Odd Gifts

?
really?
i think it's very nice.
i don't ever really use aprons, but maybe i would if someone gave me a nice one.
people are so touchy.
khairete
S.

LOL
My son proudly gave me two aprons and oven mitts one year for Christmas.
I loved them and still use the aprons. He has since replaced the oven mitts.

Good heavens no. She is from another country, doe not really know her, it needed to brought over on a plane or mailed.

This lady needs to stop projecting...

FYI, aprons can be used by ANY member of the household.. A child for painting, a man/ woman for cooking or working in the yard or on projects.

All women that are married and live in a house are housewives..

I am a housewife. I would NOT be offended, unless the person who gave me the gift had previously accused me of not being a 'good enough' housewife... if that makes sense.

I think that she is reading too much into it. ESPECIALLY since she is receiving it from someone who is not used to our culture... she probably didn't realize that it could possibly offend her.

Why do people seem to find reasons to be offended?

It was an apron, from another country. Pretty cool if you ask me. Would she have rather it been something pricey? Kind of doesn't cast your sis in a good light.

What I mean is it is a gift, you didn't pay for it, ask for it, a gift, ya know?

I cannot even imagine "why" anyone would think this is a "strange gift"! Nor do I comprehend what "housewife" has to do with any of this!

WTHeck? Aprons have been a very popular item in recent years. The connotation of "housewife" no longer applies. Aprons are trendy, aprons are requested items, & they're practical to boot.

2 Christmas' ago, my niece & her roommates requested aprons from Gma! My Mom bought very retro mod fabric & made the aprons for the girls .....& they freaked all over them!

While my 91yo Gma may still wear her original aprons from long long ago, today's hip & "with it" generation has also learned the value & fun in the use of aprons. I applaud this return of common sense....made into fashion statements!

I am married to a man & I live in a house.

I would love a new apron, especially one from Switzerland. I've been using the same one for 10 years and I'm ready for a new one!
If your sister doesn't want it, I'll give you my address and she can send it to me!!!

Wow, not to be mean but is your sis always a miss crankypants? LOL!

Really, she's a housewife, so she works in the home, and an apron is a USEFUL gift. I'm guessing it wasn't some plain old dollar store white thing, but some lovely, handcrafted made-in-Switzerland thing. If so, your sis needs to cool her jets and accept the gift as something USEFUL from the stepdaughter's HOMELAND. Add to that, the SD is from another culture, so your sis was being insensitive for assuming the worst from someone from another culture.

NOW - I'd be p'd off if someone got me THEIR favorite color in THEIR size (3x larger than me) for MY gift - my mother did this to me more than once. THAT's insensitive! ;)

The recipient's reaction is probably related to a more-than-a-generation-long attitude that declared homemaking so *very* demeaning to women that anything associated with it was offensive.

Before that time, aprons were considered inoffensive, practical gifts.

I imagine the Swiss apron is beautiful, and if the recipient dislikes it so much that she would like to get rid of it, she can send it to me! I've been a homemaker for years, and I'm glad to see aprons making a little comeback in stores. Wearing them in the kitchen certainly saves on laundry.

Good Grief! What ever happened to 'it's the thought that counts'?

I don't think it matters, housewife or not. In my humble opinion your sis needs to lighten up.

Updated: And to piggy back on Sherri G's comment, I LOVE practical gifs! I often wonder if we're setting our kids up for unhappy relationships if they are with someone who has to have something 'cool' and 'expensive' for every birthday and holiday. One of my very favorite Mother's Day gifts was a new bridge. I kid you not! We had to rebuild a wooden foot bridge on our farm so we could get ATV's and the tractor over. I was thrilled. I'm sure others would be highly offended. But then again, I did just get 50 red roses for my 50th birthday this year. ;)

One thing you need to remember is that it may be a perfectly acceptable gift in Switzerland......

Many time we think of things from OUR perspective, but need to remember the giver's perspective....

My daughter lives in South Korea.... a common gift there is socks! They sell them everywhere...... Yes, maybe it is a strange gift... but remember, when you go in someone's house, you take off your shoes.... and thus, you really want nice looking socks.. plus, they wear out frequently.

It is the thought that counts...... that the giver was thinking of what would be a nice gift for the recipient, especially if she doesn't know her very well.

I would not be offended. Even when I worked full-time and earned my MBA, I would be thankful for the gift. Afterall, everyone cooks at some point and no one likes splattering food on their clothes.

I’m a WAHM and if someone brought me an apron for Switzerland it would not offend me at all.
I think every present should be taken in terms of who they come from, if my husband or MIL had given me an apron, not bought as a souvenir during a travel or by my request, I may be a little offended; but if someone brought me a household item from another part of the world, thinking of me, I would very much appreciate it.

wait...i think maybe "I" should be offended here. because, since i'm not a "housewife", obviously i have no need for an apron because i don't cook?? this whole "housewife" stereotype you seem to be referencing is completely misplaced.

