Dear Queenie,
I could be the relative “Un-appreciated gift-giver” (Monday, November 12) was talking about. No matter how many times I tell them I already have everything I need or want and no room to store anything more, my family still insists on giving me more stuff. And I am very well-off as far as money is concerned, so I don’t want them spending money they might need themselves, or giving it to me.
I appreciate the fact that they think of me on special occasions, but not the things they give me that I don’t want to be bothered with.
Queenie, what can I say or do so they will get the message?—Un-appreciative gift-recipient
Dear Gift-recipient,
Tell them what you have told me here.
Then, if they still want to give you something, ask them to use the money to make a donation to your favourite charity or community service organisation in your name. If they give you cash or a cheque or a gift certificate, thank them sweetly and tell them what organisation you will donate it to. If a gift certificate is non-transferable, you can redeem it yourself and donate the results.
In any event, be sure to thank them sweetly. It is the thought that counts, is it not?
