Alright, so...
This is something that is dear to some people's hearts, but I don't really care how many people I offend because this is what I think.
Now, someone today indirectly insulted me about busting their (metaphorica) balls (she doesn't have any) about the fact that what she's getting her BF is some cheap necklace thing (when he got her a complete series (which costs usually well over one hundred bones). She seems to have taken the fact that I was comparing their price personally. She proceeded to post something on Failbook that was obviously directed at me about how the "commercialization of Christmas" has adversely effected the idea of "it's the thought that counts." Then proceeded to tell anyone who thinks the that the price matters more than the thought behind the gift.
I've already stated that I was busting her metaphorical balls. I know the necklace is something her boyfriend will like, I know the price isn't what matters, I know the thought behind it was a good thought... But fucking hell no need to get so asshurt about it that you go off on everyone who seems to think price of gifts matters more than the gift itself.
I don't always thing it's the thought that counts, in fact I think that bullshit was started by people who would just give gifts for giving a gift's sake. "I got you a pair of socks, it's the thought that counts." "I got you this cheap ass version of this more expensive thing you wanted, it's the thought that counts." "I got you Preparation H when you needed Peptol Bismol, it's the thought that counts."
That kind of thought it bullshit. The first person might already have enough socks, the second person might have done their research and found that it was better to spend the extra cash than to cheap out, the third person might not have hemorrhoids but nausea, heartburn, indigestion, an upset stomach or diarrhea and really need that Peptol Bismol. The thought does not always count, because not all gifts are created equal, whether it be in price or in value to the receiving party.
If you have no idea what to get someone you oughtn't cop out and get them some bullshit gift then say, "It's the thought that counts." You really ought to do your research. Getting something someone asks for is alright, but if you really want to tickle someone's fancy, the thought behind the gift you are giving them out to be good. If the person likes music, then you really need to find out the music they like and get them something you think they'll dig. Though don't half ass it, some people are super picky about their music (which I personally hate).
If this person doesn't like all the thought you put behind the LP you get them, then fuck 'em, you did your best. The thought behind that is worth a lot more because you put true effort into it as a pleasing gift.
If someone got me a stupid gift then put "it's the thought that counts" on it I wouldn't say much, I would just tell them, "Fuck your thought, this gift is of no use to me."
I don't like gifts with no practical use to them, really. Clothes are fine and stuff, just don't get me stupid clothes. Material gifts of things I am into are great, just don't be stupid about it, make it count. Useful gifts, things that do something, usually have the greatest value. I've had many an expensive gift and many a cheap gift given to me that are very useful and satisfy needs over and over again. I've been given art for a gift that is always pleasing. I've even been given good experiences for a gift, which are some of the best gifts to be given.
The thought only counts when the gift truly matters to the one its been given to.
This is something that is dear to some people's hearts, but I don't really care how many people I offend because this is what I think.
Now, someone today indirectly insulted me about busting their (metaphorica) balls (she doesn't have any) about the fact that what she's getting her BF is some cheap necklace thing (when he got her a complete series (which costs usually well over one hundred bones). She seems to have taken the fact that I was comparing their price personally. She proceeded to post something on Failbook that was obviously directed at me about how the "commercialization of Christmas" has adversely effected the idea of "it's the thought that counts." Then proceeded to tell anyone who thinks the that the price matters more than the thought behind the gift.
I've already stated that I was busting her metaphorical balls. I know the necklace is something her boyfriend will like, I know the price isn't what matters, I know the thought behind it was a good thought... But fucking hell no need to get so asshurt about it that you go off on everyone who seems to think price of gifts matters more than the gift itself.
I don't always thing it's the thought that counts, in fact I think that bullshit was started by people who would just give gifts for giving a gift's sake. "I got you a pair of socks, it's the thought that counts." "I got you this cheap ass version of this more expensive thing you wanted, it's the thought that counts." "I got you Preparation H when you needed Peptol Bismol, it's the thought that counts."
That kind of thought it bullshit. The first person might already have enough socks, the second person might have done their research and found that it was better to spend the extra cash than to cheap out, the third person might not have hemorrhoids but nausea, heartburn, indigestion, an upset stomach or diarrhea and really need that Peptol Bismol. The thought does not always count, because not all gifts are created equal, whether it be in price or in value to the receiving party.
If you have no idea what to get someone you oughtn't cop out and get them some bullshit gift then say, "It's the thought that counts." You really ought to do your research. Getting something someone asks for is alright, but if you really want to tickle someone's fancy, the thought behind the gift you are giving them out to be good. If the person likes music, then you really need to find out the music they like and get them something you think they'll dig. Though don't half ass it, some people are super picky about their music (which I personally hate).
If this person doesn't like all the thought you put behind the LP you get them, then fuck 'em, you did your best. The thought behind that is worth a lot more because you put true effort into it as a pleasing gift.
If someone got me a stupid gift then put "it's the thought that counts" on it I wouldn't say much, I would just tell them, "Fuck your thought, this gift is of no use to me."
I don't like gifts with no practical use to them, really. Clothes are fine and stuff, just don't get me stupid clothes. Material gifts of things I am into are great, just don't be stupid about it, make it count. Useful gifts, things that do something, usually have the greatest value. I've had many an expensive gift and many a cheap gift given to me that are very useful and satisfy needs over and over again. I've been given art for a gift that is always pleasing. I've even been given good experiences for a gift, which are some of the best gifts to be given.
The thought only counts when the gift truly matters to the one its been given to.