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Wife Finds Husband’s Christmas Gift, Feels Let Down: “Yet Again I’ve Got A Useless Present”
Gift-giving is a delicate art that requires thought, effort, and a touch of detective work to find the perfect way to impress someone. That’s why we naturally expect those closest to us—who know us best—to pick out something meaningful.
But when this woman secretly peeked at the Christmas present her husband bought her this year, she was met with crushing disappointment. Now, she’s debating if she should confront him or simply let it go.
RELATED:
The woman couldn’t resist sneaking a peek at the Christmas gift her husband had bought her
Image credits: Ave Calvar (not the actual photo)
But what she found replaced her excitement with crushing disappointment
Image credits: ITryNFeelTheSunshine (not the actual photo)
Image source: ChristmasCinchNotGrinch
Most people admit they struggle to find the right present
Image credits: Andrej Lišakov (not the actual photo)
Planning the perfect gift isn’t always easy. In fact, in the U.S., two-thirds of people admit they struggle to find the right present, and 71% have experienced anxiety over gift shopping in the past year.
While that stress is understandable, it’s no reason to give up on choosing something thoughtful, as seemed to happen with the OP. Experts believe the solution lies in learning to pay attention to the details.
“The key to successful gift-giving is listening to the people around you,” says Kate Forster, a writer celebrated among her friends for on-point presents. “It’s the loveliest feeling in the world when someone feels understood, which is what successful gift-giving is, really–being understood and heard.”
“Always try and think about the things they love,” says Beth Macdonald, a lifestyle blogger and owner of the online gift store Add to Cart. There are plenty of ways to “spy” on someone to figure out what would make them gasp when they unwrap their surprise. “Check out their Instagram, see who they follow and check out those brands,” Macdonald suggests. “Check out their homes and their clothes and the wine or food they serve at home… there are clues all around.”
Forster also recommends being proactive: “Get stealth. Ask about logos for T-shirts and make a note on your phone. Learn about what your loved ones are into right now, then look up the topic and start your hunt. If your nephew is into anime, for example, then ask him who his favourite artists are. It is also a way of connecting with him.”
Additionally, as tempting as it might be to put off shopping until the last minute, starting early can make all the difference. “You probably think about great presents all the time but aren’t mindful about it and then you get what I call ‘present amnesia’ when it comes time to buy,” says Forster. “This is where phone notes help.” For instance, if you come across something online that you know a friend would love, save the link or jot it down. Over time, you’ll have a whole collection of potential gifts ready.
With the holiday season fast approaching, hopefully these tips will help you find gifts that truly make your loved ones feel appreciated. Good luck!
Some readers found it strange that the husband could miss the mark so badly and urged the woman to speak up
Others questioned whether the gift was even intended for her
A few argued that buying a present early was effort enough and she should let it go
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What do you think ?
arthbach 1 week ago
One of the comments was "He's a man. It's up to you to train him better." No, no, and a thousand times no. It is not up to a woman to train her partner and make him into a functional adult. Initially, that's his parents' job, and then when he is an adult, it's his responsibility.
Chihuahua Mama 1 week ago
Agreed. My thought was "train him?! He's not a dog..." That's such a weird way to think of a partner.
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Sean Of The Spiders 1 week ago
The 'YABU he's a man and needs training' comment is insane. 20 years? Poor woman is delusional. I'm a man and I always make sure I'm buying thoughtful and person-specific gifts. Funnily enough, no training required, as that's just being a conscientious adult. Some people's outlooks amaze me.
Chihuahua Mama 1 week ago
She clearly got herself a slow-learning dog instead of a husband
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Kristen Sharp 1 week ago
One of my last xmasses with my now ex husband, I saw a little pair of gold earrings. Nothing expensive mind you! I showed him and he was like "you're here with me, I can't just buy them with you around, it would spoil the surprise! And besides, we don't really have the $$ for them." (I'll say again, not expensive, from one of those kiosks in the middle of a mall with more gold plated things honestly) With that being said, he and his brother were there that day with me and they were looking at presents for their dad. They went into an electronics store and bought an expensive blue ray disc player (expensive even when they split the cost down the middle for both of them). Yeah, FIL got an expensive blue ray, I got a s***y, ugly pair of cheap earrings from AVON that his mom gave him. The look on my face was utter disgust and he was like "aren't they cute?!?" I was like "sure, cute.. I got you an Xbox last year and I get junk." He wondered why I hate xmas!
Pandapoo 1 week ago
My husband got me a pogo stick one year thinking it would be fun. Yeah, let’s have a few drinks, try it out, then break my leg! That sounds like fun. I took it back to the store.
Load More Replies...
arthbach 1 week ago
One of the comments was "He's a man. It's up to you to train him better." No, no, and a thousand times no. It is not up to a woman to train her partner and make him into a functional adult. Initially, that's his parents' job, and then when he is an adult, it's his responsibility.
Chihuahua Mama 1 week ago
Agreed. My thought was "train him?! He's not a dog..." That's such a weird way to think of a partner.
Load More Replies... Sean Of The Spiders 1 week ago
The 'YABU he's a man and needs training' comment is insane. 20 years? Poor woman is delusional. I'm a man and I always make sure I'm buying thoughtful and person-specific gifts. Funnily enough, no training required, as that's just being a conscientious adult. Some people's outlooks amaze me.
Chihuahua Mama 1 week ago
She clearly got herself a slow-learning dog instead of a husband
Load More Replies... Kristen Sharp 1 week ago
One of my last xmasses with my now ex husband, I saw a little pair of gold earrings. Nothing expensive mind you! I showed him and he was like "you're here with me, I can't just buy them with you around, it would spoil the surprise! And besides, we don't really have the $$ for them." (I'll say again, not expensive, from one of those kiosks in the middle of a mall with more gold plated things honestly) With that being said, he and his brother were there that day with me and they were looking at presents for their dad. They went into an electronics store and bought an expensive blue ray disc player (expensive even when they split the cost down the middle for both of them). Yeah, FIL got an expensive blue ray, I got a s***y, ugly pair of cheap earrings from AVON that his mom gave him. The look on my face was utter disgust and he was like "aren't they cute?!?" I was like "sure, cute.. I got you an Xbox last year and I get junk." He wondered why I hate xmas!
Pandapoo 1 week ago
My husband got me a pogo stick one year thinking it would be fun. Yeah, let’s have a few drinks, try it out, then break my leg! That sounds like fun. I took it back to the store.
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