My mother in law (and I love her dearly, and hosted her for 10 days… yes 10 days… in September, over a year after her son and I split up) is perhaps the worlds worst gift giver. Its not even the presents that are terrible (many are) but its the inconsistancy that drives me crazy.
Year one I am living with her son. Christmas I get a good piece of corningware large roaster pan. I liked it, appreciated it and thanked her. I even invited her for a dinner I cooked in the pan. Year two, I recieved a teapot. Again, no complaints.
The following year I recieved… an old man hat. With ear-flapgs and a string under the chin. It was suede, a kind of silver blue suede. Disco shiny silver blue suede, with fake lambswool lining. It was too small, more for a child. She thought this would be perfect because we love to ski. Um, yeah. In Whistler… wearing a child proportioned, old man shiny disco hat. And I believe, some dishcloth craft that looks like a doll, but is actually dishtowels. The cloths were useful the hat went to the Salvation army.
The next year we move east. Its going to be cold, she says “I have the perfect thing for you!” A very warm leather hat… She rummages in a closet for a while…but cannot find this hat. Too bad, maybe it is in my storage spot. I got it at the church rummage sale, and have saved it incase I know someone who needs it…So it was not only a small ugly hat, it was a used, donated, rejected small ugly shiny hat.
The year I gave birth to her first grandson I got tea towels, and an incense burner of the type they sell in the dollar store.The year I split from her husband I recieved obviously rummage sale craft table items, and a woolen shawl.
This year (and I peaked, bad girl) I recieved a hand painted scarf, and a glass bowl made in Venice (she was there this summer)
So, the question is is she cheap, demented, or really has no idea how to shop?
And its not really the cost, its the inconsistancy. (Honestly she has good taste, immaculately dressed, is in her late 50’s and looks and dresses a lot younger)