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

Why do you care, just throw the cheap gifts away

Unless this person is an adult and you are a child I do not know why they are buying you gifts from their travels.

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.

Anonymous wrote:It’s not normal for adults to bring souvenirs for other adults that are not their spouse. Actually it would be very strange if they did.

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)

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.

Anonymous wrote:The things you listed are also small and don’t take up much space in your luggage to bring them back from a trip.

+1. Easier to travel with and a nice gesture.

Anonymous wrote:I went out to dinner with a man and his family who have upwards of $1 billion in wealth. He had just donated $50 million to a good cause. When the bill came, he said he would cover the wine and that we could all split the check. I have no hard feelings over that. I have the money to pay for my own dinner and it was nice for him to pay for the wine. We're not entitled to receive anything from other people, and you would do well to remember that OP.

This.

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.

The things you listed are also small and don’t take up much space in your luggage to bring them back from a trip.

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't know what to make of, or how to reciprocate to this one extended family member. They are extremely wealthy, don't work and are always travelling private or business/ first to exotic destinations.
Every so often, they'll come back from one of their lavish trips with an extremely cheap gift such as a 2 oz jar of honey (for comparison, the free sample size you get at hotels is 1 oz), a shot glass, a 3 oz bar of chocolate, a cheap pen ...
This person does not spare any expense on themselves at all.

I don't make nearly as much as them but I always get proper gifts and put a lot of thought into them. I know I should be thankful for any gift and I certainly am not expecting any lavish gift . I am not sure what to make of this and I feel insulted.

Thoughts?

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.