Do you think it's ok to tell someone what you would like as a gift?

1. 69

   AussieTreeChangeposted 11 years ago

   Do you think it's ok to tell someone what you would like as a gift?
   
   If you have been with your partner or spouse for a long time, do you give hints or tell them what you would like for your birthday or christmas or any other special occasion?  or do you prefer a surprise or do you just go and buy yourself something?

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2. 61

   papiyajanaposted 11 years ago

   Very good question. I would expect surprise gift from my partner.

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   1. 69

      AussieTreeChangeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is a good question and I am very interested in people's thoughts and ideas. Thank you for your answer.

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3. 66

   maddotposted 11 years ago

   Of course it's okay to say what you want..how else are you going to make sure you get what you want!
   Unless of course they want to surprise you with  tickets to Italy, Brazil or Spain, a new car..then surprise gifts are fine!

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      AussieTreeChangeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I like you outlook and appreciate your honest answer. Thank you!

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4. 93

   sangreposted 11 years ago

   Tell them what you want or give a very big hint.
   
   It's better to get something you really want than something you don't. I personally always say what I want and always make a point of asking not direct questions per se, but little probing questions in regards gifts.

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   1. 69

      AussieTreeChangeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think being subtle with hints is a great idea!  thank you for your answer.

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5. 81

   debrisposted 11 years ago

   Yes, I believe it is OK, and I do let people know what I want. Additionally, I prefer surprise gifts. I know these answers seem at odds with one another, but you can give general ideas (hints) as well.
   
   I really enjoy loose leaf teas, so I might let my wife know that I would really enjoy new teas for Christmas or my birthday.
   
   Often, she'll deviate and get me something else, and she is really wonderful about remembering things I need that I don't even remember, LOL!
   
   I don't want anyone who is willing to spend their hard-earned money on me to waste that hard-earned money.
   
   So yes, not only do I believe it is is OK to tell someone what you would like as a gift, I believe it is important to. They can still deviate and purchase what they want if they care to.
   
   I understand the modest "you didn't have to get me anything" idea, and the thought certainly does count, but re-gifting has become really popular for the exact reason of not letting people know what you want.
   
   Ironically, re-gifting then perpetuates the problem. Excellent question :-)

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   1. 69

      AussieTreeChangeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent answer.

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6. 60

   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   We've been married over 40 years and I learned a long time ago with my husband, I have to tell him exactly what I want or he gets confused and really stressed over buying gifts.  I can tell you that the surprises from him were really something! Funny now, but at the time...oh my.  There was the time he bought me a pair of cowboy boots and wrapped each boot separately so I would have more to open....so you can see where this is going. It is easier and less disappointing to buy our own.
   
   Now we just buy ourselves what we want for Christmas and we don't usually do gifts any other time.

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   1. 69

      AussieTreeChangeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I can relate to your comment.  I am very much the same.  I had a good old laugh too... especially the cowboy boots!

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7. 81

   peachpurpleposted 11 years ago

   i would definitely tell my spouse or my friends what i want for a gift rather than them spending money on things that I don't need. Hence, he will feel much better when I appreciate and value the gift, right?

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8. 0

   Deepes Mindposted 11 years ago

   Yes it is ok. It is better to let someone know the things you like than to risk hurting their feelings with your reaction to getting something you don't like

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