Gift giving is for the birds.

February 28th, 2008 at 12:07 pm

Even though the week isn't over yet, I got an icky feeling as I was running through the total expenditure on discretionary spending. I'm starting to think the blissful denial was better- even though I know that's what got me into this mess.

I just got done shoveling out 251.34 for a new set of binoculars for the man. He is an avid birdwatcher and has wanted this pair of binoculars for as long as I can remember. Even as I bought them, I started to feel physically ill. They're supposed to be a gift for our anniversary. I know that generousity is important, but I feel like we have become so consumed with giving gifts. Its actually becoming difficult to think of things to buy him because I have indulged every whim he has ever mentioned. Believe me, I know that things are not the building blocks of a great relationship, but it feels so expected. Not from him, but everyone else.
A couple of days ago, I spent 159.00 on tickets to see a Dodgers-Red Sox game. Let me preface this by saying that I am, in fact, a fanatical Red Sox loving fool, and I completely understand that the hubby was just trying to do something nice for me, but as hard as I tried to talk him out of it, he bought those tickets anyways. When someone is so excited about a gift that they've decided to get you, how can you crush them by saying, "Well, that's very sweet, but its too expensive. Its the thought that counts." It feels like guys just can't comprehend that.
So there goes over 400 dollars.. poof... just because we want to show someone we care. How has this been engrained so deeply?
On the bright side, I am looking forward to making my fabulous tasting and fabulously cheap chicken curry for dinner tonight.
And thank you all for your kind comments. It takes a lot to get started on this.

Posted in In the beginning.. | 6 Comments »

6 Responses to “Gift giving is for the birds.”

noexcusebudget Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

Too funny! Your post was not what I was expecting... I love your blog name. Save or die... for some it really is that simple. Good luck with your budgeting!
pretty cheap jewelry Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

my hubby is a bird watcher too. OK, instead of shopping or whatnot, make him go out birdwatching and USE those binocs alot this coming year!

you're doing great, keep it up!
Mooshocker Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 12:20 pm

Your next gift request...NO MORE GIFTS!!!!! Explain to him how much of a gift "saving" is to you versus "spending". When you retire, you can spend until your head pops off. Until then, catch the Sox on TV and head to the woods to see the birds up close....or a good bird book. Best of luck and God Bless.
Slowlygettingthere Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

I know what you mean about indulging.
You are off to a great start!
mom-from-missouri Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 02:54 pm

Next year, "give" each other $250. Then take that combined $500 and buy a CD with it. Some friends of ours do that every year for their anniversery. Its not lost, and they keep renewing them until they retire. They plan on cashing them in at that time for a dream anniversy vacation.
Broken Arrow Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 05:19 am

In general, I think our culture is too... steeped in gift-giving. I mean, it's one thing to give gifts as an act of generosity, but it's another when it's a formalized tradition where if you DON'T do it, then you are somehow a cold-hearted evil Scrooge....

Or maybe I'm just slightly bitter because my ex and I used to fight over gift-giving. Gift-giving! What in the world.

By the way, what is "Regkins"?

Save or Die

An Intropective Look into One Woman's Addiction to Stuff.

Gift giving is for the birds.

6 Responses to “Gift giving is for the birds.”

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