Buying electronics for someone? Think woman!
I spoke with my sister yesterday because she called to ask for advice about some car stereo equipment. She wanted to buy her husband a new head unit for Christmas. When I found out what model she was planning on getting and price she would be paying, I told her to reconsider because she could get a system twice as nice online for the same price if not cheaper. Of course, I knew if she wanted to surprise her husband, she might not have the luxury of playing with that option. However, the element of surprise could not be seen anywhere on the periodic table because she had discussed this gift with her husband already. Perfect. He'll understand that my sister wanted to hold off a couple of days so that she could get a better stereo unit instead of rushing to meet the deadline of the 25th, right? Nope.
My sister ends up telling me she needs to give her hubby a gift on Christmas because... well actually I didn't really hear a reason... The joy of surprise was no longer a factor... What could it be? Guess she didn't want to seem like she was empty-handed, which is fine to an extent, but do people really have to give and receive presents on the 25th? Is there an unspoken principle stating if one receives a gift after the 25th of December, that gift should be valued any less than if received before or on Christmas? I don't think so, especially if you are trying to get someone something you think would be ultimately better. And for those who wait for the after Christmas sales, yes, this includes you too. hahah.
In any case, my sister did not see eye to eye with me. In fact, she probably was gazing off in the direction of the 'I dun give a shit' mountains. She stated that her husband didn't really care about the little details concerning stereos that I seemed to fixate on... Um, hello? Anyone there? He IS a guy and guys do care about their electronics... It's like telling a girl to hurry and just pick up any damn pair of shoes. You'd get a heel either up your azz or sticking out of your forehead. To guys, electronics are the same thing. And here I thought this was pretty basic information.
The conversation ended abruptly with me telling my sister she knows my opinion and whatever happens, it still is her money she's spending, not mine. She responded by stressing "Yes, it IS my money." Sometimes my sister's diplomacy simply amazes me. I just hope the store was closed early so that her husband won't be stuck with that awful excuse for a stereo. =I
On a somewhat related note, I actually was at Al & Eds, looking for my own new head unit two weeks ago when I overheard a girl asking a salesman how much she could get for her price range. She was buying a gift for her boyfriend and wanted to surprise him. Lucky guy! In the end, the salesman convinced the girl to let the boyfriend in on the gift so that he would get something he would be satisfied with rather than chancing the expenditure of lots of money on shoddy equipment. Good choice! I'm sure her boyfriend will be glad she did that.
I guess I just wanted to state that when you are going to give somebody a gift that can be expensive, (1) make sure you have the funds to get something decent (2) be flexible with your plan: it might be a good idea to let your friend in on the gift (3) If it concerns electronics for a guy, do some research.
To all my purists out there, I know, I know. It shouldn't matter what is given or received. One should appreciate the mere thought. And completely I agree with this notion. Sadly, in this commercial world, however, thoughts in themselves rarely seem to be sufficient, and people end up buying gifts. If a simple card or thought doesn't cut it and you decide to buy a gift, at least be ready to buy something of decent quality.
