Am I an ingrate?

[stacie]

Several years ago I visited a friend's home. He and his wife were obviously enamored with a particular artist. I complimented them on their taste and discussed interesting things about the individual pieces. Since then, this friend sends me a calendar by the artist. Not just a wall calendar but the calendar I keep with me to make notes of my schedule and fitness plans. I bought my own this year as he and his wife moved out of state. Today I received a calendar in the mail. Okay, I don't like this artist at all. I was just being polite. I had hoped the gift would stop when they moved, but obviously it won't. I"m not using it this year as I've bought one I like, but I don't want them to keep wasting their money. Do I just keep saying thank you every year, do I fess up and make them feel silly for buying me one the last five years or do you have an alternative? I thought it would be obvious when they visited my house as Every room is bright and colorful. This artist really favors browns. Not my cup of tea at all.

[mimitabby]

maybe the artist is GIVING them these calendars. I would say you erred in not telling them right away "he's not really my cup of tea, but yes, it's very nice"
in the beginning.
All I can say is to head them off at the pass next year
"my mother, daughter, brother gave me a great calendar that I absolutely love for next year, so please don't buy me one"

[mimitabby]

and, it's not too late to re-gift it! do you have a secret sister?

[Bluetree]

Sorry I can't help you, Stacie, but I'm in the same boat. I work with horses and spend all day looking at them, drawing them, studying them. At the end of the day... I need to get away from them!
But many of my friends and acquaintances continue giving me things that are horse-related... pictures, blankets, calendars, t-shirts, etc. They don't seem to notice that there is not a single thing in my house that has anything to do with horses. It's one thing if I were a 12-year-old child obssessed with all things horsey... but I'm a middle-aged woman whose decorating tastes are anything but. I still haven't figured out how to tell them.

P.s. Anyone out there want some horsey calendars?

[Pax]

I can't speak to the "how to tell the friends" issue, but I can tell you that any of you with spare calendars can call your local mental health center to see about donating them. Case Managers are always looking for calendars for their clients so they can help them record doctors appointments, medication schedules, social plans, etc.

[Veronica]

If you know a teacher, they may take them as well.

I get a bunch of calendars every year from a neighbor who gets them from various charities she donates to. I use them as prizes in my classroom.

There are also some fun art projects kids can do with them.

V.

[SalsaMTB]

Do you still talk to them occasionally? If so, I would do some research and find an artist you really like. Then, talk about that artist to them. Maybe tell them how you really want to get a piece of his/her work, etc. Find an artist you can obsess about, maybe they'll get you a calender of that artist! I think people understand that tastes change. If you approach it like that, it might not be bad. Say something about how the artist they're giving you is good, but gosh, have you seen so and so's work?? It's AMAZING!!

[Mr. Bloom]

IMHO, I'd just not worry about it or say anything to them. I don't think you're an ingrate

[nancielle]

I can't speak to the "how to tell the friends" issue, but I can tell you that any of you with spare calendars can call your local mental health center to see about donating them. Case Managers are always looking for calendars for their clients so they can help them record doctors appointments, medication schedules, social plans, etc.

I second this one. My colleagues and I are always passing on extra calendars/planners to clients.