<p>* I told them I liked the gift and it is nice, but I wouldn’t get much use out of it.*</p>
<p>But you already admitted you use disposable cameras several times a year-
Reusing something- is generally better than something that is disposable.</p>
<p>Your parents put thought into their gift, yet you did not put thought into your reaction when your response upon receiving the camera was not that it would enable you to take better photos and more easily share them- instead, your reaction was that, by the time you envisioned yourself finding use for the camera- it would be " last years model" and you would need the latest thing.</p>
<p>I think response really depends on the relationship.</p>
<p>When I was a child, and I would ask for a certain record album, I also knew that my parents didn’t pay much attention to my requests- so when I had found where my presents were ( which was easy), I carefully unwrapped it enough to confirm what it was- ( the wrong lp) so that when I unwrapped it, I wouldn’t look too disappointed.</p>
<p>Now however- I may not be so quick to put a happy face on. My mother doesn’t generally give me gifts, but occasionally, she will if she bought something that she changed her mind about- however, it generally doesn’t have anything to do with who I am, or what I need/want.
For instance, just a week or so ago, she told me that a group of people raising money for non profit organizations in africa- were selling crafts at a holiday bazaar at her condo/assisted living community. She bought what she told me was a " pashmina" made from cashmere and silk, and clearly wanted me to be very impressed with it.</p>
<p>When my reaction ( of mild interest) didn’t meet her expectations she became miffed, but I assured her I would find a use for it- even if it wasn’t the sort of thing I wear. ( everything I wear eventually ends up in the mud- I work outside- so a shawl isn’t the most practical thing)</p>
<p>I have still a dilemma myself connected with this gift- while I did indeed find a use for it ( as a runner on my holiday table
), I could tell immediately that it wasn’t cashmere but some sort of manmade fabric- ( it didn’t have any tags) and this was confirmed when I saw virtually indentical wraps at the Fred Meyer made from viscose for $14.00.</p>
<p>I didn’t see any need to tell her of this, however, where she lives, appears to be fairly high end & I can imagine future bazaars thinking that these old ladies are ripe for the picking.</p>
<p>in general- I think giving a gift, is giving of yourself, so to refuse it- can be interpreted as turning away.
but it is hard- some people are easy to buy for- I buy my husband books and flannel shirts and he is happy- but I am much more picky and don’t know myself what I want- so you are taking a risk if you buy anything for me.</p>
<p>I thinking planning for experiences however- is a little nicer than a check, and gives the giver a connection to the recipient.</p>
<p>Suggest to your parents perhaps a play or other event you would like to attend, either with them or with friends-then they can be sure you actually recieved as a gift, and not just paid down your car loan.
;)</p>