Dorky bike gifts from clueless people

Ok, so I got a HUGE box in the mail today from Nashbar bike. I had recently gotten my helmet from them so I thought maybe I forgot that I had ordered something else? DH joked that I was so bike shopping addicted that I wasn't even remembering when I ordered things (and he had me worried, too!). I opened it and there was this dorky "Toto Bike Basket":
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/...V61161139_.gif
Gee, just like in the Wizard of Oz! I figured hmmm they sent me this by mistake. But there on the packing slip inside was my (annoying control freak) brother's name as the sender.

So here's this totally dorky basket, like I'm supposed to put this on my road bike? Does he think I'm Rebeccah of Sunnybrook Farm? Daisy Duke? First, it won't fit anyway because of my interruptor brakes and cables, not to mention my headlight. But most importantly...I wouldn't be caught dead with this lame girly accessory. I have two different-sized very nice buckle-closing waxed canvas and leather saddle bags for the back of my bike, thank you. Both carefully chosen by me for my specific taste and needs.

I had sent him a pair of SmartWool glove liners for Xmas last week- at least HE can use something like that. I try to get things for people that they can USE without imposing my own tastes on them. I don't quite get it because he used to be a very avid road biker years ago- he knows a bit about biking. He's seen my wonderful bike, we've talked biking once or twice and he knows what I do. What is he trying to say here? :confused: He doesn't have a lot of money, so I doubt he would buy it simply as a joke.

Now, I know it was nice for him to send me a present at all, but...don't you just hate when people buy things for your bike that are totally clueless?
The good news is that I can tell him it wouldn't fit on my bike anyway, and perhaps Nashbar will allow me to exchange it for something else.

sigh......

I had mentioned to my mom that I was looking at getting a nice HRM/distance wrist computer type thing for running. They were expensive, but I was looking into it. I told her not to bother getting it for me since I wasn't sure what I wanted. For Xmas she got me a regular digital watch with lap counter (ok it was a nice timex and I needed one) and a big bulky pedometer... the kind you attache to your shoe. :( I had given her all kinds of other suggestions for things she could get me, but she insisted on getting me the thing that I said I wanted to choose for myself. Well, I ended up just discussing with her that I really didn't feel that the pedometer would be useful to me since I wanted a wristtop version specifically so that I could keep an eye on mileage and if it was on my shoe then I'd have to stop and look at my shoe frequently which would just be silly. I thanked her heartfeltedly for the gift, I really do appreciate her trying to get me something I need, and explained that I just wouldn't use it, and I would feel bad if her gift went unused. She took it very well and asked if there was something she could get me fromt he running store she got it from, and I asked for a few pairs of nice coolmax socks or an ear warmer.

In the end, we both win out by discussing it like this because no one really wants to get someone a gift that they won't enjoy.

K.

I have one of those baskets on the front of a vintage Bob Jackson mixte. It looks great running around town on errands. Now if the bike were just a tad larger and fit me. If you have a townie/errand bike, put it on that.

You can always just use the basket on the floor by the door for your gloves and helmet. It says bike all over it but doesn't have to be used on the bike.

I agree with SadieKate that that basket would look cute on the right kind of bike, though it's obviously not right for your sleek Rambouillet (well, obvious to us, but not to your brother, I guess). I have a metal mesh basket on the front of my neighborhood cruiser, and it's very handy.

I also agree that your basket would make a nice little piece of bike-related home decor as an alternative. Using it that way might also help you feel a little empowered against the control-freakiness of your bro, since you'd be taking his initially irritating gift and turning it into something useful and cool in your own way.

Hey at least your brother made the effort - it sounds like he tried. Poor thing give him "kudos" for that.

When you call and ask if the basket can be exchanged, don't forget to tell him how thoughtful and wonderful it was for him to send you a bike related gift. You don't want to hurt his feelings cause next time, no gift at all! :rolleyes:

Well, it was good for a chuckle to me, at least. If he wasn't a road biker in the past, I'd give him a break. But since he as knowledge of the sport, it's just one of those crazy "what the cluck?" gifts.

You could start a thread on crazy gifts. I got this wierd plastic wagon looking thing one time with a pipe on one end and a metal plate on the other end. Couldn't figure out what the heck it was supposed to be. Never did. Closest I could come was some sort of cigarette holder (in the base of the big plastic pipe--smoking pipe shaped) and the metal plate was an ash tray. Well, that could work, I guess except I have never been a smoker. Still puzzles us to this day (needless to say we got rid of it very quickly).

Personally I like it. Now all I need is that beautiful Amsterdam bike to put it on and I could get one for myself. I know sometimes we get gifts that dont leave us in raptures but hey at least he was thinking of you which is the main thing.:)

SK - I think that is a lovely idea.:)

I do see the validness of your points about using the basket in other ways, etc. But I don't see it working for me in this case.

