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Extravagant Gift Dilemma

December 17th, 2013 at 05:14 pm

I do some freelance work for a company based in Vietnam. My boss is very kind and generous. He told me he was shipping me a handbag in an email for Christmas. I didn't think much of it until I had a call from a handbag company out of Colorado verifying this was legitimate since it was purchased out of Vietnam. I said yes, my boss said he purchased a gift and it was bought from a US company who would ship it. The gentleman from the handbag company forwarded me the shipping confirmation and I about had a heart attack!

This is a $350 Michael Kors (sp?) handbag! I am a frugal girl who has never spent more than $20 on a purse and find it wasteful (For me, I don't judge others). I am grateful my boss is so generous and kind, but I hardly ever carry a purse at all and cannot fathom carrying this extravagant one. I don't know what to say or do. I didn't even spend $350 on Christmas altogether!If I say something I feel rude and ungrateful and if I don't I feel like he wasted his money. What would you do? How can I handle this gracefully?

17 Responses to “Extravagant Gift Dilemma”

  1. laura Says:
    1387300613


    I would say thank you for the generous gift and maybe use it once or twice? Then after that, I'm not sure? Resell? My aunt is the same way, generous and from Viet Nam, and she regularly gives my girls Coach wallets, wristlets, etc. I will admit to liking Vera Bradley, Coach, Dooney and Bourke, but mine are all from Goodwill or resale shops.

  2. nhgirl1970 Says:
    1387300753

    That may be my best option. I feel so wrong reselling, but at least the money would not go to waste.

  3. Banker Gurl Says:
    1387300991

    I would thank them for the bag and tell them you are very appreciative and overwhelmed by their generosity. I personally would not say or imply that it was wasteful in any way. To him it was not wasteful because he wanted to get you a nice gift. If you really don't want the bag then I would sell it and get yourself/family something you would find more appropriate. I am sure he would be happy his gift is appreciated whether it be in the designer bag form or not. Smile

  4. MonkeyMama Says:
    1387302778

    As someone who would have absolutely no use for a $350 bag (can't say I'd appreciate it in the slightest), I'd just be very gracious and say "thank you." & then I would turn around and sell the thing, or pass it forward. (Passing forward is fine too, but I personally am not even close to anyone who would appreciate it. If it was me I'd just sell it).

    The thought is nice, but my enjoyment of the object would be quite low. Even if it was *beautiful* then I Would just feel it would be showy and would be worried about it getting stolen, know what I mean?

  5. pretty cheap jewelry Says:
    1387304311

    Are you kidding! SELL IT
    there is a very large growing upper middle class asian population that designer clothes / accessories are a status symbol. The outlet mall near me is PACKED with shoppers of this generation weekend after weekend.
    That is why he bought it for you (and he probably got it at a discount, don't worry)
    SELL IT NEW on craigs for $350.

  6. PatientSaver Says:
    1387304887

    Graciously accept it and then do with it as you wish, as others have suggested here. As long as there's no chance he'd ever see that you're not using it, i see no harm in selling it if you don't like it.

  7. nhgirl1970 Says:
    1387310154

    Thank you so much for the input!

  8. creditcardfree Says:
    1387314502

    I, too, think that a very nice thank you is enough of a response. And then it is yours to do as you please. And I likely would sell it as well.

  9. crazyliblady Says:
    1387319301

    That's a very nice gift and thoughtful on his part. If I was him, though, I might have given my employees a bonus check or something. That way you can buy what you want, even if it is a $350 purse!

  10. ThriftoRama Says:
    1387319831

    Say thankyou and express your gratitude, then sell it sister!

  11. nhgirl1970 Says:
    1387320622

    Again thank you all. I will take a picture with it so he knows it was received and thank him profusely. I will sell it and give 20% of the proceeds to charity and will pay down debt with the remainder.

  12. KellyB Says:
    1387335304

    Does this boss work in the same office as you? If so, they will probably be looking for you to use the bag, and expect to see it. If not, a picture is a good idea and then you can sell it. Also realize if it was bought (and made) in Vietnam it probably is way cheaper over there than here.

  13. baselle Says:
    1387338826

    Pretty much the same advice as others, but somehow I'd keep it for a little longer. A month or so, long enough to generate several strategic pictures. I'd make sure the thank-you talks about its stitching and craftsmanship ...often that is the reason for the high cost, and you stay away from taste issues.

  14. jewels3 Says:
    1387422073

    I know I am in the minority but why do you have to handle it at all? Thank him appropriately as one would do for a gift and then do as you like with it. It doesn't matter if its wasteful- its not your money that was spent for it. I'm sure your boss didn't think it wasteful, he assumed you would appreciate it and use it.

  15. snafu Says:
    1387507090

    Once a gift is given it's the recipient's to do with as pleased. I'm guessing your boss thinks highly of you and wanted to find a gracious way to reward you. I too think you should graciously thank him for the lovely gift and sending a photo of you holding it is a nice touch. I'd get it posted on e-bay with photo and description as quickly as possible. I hope you have a statement of authenticity. If it doesn't sell for 80% of retail I'd hold back until Easter and re-post. The economy is getting stronger and that's a nice addition to someone's collection.

    The cash is yours to sppend as would be any bonus

  16. Looking Forward Says:
    1387784662

    Well at least it's not a $1500+ bag from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Burberry... Smile

  17. terri77 Says:
    1388297086

    Call & thank him, then follow up with a written thank you. No other comments are necessary. The gift is yours to do with as you wish.

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