If You Don't Like It, Give It To Someone Else Who Does

Gifts. Presents. What girl doesn't like receiving them? Well, I certainly do! Presents make me happy. And I'm very grateful that I have so many wonderful people, family, and friends who have given me gifts and presents. Small ones, big ones, it doesn't matter. I appreciate them all, and am very thankful that they remember me. Materialistic? Not really, I mean, come on. Everyday, everyday, life is a gift from God, sent with the first ray of sunshine, or the first breathe we take each time we open our eyes in the morning. And then along the day, He continues to send us love packages, big and small, consistently, continuously. See? God loves present. So who am I not to love presents, rite! Haha!

Here in Indonesia, it is customary for someone who travels to bring some kind of "oleh-oleh" or small gifts for friends, coworkers or family they left at home. Usually local delicacies or souvenirs. Also, here, when you attend events like wedding, birthday parties, or shower events, the host or hostess will give your some token or souvenirs to bring home with you. They are usually small items such as keychain, mug, tiny doll, candle, soap, etc.

Sadly, I notice that many of these gifts are just being left on the corner gathering dust by the receiver. Many are still in their plastic wrap, unopened. I'm sure it's not because the receivers don't appreciate the gifts or presents, but because they are not to their taste, or they have no idea what to do with them.

Ladies, it's no use to let these tokens of goodwill get wasted. If you don't like the gifts, you can thank the giver politely, then give them to someone else who might take delight in using them!

If you don't like that metal Florida keychain, give it to your nephew. That Bali T-shirt that is too big for you? Give it to your strapping younger brother. If he doesn't like it, he can still wear it to sleep in, which is much better than let it being unused at all! What about that tissue pouch from Hongkong? Give it to the maid who's never been to Hongkong. You might think it's rude to re-gift those to others, but I personally think it's even more rude to just let them sitting there, unopened, unused, unappreciated, months after months after months.

I often receive coin purse as gifts from friends, and these are my favorites. I have this weird habit to carry four small coin purses with me when I travel overseas, instead of just one big wallet: one to keep my credit cards, one for local currencies, one for Indonesian currency, and one for USD. Weird? Maybe, but it's effective. For me, that is.

This one is from an auntie, from Korea. Isn't it just pretty? I love the old-fashioned model with gold metal frame and clasps; and the colorful Korean ladies animation with mountain background, back and front, is just beautiful.

It's opened up like this, with several smaller, divided compartments inside. And check the blue butterfly charm dangling from the side! It's embroidered and totally cute. I love!

Another coin purse from Korea, from a sweet coworker, Nana, who married a Korean. I love everything about it: the pink color, the texturized quilted fabric, the flower embroidery, and again the dangling butterfly cham on the side. Pretty, just like the sweet girl who gave it to me. ^_^

This one is a gift from another coworker from Bangkok, Thailand. It's a Naraya coin purse. Naraya is famous for their cloth bags and purses which are pretty and affordable. I love them. The pink bow tie at the front and the pink piping at the sides add a nice touch to it.

Inside, it looks like this. It has a mirror and a compartment with a zipper which you can keep you cards or coins safely. I really really like this one.

And this is the newest addition to the collection which I just received last week from my sweet friend, Inne. Also from Bangkok. Can't you tell from the elephant? ^_^ Thank you Inne! I love it! You do remember that my favorite color is pink!