a touchy subject

What is the worst present you have ever been given? If I had more of a memory, I might be able to think back to the birthdays and christmases and pick something out that I could really laugh about. I'm sure, over the years, I have had my fair share of bad gifts. My mom was dating someone named Hans a few years ago and I remember quite clearly that he bought her a scarf for christmas, and then dropped the bomb that he spent a hundred some-odd dollars on a set of Henkel knives for his ex-wife, who had happened to leave him for another woman. Scarf for the new girlfriend, deseperate attempt at reconciliation for the lesbian ex. That was pretty bad.

The most meaningful gifts can never be practical ones. I got a set of hangers for my 16th birthday and while the need for them clearly existed, the sentiment just wasn't right. Gifts can be such an extraordinary thing if they come from the heart and are somehow able to be worth more than just their monetary value. The best gifts I have ever received haven't necessarily been the most expensive ones, but they have always been the most meaningful. The necklace that my dad bought me to wear for my valedictory speech is probably the most valuable thing that I own, followed closely by the ring from Hong Kong that I wear less often now that the sentiment associated with it has changed. The cards that I've gotten from friends have had a huge impact on me - something about the written word is so much more powerful than anything you could say in passing to someone. A little Flames stocking that Steve picked out for me is currently high on my list - the fact that someone paid attention to what I was interested in means so much more than any gift ever could.

I want to be a good gift giver. I slaved this christmas to find the right things for everyone on my list. I get terrified that the recipient isn't going to like it, or that the meaning that I am trying to invest into the present somehow doesn't come across. Writing to people and picking out meaningful gifts, I think, is one of the more important things that I try to do.

But - the topic isn't me. The topic is bad gifts. Have you ever received a truly inappropriate present? Have you ever given one? Just something to think about, if you're like me and don't feel like getting dressed and going to your 4:00 class :P

*Editor's Note* - Now I remember: the worst gift that I have EVER EVER EVER received was for my 20th birthday, from the family that I was a nanny for. I spent a year and a half helping to raise their children, loving their children and sacraficing so much of myself for them. For my 20th birthday, they got me a box of store-brand microwave popcorn. A three pack. The worst part is that they wrapped it, and then just looked at me expectantly as I opened it. Actually, the true worst part? They were a 'healthy' family ... and didn't even own a microwave. Please, someone, try to top that.