We Wish You A Merry…Hamster?
Dear Mouthy Housewives,
My friend emailed me yesterday asking for Christmas gift suggestions for my son and telling me that she was able to score the hot new toy Zhu Zhu pets for my daughter. Who is 13. Do I tell my friend that my daughter has no interest in them or do I start working on my daughter’s fake happiness expression?
Signed,
No Thank Zhu
______________________
Dear No Thank Zhu,
I believe the Zhu Zhu toy you’re talking about is the fuzzy electronic hamster that costs $8.00, right? The one that’s being called the hottest toy of the year? Also known around my house as the toy my 6-year-old son keeps begging me to give him “if I really love him as much as I say I do.” Of course we all know that won’t be happening because the last time I tried to buy the season’s hottest toy, I almost got into a shoving match with a bargain hunting redneck at Target who later threatened to wait for me in the parking lot and give me an atomic wedgie with his rusty toolbox. Yes, unfortunately, there will be absolutely be no Zhu Zhus around this joint this holiday season.
(That is, unless you’re willing to part with your little furry guy. If so, I’m willing to go up to $50.00, no questions asked. Just promise me you won’t ask Kelcey or Marinka for a counteroffer, that you’ll ship it here before the 24th, and that you’ll throw in a bonus bottle of vodka. CALL ME.)
Now, what your friend did in getting this toy for your daughter was super sweet and considerate, and we should all hope to know someone like that. However, I would strongly recommend that you just be honest with her and let her know that, while you appreciate it, your daughter is just too old to enjoy a hamster robot. Then maybe suggest she give the Zhu Zhu to a younger kid who will really love it. (And if she doesn’t know anyone, the local children’s hospital is always in need of donations.) (And so am I.)
Hope that helps, and I hope you have a merry and hamster-free holiday.
Sincerely,
Wendi, TMH
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What’s the Cost of Friendship?
Dear Mouthy Housewives,
I have one child and my best friend has three. Every year, I feel like I nearly bankrupt myself buying her kids holiday gifts. I suggested a dollar amount limit and she suggested $20 per kid. So that’s $20 for her and $60 for me. Is this fair? And wasn’t my suggestion of a limit enough of a hint?
Signed,
This Friendship Is Putting Me In The Red
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Dear In The Red,
Oh the holidays. That wonderful time of year when we so often gorge on Christmas cookies, stress over holiday cards and empty our bank accounts to buy heaps of presents that will likely end up in landfills. I can hardly wait for the merriment to begin.
We all can get a little swept up in the holiday fever and forget that credit card bills will actually need to be paid in January. So you need to be realistic about what you can afford. If $60 is too much to spend on your friend’s kids (and I personally think that is excessive unless those children can give you access to a magic potion that stops the aging process), then you need to do more than offer a “hint” about your financial constraints.
Here’s the problem with a hint. I hinted to my husband that it would be just fabulous if he sometimes went grocery shopping. This did not send him racing to the store with our reusable bags and a shopping list. I had to wake up one morning and say, “Can you go shopping today while I take the girls to swimming class? Here is the list.” Done.
So stop with the hints and tell your friend the truth. Tell her you can’t afford to spend 60 bucks on her kids. Maybe she can pick out one gift that all her children might enjoy like a video, a Wii game or a board game. Or perhaps you can agree to not exchange gifts this year or each buy something to donate. If you’re crafty, maybe each family can make an ornament for the others’ tree. Or do a cookie exchange. I think there are a lot of creative, affordable ways to handle the situation but first you just need to be honest with your friend.
Because your friendship shouldn’t fill you with resentment and bitterness. Obviously, that’s what families are for.
Good luck to you,
Kelcey, TMH
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