Our "errand bike" already has a truly useful large metal basket on the front that we hook bungees over to keep things from bouncing out. You can put a whole bag of groceries in it!

I'm afraid this little basket is too small for much of anything, even a helmet would completely fill it.
DH and I tend to dislike having baskets sitting around the house with stuff in them. Makes us claustrophobic or something. I think the best way for me to deal with this is just to thank him and tell him it won't fit on my bike with my bar brakes and try to exchange it with Nashbar for something I can actually use.
I guess it's similar to when we first bought our house together and all our excited plans about how we wanted everything to look inside, how we were going to merge together and decorate together. Some friends gave us housewarming gifts that we could use and use up- cheese, candles, flowers, dish towels...others gave us things like framed posters for the wall. Pictures to hang on the wall is something very personal that a new homeowner would want to choose themselves...I would never give something like that to someone who just got a house. DH and I had just finished selling off 1/2 of each of our houses full of belongings just so we could fit our two households into one house, plus I'm a graphic artist with decades worth of framed paintings and pictures stacked in the basement. We already had enough framed pictures and art to furnish 10 houses.

I know, it's the thought that counts.
Still...I just think it's better to give things that people can use without having to display or attach it prominently on your bike, your body, or in your house. Socks, candles, books, movies, good coffee, tea, and chocolate are always good!

In the end, I still have to wonder why my brother chose this Dorothy/Toto basket for me- it seems so odd. Must have some Freudian meaning somehow.


Hey Kimmy....take a second look at the pedometer your mom gave you before you exchange it- every pedometer I know attaches to your BELT, not to your shoe. Read the package to check on this. A pedometer company told me last year that the biggest mistake people make with pedometers is thinking they are supposed to attach them to their shoes. You won't get a proper reading on your shoe, the inner pendulum measures the subtle up/down of your torso as you walk...not the back/forward swinging of feet.

And yes, I will be gracious after Christmas and thank him for his thoughtful gift.
I know it was a nice gesture to send me something, and I HAVE to believe he was trying to get something he thought I would like. :rolleyes: :confused: :rolleyes:

My best buddy actually goes to the Hallmark store, picks out individual cards and mails them out (after adding a little message) to his friends and family. How many guys you know do that? I alway praise him alot for his effort and thoughtfulness. I actually have 3 male friends who send out cards each year. Each is in his 40's and unmarried. Mmmmmmm, should I be worried? :rolleyes:

PS: That good buddy also, for my Christmas present, spent who knows how many hours, cleaning and shining up my MTBike. It's nicer looking now than when I bought it. He didn't spend a dime and I couldn't have gotten a nicer persent! What a sweetie (in that platonic I love you like a brother way).

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

I have one of those baskets on the front of a vintage Bob Jackson mixte. It looks great running around town on errands. Now if the bike were just a tad larger and fit me. If you have a townie/errand bike, put it on that.

You can always just use the basket on the floor by the door for your gloves and helmet. It says bike all over it but doesn't have to be used on the bike.

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I agree SK - cool idea!!!! Now I want one!!!!

When my hubby was in high school he asked for panniers for Christmas once - his grandma got him a nice little white plastic basket with nice plastic flowers on it. I'm betting you all know exactly what I mean. Some people just don't understand.....

Eh, could have been worse, he could have given you Maxi-pad slippers.

still giggling over that one...

Or this.

Hey, Lisa, what about donating it to Salvation Army or Toys for Tots or something like that for a child's bike? Or do you have a niece or somebody like that who'd like it on a child's bike?--Regift????

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

Or this.

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interesting use for recycled inner tubes.....

this one is a little more practical and our local shops collect tubes for them.

Here's maybe how my brother thinks of my biking:
http://www.manhattancruisers.com/Ima...-lil-daisy.jpg
:cool:

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Here's maybe how my brother thinks of my biking:
http://www.manhattancruisers.com/Ima...-lil-daisy.jpg
:cool:

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That's the basket!

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

Or this.

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Finally! Someplace to shop for that special New Year's Eve outfit!

Hmmmm, and I thought Stormy Leather's products were interesting.... :eek:

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Originally Posted by snapdragen

Finally! Someplace to shop for that special New Year's Eve outfit!

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wow, all I can say is I am going to the wrong NYE parties. ;)

[oh and for the brave, type in "new year's eve outfit" in google, then click images. Some very interesting results.]

Wonder how easy it is to knit with strips of recycled inner toobes.

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Here's maybe how my brother thinks of my biking:
http://www.manhattancruisers.com/Ima...-lil-daisy.jpg
:cool:

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Well my city bike (featured here: http://www.mielebicycles.com/Une_vie...hronique04.asp) does look a bit like that!!!

