Worst Xmas present?
 

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[Closed] Worst Xmas present?

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Okay, so this was from the wife's niece (an adult, mother of two niece mind you) and was for me and the wife, not me only but for a joint present we got....

...a set of three flameless candles.

WTF I hear you say, you mean candles that will create the same ambience as real candles with the press of a button?

Yes, that's right, battery powered candles, made of real wax though, this isn't cheap tat we are talking about here (okay, so it is cheap tat).

But the killer? These are [i]wireless remote controlled[/i] candles.

WTAF is a wireless remote controlled candle you ask? Well I had visions of it driving around on wheels but it's a set of three battery powered candles that I can turn on and off with the flick of a remote switch without getting up from my chair. Jeebus Kerrrr-ist.

The whole family, wife and two kids think they are hilarious so maybe it was worth it.

I dunno, maybe the wife's niece has a wicked sense of humour but I really don't think so. She sees these as a nice gift.

I'm not really a humbug.

EDIT: here they are although these are the 'luxury' set. Ours only have a simple on/off switch - [url= http://www.batterycandles.co.uk/pillars/remote-control-battery-operated-candles-3-pack?gclid=CjwKEAiA7_OzBRDA8OfT3orp51oSJACVqslIqySmJNDn8L-D8U2y3wLtzQ2c3fWHiDUi6I9JjafViRoCEzvw_wcB ]three flameless candles[/url]


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:12 am
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Doesnt sound that bad compared to the lynx set i got.

Fwiw i bought my own set of those candles years ago as mr t-r likes candle lit room - i wont have candles lit inthe house - power cuts excepted.

They are actually quite good!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:20 am
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Ben Haenow CD 😯

I haven't got the balls to ask my wife is she is taking the mick!

(all the other stuff was great though in case any of my 'friends' decide to tell her about this post...)


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:27 am
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Sorry revised my previous post.

The mrs has opened a buddha candle set from my uncle......... Now given we dont do candles or buddism ( and hes not a buddist either ) im not sure if its a piss take or not.....


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:36 am
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Was going to say the few years when I was a kid in care and only received either 2nd hand or completely age inappropriate presents. Now I'm older I appreciate that the intent was good but the execution was poor!

Most recent worst gift was a bottle of cheap wine which as I'm allergic to alcohol ended up being donated to a charity event!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:37 am
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boght my daughter some (only manually switched though 😳 ) candles this year - she's right into candles but we've told her she can't have any in her room


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:42 am
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quality street tin

I am vegan and dont eat nestle anyway.

Thats not the bad point she does it every year and she knows I cannot eat them - all the kids [ grown up with kids] get them so she does not want me to feel left out.

I would quite like those candles - would not buy them but would use and keep of bought as a gift. I like candles though


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:57 am
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Blow up doll and some braai wipes!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:59 am
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1 meter of sticking plaster.not sure where she wants me to apply it.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 12:01 pm
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We've got the wireless candles as well. With random colour change. Best present ever!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 12:01 pm
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LOL @Goldigger.

We do have candles in our house which I don't have a problem with (we are middle aged, middle-class after all) but battery powered seems so mleh!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 12:02 pm
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[quote=AD ]Ben Haenow CD

I had to google, X-Factor 😯


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 12:02 pm
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'The greatest cycling climbs, a road cyclists guide to Britain's hills' a book from my mum. It's been nearly 18 years since I last rode a road bike! Crikey I've only ridden my mtb's about 5 times this year as my knees are shot. The thought of riding a bike on a road never ever crosses my mind any more .
It's not all bad though I have a mate who will appreciate it.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 12:08 pm
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A good few years ago now my Ma and Pa bought me a matching navy blue sweatshirt and baseball cap, not a nice make or designer or owt, they were like the kind of thing the Navy would issue for PT. And to top it all, they had my name embroidered on both, my actual proper full name. I didnt even bother taking them home with me.
A few years later we were all chatting and the subject came up, it turns out the old man had unpicked my first name, just leaving the surname, and used to wear them to work in his allotment.
Its still a source of much hilarity when we get together for Christmas.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 12:10 pm
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Best - a new bike 🙂
Worst - struggling really. No-one knows what to buy for me, so it's usually chocolate and sweets. People know my tastes, so I'm happy.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 12:52 pm
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My missus payed £20 for an A4 print of the song lyrics for the song she walked down the aisle to (instrumental version for the wedding)... Not framed just wrapped the envelope it came in. By her own admission it would probably have made a better anniversary present.I have actually out-christmassed my wife this year.

No card, nothing else... For the last three months, whenever asked about Christmas presents for me by anyone, I have consistently said, don't get me anything, just a card, and if you have to a wiggle or amazon voucher no more than a few quid... A £20 amazon would actually have been easier and more use, now I have to buy a frame...

