I guess I’m a little odd. The favorite gift I’ve ever received, I think, was when someone gave specific items (socks, food items, etc.) to a shelter which was helping Katrina victims at the time. I appreciated that the person didn’t waste money buying me a pot-holder or scented soap or chocolate, and the gift still leaves a smile on my face.

However, it someone donated to a cause I didn’t agree with or believe in, I’d probably feel kind of yucky. So, good points!

I think next year, the adults in my extended family may decide together on a cause we’d like to support, and just buy gifts for the kids.

Thanks for a thoughtful post!

–Renae

I would much rather receive nothing at all, or something tiny but heartfelt like a beautifully written card, than to have even a substantial gift given in my name.

I’ve never known a company give on my behalf – then again i don’t know companies that send chocolates either. Must be mixing in the wrong company!

Seriously though my own preference would be to cut down on unnecessary gift-giving. Who needs more chocolates? I always end up with more sweet stuff I can eat at Christmas, and no-one I can give it to because everyone else is in the same boat.

Billions of pounds worth of presents are returned each year, often the day after Christmas. At least people are starting to donate unwanted gifts to charity shops here so they can sell them on but really, you have to ask why we’re all buying so much unneccessary stuff. (Of course it might be different this year when folk are feeling the pinch)

I’d rather we focus on meaningful thoughtful personal gifts which can’t be done on a mass scale.

If you want to thank your customers, send them an e-card.

If you want to give the money you’ve save on gifts, do it quietly, without fanfare.

Joanna