How can I politely ask my in-laws to stop buying me unwanted home decor gifts?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the challenges participants face with in-laws who give unwanted home decor gifts. Many express frustration over the mismatch between their personal tastes and the items received, leading to a desire for a more effective way to communicate preferences without causing offense.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of feeling overwhelmed by home decor gifts from in-laws that do not match their style, leading to frustration about the lack of personal space in their home.
  • Another participant mentions their own struggle with in-laws who give seasonal decor items, resulting in clutter and a need to hide some gifts to maintain a balance in their home.
  • Several users express sympathy for the original poster's situation, with one noting the oddity of receiving a door as a gift and suggesting it might not fit in their home.
  • One participant reflects on their past experience with in-laws who were attentive to personal preferences, contrasting it with their current situation where gifts do not align with their tastes.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that perhaps the in-laws think of their gifts as contributions to a collection, rather than considering the recipients' preferences.
  • One user proposes that a polite request for donations to charity instead of gifts might be a solution, while another suggests creatively repurposing or hiding unwanted items.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants, with some expressing a desire for a polite way to communicate preferences while others share similar frustrations without a clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes about their experiences with in-laws and gift-giving, highlighting the emotional complexities involved in family relationships and the challenge of balancing personal tastes with familial expectations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar family dynamics or those seeking to understand how to address unwanted gifts in a respectful manner may find this discussion relevant.

wow.. this thread gave me a laugh today.. :) thanks !! It makes me appreciate my inlaws for sure... even if my MIL still goes into my bedroom and gets my dirty laundry and then of course hangs it ALL on the clothes line... not so bad.. at least there's nothing on my walls from them.. they did buy us our honeymoon trip to Hawaii, and microwave for our new home.. and probably numberous practical things that I can't think of now.. .best of luck to you..
 
Oh my gosh I'm only through page 4 of this thread and I'm cracking up!!! Now I see what you were talking about Carolyn! You mentioned something about a penis gourd on Director CS and I hadn't gotten here to check out this thread until now. How funny!! I see the problem though. I haven't read all the posts, but I hope you guys come to a happy medium.

I shouldn't complain then....EVERY year my inlaws give us a crystal bowl for our anniversary. Seriously. The one we got last year was the SAME EXACT one as one they had given us before for our anniversary. The funny thing is, our cat got up on my hutch in the dining room and knocked something down onto it (dumb cat) and the thing has a crack totally through the middle. I haven't thrown it out yet, but the ironic thing is we have a back up!!

Thanks for the laughs, everyone. This thread is great!!!:D
 
pamperedbecky said:
Oh my gosh I'm only through page 4 of this thread and I'm cracking up!!! Now I see what you were talking about Carolyn! You mentioned something about a penis gourd on Director Chef Success and I hadn't gotten here to check out this thread until now. How funny!! I see the problem though. I haven't read all the posts, but I hope you guys come to a happy medium.

I shouldn't complain then....EVERY year my inlaws give us a crystal bowl for our anniversary. Seriously. The one we got last year was the SAME EXACT one as one they had given us before for our anniversary. The funny thing is, our cat got up on my hutch in the dining room and knocked something down onto it (dumb cat) and the thing has a crack totally through the middle. I haven't thrown it out yet, but the ironic thing is we have a back up!!

Thanks for the laughs, everyone. This thread is great!!!:D
Click to expand...

Whenever I see them on TV, they never have a smile on their faces...they are always concentrating on what they are trying to figure out. ;)

...and of course, I personally would never go to one so I will probably never meet a happy one. :p
 
This thread made me laugh so hard today. :D

Carolyn~ I don't know what to say! Can you take the things they buy you down and put it up when they come to vistit? Donate it to a good cause? If not I would definitely put a Chinese Menu in the wall hanging.

Linda~ The zebra would scare the crud out of me. Good thing it is behind you!
 
Um.....yeah....um....

The door looks like something I would put in my hosue but the rest of it down right SCARES me! LOL!!! Bless your hearts!

I have no in-laws and my mom SUCKS at gift giving so I never have to worry about it. IN fact when she was here last so said she had a covet list. I had to check the house before she left to make sure none of my stuff was in her suitcase!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

How Can I Politely Address My Noisy Neighbors?
  • AJPratt
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
9
Views
2K
AJPratt
  • Sticky
How Can ChefSuccess.com Enhance Your Pampered Chef Journey?
  • Admin Greg
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
0
Views
9K
Admin Greg
Where to Find Camo Decor for a Kid's Toy Room: Tips and Suggestions
  • gothim0802
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
7
Views
2K
princessmeshelle
How Can I Resist Buying More House Stuff?
  • redsoxgirl
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
10
Views
1K
redsoxgirl
When You Ask Me "Can I Pay for It When It Arrives" ...
  • Intrepid_Chef
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
6
Views
3K
Sheila
What are some creative pillow gifts to leave at home for my family?
  • nicki25
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
9
Views
2K
nicki25
Something Amazing for Your Home.
  • Jilleysue
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
12
Views
2K
Chozengirl
How can I keep my house tidy with young children? Help!
  • crystalscookingnow
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
20
Views
3K
Kitchen Diva
Where Can I Buy the Host Gifts We Discussed?
  • topchef.heather
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
4
Views
1K
3RingChef
Prayers Needed: Our House to Sell Quickly
  • Jennie4PC
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
11
Views
2K
babywings76
Back
Top