Hey remember that game we probably all played as kids? When we would visit our grandmom wearing something totally hideous, but our mom said we *had* to wear it because grandmom got it for us and we couldn't hurt her feelings...That was probably all of our first encounters with keeping gifts and being forced to use gifts we didn't want or like. So mom, be VERY suspicious if everytime you see you grandkids they are only ever wearing clothing that you purchased while I make it a point to tell you how cute they look in said outfit. It means the cycle is repeating iteself for yet another generation.
Yet, most people grow out of this stage (maybe when their mom stops forcing them?). For example, I'm not a knick knack person/displayer so while the collection of snow bunnies I have received is cute, I don't feel the need to display them all over my house just because grandmom bought them and visits occassionally. And when grandmom wonders where they are I have no trouble letting her know they are in a box in the attic. I've since stopped getting snow bunnies as gifts. (which is a win/win really, I don't have to store them and grandmom doesn't waste money). Anyway, I doubt anyones intent when giving a gift is to force the receiver to use/display/idolize the gift for life. That's not realistic. Otherwise I would be surrounded by beanie babies every where I went, the streets would be littered with them! The horror!! The truth is people grow out of things, their tastes change, their space/decor changes, and it's perfectly acceptable to get rid of gifts without feeling bad that the gift giver is going to come looking for it and quiz you down to see if you still have it.
In any case, this picture on the left is what I'm thinking of getting mom for her next gift. It would look great on her mantel for the next 25 years at least. And I would definately make a point to ask about its whereabouts at every visit.
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