Okay so I am supposed to shop for strangers children now.

[Android Kaeli]

Parents usually ask me what I'd get a kid, I ALWAYS say "Gift Card or check", many say that's too impersonal and said kid can't open a gift card or check. Um, there are ways to wrap a card and check -- you've just got to be creative with boxes, cups, and other assorted gift wrappings. Besides, it gives the kid more freedom to choose what THEY like and not be stuck with a game, piece of clothing, or another random gift that most likely will NEVER get a lot of use out of.

[BusBus]

When I worked in a tourist shop, I encountered a lot of people who wanted to buy shirts for kids back home. They would always ask, "What size would fit a <insert age and gender>?" Kinda tricky when kids come in different shapes and sizes. I would usually help them find a shirt that might be too big, so that they could grow into it, just in case.

[MelodiousBubbles]

See... I would suggest something I'd give my nephews or my niece if I felt like being nice enough.

Then again, I like giving them loud toys and lots of sugar, so I may not be the best role model for presents XD

[Lace Neil Singer]

"What would you get for my <insert random relative child> age <insert random age>"

A machine gun, a bag of cane sugar and something that plays an annoying tune.

[the lawsmeister]

Then again, I like giving them loud toys and lots of sugar, so I may not be the best role model for presents XD

My wife follows a similar philosophy. She was sending off easter eggs to my nieces and nephew and the clerk at the post office commented about how hyper it would make the kids, my wifes reply:
"I'm aiming to be the favourite aunty, not the favourite sister in law".

[Sheldonrs]

Standard replies for when asked:



For little boys I would suggest a pack of condoms, a bottle of tequila and a road map of the female anatomy.

For little girls, Hello Kitty underwear seems to be popular.

[DGoddessChardonnay]

*reads thread and falls off the bed laughing at Sheldon's response*



I can't wear Hello Kitty undies . . . they don't come in my size.

[Broomjockey]

I got Leo, Ralph, Don, and Mike.

For those of you who get the following joke, I apologize, but:

TO THE MOON, ALICE!

[MelodiousBubbles]

My wife follows a similar philosophy. She was sending off easter eggs to my nieces and nephew and the clerk at the post office commented about how hyper it would make the kids, my wifes reply:
"I'm aiming to be the favourite aunty, not the favourite sister in law".

Oh my brother-in-laws will find it hilarious. My older sisters on the other hand... Not so much

[mikoyan29]

Lee Trevino's golf is always a hit with the kids...

[42_42_42]

Do these people's kids not write out Christmas wish-lists or drop a gazillion not-so-subtle hints starting just after Halloween?

I guess some people are just perennial bad gift-givers. Me, I take pride in giving not just good, but fantastic, presents. My parents over-spend on their grandsons, but ask any of my nephews, and they will usually say their favorite present was from me. But, then, despite not being able to see them very often, I take the time to really get to know my nephews. Novel idea that.

[Midorikawa]

But, then, despite not being able to see them very often, I take the time to really get to know my nephews. Novel idea that.

what craziness you speak of! We all know SC's couldn't be bothered to get to know their offspring any more than they could be bothered to be decent. :-P

[SourRobot]

I get the same type of question, but it's usually:

"What would be a good gift for my grandmother/mother/a 60-year old woman?"

I wouldn't know, I'm not a mother, grandmother, or a 60-year old woman, and I don't know the people you know.


Or "You're a young girl, do young girls like this?"

Other young girls may like it, but I sure hate it. I really don't pay much attention to what other girls wear, and I don't wear what other girls wear, so it's not a very good idea to ask me. The customers don't know that though, so I can't be upset when they ask their questions.


I really don't understand why people ask questions like these. We employees don't know your relatives, so it's pretty tough to just guess what they'll like. Like the others mentioned, just give them money or a gift card. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT give them clothes! My mom still does that with me she never gets it right.

[Krivak]

"You look like a teenager...what should i get mine?"

"Stripper?"

[simplyanother]

Thread has me lol'ing.

A co-workers favorite "can you help me shop" tale involves someone coming up to her....asking her what to get a 12 year old boy...who doesn't like to put anything together, doesn't like crafts, doesn't..blah blah blah.

Because the OBVIOUS place to shop for a kid who hates all that stuff is a craft store.