Gifts to the third world.

[Lucy Thomas]

Have I missed the point of these 'gifts' that are given by other people on your behalf. Here's the scenario. You turn up at my house on Christmas Day to be greeted with a glass of something and a nibble. We then exchange presents. My present to you is something that I know you want but have never actually been able to get. It didn't cost much, about �30, but it is not easily obtainable and I used all my cunning and guile to seek it out. You are thrilled in the extreme. You hand me my gift. It is an envelope with my name on it. What could it be? A voucher for my favourite shop, tickets to that show I've been longing to see. No. Its a card telling me that you've bought six chickens and a goat for a Peruvian peasant on my behalf. All I can say is 'thanks for nothing, don't expect anything from me next year'. As I said, maybe I've missed the point of this whole excercise. If you buy something for someone else, how on Earth is it a present for me. You may like giving to charity and doing your bit for the third world, that is admirable. But don't do it, then try to pass it off as my Christmas present

[Doc Spock]

Not heard of this but it does sound like a crap idea.

[bensmum]

If someone told me not to bother buying a present for them but to give a goat to someone in an undeveloped country then okay that's their choice. I wouldn't be best pleased because I like to choose which charities I give to and when I give. Just to announce that they have bought this goat instead of a present sounds like they are taking a moral high ground and I don't agree with that. Intentions should be made clear before Christmas.

[raysparx1]

Thanks for that Lucy, cheered me up, what a brilliant idea, I have just purchased a yak and posted it to somebody in the foothills of everest, I did it saying with love and happy milking, from Lucy Thomas, hope you enjoy this gift I sent on your behalf, can you please send me some money for my pressie please, cos they have sold out of yaks now, thank you, have a lovely christmas. Ray xx

[naomi24]

Someone bought me one of these gifts last year - it was a gift of laying a water pipe - and having seen people tramp miles every day in scorching temperatures just to collect water, I was delighted with my 'gift'. I want for nothing - and others have nothing. Happy Christmas everyone.

[unrulyjulie]

well ive never heard of this idea but i have to say sod that!!!

That isnt a gift at all! What on earth is the point! Im just lucky i dont know anyone who would dream of doing this ! (i hope)

ray, now im worried about whats in that box!!!! ;-)

[unrulyjulie]

now ive just read naomis answer and feel incredibly shallow!!!!!!!!!!
i do agree with bensmum though, state your intentions to do this before hand and to be honest, if you want to purchase something like this, just do it, dont use christmas as an excuse for it! any time of the year will do!

[raysparx1]

Lol, well julie just wait till you open it, I can understand what naomi is saying, but I give to charities as well as gifts to friends and family, NOT instead of, so I don't feel one bit shallow.

[funnygirl]

I must admit, I don't think I would like it.
It is a kind of charity thing and someone is making up your mind for you.
I would rather donate in my own time to a charity I think deserves it.
I like to give proper presents and if you want to sell it and give the proceeds to whoever, then it is up to you!

[warpig3]

My sister 'bought' six chickens on my behalf last year and I was happy with that (she did also buy me a small token gift for myself), there is nothing my sister could buy me that I couldn't buy myself if I really wanted it and I was delighted that someone somewhere got the benefit of her charity.

Granted, it is nice when someone goes out of their way to find something that you really would like, but then again, given the number of thoughtless presents given and received, better someone in need gets the benefit.

[unrulyjulie]

yes, i think giving to charity is a personal thing, not to be done on your behalf so no, i dont feel shallow now either!


mmmm, hope its choccies then lol
check your pms ray! XX

[cazzz1975]

Maybe you are one of those "hard to buy for" people?

[Jillius]

I agree Lucy ! I wouldn't be pleased either ! If that person wants to give then they should ask for that to be THEIR present from you, not the other way round !

[bednobs]

I think they make great presents for people you are obliged to buy for but dont like very much

[cazzz1975]

Had you not declined your gift, you would be receiving three dictionaries?!

[figure]

Lucy T., I agree with you, and I'm looking forward to my present from you. ;-) I promise I didn't buy into a charity for your gift. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[cazzz1975]

No I had not noticed at all...