If you have a large ticket item you crave, how about starting a "gift fund" for it among your friends and relations? Just say that rather than a gift, you would prefer a contribution to the say "iPod Gift Fund" and pool those gifts for one bigger purpose. It certainly would solve the problem of what to give you for Xmas or a birthday!
I did that when trying to acquire some musical instruments a few years back - and although my family was a bit perplexed, they joined in and I thus financed the instruments I desired that I would never have been able to buy otherwise.
Pamela, I see nothing wrong with your suggestion. Even if I disagreed with you I would not feel entitled to attack you or your suggestion, I would just not make ANY comment. As for the "Gift Fund".....my adult children usually do something very similar for my husband. He loves to hunt and often is trying to save up some extra money to buy a new "toy" or piece of equipment. They usually know if this "toy" is at Cabela's or Bass Pro and they will each give him an appropriate gift card to that store for his birthday and again at Christmas. When his hunting buddies comment on his new aquisition he always gives credit to the kids for getting it for him. I would much rather contribute to a "fund" than waste the money on some unwanted gift that gathers dust or even worse.......gets re-gifted. Please continue to contribute your ideas to ThriftyFun. The vast majority of the folks here are less critical and more kind-hearted than what you have just encountered.
I know I get asked by family "What would you like for Christmas/Birthday?" If my heart's desire is a musical instrument, such as was Pamela's, you could explain it in kindness what you would really like to have...every dollar given to her. Could be put towards that gift. including her own dollar.
It is always up to the individual that if they decide to give a gift. Do so from the heart and in turn the receiver needs to accept the gift in kindness.
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