"housewife" has nothing to do with it.

i work 50 hours a week outside the home. i also cook dinner and clean up, almost every night. my husband has an apron, and my son has an apron (for when they, also not housewives, cook or help cook) and i use my husband's, because sadly, i don't have one. wish i did!

i'll take it if she's too "offended"! :)

I will never understand why people are offended by practical gifts. I asked for an apron for Christmas last year to replace my old stained one. Everyone uses aprons, right, so it's a pretty good gift for someone you don't know well. Whether a housewife or not, we all need to cook, and we like to keep our clothes clean while we do it.

Well I got an Apron once from my Mom.
I didn't think anything of it.
It was a nice apron, from a high end store.
Really nice one.
Better than the ratty old one I had before.
I am a SAHM.
I love my apron and use it all the time.
I appreciated it.

You also have to consider the cultural differences.
Europe and the USA.
They give different types of gifts.

My in laws live in Europe.
They once gave me a kitchen set... a set of hot pads/place mats and cloth napkins. All matching. And all in the regional colors of their city.
It was nice.
I KNOW, they do not think lowly of me, because I am a SAHM. To them, it was a thoughtful gift.

I don't think it would offend me, housewife or not.

I wouldn't be any more offended than if I was given towels, or soap or glassware.
It's a practical item, and like any other practical item it CAN be fun and fashionable and cute, or not.
And what does it have to do with being a housewife? Don't we ALL cook and clean and entertain from time to time? Even those of us with hired help still do some of these duties, right? I seriously doubt every working (or retired) woman never sets foot in her own kitchen!
Sounds like someone has a chip on her shoulder.....

Really, this is an odd gift? I've been seeing some cool aprons in some of the boutiques here in Bend.

I'd love to get an apron from Switzerland, especially from a stepdaughter. My family members rarely send gifts and I would cherish something sent by them.

I wouldn't have thought of it as a strange or offensive gift. Aprons are becoming popular gifts to give. I get on a lot of crafty/ baking blogs and at Christmas time that is one of the most recommend gifts to make and give someone.

I had to buy my apron since no one thought to ever give me one as a gift, I guess. LOL! But I wear it when I cook so I don't get food on my clothes, which is what they are for. In fact, just yesterday I had a party for my mom, made tacos, forgot to wear it and grease splattered on my sundress! I yelled over at hubs to grab my apron out of the pantry, my strawberry one, and he did. I also have the one he had when we married, its an ugly green one that is all stained up, well used. I have one that was my grandmas, its just the half one that goes around your waist. And I have a red one with little white hearts all over that I made in home ec in high school. So no, I would not think it odd or offensive. I would have liked to have a new one to add to my collection. =)

Aprons are all the rage these days. They are making a comeback and she may have read something about the trend here in America. I actually received a very hip sort of apron, it is a light canvas with a wine/grape print. I wasn't offended and appreciate it because I've stained/ruined so many clothes cooking while not using an apron.

P.S. I don't know if you could call me a housewife unless you wanted to fire me but....My husband does a lot of the cooking because he likes to. He's also good about helping with the cleaning. I do work from home and we don't have a housecleaning service.

If it was a cute apron, I'd love it! There's nothing to be offended by in my opinion. The stepdaughter doesn't know her, and gave her something that everybody can use. She should be grateful the stepdaughter remembered her birthday and got her a present at all.

First, NO, I would not be offended by the gift! In fact, my sister took the time to make my other sister and I each a beautiful apron last year for Christmas; I am a "homemaker" and my other sister is a 40+ hour-a-week professional! But what's funny, is she probably wears an apron more than I do!

I don't really use the term "housewife" - for two reasons: I don't really see myself as married to my house! And second, I prefer the term: "DOMESTIC GODDESS"!!!!

As for the apron itself - I see it as a non-gender/non-career specific item!!!

And being that it came from Switzerland would make it even more special!!

What?? Offended?? Strange?? Uh, no. In Europe everyone wears aprons and it has nothing to do with being a "housewife" or not. They are usually handmade and embroidered although I am not sure what hers looked like. I think it was a very sweet gift.

Oh, and shame on the person that told the girl that it made your sister mad!!

I'm more offended by the use of the term housewife then the giving of an apron as a gift. I am still trying to figure out why that's offensive but the label of a woman who takes care of kids and a house as houseWIFE sounds sexist and dated to me.

Tell your sis that aprons are extremely "in" right now no matter if you are a housewife or single. I would love a cool old fashioned apron.

I would not be offended. I love aprons and have quite a collection of them. Many were handed down to me by my grandmother and mother-in-law and hand made.. They are very pretty and I actually use them often on holidays when I'm cooking. Plus, it's a way of having them there with me.

