Originally Posted by FlDebra  Don't give up Amanda. I hope you sign up and I thank you for getting this topic on the table too. At least I know I am not alone in some of my concerns. There seems to be plenty of others, both first timers and those who used to participate, that have been a little put off by some of the lists too -- and all have said we understand the ones with health concerns, that has never been a problem for anyone to understand. But directing brand names, big ticket items, stores to shop at, etc, was a bit much for me. I think of shopping for others as part of my "gift" because I enjoy it so much. I guess that is part of why the precise lists hit me wrong. But what is presumptuous for one person is obviously okay for another.
Maybe your thread is at least making some think about what message they have sent, maybe when they did not mean to. Some may just have seen other lists and thought they were supposed to be extensive too. Maybe it has made some not take the list as a strict directive and still realize we can buy what we want and take ideas from the list to use as works for us. Maybe it has made some feel easier about participating. I know this has taken some apprehension off my mind. Some have responded that they don't really expect the items they listed, which confuses me but I will take them at their word because I have said things that confused others and never got my true intention across -- so I know it happens.
I, too, have bought a few things that I thought ANY yorkie would want (one is so cute, I keep wanting to post about it, but I won't yet). I can think of lots of items that I used to think any Yorkie would want. But now I see there are some who don't want any toys, or any treats, or any blankets, or any beds, etc. -- just clothes and other high ticket items. So, I may not get to use the few items I pre-bought, and that is okay because, I bet I will get to use them within the next 2-3 Gift Exchanges. So, no harm done.
We will never all agree on most issues here, but I think there are enough people here who do think just as you do, that you will have a ball with the Gift Exchange. That is the way I am looking at it. I am looking forward to putting together a package that my SB will love. I have already done mental shopping for half the people signed up on the list, googled some things and checked the online stores. I am really looking forward to this. I hope you participate -- we'll have a great time!
To show you how different we all are, my 17 year old son thinks this whole idea is crazy and he loves all of our pets as much as I do. He said, why don't you just go out and buy Ben the stuff you want. I told him that would be no surprise and I want the fun of buying for another Yorkie family too. |