So I'm being stoical, understanding and kind about her ballsing up, and banking the points... 😉


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 1:10 pm
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My wife bought me a tea cosy made from 1970s fabric depicting the northern half of Scotland.

We don't even own a teapot.

I can't find a photo of the damned thing but here's some work by the same company. It's worse than all of these.

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 1:13 pm
 core
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mbr subscription

Oh yeah, or 3 pairs of socks, size 6-8.5 (I'm an 11/12)

or large novelty sprout t-shirt (I'm a medium)


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 2:01 pm
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Lynx boxset from secret santa so I can relive the brief, teenage flirtation with smelling like a ****.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 2:07 pm
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Haven't opened mine yet but last year I got from my father, who is, it has to be said, a little strange, a photo album filled with pictures of my ex girlfriend and long-dead grandmother's flat.
The pictures with the ex did admittedly feature also my niece and/or nephew.
Granny's flat, on the other hand, was literally pics of her empty flat. Bedroom, lounge and kitchen all featured. Perhaps he was making a late stab at being an estate agent.
It's now being used to heat the city of Helsinki which has a very progressive, not to mention useful, recycling system.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 3:16 pm
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'The greatest cycling climbs, a road cyclists guide to Britain's hills' a book from my mum. It's been nearly 18 years since I last rode a road bike! Crikey I've only ridden my mtb's about 5 times this year as my knees are shot. The thought of riding a bike on a road never ever crosses my mind any more .
It's not all bad though I have a mate who will appreciate it.

IIRC the author frequents here.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 3:35 pm
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Lynx.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 3:55 pm
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My least favourite gift this year is a fairly lethal dose of tonsillitis which has resulted in four bouts of antibiotics a day and struggling to swallow never mind turkey but toast even!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 5:17 pm
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I kid you not today a joint present for my wife and I from her parents.....a set of plastic microwave containers....one was cracked. Absolutely no imagination mother in law thought we would love them to go with our new microwave 🙂 dear oh dear. I also got TWO yes TWO sets of lynx 🙁


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 6:09 pm
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Nose hair clippers from wife.

I think she's trying to tell me something!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 6:30 pm
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"Doesnt sound that bad compared to the lynx set i got."

I actually love getting them as I don't buy nice shower gel and stuff like that so I really like getting it for Christmas - lasts a while and I think about getting them every time I use them!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 6:35 pm
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A few years ago, my mother in law gave us a salad dressing mixing bottle. Imagine a baby's bottle with markings on the side for fill to here with oil,vinegar, mustard etc...

This year, she has clearly decided to intellectualise me by giving me a novel by the 2014 Nobel Prize for Literature winner, in the original French! OK, I do speak French, but God only knows why she thought I'd be even remotely interested in it in any language!

Still, maybe not as bad as my cousin, who, as a teenager, was given a flannel and a bar of soap for Christmas by the next door neighbour.... For three consecutive years!!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 6:42 pm
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Bottle of 'artisan' gin (i hate gin)
1001 bikes to dream of riding before you die book. Not a bad present per se, but i already have it


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 9:27 pm
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Dill.

My (actually very thoughtful) mother has realised i've been eating more fish recently, so alongside some bags in which to cook fish in the oven (to prevent my house smelling of fish...), she gave me a jar of dried dill - one of those small schwarz jars, which used to have cinnamon in, but she's refilled with dill.

Then, because my little jar didn't quite finish off my dill quota, she's given me another jar, with 'more dill' in.

[URL= http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah49/Tom_Marvin/10620447_10100628959272742_5398134954456584351_o_zpsvqzygorz.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah49/Tom_Marvin/10620447_10100628959272742_5398134954456584351_o_zpsvqzygorz.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

I'm actually rather touched at her sweetness!


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 9:57 pm
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Chocolate. I like chocolate but I get it every year and every year I get asked what I want for Christmas and every ywar the answer is always "don't buy me chocolate", so why the hell do I get diabetic inducing amounts every year.?


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 10:34 pm
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All you lot being bought Lynx - you do realise what people are trying to tell you? 😈


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 10:44 pm
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Think we need to dig out the mumsnet thread on this topic if there is one.

"My other half bought me the Top Gear box set and I hate cars and think JC is a knob."


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:09 pm
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OP - was given one of those flickering real wax LED candles about 3 years back. I secretly thought was tat. 3 years on I still get miffed if I forget to pack it in my travelling luggage. It is a very nice relaxing night-light and still imparts nice vanilla smell/lasts a surprising aeon on a fresh set of batteries. Also don't worry about burning the house down while sleeping.


 
Posted : 25/12/2015 11:30 pm
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I received a special towel for drying my back from my inlaws. I have always found the standard towel (of which we have an abundance) to perform the task perfectly well, especially as they bought me a bottle green 'normal' only a year ago.

My wife opened an envelope with 500 quid in it from them as her gift. Our daughters received a pair of gloves each.