I wouldn't be offended at all by an apron, especially one that came from a differrent country, but that's just me.

I think it's sweet she brought a gift back at all. It's hard to find things that aren't fragile or take up too much space. I honestly doubt there was any offense intended.

Just my opinion.

I always find it odd when anyone analyzes a gift. A gift is a thoughtful gesture most of the time and unless someone has animosty toward another where it would be strange period to send a gift, I just say thank you. Do I love all of the gifts that I am given....no. Even my husband and kids are hit and miss but I always take it with the love that they have put into it. I think back to baby showers and bridal showers. Gosh, how many times did I smile and thank everyone and thought later, wow, what am I going to do with this? Not in a hateful manner simply, what am I going to do with it...haha!
I think that the issue is there is not a strong relationship nor understanding of likes or dislikes, therefore you go with the generic cutesy gift and that is what this sounds like to me.
Your sis will feel the way she does regardless but unless it is meant to be spiteful, she's the mother figure and should really try to let it go.

I would not be offended at all. As a matter of fact, I made my sister in law an apron for Christmas last year. I do not have any, and wish I did (I am a messy cook). Now, if it was a Mother in Law giving an apron to a daughter in law after making many comments about her ability to keep up in the kitchen, it might be offensive. I think it all depends on the context. I would think that the stepdaughter knew that the stepmother stays home, so most likely is the one who cooks.

i do not think it is a strange gift, but my mother-in-law got an apron from her other in-law and was acting indignant about it behind the givers back. I believe she likes to complain and pointed out how it didn't cover all of her clothes so flour/food could get on her.

I am guessing the stepdaughter went online and looked at the 'gifts for step-moms' and this came up. i am assuming this is the best option. There is not much variation, so it seems safe in terms of style (jewelry and clothing is super personal and what seems nice to one person may not be nice to another).

There is also an opinion that 2 people can do the same thing yet one person will annoy you and the other will not depending on what you believe to be the intent of the person.

I am a stay at home mom.

edit: i am really shocked that the step daughter has been made aware that the step mom did not like her gift.

My husband bought me an apron, and no I wasn't offended at all. I'm home full time, I usually just refer to myself as being a "stay at home mom" because the term "housewife/homemaker" just sounds outdated to me.

An apron is simply a useful thing to have, especially when cooking, because it protects your clothing from getting splattered with food. Both men and women equally wear them, it's basically a household necessity.

I think it sounds like a nice gift, not strange at all unless there's more to it, like the "housewife" never has to lift a finger because she has a full time staff!

I'ma homemaker in the summer and a Work during the school year.
I only wear an apron when baking christmas cookies, because it puts me in the mood. Never wear one anyother time, I don't cook homemade from scratch meals every night but i do cook at least 6 times a month.

have your sis check ETSY aprons Are a HOT HOT gift item, I don't actually think they are meant to be practical, I think they are more a crafty kind of kitchen tchatzki. like generic gift like body lotion, a mug, a keychain or chocolates.

i would not be offended, unless there was more too, it , prior mean comments about sis's lack of education, or stepdaughter being a coorporate lawyer and looking down her nose at your sis. Or again if the size or colorign was all wrong. Otherwise, cute gift, maybe not something personal, but nothing to be upset about.

I am a stay at home mom (I am NOT a housewife, because I am staying at home for my kids, not my husband!) And I would not be offended by an apron. I would probably never use it, (I love to cook but do not feel the need to wear an apron. I don't really care if I get a little food on me since by dinner I am usually covered in sticky toddler food and baby spit up anyway) but I would not be offended.

If a local teen gave it as a gift, I might be a bit offended. But coming from someone who is a foreigner, and also doesn't even know the woman---heck no it wouldn't be offensive. Shoot, I might be surprised that a teen even thought to GIVE a gift. :/

Odd choice... but, maybe she was trying to be logical: she doesn't hold an outside job, so she probably does most of the cooking. And hey-- I never really used an apron myself, all my years. Until I ruined some clothing items by cleaning up in the kitchen and accidentally getting spray bleach (counter cleaner) on my clothes. I quickly went "in search of" to find an apron that would protect my clothes. Now I have several, my daughter has her own (she is 10) and I have a SIL who will ask to borrow one of mine when she is here and we are in the kitchen getting things ready for a cook-out.

I actually would love to have an apron...it seems old fashioned but I do a lot of cooking and hate all the stains I have to treat on my clothes from splashing and stuff.

So no I wouldn't be offended I would be thrilled...but maybe I am a weird 30 something "housewife"/SAHM...

I'm a full-time working Mom (would love to be a housewife - yes, a housewife, I think it's a wonderful term) and think an apron from another country would be cool. Aprons are really big right now, especially retro inspired aprons, so could be a cool gift.

