If you are purchasing many gifts for extended family when traveling they are going to be small for practical reasons. If they are low cost then it also takes the pressure off in terms of reciprocating. Quit whining and be grateful. This person doesnt owe you a thing. |
The things you listed are also small and don’t take up much space in your luggage to bring them back from a trip. |
Probably their way of telling people to not waste money getting anything for them, and likewise they are not going to spend it on you. Not a bad thing imo. |
This. |
+1. Easier to travel with and a nice gesture. |
My mom is not wealthy and spends a lot of money on gifts and I think it’s silly. Maybe this guy has it right by buying small things like local honey instead of feeling compelled to pick out an expensive silk scarf that the receiver may or may not like.
Get over your need to analyze gift costs and value. |
I love to pick up small gifts for friends or family while traveling. I don’t do it for everyone all the time but if I happen to see something that is totally perfect for someone I know and I have space in my luggage I might pick it up. Things like a tea towel that has something on it that would make a friend smile (a friend who likes to cook and likes tea towels) |
I think it’s sweet that they remembered you on their vacation and bothered to bring back something for you. A small perishable is totally the way to go. Do you really want them to bring back some tacky art glass vase or ocean-themed painting you’d feel bad getting rid of bc it was $500 or whatever? Every single time?
It sounds like you’re hoping that getting them nicer presents will sort of force them to get you something nicer in return. That is burdensome and honestly kind of goes against the spirit of gift-giving. I’m with you on the idea that there should be reciprocation, but since they obviously won’t, you need to accept it and scale down your own spending. Challenge yourself to find something that you know they’ll like the next holiday, and is still you and thoughtful, but limit your budget to $30 or so. |
Unless this person is an adult and you are a child I do not know why they are buying you gifts from their travels. |
Why do you care, just throw the cheap gifts away |
just because they're wealthy doesn't mean they owe you any gifts in the first place? and when traveling it's not that easy to buy gifts for a bunch of people and lug it on an airplane. really its the thought that counts |