This is a guest blog submitted by healthyjosie
Why is it whenever a holiday is near food is always the main event? So far I have received 3 chocolate bunches of candy, a Starbucks gift card and a jar of cookies. Why must I be tormented!
I gave in and had some cookies and chocolate already, but I know if I don't stop now I will soon look like the girl from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory that explodes into a big blueberry.
Next year my wish list to my coworkers will include socks, pens and a veggie platter. Now those are some things I really need.
Have co-workers ever given you food as gifts? Do you eat it or give it away? Have you ever given food as gifts to others?
Comments (23)
I don't really see the big deal about receiving food for gifts. So what if you have some extra food on Christmas and New Years Eve? It's not a big deal.
I think it depends on the food. Chocolate is easy to give. But a jar of homemade pickles or jelly would probably be just as appreciated (and quite a bit healthier).
I ended up with a bunch of cookies and coffee at an office gift exchange once... but I ended up regifting it, so it was all good.
Food is an okay gift.
I like when the food comes with something that lasts a little longer.. Like those Starbucks gift things that come with coffee and a couple coffee cups.
I don't mind getting goodies every so often. I just try not to eat that kind of stuff everyday. A treat every now and then doesn't hurt though. But some OK non-food gifts I've received include lipgloss (I love Burts Bees), stationary and stuff like that.
I never turn down free food. Why? Because many people can't afford to eat and dang it, it'll keep until I need it.
I'm a severe chocoholic, however. So far no negative side-effects have arisen from this. *shrugs* I call it, "My medication" since it prompts the increase of "happy" hormones in the body and I've always had such a hard time with Depression.
Food's the main event due to tradition.
In the old days, you had a feast once or twice a year with goodies you were lucky to see because sugar and fruit was expensive. And besides, food is for enjoying...not solely for sustainance and the people who made our traditions knew that.
...they fed their entire extended family on the feast too, there were no leftovers and people were rarely fat back then...THINK ABOUT THAT ONE.
I don't usually ask for food as a gift, though. I prefer more practical things...like this year I asked for a flask, some flints, and a compass.
It's the thought that counts. At a time where money may be tight and there are a lot of people you would like to show appreciation for during the holidays, sometimes it is easiest to bake up a large batch of homemade cookies and share them with all of the people you care about.
It probably took those people a decent amount of time and effort in their kitchen to give you that jar of cookies. You should be appreciative that they took the time to do it, understanding that they may not be able to afford much else, and be grateful for that gift instead of labeling it "inappropriate."
Besides, it's not like it's brick-hard fruitcake... it's chocolate and cookies! And you could share them with your loved ones so they don't go to waste and everyone enjoys them in moderation.
And Starbucks gift cards are my FAVORITE gifts. You can choose healthy options at Starbucks.
i receive chocolate all the time during the holiday... i usually give them away.
I just received godiva chocolates in the mail from my honey. No complaints here. At least its dark chocolate? (better than milk chocolate)
I've noticed that a lot of people give food. (And just as much, if not more, love to get it.) In a lot of cases, people like to cook food for others as a present. It's something to give that you can say "I worked on this for hours!" about. Food is becoming more... I don't know, widely used? In general. If it wasn't, we wouldn't have an obesity epidemic.
I see nothing wrong with it. *shrug* When someone gives you food for a gift, you don't have to eat it.
My mom has given people cookie platters for Christmas for... forever. It's a cheap, but thoughtful, gift.
i think its better than something else. h=the person will think of you the next Christmas dinner.
Why not?
Food is great.
Yum yum.
If it's too much, share it!
I like food as gifts...espeically when love was put in it and it's homemade. I don't even give any gifts...I do give the gift of food.
i baked cookies and gave those away. people liked them too!
I agree with you. Why people want to gift food is beyond me. If I wanted cookies I'd go pick up some cheap shit (probably with a lot less calories). On holidays I'd rather get something that will last a while and not add pounds to my thighs.
I'd rather receive a card, or even like an email. Those probably take less time (especially if you just go buy a card or print one out online) and don't cost as much so there's really no excuse. If you wanna make it special write something personal.
I gave my ex a little 'adult' story about the two of us (he's my ex but it's really complicated... when is it ever simple? lol). Cost nothing, and was incredibly thoughtful (for all the personal things I put into it).
I'd much rather get something that took that kind of time and effort than chocolate. Much more special IMO.
I love giving food as gifts! I made my brother a "dinner for two" spaghetti basket with all the goodies and napkins and such. I also usually include 3 or 4 cookies with my gifts. I love to bake, but leaving all those cookies around the house won't end well for my waistline...
sometimes i think it's better than clothesss
My family has given out homemade cookie platters as gifts before. Please don't complain; it's usually a cost thing, and food is something that everyone is supposed to like.
I am def not complaining about receiving food, I am merely saying that for me it is difficult to receive food when I am trieing to loose weight. Most holidays revolve around eating eating and more eating. All of this eating can sometimes lead to gaining a lot of weight, which will lead to health problems. With heart disease, obesity and diabetes running in my family I have to be very aware of what goes in my mouth.
You mean that I would get to have food for FREE and it wouldn't even require me walking all the way to that damn grocery store?
Sounds like a perfect gift to me.
I always give my aunt chocolates and food. Does she need it NO. Does she love it and look forward to it ... Yes! So, Why not??
i eat them and share with others. i love food.
What are you talking about? Food is a great gift! If you're a health freak and are worried about the carbs or whatever, you can always work out again. No biggie.