I got a plastic spatula from them the year before.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 12:38 am
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'The greatest cycling climbs, a road cyclists guide to Britain's hills' a book from my mum. It's been nearly 18 years since I last rode a road bike! Crikey I've only ridden my mtb's about 5 times this year as my knees are shot. The thought of riding a bike on a road never ever crosses my mind any more .
It's not all bad though I have a mate who will appreciate it.

IIRC the author frequents here.


Not putting the book down at all , just it's not my cup of tea anymore in fact I usually ride DH more than anything else.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 12:44 am
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This flu, I could do without coughing up my lungs Christmas morning, thank you for whoever passed that on to me 🙁


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 2:34 am
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Someone who will remain nameless gave my sisters youngest daughter, who is nine, some bloody bird feathers, with a note that said " my cat killed this Finch, but the feathers are lovely"

#slightlygorychristmas


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 3:38 am
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Nasal hair trimmer set. Go me.....


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 4:36 am
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This year I got one of those tins with "Man Stuff" written on the outside. But my mum thoughtfully filed it with the contents of her junk drawer... staples, fuses in an old 35mm film case, elastic bands and an ikea Allen key.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 6:08 am
 LeeW
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My folks got me a 12" Star Wars trooper toy with a walker thing, I didn't even have SW toys when I was a kid. They also got me a Spider Man onsie to fit ages 2-3, I thought it was for my nephew but when I mentioned it my mum said. "Well you've grown a bit since we last saw you". I'm still confused now.

I've been working away from home for two months and am due to fly back out on the 2nd Jan, I think the gifts my other half got me may be an indication of how far she sees the relationship going. 🙁


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 6:19 am
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Myself and the wife were given a joint present from the kids this year.
I believe they call it 'vomitting bug'.

I'll be honest, I've had better presents.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 6:23 am
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This year I got one of those tins with "Man Stuff" written on the outside. But my mum thoughtfully filed it with the contents of her junk drawer... staples, fuses in an old 35mm film case, elastic bands and an ikea Allen key.

The obvious thing to do would be to throw out the contents, and put your stuff in it, but we all know you'll then have the nagging worry that you might need an old 35mm film case one day. Best get yourself another one.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 8:55 am
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@Robdog...

If you think of Lynx as "nice shower gel and stuff", what on earth do you usually wash with?!?!?!?!?


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 9:05 am
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I got socks from the MiL

It's not that I'm ungrateful, but I always get socks from her. I could probably wear a different pair of socks for three months now without repeating a single pair. Time for a big sock clearout


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 9:08 am
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I got given a stinking cold and a black eye from walking into something. Didn't even get socks from my mother this year (like the last 10 years). as the Wife works for NEXT now "so she can buy them wih her discount"


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 9:21 am
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Not wanting to put a downer on the thread, but I used to get a load of rubbish and cheap chocolate from my mum, but don't any more as she's no longer up to doing stuff like that, and I kind of miss it. I'll get some money to spend on something I want instead, but it's not quite the same.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 9:45 am
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, but we all know you'll then have the nagging worry that you might need an old 35mm film case one day. Best get yourself another one.

I hunted high and low for one of those when I bought 200 cable end caps from China via eBay , sits proudly in my box of bike bits.

My wife bought a set of those battery candles, but she's lost the remote 😐 mind you she can't be trusted with an open flame, she did burn the paintwork on the fire place with a real candle

Worst presents Lynx, a Picture frame and a Weird Fish jumper with incredibly short sleeves. In fact I'm struggling to think of a good present, part from my youngest son who bought me a bottle of Jameson's and a nice Zippo


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 10:04 am
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Bought the wife an iPad pro, an I pencil, a selection of gifts from LoveHoney, a nice scarf and also got the gifts for her family. I got some novelty cufflinks, to go with the other novelty cufflinks I got last year that I don't wear.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 10:56 am
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In my family we have a rule. Everything I want is on an Amazon wish list. Do not dare deviate!

Got some nice stuff and some cash which I have just put towards a voodoo wazoo 😀


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 1:04 pm
 Crag
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My wife's aunt bought me a Jamie Oliver coffee mug. As if that's not bad enough, it's got the words 'Top Mam' all over it.
Not sure what she's trying to tell me. She's either confused about my gender or struggles reading.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 3:59 pm
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A 29er.


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 8:54 pm
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All good this year, last year my folks got me a Jethro DVD box set. Can't understand what he's saying let alone find him funny. Also Wallace and grommet DVD. Didn't like it when it first came out, have no interest in it now. Oh, and crate of John Smiths, probably only beer I won't drink. Very very confusing.....


 
Posted : 26/12/2015 9:16 pm
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Bicycle themed material from my parents...
Possibly worst present I've ever received.


