[CatterDay]

I know that I am in the minority here, but I do not like giving or receiving gifts with my friends. My house is very small and I have no room for more "stuff." When a friend asks me what I want, I tell them honestly that I don't want to exchange gifts, and why. But I receive gifts anyway, always things I don't like, want or need, and then the person giving them is upset that I didn't give him/her a gift, even though I said up-front NO GIFTS PLEASE. I've tried saying I'd rather just have a nice meal, but that's never worked either. I end up with a pile of ugly things that I don't want/need and I feel like they are just a waste of money.

Any suggestions on what to do?

[Crystalblue]

Tell them to donate to a charity in your name.

[Mes T]

I can understand how you feel. Somehow it looks like your friends aren't "getting" the message. Have you told them directly, or in a more subtle round-about way?

Emphasize the meal suggestion again, or maybe concert/theater/movie tickets as gift ideas.

[BabyGirl]

I totally agree with the others. Charity Donations are Gifts. Gifts of Love and Compassion.

There are so many different ones to chose from, Kids, Pets, Homeless people, Veterans,Churches, Food Banks, Cancer and other Medical researches.

There are ways to stress the No Personal Gifts, by simply telling them that you have everything you need and that the thought is very sweet. But so many others don't have the things they need, so the Best Gift to you is them Gifting to the ones in need. Then ask them what their favorite Charity is so you can gift to their causes of Love on their special occasions like Birthdays or Christmas.