The Wrong Way to Give a Present

I'm not going to name any names, and if you recognize this as yourself, sorry, but shame on you...and as Connor gets older, these "present giving crimes" will be more serious offenses.

As far as I can tell, the idea behind giving someone a birthday gift for their child is to do something nice for that child/parent. It isn't a requirement, but if you are going to do it, there are a few simple rules that should be followed.

In most instances, you probably shouldn't give a child a picture of the present that you are eventually going to give them later.

If there is a birthday party, you should probably bring the present then. Wrapping paper would be a nice touch.

You probably shouldn't call the parent a few days after the birthday party and ask them to choose between a different item and the one that you already promised, because you don't think either are actually good presents. (Both were your idea in the first place!) That puts the parent in even more of an akward position.

After you do get around to getting the present, you shouldn't inform the parent that it is then their responsibility to come and get it.

I can understand if maybe one of these things happened one time. But all of them? Kind of an akward disaster, don't you think?

I guess it is the thought that counts, but I just feel like anyone who wanted to buy Connor something for his birthday should have just done it, and not put me in so many akward situations.

I really just felt the need to vent...and I would really appreciate some comments on this matter...am I being ungrateful and out of line? (Of course, I don't think that the gift giver has any clue at all...)