The totally off-topic thread

[Pollywaffle]

When did gift registries for engagement parties become the norm....endless excuses for presents :shock:

Bizarre. I am curious what kind of gifts they are asking for.

 

[The Rok]

We are currently planning a wedding. The wishing well idea was suggested to us, but I'm not a fan.

If I can't afford the wedding then I won't get married. I only want friends and family whom I value/love/appreciate to be there, not donors!

On the invitation I will be specifying attendance only, no gifts, no money, just joy, happiness and most of all memories.

A wedding is a celebration of the the eternal unity of a couple, not a Donald Trump fundraiser!

 

[Mal]

@blackcat20...

Since society became materialistic. But it has been known to hold engagement parties and expect a gift... This is just a bit more formalised.

 

[erkpod]

Believe it or not I don't actually watch broadcast TV

ABC iView, SBS and a few other streaming services get me what I want to watch!

I try not to either. Most of my stuff I watch is stuff that I record on Foxtel & I watch it when I feel like. Series link is awesome!

 

[Mal]

I have not switched on the TV at my place since I moved in over 8 months ago. I just don't watch TV often. I do switch it on in hotels etc but not often.

I watch TV via online catchups and YouTube mainly.

 

[erkpod]

I have not switched on the TV at my place since I moved in over 8 months ago. I just don't watch TV often. I do switch it on in hotels etc but not often.

I watch TV via online catchups and YouTube mainly.

Watching TV at the Hilton in Mexico City earlier this year was interesting. The TV guide in the room didn't match the way the TV was programmed.

Then there was the joy of watching a show that one is familar with that has been overdubbed - a classic example was Ice Road Truckers. They'd even overdubbed Alex laughing. HA HA HA.

I was there when the Superbowl was on. Having been in New Orleans 2 weeks prior where the game was played, I was keen to see the game on TV.

The TV had an NFL channel from the US but because I was in Mexico, I couldn't see the game live on that channel. There was the local Fox Sports commentary so an Australian guy in Mexico was watching an American football game which Spanish commentary.

 

[blackcat20]

Bizarre. I am curious what kind of gifts they are asking for.

Cutlery, glasses, etc. Weird given they bought a house two years ago and everything in it is brand-spanking new. Not bad for two youngens (and yes, Im a little jealous that I havent had the same helping hand from our parent ).

@blackcat20...

Since society became materialistic. But it has been known to hold engagement parties and expect a gift... This is just a bit more formalised.

I'm happy to bring a gift, but I really hate the "I want something really expensive so you should buy it for me because I'm wearing an engagment ring".

 

[Pollywaffle]

Cutlery, glasses, etc. Weird given they bought a house two years ago and everything in it is brand-spanking new. Not bad for two youngens (and yes, Im a little jealous that I havent had the same helping hand from our parent ).

Maybe they are now upgrading to the Designer stuff. LOL. I suppose the wedding will be about providing strictly cash.

 

[Cynicor]

I've never heard of it.
For the engagement parties I go to I've brought a gift relative to my friendship and the cost of the do, similar to a wedding but a factor lower.

I stock up on Doulton and Wedgewood etc during stocktake sales for all the weddings I forsee in the next 6 months.

Yes, all my friends are getting married right now...

 

[blackcat20]

Maybe they are now upgrading to the Designer stuff. LOL. I suppose the wedding will be about providing strictly cash.

They've already got really nice stuff! For first time out of home, early 20s they did pretty well.

 

[Buzzard]

Have been watching TV most of the week; Fleabag Monkey Face, I Got a Rocket, Erky Perky, Sea Princess (Fiona?), Shaun the Sheep but Peppa Pig definately the favourite as judged by 9 month old grand daughter Lucy.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Have been watching TV most of the week; Fleabag Monkey Face, I Got a Rocket, Erky Perky, Sea Princess (Fiona?), Shaun the Sheep but Peppa Pig definately the favourite as judged by 9 month old grand daughter Lucy.

Peppa pig is good, they even throw in the occasional joke that only adults would understand, like when the Pig family get their house built by Mr Wolf.

 

[Simo]

I don't give cash as a present.

I will give vouchers and yes I know that people don't always use them but at least I know they might get a gift of something they want.

I have a family member and she wanted money for the baby shower as she said there is certain things we would like and we pool the money to put towards it.