I have a really cool dring-dring bell too, "chat" on this page: http://www.dringdring.ca/31113069-C5...1243103BA.html

My mom gave me streamers but I couldn't figure out how to put them on my bike, and I thought it might be a bit too much...

I was a tomboy for the first 25 years of my life, still am most of the day, so I assume this little girly side of mine.

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Here's maybe how my brother thinks of my biking:
http://www.manhattancruisers.com/Ima...-lil-daisy.jpg
:cool:

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LOL! At least he didn't send you THAT basket! :eek:

neat site, Grog!

WOW! That is horrible. Absolutely horrible.

It's kind of upsetting when people who we think know us... obviously don't know us at all. You would hope that he would know you enough (and maybe take a look at you and your bike), and understand why that is something you would NEVER use.

I know it's the thought that counts... but I too hate when people waste money on me... buying me something that I will only take to Goodwill. Why waste money like that?

Oh well, at least you can return it. :cool:

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Originally Posted by KSH

I know it's the thought that counts... but I too hate when people waste money on me... buying me something that I will only take to Goodwill. Why waste money like that?

Oh well, at least you can return it. :cool:

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I was thinking about returning it. It's a $20 item, but then I'd have to spend at least $5 to send it back to NashBar, and then I'd have to pay shipping on whatever other item I exchange it for. So that would cost another $5-7.Toys for Tots would wrap it and give it to a girl who might not even have a bike. Salvation Army would just sell it.
I'm thinking I should give it to another TE member with a cruiser bike who might really want it and use it. Don't you think? I would feel better about doing something like that.
Here is the product info on it:
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...All%20Products
It has a part that is attached to your stem, and then the basket itself can clip on and off for when you want to take the basket into the store with (or chase after Toto with it).
If anyone on this thread thinks they can actually use it, I would be willing to send it to them free (within the U.S. only though, it's a BIG honkin' box!)

If no one on this thread wants it first, then I'll wait a day or two and then post it on the TE "For Sale" thread, where I'll give it away there to a TE member.

Lisa, I'm not making any judgments about your brother, I don't even know him, so please don't think I'm judging. I just think people do everything for a reason. It may be subconscious, but there is a reason behind it. When people who know you give gifts that don't "fit" you there may be an unspoken message. Maybe he is jealous of your riding or upset with himself that he gave it up for whatever reason. Maybe this is his subconscious "getting even" with you or trying to minimize your cycling. I'm sure that some are done just because the giver is a little ignorant (I don't mean that in a bad way) about what the receiver really would like...as in the case of the pedometer. Maybe you should encourage him to get back into riding? Anyhow these are just my thoughts on this. You get what you pay for, right? :) May all your other gifts be just what you'd like. Happy Holidays!

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Originally Posted by li10up

Lisa, I'm not making any judgments about your brother, I don't even know him, so please don't think I'm judging. I just think people do everything for a reason. It may be subconscious, but there is a reason behind it. When people who know you give gifts that don't "fit" you there may be an unspoken message. Maybe he is jealous of your riding or upset with himself that he gave it up for whatever reason. Maybe this is his subconscious "getting even" with you or trying to minimize your cycling. I'm sure that some are done just because the giver is a little ignorant (I don't mean that in a bad way) about what the receiver really would like...as in the case of the pedometer. Maybe you should encourage him to get back into riding? Anyhow these are just my thoughts on this. You get what you pay for, right? :) May all your other gifts be just what you'd like. Happy Holidays!

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Lighten,
I agree with you. I think it's a combination of him not being able to "get" who I am and what I do, and also his need to be in a mental power position, maintaining his faded "roadie" image by promoting my "little sister on her Schwinn" status of 40 years ago. Doesn't really bother me too much but he totally wasted his money, and he often talks of not having enough money anymore. It also put me in the position of perhaps having to explain why I won't be putting it on my bike (if he asks me).
I did encourage him to ride more again when he was here this summer. His still has his old old Myata which he loves. He keeps it in good shape (unlike his body...he's sort of a heart attack waiting to happen- too sad).
He doesn't "get" why I got my lugged steel road bike (you could get a 7 pound less carbon frame! You have to lower your handlebars!)
It's very hard to talk with him because he cuts you off if you are not saying something that agrees with him. After he's said his peace about something, he's really not interested in others' ideas about it. I could go on, but I'll refrain! :o :(

Oh YES! I had one of those white plastic baskets with the plastic flowers on my first two bikes. Loved them!

I don't like it when people (my mother) send me things that I can't use/don't like/don't fit and are unreturnable. I hate to see them waste their hard earned money. I also dislike buying presents for people when I don't have a good idea of they want or need, I don't want something I spent money on to end up in the trash. Gift cards, I love them. They may be impersonal, but they aren't a waste of money. I would much rather my sister in-law who lives 2000 miles away and I see once every two years get me a gift card than a hideous ill-fitting sweater or gawdy earrings . . .

