Sorry Honey, But I Have All I Need

by Katy on January 9, 2014 · 23 comments

I am a frustrating person to have on your gift list. Why? Because I’m perfectly content with what I already own. I have nothing on my Amazon wish list, and if anything I’m feeling like I have too much stuff in my life.

It frustrates my husband and mother to no end.

I spent this last evening snuggled under a thrifted fleece throw reading a library book while wearing my Dollar Tree reading glasses. I enjoyed a cup of tea, (Red Rose, which I purchased combining a Safeway Just4U coupon, a manufacturer’s coupon and a double coupon) and it was the pinnacle of perfection.

Ahh . . . 

I’m here, I’m content, get used to it.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }

Belleln January 9, 2014 at 5:34 am

Love it⁄ I’ve already decided to ask for gift cards for both gift giving events this year – Mother’s Day & Christmas. At least that way I’ll be able to get only what I need.

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Charlene January 9, 2014 at 6:00 am

I have also been told that I am difficult to buy for, most often by my husband’s family, who are more materialistic than I am. They finally solved the problem by buying me gift certificates for cooking classes and a calendar that I like every year for Christmas. Both are consumable (which I like) yet they get to feel like they are treating me. Win win!

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Sadye January 9, 2014 at 5:19 pm

Yes, along those same lines, I was going to suggest that next time they get frustrated, you tell them to give you either an experience or something you wouldn’t splurge on for yourself (for instance, my parents got me a gift certificate to a spa one year, and I decided to try a massage on someone else’s dime).

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AnnDenee January 9, 2014 at 7:25 am

My husband and I both struggled for a suggestion to each other. We had agreed we would do 1 gift each from the other plus our daughter to involve her in the giving. Finally, he realized he needed a cover for his phone. So off I went to the store to find a cover and as I am looking through the millions of phone covers, I see the next display over is kindle covers… on clearance. Score! My kindle is now protected and we ended up getting a cover for his phone at the expensive phone cover store. But it’s done.

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Lisa January 9, 2014 at 7:43 am

I actually said to my husband this year: I really can’t think of anything I need. But, I really don’t want anything that other people think I need, either. It’s nearly a burden to receive stuff that you don’t want. Most people don’t share this mindset, but those who do, really “get it”.

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Megyn January 9, 2014 at 8:07 am

I think I’ve gotten the same complaint nearly my entire life. I’ve always been one who only wanted exactly what she wanted; nothing more, nothing less. My mom has always complained that I’m too practical and not fun to buy for. It’s gotten to the point where my husband just doesn’t gift me anything because he feels too pressured to get the right thing aka something he doesn’t have to return/can’t return. I don’t blame him as I have had him return flowers and candy I don’t like. However, I’m not willing to have his hard earned money go to something I really don’t want/need/like/will eat. I have been dying for a DSLR, but that’s so pricey ($2+k) that I know my hubby won’t get without consulting me first. I’m completely fine to keep getting my practical items, like gift cards for groceries.

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Louise January 9, 2014 at 8:14 am

My husband and I have been no-gifting for many years at Christmas. No longer young and starting out, we have what we need so why add clutter? Plus, we hate to buy things before Christmas when they are so much cheaper in the after Christmas sales! Birthdays are simple with the focus on making a wonderful home-cooked meal that the birthday person suggests.

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Katy January 10, 2014 at 10:22 am

My husband and I no longer exchange Xmas gifts, this was for my birthday.

He did make a wonderful home cooked meal and a delicious chocolate cake.

Katy

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hmbalison January 9, 2014 at 9:21 am

The older I get, the more I lean toward experiences instead of “stuff.” My favorite present this year was a gift certificate for massages that my husband gave me.

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Sarah G. January 9, 2014 at 9:28 am

I wish I was more content. Most of the people we know would consider us ridiculously frugal, but in our eyes, we have far to go. Especially me. Hubby doesn’t want much of anything, really. But there simply are some things I’m always hankering for. Mostly experience gifts. I loooooooove going to see plays and concerts… unfortunately, those things are inordinately pricey, even for just two people. We usually go to see one play OR concert per year, which is nice, but not enough for me! Maybe I’ll get there eventually… being more content, that is.