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 5:49 am
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My mum was a teacher her headmistress was a lonely old spinster , every year mum would invite her to ours for Xmas her presents were ace ,one year she split a gift set of cheap toiletries between me my two brothers and my dad each item taken out of the original box and individually wrapped. Another was a shoeshine sponge at which point I resolved never to spend my pocket money on a box of Roses choke for her again.


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 8:54 am
 DrJ
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We like candles. Where can you buy proper big white altar-style candles in the UK? Nicking them from churches is having a bad effect on my eternal soul.


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 10:35 am
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I was looking at some bicycle themed material for the Mrs to knock some decorative items up for our daughters bedroom.

Will do a present exchange captain sideburns, do you need some gardening gloves?


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 11:04 am
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 DrJ
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@piedi - just the job, thanks - not that specific 100 quid number, but others from the same site !!


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 11:32 am
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One year a friend gave me a 12" single...... of her boyfriend's crappy band. I was underwhelmed to say the least!


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 5:35 pm
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A fart fan !


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 7:54 pm
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Worst present not to receive......

MrsMC is one of three children. Her parents usually give each of them something small and silly to unwrap, and some money, normally £100, and I get something small to unwrap and half the cash amount they give their own kids, which is great.

This year, MrsMC unwrapped her small present and an IOU for £2k when a savings plan matures in January. Her folks explained that her brothers were getting the same amount.

I rather greedily tore open my present to find a [i]really[/i] naff toiletries gift set and, er, that was it.

I hope I didn't look too greedy/stupid/disappointed 😳


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 8:46 pm
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Underpants from my maternal grandmother.

I could have gone camping and used them as a tent.


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 8:54 pm
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Well, I managed to buy my Wife the EXACT same thing I bought her last year, the EXACT same thing.

So probably that...


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 8:59 pm
 jimw
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A box of Milk Tray......

I am allergic to cocoa and any cocoa products


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 9:04 pm
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I like beer, I like cheese. If in doubt buy that, not this. I'm 50 ffs.
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 9:21 pm
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An expensive cardboard box that comes in a cardboard box with a hole and a lens thats supposed to turn your phone into a projector. My environment/value for money alarm went off the scale. It cost £22 at one point!

[img] ?1422324783[/img]


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 10:24 pm
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From my mum I got a 'kit' including a windscreen cover for the car and an ice scraper. The car I garage overnight...
From my aunt, a 'man apron'. It's like a normal apron but with multiple pockets labelled with what you should put in there.

They both love giving a 'novelty' present, but don't seem to appreciate receiving them from others. I may start doing this next year. A bottle of whisky for my tee-total mother and perhaps some wrongly-sized trainers for my almost motionless aunt.


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 10:35 pm
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I was mystified by the choice of turquoise plastic handbag, the set of lip balms inside mini sparkly plastic purses, a novelty ring holder (I only have my wedding and engagement rings which I wear all the time), and a pair of pyjama trousers that are miles too big 😀
My family still don't appear to know me after 47 years!


 
Posted : 27/12/2015 11:29 pm
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a plastic Fiskars pizza cutter and a 6 pack of rolled dog poo bags


 
Posted : 28/12/2015 8:07 am
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Bit late to this, but...

trail_rat - Member - Block User - Quote
Doesnt sound that bad compared to the lynx set i got.

And a few others too.

SNAP! FFS. 😆 🙄


 
Posted : 28/12/2015 8:20 am
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Lynx here too, from my wife's aunt. I'll probably use the shower gel, as it's just soap. I'll use the deodorant to demonstrate a home-made flamethrower to my four-year-old.


 
Posted : 28/12/2015 8:32 am
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[quote=P-Jay ]Well, I managed to buy my Wife the EXACT same thing I bought her last year, the EXACT same thing.
So probably that...

You're going to have to spill the beans - what EXACTLY did you forget that you'd got her last year.


 
Posted : 28/12/2015 12:18 pm
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this thread makes me laugh and feel just a little bit better....

from the GFs mutter, we received (jointly) two tubes of ointment and some plasters for cold-sores! wow! with a message saying "for your health".

slippers from my sister that don't fit and are made of plastic.

from my mother, a really crappy, retro vinyl player (Crosley, if anyone knows it). nice thought, but i have zero vinyls other than a Beatles picture disc on the wall. got hold of a record to play. sound quality was crap from the built in speakers. plugged in my Bose Soundlink and the quality was still pants. the needle jumped around. went online to see whether the problem was specific to this unit, but no....
the internet is full of reviews essentially saying how shit the unit is (other than from people who obviously don't know). poor sound quality, needle jumps despite a needle weight of over 5gr (a decent unit should have needle weight of <3gr to save the vinyl from being damaged).
the thing is, this crappy thing costs at least 65 quid online.... grrrr. essentially, just landfill.

however, she did buy a BMX!


 
Posted : 29/12/2015 8:21 pm