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Doesn't really bother me too much but he totally wasted his money, and he often talks of not having enough money anymore.

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I was thinking about returning it. It's a $20 item

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Well, he didn't really break the bank on this one. Honestly, for a cycling related item, it was pretty inexpensive.

Lisa, I might want the basket for my old Schwinn 5 speed that lives at our store. I run to the bank, PO, accountant on her. I've had her since 1973, and I put some pictures of her in another post. The basket on her is sorta smashed--happened when I moved from Mississippi to Oregon. Sooooo if nobody else wants her, I'll happily take it. And I'll even pay for the shipping. If you change your mind, that's OK.

Dood,
Do you think you have a good spot on your stem in front to attach the bracket/band gizmo?

I suppose I need to preface this post with the statement that this is my personal opinion. Nothing more, nothing less. The gift should be taken with the sincerity with which it was given. If he really, genuinely expected you to love and adore that basket, then the basket itself is not the gift- it's merely a physical manifestation of that very real love for you. However, if it was a fun gag gift, then sure, play along, give it away, use it as a white elephant gift, whatever...
But it really, really bugs me when people cannot accept things graciously OR when they do so but turn around and say to others "Can you BELIEVE this...?" It's a simple lack of real respect and a shallow action in general.
My suggestion would be to thank him and use it as a part of a bike-related decoration in your house. Let it hold a floral bouquet, potpourri, or various woollens.
I ask everyone to retain their grace and tact this year, in light of others cluelessness and dorkdom. If they bother to get you anything at all, it means they care about you.
End of story. Get over it. You're not a child. Lucky, because an unappreciative child is generally regarded as 'spoiled'.
Some peoples' children... :rolleyes:

Hmmm...having a bad hair day?

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Originally Posted by Kitsune06

I suppose I need to preface this post with the statement that this is my personal opinion. Nothing more, nothing less. The gift should be taken with the sincerity with which it was given. If he really, genuinely expected you to love and adore that basket, then the basket itself is not the gift- it's merely a physical manifestation of that very real love for you. However, if it was a fun gag gift, then sure, play along, give it away, use it as a white elephant gift, whatever... :

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I hestitated posting to this one, but I agree. I also find it interesting that you are over-reacting so much. I think what's got your gourd is that he doesn't get why you prefer a lugged steel rivendell over a carbon racing bike. But part of not getting it is thinking the basket suits the bike. But I don't think he is trying to put you down, I think he is just doing his best to give you a gift he thought you would like. I second the idea of making it into a decoration, it could hold flowers, mail, all sorts of things. Just my 2 cents.

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Hmmm...having a bad hair day?

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No, just finding a lack of understanding uncomfortably chafing my christmassy goodwill. I'm sure you understand.

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Originally Posted by Triskeliongirl

...I think what's got your gourd is that he doesn't get why you prefer a lugged steel rivendell over a carbon racing bike....I second the idea of making it into a decoration, it could hold flowers, mail, all sorts of things. Just my 2 cents.

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What gets my gourd is not that he doesn't "get" my bike, but that he can't be bothered to spend the time talking to me for long enough to get ME. He engages in one way conversations that get abruptly terminated as soon as HE is done talking with a "Well I gotta go now!"
I certainly can't expect anyone to understand the background of my brother's behavior because I didn't elaborate on it. Suffice it to say he has "issues" that push people away.

I do appreciate the suggestions of using the basket as a decorative or practical item in my house, but again speaking honestly, I don't like or use baskets as decoration or as containers. I feel it would be better to give it to someone would would like it and could actually use it.
And again, as I said before, I will thank him politely for the gift, but I would have to be honest and tell him if he asks that it wouldn't fit on my bike in any case (which is true), and that I gave it to someone who could use it.

At least your family members make an effort! :o

My brother never understood me at all. But after years of apparel that was ugly or didn't fit, CDs that sucked, a baby car seat (I don't have kids), plastic plants, a fur hat (in California?), a tote bag with spongy faces that laughed when you pressed them, a giant gong (don't ask) and PC software (I'm on a Mac), dear old bro now gives me the Same Old Thing every year, just like clockwork... a $100 gift certificate to Nordstrom.

He still doesn't "get" me and probably never will, but I'll go shopping any day. :D

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Originally Posted by Bluetree

At least your family members make an effort! :o

My brother never understood me at all. But after years of apparel that was ugly or didn't fit, CDs that sucked, a baby car seat (I don't have kids)

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LOL - a baby car seat and no kids - now that would seem a little weird.

Kitsune - I love your Xmas spirit.:)