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NMPatricia January 9, 2014 at 12:18 pm

I am so in the same space, Sarah. I know I am fortunate and have everything I really could need. But I love experiences – especially massages as hmbalison mentioned.

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AnnDenee January 9, 2014 at 2:57 pm

My mother loved going to theatre but it was expensive for her budget so she got involved with the theatre: helping in the costume dept, ushering. Theatres always need volunteers. Now that I am thinking about, she was in a couple shows as an extra.

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ginger January 9, 2014 at 3:11 pm

Check out college and community college productions. They are inexpensive and sometimes free. Ditto high school plays and concerts. Summer concerts in the park are usually free so check both your community and nearby communities. Might even locate a Shakespeare or Children’s Shakespeare in the park like we have within walking distance.

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Anon January 9, 2014 at 3:27 pm

I’m with you completely! Thank goodness, my husband and I are on the same page with this. Neither of us wants anything, usually. When we were newlyweds, I suggested a $10/occasion limit, so we could get something like a few chocolates, or a book. But, that quickly turned into nothing but well-wishes, and perhaps dessert for the special day. And, we’re very content with that. I’m so glad that I have a spouse who feels the same way I do about this stuff : )

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cathy January 9, 2014 at 3:55 pm

Content. That’s a lovely way to put it, and so how I feel. It honestly doesn’t take much.

I just read something today where the person referenced the William Morris quote to not have anything in your home that isn’t useful or you don’t believe to be beautiful (paraphrasing). The perfect catalyst for clearing more clutter from my life.

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Dawn January 9, 2014 at 4:09 pm

This is too funny. I also sat on my couch. But I read blogs I like on an ancient laptop that was a castoff from a friend. I was snuggled in a brand-name Snuggie that was given to me from a family member–also a castoff –unwanted gift new in the box. I drank tea purchased at clearance price. I like many in the above comments love experiences. But things–not really so much. Contentment!!!

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Bauunny January 9, 2014 at 4:31 pm

I don’ t need anything either . For several years we did not exchange gifts at Christmas…..just focused on the kids who really do not need anything either. One year we “gave” each other the gift of estate planning. Not very exciting, but necessary and a relief to have that paperwork in place.

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tna January 9, 2014 at 6:27 pm

So true. And if your family and friends really love you they don’t get their feelings hurt and just embrace your weird duck ways! Ha! It took a few years but no one ever gives me anything now. They know I really mean it…I don’t want it, I don’t need it, and I don’t want to have to lug it around or mess with it. But thanks, I do appreciate your kind thoughtfulness. You an’ me be clutter free there’s lots more room to dance!

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Sara Tetreault January 9, 2014 at 7:01 pm

Happy Birthday, Katy!
Since you and my husband share the same birthday – I’ll tell you what he got….3 pairs of new jeans! He finally agreed to getting some new ones (trust me – they needed replacing!) Guessing they’re 12-years-old or possibly older. The kids bought him one pair and I splurged for two pairs. It kills him to buy anything new but these will get worn for 15-years – I’m sure. Plus, they’re very handsome on him. 🙂
Hope you had a great day!

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Heather January 9, 2014 at 8:40 pm

I get the same complaint. I had fewer complaints this year as we just bought a house and I have some home improvement needs and wants. My husband is painting our bedroom for my birthday and it’s one of the best gifts I’ve gotten in years!

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Rachel Gillespie January 9, 2014 at 8:50 pm

My sister and I had a communication breakdown about Christmas presents. The result was that I got her and her husband some edible treats and they didn’t get us anything. I FELT SO LIBERATED! Relief coursed through me; it was great.

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PoppyEcho January 10, 2014 at 10:56 pm

chocolate! I have an infinite need for chocolate.

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Diane C January 11, 2014 at 4:35 pm

LOL! I have told DH repeatedly that I have everything I need and want, and he feels the same way. This year, I filled a big glass jar with a variety of Hershey’s Kisses. I then added the lyrics to “I’ll Cover You” (With a thousand sweet kisses…) from “Rent”. He’ll never eat the chocolate, but we love looking at it on our dresser. OTOH, his was an epic fail this year: I am writing this on a new laptop. I would never have asked for one, but I love that he filled a wish that was completely unverbalized by me.

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