Scroogenomics

[spacefem]

I found this audiobook on spotify: "Scroogenomics: Why You Shouldn't Buy Presents for the Holidays". The author argues that gift giving is a pretty glaring waste of money and resources, and I have to admit he makes some good points.

It's like this... pretend your loved one spends $100 on a sweater for you for christmas. Maybe you love it, maybe

Comments

[mairi_dubh]

It's my personal conviction you can't quantify enjoyment of a gift, monetarily.

But the associations we make between things and people, that we might talk about.
We attach emotions to those associations.
That's why when a couple, maybe not married to each other, breaks up, one or both of them will purge their surroundings (they'll say they're purging their lives or their psyches or their feelings) of any thing significantly associated with the former relationship partner. Notice I don't say, "Former loved one." Very commonly people go on feeling tenderly and at the same time angrily toward the former partner

[spacefem]

you bring up a good point on the giver value! this is why I'm not a fan of cash, or married couples who JUST ask for honeymoon funds... the givers want to shop for something fun that's mutually meaningful, and if your fund isn't what they value, then it's not really cool is it?

my sister and I have a rule... only make gifts for other people who make gifts. nobody else understands enough to value it. knitting a hat takes a while, but to the wrong recipient, it's just a hat, it's $10 at Target. I, too, have had people hand flip at me with "Make me one!" and as I grew older, I learned to say no. it's too easy for them to ask, and too hard for me to find the time for handmade gifts! I do love making things, and I love making things for people, but... only certain people.

[mairi_dubh]

Amen, Sistah!

I hadn't articulated it to myself, but making things only for others who make things...yeppers. I may have to adopt that.

Or at least make for people who appreciate what they're getting, and I have already adopted that!.
Those chocolate truffles, and some bitter orange marmalade "tassies" at Christmastime kept a lawyer I really only knew socially but who occasionally did me favors (like looking over a contract I'd written, just to make sure I wouldn't get myself into legal trouble with it) on a kind of retainer, if you will. He had one of those small fridges in his office and from time to time, if he really, really liked a client (and wanted to show off a bit) he'd offer that person one, just ONE, truffle or tassie from his hoard

[ironphoenix]

Your reply reminded me of the line, "A cynic is one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing." (Oscar Wilde)

I like giving gifts, but not so much when they are given by obligation. I prefer to give gifts when I find or make something suitable, regardless of the season or day, and likewise, a gift I receive when I don't expect it is more significant.

Kids are exceptions though, I think. They don't have the same perspective and freedoms.

[lenine2]

My family decided that Christmas 2019 would only involve gifts for those under 21. It made Christmas very enjoyable. We were able to sit and visit, and enjoy our meal, without the chaos of 15 people opening piles of gifts. My in-laws decided to do that the following year. The in-law gift exchange had long been simply handing over gift cards from one store and receiving the exact same amount from another store.

My mother and MIL break the rules, of course. But the rest of us are very happy with the new holiday.

[wantedonvoyage]

I agree with this quite a bit. To me a gift is supposed to say something about your relationship with the recipient, e.g. "I know you well enough to choose something you will definitely love" We have opted out of the "secret santa" in HCD's family and only shop for the kids, and my family this year went to a new model: a gift to the charity of the recipient's pet cause(s).

[siglinde99]

I have heard of this book. From your description, I think I would like it. I hate how much we spend on gifts that don’t get appreciated. As I write this, I am filling more bags of stuff to take to the charity shop.

[kaishinmystik]

I think it is a great idea. We try to be green and then Christmas comes and I get all these small 'things' that I don't know what to do with. I am even okay with re-gifting at this point. I say leave it for the kids, in moderation. so they appreciate what they get.

Yes, sure home made stuff can be nice, if the person wants it. I like the idea of edibles or beverage gifts.

I dunno, all this junk just needs to stop :-D :-D

I send my niece money to buy something for her kids as they live far away.

Dang, I really sound like a scrooge. ;-)