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NBR: You have GOT to be kidding me

M.AmyM.Amy member
in Parenting after 35

Once again I am bitching about a very thoughtful and generous gift that doesn't meet my tastes (or in this case may not). 

DH last night "warned" me that his mom bought me a painting for Christmas.  He doesn't know who the artist is and he has no idea of the size or style. He said he didn't want me to get my hopes up when I saw the package.  This could be a wonderful gift or it could be dreadful.

For those of you who don't know me let me give you a quick synopsis of my past:

DH and I collect art or at least did before Matt.  Last Christmas my parents spent an obscene amount of $$ on a faux photo painting that is truly horrifying. It stays in Matt's closet until they come visit.  Recently MIL has given us artwork for Matt's room that really clashes.  This artwork is now in the guest house.

The problem is art is a very subjective medium. A painting can be beautiful to one person and ugly to another.  Honestly she would have been better off letting me choose one of her paintings.  She and FIL had a ton of art they collected over the years and much of it is in storage. I am sure I could have found something I liked.


 

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Re: NBR: You have GOT to be kidding me

  • PeskyPesky member

    Maybe this is a time for you to talk to your parents and his to say, thanks but as art is subjective, perhaps a gift certificate for a painting or giving me some options or asking for a short list of options within a certain range would be best. 

    And yeah, I have a huge print from my parents.  It stays up because it is relatively innocuous but not really to either DH's or my style.


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    DD -- 5YO
    DS -- 3YO

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  • carladilloncarladillon
    I wouldn't dream of buying a piece of art for someone for the exact reasons you point out. It's like buying perfume for someone without knowing what they wear. I'm sorry you are in this awkward position.
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  • Piranha54Piranha54

    I agree with Pesky - it won't be fun, but in the long run having a talk with your folks and the IL's will save a lot of grief and heartache, and you feeling guilty about a gift.  My parents have collected a fair amount of art, and I have bought some good pieces too.  When I moved back to Cleveland a few years ago, my folks got me a painting as a house warming present. I could so understand why they thought I'd like it,  but I hated it.  I finally talked to them because I couldn't put it up in my house and be happy.  As it turned out, it could be returned.  We then decided that shopping for artwork would be a family event and we always had a great time, but if there was a gift, the receiver had veto power.  Yes, it ruins the surprise, but ultimately, everyone is happy.  At two auctions, I even said I would adore to have any of these three paintings, and let them decide if they were going to bid and on what while I had a cocktail or two at the bar :)

    GL 

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  • ateytelbateytelb
    Can your husband talk to them and explain the situation so they stop giving you guys artwork as gifts? Otherwise you will need a lot of closet space...
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  • fauxshelleyfauxshelley member
    Ugh!  Not again.... Tongue Tied  (Hopefully it won't be as bad as you are expecting.)
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  • itsmexineitsmexine
    I can't imagine buying art for someone else unless they specifically said they really liked a piece. I hope you have a lot of storage space, but I'd definitely say something to curb the gift of art.
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