No chance when your boyfriend is on the dole and all he does is plays X Box all day and they live with his parents.

They got the baby bonus(Plasma Bonus) and no idea what that went on. Probably an upgrade of the X box

We then got the phone call when you come to the baby shower can you bring this of your with you and don't worry about bringing any money for a present. At this stage the baby is nearly 12 months and have still not got any presents of us.

 

[Simo]

Peppa pig is good, they even throw in the occasional joke that only adults would understand, like when the Pig family get their house built by Mr Wolf.

I have a nearly 5 year old so will have to watch an episode to see the jokes...

Toy Story is like that as well with adult jokes.

 

[QF WP]

Didn't you add your FF to the voucher using BA MMB? (It then shows up on you Qantas.com log of bookings.)

I haven't used this trick yet either

Still have $1,250 (2 x $500 + 1 x $250) to spend by 13 December

 

[QF WP]

Yes, all my friends are getting married right now...

Just had a Skyhooks moment, thanks Cynicor

 

[medhead]

I don't give cash as a present.

I will give vouchers and yes I know that people don't always use them but at least I know they might get a gift of something they want.

I have a family member and she wanted money for the baby shower as she said there is certain things we would like and we pool the money to put towards it.

No chance when your boyfriend is on the dole and all he does is plays X Box all day and they live with his parents.

They got the baby bonus(Plasma Bonus) and no idea what that went on. Probably an upgrade of the X box

We then got the phone call when you come to the baby shower can you bring this of your with you and don't worry about bringing any money for a present. At this stage the baby is nearly 12 months and have still not got any presents of us.

In that situation I'd be the exact opposite. I'd buy heaps of gifts but all things that only the baby can use. Nappies, baby wipes and similar disposables would feature highly (edit: things the parents can't use). At 12 months it is just about the right time to get that killer toy for the kid.

My oldest daughter got her first soft, cuddly toy at about 11 months from Santa at the small town Christmas pageant. She was initially a bit quiet and overawed. But as soon as she saw the present she just went ape. First time I remember her actually looking at something an having a big reaction. Needless to say 11 years later she still sleeps with that toy.

Anyway, my strategy is to give generously but only to the primary benefit of the child. Sure the parents don't have to spend money but they would only spend the bare minimum anyway. I feel it's a way to give the child a good start despite the parents. Cash money is definitely a no-no.

 

[SeatBackForward]

In thy situation I'd be the exact opposite. I'd buy heaps of gifts but all things that only the baby can use. Nappies, baby wipes and similar disposables would feature highly. At 12 months it is just about the right time to get that killer toy for the kid.

My oldest daughter got her first soft, cuddly town at about 11 months from Santa at the small town Christmas pageant. She was initially a bit quiet and overawed. But as soon as she saw the present she just went ape. First time I remember her actually looking at something an having a big reaction. Needless to say 11 years later she still sleeps with that toy.

Anyway, my strategy is to give generously but only to the primary benefit of the child. Sure the parents don't have to spend money but they would only spend the bare minimum anyway. I feel it's a way to give the child a good start despite the parents. Cash money is definitely a no-no.

We are going through that phase of life where all our friends are also having babies, or young kids having their 1st, 2nd, 3rd birthdays. Generally we give either clothes, and not extravagant stuff, but day -to-day stuff like singlets, socks, leggings..but we also give a book or two, usually one for the age they're at, and another one tha'ts a year or two more advanced - something to aim for. But agree, no cash.

 

[erkpod]

I've never heard of it.
For the engagement parties I go to I've brought a gift relative to my friendship and the cost of the do, similar to a wedding but a factor lower.

I stock up on Doulton and Wedgewood etc during stocktake sales for all the weddings I forsee in the next 6 months.

Yes, all my friends are getting married right now...

The way some people get engaged now, you'd think they were doing it for the parties & the gifts.

If the couple get engaged, break it off & then get re-engaged to each other, what then?

I think that if anything, the wedding is the important one out of the 2.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Peppa pig is good, they even throw in the occasional joke that only adults would understand, like when the Pig family get their house built by Mr Wolf.

Shaun the Sheep also ! I have 3 grandkids 5,4 and 3 so Peppa Pig is required viewing in their PP Pjs !