You may have noticed from my shopping posts, that I purchase a lot of my Christmas gifts for myself. It’s because I know how to get the good deals, and it really bothers me to pay more for an item than I should. For example, a couple of years ago, my husband put a DVD in my stocking on Christmas morning. When I found out that he purchased the item from FYE, I couldn’t believe that he paid “full price” instead of at least checking out the prices online. My frugal side won out, and I had him return the DVD and I ordered it from Amazon.
I’m a bit embarrassed when I think back on that incident. My husband was trying to show me love by picking out a thoughtful gift to surprise me. And I ruined it 
. So now, I shop for my “main” gifts, and he surprises me with stocking stuffers (no matter how much he “overpaid” for them). I love that my husband knows what I like, and I don’t mind that he spends more than he should for Christmas. I just do the shopping the rest of the year .
Do you struggle with gifts that others purchase for you when you know they overpaid for them? How do you handle it?
Corrie is a "cents"able wife and stay-at-home mom of 2 boys.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
if it directly affects my household & pocketbook, yes, I will definately take it back ~ but dh is on board for saving a bit. and if it is someone like my dad – I will ask him if he minds if I have the reciept so that I can get the price adjusted for him
but as far as others, I don't say much.
I think you show great insight, and the wisdom to change some things.
You’ve found a great compromise, letting your husband buy small gifts, so he gets the chance to really surprise you.
I do understand the need to be frugal and being bummed out if someone paid to much.
But you know what they say: you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth!
I usually let it go (unless it’s my husband and usually I’ve given him tips to save money on what I want). In the past I’ve asked for expensive craft items from my mother-in-law for Christmas and when I asked I told her to use the coupon, otherwise, it’s too expensive!
What a sweet hubby you have.
I know…he’s sweet to put up with the crazy wife
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Ha, my hubby and I had an “issue” tonight because I found out that he PAID FOR SHIPPING ON AMAZON!!!!! He did it to make sure that one of my gifts gets here in time for Christmas. Very sweet…but I just received stuff that I bought the same night he bought my stuff, and I didn’t pay for shipping! (Btw, the stuff he ordered is not here yet!)
It does bug me that I can’t help him find deals on my stuff. He always has to get me things I don’t necessarily ask for, so I can’t even point him in the right direction!
Been there and done this with my hubby. LOL
He really is a dear though. I can’t tell you how many times he’s offered to run to the grocery store for me if I have to grab a few things before a sale ends, and I’ve learned the hard way NOT to let him help me. He still doesn’t understand why I’m reluctant to let him do this…mostly it’s because it’s too complicated explaining how to use the coupons I’ve paired up with sales..such as “only use this coupon if…”and “don’t get this unless…”…you guys know what I’m talking about! But mostly I don’t like him shopping because he’ll blow any savings I may have planned by buying something I didn’t ask for and that something is usually outrageouly priced!
I always do all the shopping, because I can save a ton of money. For Christmas, I give him a list and where to buy!! I even state the price and the date the price is good through. He now knows not to buy it if it is not at that price! He doesn’t mind too much since he sees how much money I saw us each month.
LaTanya
I started buying my own presents this year because when I found out my husband spent $50 on a bath robe for me that I could have used a Kohls coupon or Carson’s coupon and only paid like $20, I freaked. I know he tried but it killed me to see money wasted! We are still working out a system and I like your stocking stuffer idea!
Thanks!
I try to put practical items on my list that I’d buy anyway (iron, new coupon oranizer) or luxury items that I wouldn’t buy for myself (flavored coffee, bath products. My family knows that I’d loved gifts that were from a garage sale or thrift store. That’s why my gift pile is usually the largest.
From my in-laws I usually ask for gift cards (to do my own shopping or cash (for getting my hair done or a massage). My husband also gets a detailed list of what to buy where with what coupon. I know my family said I’m not much fun to shop for but I usually get what I want.