I know that I am just being silly, but always come home from family do a little depressed. Was my Stepson's 40th Birthday. I can't afford to spend too much on presents and always give gift vouchers. Everyone gave expensive gifts for him and the new house. At least my Sock Monkey was a hit.

My daughter has decided that this year the gifts the grown ups (I use that term looseeely) lol exchange either have to be hand made or something you already own. I hoe thier quilts will be done but if not the girls will get thier great grandmothers jewelry and the boys my dads tie tacs and cuff links. You and I have to give from the heart!

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by mi30kaja 25 Sep 2011

This is a good idea. I am at the age where I don't need more clutter. I have some glasses given to me for my 21st that I have never used because they were too nice. Must give them to someone who will use and appreciate them.

You probably get so bothered by this as some of the others there are making you feel bad that "she didn't get him a proper gift!" They probably have never been given something from the heart so don't really know what it feels like.
You gave the best gift of all.
My grandsons were always estatic about getting something from me and would tell everyone "my gramma made it"! Even my son loved when I made him something and occassionally bought something for him. They all liked what I made rather than something bought.
So keep doing it the RIGHT way - from the heart!

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by mi30kaja 20 Sep 2011

I gave My Stepson a gift Voucher so he can buy something he wants but gave the sock monkey to Mother to be.

Same as Sarah below, My Mother bought us up with
"If you give a gift and it hurts your pocket, then its not a gift at all.
If you give a gift made from the heart, you'll sure to walk proud n tall"

Walk PROUD N TALL Mi30kaja x *

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by mi30kaja 20 Sep 2011

Thank You, I am over it all now.

by airyfairy 21 Sep 2011

A wonderful comment from Jussyc

My mother always told me that it is the thought that counts. I am sure your stepson realises that you cannot afford expensive presents. I feel a bit like you when it comes to my twin grandchildren. Their 'other' Granny always gives very expensive gifts. I am sure that your sock monkey stole the show. Sarah.

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by mi30kaja 20 Sep 2011

I get on well with my stepkids and they both know my situation, but I am over it now.

To give a special made present is very special as IT CAN NOT BE BOUGHT. Love and time has gone into it.
Hopefully they will apreciate that and rather more pleased with what you made than any bought presents, because anyone with some money can buy without love involved.

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by mi30kaja 20 Sep 2011

I heard later there was some bad feeling between My stepson's Mother and his wife regarding the present the Mother gave. Glad I am not in the middle of that.

What is important is that you were there and made him a gift with your time and your heart. That is the most expensive present ever. I would not trade a hand made gift for a bought one anyday. You should not feel bad for on second. Suzanne

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by mi30kaja 19 Sep 2011

Thank You Suzanne, I am over it now especially after all of the carry on between the DIL and her MIL. You would think it would be me being the StepMother.

I'll bet the gift that meant the most to him was the one given out of Love which I think was yours. Everytime he sees the sock monkey he will think of you and remember that you made it for him. The other gifts will be long forgotten before the monkey will. I always remember handmade gifts given to me, they have a tendency to speak volumes over more expensive gifts because you know they come from the heart.

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by mi30kaja 19 Sep 2011

I actually gave the sock monkey to the mum to be. I am now getting feedback on the presents. Mum to be doesn't like the present that was given to her son. Glad I am not caught up in that.

I prefer to have people around me on my birthday than to have a present given that I know that person could not afford. What was important that you gave something that was whimsical and everyone thought it was fun. Nothing to feel bad about.

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by mi30kaja 18 Sep 2011

Thank You. They all know my situation so don't know why I get so bothered.

There is a huge difference in a present given from the heart rather than 1 given from pride. I think you you have given from the heart. These are the gifts that will be treasured and remembered.

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by mi30kaja 18 Sep 2011

Thank You. I get on well with my stepkids so don't know why it bothers me so much.

My dear, I have very limited income and cannot give
expensive gifts to my family either. Throughout the years I realized it was foolish of me to even consider competing with their friends and acquaintances giving costly gifts. Those who do not feel it is the thought that counts, is termed a very materialistic person, in my opinion, and do not even deserve a "thought"!! Be happy in the occasion, knowing you gave from the "heart" and within your means! You have to work at getting past that "silly" feeling, cause you would be surprized at how FEW pay attention to individual gifts during a celebration, unless it is truly a
unique gift (of lOVE), like the Sock Monkey!!
Angel

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by mi30kaja 18 Sep 2011

Thank You. I know I am just being silly.

Lyn its the thought that counts. At least you have carefully thought about your gift. My grandson was one this week and we are having a laugh at one of his presents. It is now cooler and a wet start to Autumn, definetly cooler ane he has been given a short sleeved tee shirt and shorts... By next summer he will be too big for it. Great items for the beach but just because you live by the beach doesnot mean you play there on cold wet days in such clothes. Wellies and mac will be more suitable when he is older. Gift vouchers are brilliant as you can get just what you want with them. Have fun making more sock monkeys instead of worrying

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by mi30kaja 18 Sep 2011

I am just heading off about one hr away to search a shop for more socks.

The thought and love that went into the making of your gift is what will be remembered ....Hugs & *4U x0x0x0x

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by mi30kaja 18 Sep 2011

Thank You! You people are so understanding.

I also have to watch on my money so I stitch sometimes presents when Anna is invited to a birthday. You can see how different people (and the kids are just what their parents educated them): Some make a face like you give them rubbish and some of the girls wearing their bags with their name and a favorite motif nearly every day. People are different and so I'm happy about those who value my present highly :o)
Greetings, Bettina

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by mi30kaja 18 Sep 2011

I know the Mother to be was just thrilled with the sock Monkey. She has had a struggle in her younger days as well.

My dear, the best present in the world is one that comes from the heart and the hands. Your present was made with love, given with love and no money in the world can buy that!!!

I also went to a birthday the other day and all the other people gave expensive presents etc, and along I came with a set of machine embroidered placemats, in the colours of her diningroom and guess whose present was a hit??? Just like yours!!!

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by mi30kaja 18 Sep 2011

I would have loved your set of Placemats. Just know I shouldn't get so bothered.

Your Sock Monkey was made especially to celebrate a very special event and every stitch means a hug and kiss. You have no reason in the world to feel less than anyone else. It's so easy to fork out cash but never easy to give your time and labour. At 40 years of age he probably has most of what he needs and wants to get by in life. You gave something very personal and something straight from the heart and which tells him that you are delighted to be making something for his little family - that reassurance that you want to be part of something very special in his life would mean the world to him. You have given him love.
What better time to give it than his 40th Birthday??
AlmaG.

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by mi30kaja 18 Sep 2011

Thank You Alma. I know he appreciates what ever I give them.