Anonymous wrote:We have a beloved elderly relative who is on a low, fixed income. When we visit her, we bring practical gifts such as food, and often times a card with some cash. I know she is very grateful, but I also know that after years being the caretaker in the family, it would be very hard for her to accept these things without repaying the favor in some way, so every time we visit she's got a little something for each of us. I might get a sample sized hand cream, or a pretty dollar store bookmark. She's in section 8 housing for the elderly, and sometimes they get gifts from various organizations (e.g. a church might distribute little gift baskets at Easter) and she saves them to distribute throughout the year. My son might get a candy bar, or a pen, or another small item.
Being able to give and not just receive is very important to her, and I'm glad she's able to do it. In this case, even though I don't always find a use for the items I'm glad she can do it because it makes her happy.
Similarly, my child has received dollar store gifts as birthday presents from friends at his title 1 school. While he doesn't need the items, I know that it would be hard for a child to arrive empty handed. It also lets us give the child something on their birthday, without feeling like it's "charity".
+1
I think it depends on the situation. About 20 years ago, I purchased two candle holders at the dollar store for $1 a piece. I still take them out every year at Christmas because they look nice.
Cheap looking items I would donate, regardless of where it was purchased. I've seen some high end stores with cheap looking stuff. I sew, so I have an eye for mistakes when it comes to stuffed animals or clothing. Disney stuff from the Disney store had some mistakes and they were pricey!
Overall, I think you should be gracious and say Thank You. If you don't like it, donate it.
We have so much stuff, I donate a lot because it does become overwhelming. My family loves to buy trinkets and little gifts and I've told them not to waste their money because I really don't have the space. They don't listen, so now I donate excess items.