you -- what are some of the most practical gifts you've ever asked for?


13 comments:

  1. I say practical gifts are great, especially if they can make you daily life better. I always ask for socks. I wear two pair at a time and enjoy getting new ones. I know it's a joke that getting socks and underwear for Christmas is a bad gift, but they make me happy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Live and Learn,
      Yes -- making daily life better. That is a gift. Thank you for putting it that way. It's how I've been feeling, too. Yay for new socks! If my feet aren't happy, then none of me is happy.

      Delete
  2. My husband got me giant planter pots for our front porch one year. I enjoy planting them every spring. Not the most romantic of gifts but I appreciate them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kris,
      I think commercialization has influenced what we think is "romantic". Your husband put thought into what might bring you joy (the planters), and his thoughtfulness IS romantic. My husband gave me small perennial flowering plant many, many years ago for Mother's Day. When it comes back to life each spring, I smile and remember his thoughtfulness. He knows I love flowers in the garden. I'd rather have that than jewelry or perfume or chocolates (okay scratch chocolates, I'll still be happy to have those).

      Delete
  3. I'm one of those weird people who prefers practical gifts. I usually just tell my husband what I am hoping for and he is delighted to gift me a vacuum or a new crockpot etc.
    One year when we were newly married (we're married 25 years now, but this was like year two or three) my husband got me a very plain, very inexpensive stainless steel potato peeler. I had mentioned one time that I didn't particularly care for the one we had received as a wedding gift and wished I had one like I used when at my grandmother's. Bless his heart he tracked down the very same one and got it for me. I treasure that peeler...it was one of the best gifts I've ever received. (I treasure the husband too! ;))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amanda,
      That was so thoughtful of your husband to find the exact model/brand of peeler for you, especially since you'd only mentioned how you liked your grandmother's peeler. He was paying attention and really wanted to please you. He sounds like a keeper.

      Delete
  4. I am also a weird person who likes practical gifts. My husband regifted his gift card he got from work and it was just fine with me. I can use it anywhere. All our money goes in one pot and comes out one pot so it benefits us both. I got a rose last week for my birthday and a phone call my sister in law died. All the kids and son-in-law at least messaged/texted me for my birthday and that itself is all I want. I'm just glad last week was over.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Alice, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will pray for comfort for you and your family.
      And also, happy birthday! How very nice that all your kids and son-in-law reached out to you on your birthday. I agree, just hearing from or being with my family is all I really want.
      Wishing you comfort, peace and blessings, Alice.

      Delete
  5. I told my husband that this year all I wanted was a fabric shaver. My sweaters always pill up - and when I buy them from the thrift store, they have that issue as well. A fabric shaver breathes new life into a pilled clothing item.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ruthie,
      That's a great practical gift! And so sweet of your husband to search for the best one, too. I keep meaning to buy a fabric shaver. I'll have to add that to my birthday wish list.

      Delete
  6. I meant to mention that he researched to find the one with the best ratings - I think it is so dear when thought goes into a gift - no matter the amount spent.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Not sure if it's the MOST practical gift I've ever asked for, but this year I asked for good quality Felco hand pruners. Next to my trowel, hand pruners are my most-used tool in the garden, as well as for trail maintenance (I have two miles of adopted trail that I maintain, as well as participating in group maintenance events of other sections). These have the option to replace the cutting blades, so I'm hoping I'll never need to buy a new set of pruners.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cat,
      Having a good tool that also has part replacement possibility is very practical. With the type of work you need them for, I'm really glad you have something that will last.

      Delete

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