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It's the thought that counts

AndrewsgalAndrewsgal member
in Stay at Home Moms
What does this mean to you.?I always see this in the teacher threads about giving teachers crappy gifts and it makes me stabby.
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Re: It's the thought that counts

  • AndrewsgalAndrewsgal member
    gwapes said:
    Eh. It's become cliche. I guess taking time to think about what the other persons interests and likes are versus getting something you like or because it's convenient. 

    Yes thank you. It's not getting what you think is cute but something you know the other person likes/needs.
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  • bumpuser8448316bumpuser8448316 member
    I agree that it's become cliche. I feel like sometimes when people say that in regards to something they are doing/have done for someone else it's code for "you suck for not liking my idea." When people really put thought into something, taking the other persons likes and desires into account there should be no reason to use that phrase.


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  • sschwegesschwege member
    I think if you put a lot of time into creating or buying what you think would be the perfect gift for that specific person then the phrase, "It's the thought that counts" applies.

    For example we went to a birthday party recently for a 3 year old and we gave him a tin that had LeapFrog card games in it.  Thought that was a good choice because I knew the family traveled a lot.  Also gave him Crayola window markers because they live downtown and have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the skyline and I thought that would be awesome to use!  You could tell the mother was mad that I had chosen the markers and while I can see her point about them being messy, my heart was in the right place..."It's the thought that counts."

    Now if you spend 5 minutes shopping the dollar bins at Target looking for the 'perfect gift' for your child's teacher, then no, "It's the thought that counts" does not apply.
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  • Mrs.GregMrs.Greg member
    I think the point AG is trying to make is that sometimes just the "thought" isn't enough. Just because you thought to buy someone a gift doesn't automatically make it a good gift.

    While I agree to an extent (I know, weird coming from the one who's gonna buy a Keurig for her brother and lotion/candles for the teachers), we can't always get what we want. Sometimes someone will think the gift is a good fit for you but it's just not something you necessarily want. But (and this is where I don't agree with AG) that doesn't mean the receiver doesn't appreciate the gift. Because most likely, the giver did think the receiver would like it, that's why they bought it.
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  • Mrs.GregMrs.Greg member
    LalaMama81 said:


    amy052006 said:

    Hav=Fath said:


    CnAmom said:

    To me it means their heart was in the right place and they didn't want to give a generic gift.

    I agree with this.

    I'm not sure if you're talking about only with gifts, but like with the Christmas card arguments about signing the cards, for me it's the thought that counts, if someone sends me a card, I'm happy they thought of me, not stopping to think if they signed it or not.
    Hav=Fath said:

    See, this is where I would argue there might not be any thought.  Card not signed, computer printed label -- hell, that person probably has no idea who is still on their yearly card list.


    This is my point w/ the cards, getting me a keurig, etc. It really wasn't thoughtful b/c that person didn't stop to think about me as they were writing/shopping. 

    If you all you did was slap a label on an envelope and stuff it w/ a pre-printed card you did not think of the family/person you are sending it to. You are just checking a box off of your list. 


    But a gift card is thoughtful? I like a gift card as much as the next person but beyond "Hmmm... Starbucks or Target?", not much more "thought" was put into that purchase. Just sayin.
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  • LatteLady5LatteLady5 member
    I think it's the thought that counts only applies when actual thought is put into a gift. I wouldn't get my sister a starbucks gift card because she doesn't really drink coffee but she gets them for me because I love it. I also don't think it's the amount of the gift that makes it more valuable. I'd rather have a bag of riesen candies over a fancy power tool or something I'd never use. Just as I'm sure teachers appreciate a hand written thank you note over an apple covered coffee mug.

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  • sschwegesschwege member
    Kimbus22 said:
    amy052006 said:
    CnAmom said:
    To me it means their heart was in the right place and they didn't want to give a generic gift.
    I agree with this.

    I'm not sure if you're talking about only with gifts, but like with the Christmas card arguments about signing the cards, for me it's the thought that counts, if someone sends me a card, I'm happy they thought of me, not stopping to think if they signed it or not.
    See, this is where I would argue there might not be any thought.  Card not signed, computer printed label -- hell, that person probably has no idea who is still on their yearly card list.
    I still like these people better than the ones who don't even think to send a card.

    Says the woman with preprinted photo cards she doesn't sign.  I do handwrite addressed though.  I wonder where that puts me on the thoughtless scale...
    Haha, I would be curious to know as well because I do the same as you!
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  • lyingliarlieslyingliarlies member
    sschwege said:
    Kimbus22 said:
    amy052006 said:
    CnAmom said:
    To me it means their heart was in the right place and they didn't want to give a generic gift.
    I agree with this.

    I'm not sure if you're talking about only with gifts, but like with the Christmas card arguments about signing the cards, for me it's the thought that counts, if someone sends me a card, I'm happy they thought of me, not stopping to think if they signed it or not.
    See, this is where I would argue there might not be any thought.  Card not signed, computer printed label -- hell, that person probably has no idea who is still on their yearly card list.
    I still like these people better than the ones who don't even think to send a card.

    Says the woman with preprinted photo cards she doesn't sign.  I do handwrite addressed though.  I wonder where that puts me on the thoughtless scale...
    Haha, I would be curious to know as well because I do the same as you!
    me three. do i get extra credit for doing my own calligraphy on my wedding invitation envelopes?
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