What do you do when shopping for ungrateful/picky people?

[xlisapisa]

If they’re just picky I’d probably do cash or giftcard, it takes the guess work out of things. If they’re ungrateful, nothing. I don’t care if they’re family or not, that’s just disrespectful and you don’t deserve anything.

 

[Captain Jigglypuff]

I don’t shop for gifts too often as I’m on a budget. I will for Christmas but it’s only if I’m going to see my sister and her family for the holidays. I’ll only get gifts for her, my brother in law, and nephew and usually take one trip to the mall to get ideas for gifts that I think they will like and then come back a couple of weeks later to buy everything. I have only had one person I had to buy gifts for who was picky and I cut off ties with her years ago. She’d complain if she got something that she didn’t like and throw a fit. I’m glad that I don’t need to get anything for her now. A few of her gifts she got me were actually quite bad as they were mostly clothes that I didn’t really need or want or inappropriate like that taxidermy animal head which really freaked me out but I couldn’t say anything because she told me that it was “very expensive” for her to get and then she made me touch that horrible thing thinking that I’d love it.

 

[slzzpz]

If I absolutely had to buy someone like that a present, I would go with a Visa gift card or cash like others mentioned. They can use it literally for whatever they want. Or Amazon card, Gasoline card etc.. Maybe if you know they like a certain place, like Starbucks, getting them a gift card there?

 

[nightglow]

Choose a few people to gift things too and call it a day. Expectations are always hard in December. Sometimes baking something is an easy way to let people know you thought of them, without stressing yourself out or your wallet. Sometimes taking them out to dinner is good too, as you are spending time with them.

As I have gotten older, people get harder to gift too. Other adults want expensive things, or don't need anything because they can just buy what they want or need. I don't care for exchanging odd ball holiday clutter or gift cards, and purposely tell others not to get me anything. I personally just gift some stuff to the kids in the family and I do get my parents something, but that's it. And even that we cut back on some. Anyone who is upset will get over it, eventually.

Unfortunately there is a lot of focus on 'stuff' during the holidays.

 

[mewp0ka]

i usually don't bother buying stuff for people like that.

 

[Cirice]

If I have to get something for someone who I know has very specific tastes, I just ask them directly what they need / want. I do understand only wanting what you truly enjoy because I'm a minimalist myself. I don't mind if they even directly ask me for a gift card, at least I know they're going to make good use of it and that makes me happy too.

If they're ungrateful though I just don't get them anything, simple.

 

[skarmoury]

I'm not gonna lie, I'm at a point where I just ask people if they have wishlists or other specific items they want if it's for a birthday or the holidays. My mom is extremely picky with gifts so I make sure that I know what she wants before buying. It defeats the purpose of a gift and I understand, but also I would feel bad spending money on an item the receiver didn't want, so I want to save the trouble for me and the person. Besides, I think I show my love plentiful through other means that don't involve money.

If it was a handmade present though that's definitely another thing, I love crafted items and would never turn down one if a lot of time and effort was placed into it. I also appreciate gifts that weren't bought out of obligation but just because the person thought of me (like souvenirs). But if it's a birthday or Christmas present and you feel obliged to give me a present for the event then I always prefer referring to my wishlist or interests or something. Doesn't mean I don't love the people any less though, I guess I'm just also a little picky when it comes to gifts that cost a lot.

Really sorry what you had to go through though, you had her best interests in mind and many of your gifts are crafted, yet she refused them just like that. Best not to give her much of your time and energy if you know she won't be nice about it. I would definitely just get her a gift check, or whatever's on her wishlist. Better save your efforts for people who you know will appreciate you.

 

[azurill]

I just ask people for a list of a few items . This way it’s still a bit of a surprise since they won’t know what item from the list they are getting. This way I know they will like what I got them. I like giving gifts and seeing someone open something that they really wanted and how happy it makes them. know a few people who have given gifts that were pretty random and didn’t have much thought to them. My aunt used to just give everyone a coffee mug even if you didn’t like coffee. I really don’t need that many mugs.

 

[CylieDanny]

I just wanna say how much I appreciate all these kind words, and how understanding you guts are ♡♡ it honestly made me feel better. I was really upset, and conflicted on what I should do. Because I'd feel bad, but alot of the advice here, and words have helped me, maybe come up with a few options.

Though I'm honestly probably going to just give her a gift card. A few ideas here are some to consider too.

I also really appreciate all the suggestions and stories people have had. I really want to get around to responding to each of you individually though , your all so very sweet ♡

But I wanted to say something just so people know how much this has helped me.

 

[LambdaDelta]

I don't have this problem

 

[Romaki]

I'm a good gift buyer so I can usually pinpoint the picky people, but if they're ungrateful I would just go with money / gift cards.