I wouldn't be offended. It's a gift from someone who hardly knows her, it can't be meant as hurtful - it's just a gift.

anywho, I read your 'so what happened' but still felt like I just HAD to add in my two cents;)

was it just a basic apron. nothing special. I'd be apathetic. Was it just a random gift or was it for bday, mother's day, etc? Random gifts are more whatever but bday and such are different. Super cute fun fancy special apron. probably would not be mad for any type of gift.

When my sis in laws sis was getting married we were at Disneyland and there was a Minnie mouse apron that is red polka dot with white ruffle. It is a little sassy. She got it for her. An apron is a necessity in the kitchen but getting a cute or special one is fun.

Right after I had gotten married a friend and I were in my new apartment baking and I realized I needed and apron a huge mixing bowl and a step stool. My birthday was a few months later and that friend got me all three from ikea. they were plain but we decorated them together so it was fun/special. But it was something I had said I needed so it was a great gift.

I have received an apron for a gift before. It was very nice. I keep it put up and don't use it though. It was so nice that I don't want to get it stained up...lol.

I got a professional apron from my husband and Ginsu knives for our anniversary. I loved it. I've been cooking much more and I can be a bit of a mess. It was thoughtful for us.

In the US it would be an odd gift, we have a stigma against the "apron". I think we associate it with the submissive 50's housewife. I think many women would be insulted. In Europe aprons are less of a statement. It's just a something, no hidden meaning.

I bought my sister in law a very pretty apron last year for Christmas. She does a lot of cooking and baking and I bought her that and a few smaller items (she is not married and has no kids but lives with her long time boyfriend). She was VERY excited about it!!

I would not be offended at all if I got an apron for any gift!!

Offended? Why?

I am a PTWM, but have also been home full time...don't see how that plays into it.

I can't think of anything offensive about an apron. Both men and women can use them and they are to keep you clean while you cook. Nothing about it says to me "you should be home baking in the kitchen all day." I honestly don't understand what about it offended her. I don't even think it's a strange gift.

I'm a "housewife" in that I live in a house, and I am a wife. I work outside of the home AND take care of the house. I do not and probably will not use an apron.

That being said, I would totally NOT be offended if I received one as a gift from someone that I did not know very well. I wouldn't even think it was a "strange" gift. As many others have said, aprons are HOT! right now. It's also something from another country (who knows, maybe they all use aprons in Switzerland?).. so how cool is that? Is it like one of those "traditional" Swiss maid type aprons? That would be pretty neat to have "just because."

I think your sister needs to loosen up. Is she just looking for reasons to not like her new (?) step-daughter? I think any "nice" gift is great from someone you don't know very well. It would be one thing if she gave her a beat up dirty apron that she fished out of a dumpster on her way out (okay, maybe that's exaggerating a bit, but you get my point), but I see no reason to get ticked off because someone she doesn't know well got her something that she didn't "want."

In reading your "So What Happened" I can assure you that the choice of an apron is one of those "cultural differences" thing. I was born in Italy and I know first-hand that receiving beautiful aprons and / or dishcloths / embroidered doilies / oven mitts etc. is very much considered a "normal" gift in Europe, whether you are a "housewife" or not! I have some dishcloths which I received that I didn't use for years because I thought them too pretty to use in the kitchen! It would not have occurred to your niece that an apron from Switzerland (where you get really beautiful ones) would have been considered "snide" or "odd". I'm sure she genuinely thought it would be well received!

I think you are very kind and patient with regard to the "snappy" comments. Honestly mamas some of you are WAY too hostile!! I actually live in South Africa and also used 90210 as it's the ONLY zip code I know (due to the TV series which are shown Internationally). Maybe someone should suggest to Mamapedia that they should accept international codes as well to avoid these kinds of misunderstandings.

I'm a SAHM - I wouldn't mind an apron, at all, and I currently don't even own one. My 13 year old daughter is obsessed with aprons, and wants many in different styles.

My middle daughter is a culinary school grad and cake decorator, and it's become tradition to get her a kitchen item whenever we travel - an oven mitt from the Kennedy Space Center, kitchen towels from Hawaii, a trivet from Disney World.

It would definitely NOT piss me off. Giving any sort of gift is a kindness and a courtesy. It was kind of the step-daughter to think of her stepmother. It was kind to purchase any sort of gift. An apron is something that you never buy for yourself. It nice to receive it as a small gift. My mom has received several aprons as hostess gifts from European friends, so there is likely a cultural element as well.

I think, if anyone would be angry in any way of a gift, that reflects more on the receiver than the giver.

No, I would not be offended. I am a single mom with a full-time career in Human Resources.

But everybody has their triggers (like getting a small household appliance as an anniversary gift)--this must be yours. : )