Unexpected gifts.

Plenty.
I suspect it’s a form of showing off, possibly wanting more presents themselves or genuine kindness.
Sorry to be such a cynic

When I was still working, we used to do a Secret Santa at Christmas and it was agreed that we would spend no more than £5.00.

We used to draw the names at random beforehand so we knew who we were buying for in advance.

One year I received a Bodyshop selection which must have cost at least £15.00 and it made me feel bad as I had bought a keyring costing £4.99 as my contribution.

grandMattie

Plenty.
I suspect it’s a form of showing off, possibly wanting more presents themselves or genuine kindness.
Sorry to be such a cynic

I’d go with the kindness motivation, not the “showing off” one or wanting more presents themselves, @GrandMattie

The neighbour of a friend who you have only met a couple of times

I really don’t think I would have given her anything.

So do you then get a box of chocolates or biscuits for her next year, in case…..?

And so the present giving churns on…

Depends what the unexpected present is really.

Ve just made some Xmas fudge. I’ll take a few pieces round with the neighbours Christmas card this afternoon. No ulterior motive, showing off or feeling superior. Just fudge because I fancied making it.

A pot of homemade jam, a festive bookmark from a friend with a new sewing machine, a few snowdrops in a flower pot. These are a few unexpected gifts I’ve received. Sandy ve taken them in the same spirit as my fudge😬

And I’ve.

No idea who Sandy is, but she can have some fudge too……….

Calendargirl

^The neighbour of a friend who you have only met a couple of times^

I really don’t think I would have given her anything.

So do you then get a box of chocolates or biscuits for her next year, in case…..?

And so the present giving churns on…

And what is wrong with that?
Christmas is about giving

I try to keep supplies in just in case someone buys me an unexpected gift .
I used to make jewellery and collect costume jewellery so if the gift giver is a lady it's no problem for me .

Christmas is about giving

But in certain cases, it ends up as ‘tit for tat’ giving’.

This example being a case in point, the OP said ‘Why do people do this?’, meaning that she felt obliged to buy a gift.

But if that’s what others choose to do, fine.

To me, rather pointless though.

We have a neighbour who delivers a present to every family in our small close on Christmas Eve. This has been going on for the thirty odd years that we have lived here. I do wish she wouldn’t. Every year, at the last minute I suddenly remember that I haven’t bought her anything, so last minute panic!

How kind of her!
As she’s been doing it for so many years how hard would it be to have a small box of truffles or a pot plant ready for her?

I do wish she wouldn’t

If she’s been doing it for 30 odd years though, I think even I would have a box of chocs or biscuits ready to hand over, however pointless it seems.

You misunderstand me, I do always buy her something but I often suddenly remember at the last minute. She doesn’t just buy for us but for everyone in the close whereas a card would be quite sufficient.

I quite agree that a card would be sufficient Sadgrandma.

Does she maybe have no one else to buy for, so it gives her pleasure?

If she has others to buy for, however, I too, wonder why she does it.

Yes she has a lovely family. I just worry that it has become such a tradition for her that is probably hard to stop now.

Why do you think it’s showing off maybe she just wants to spread good vibes
I often think I like giving every bit as much or more than receiving
Let her have her give and take with good grace

Lathyrus3

And I’ve.

No idea who Sandy is, but she can have some fudge too……….

I do know Sandy so I can pass it on to her if you like
Although I'd better taste-test it first.

Perhaps she's made tiny Christmas cakes, some mince pies or even fudge kircubbin which she likes to share.
Otherwise it seems odd.

My Sister in Law is a shopaholic Calendargirl. I think she buys for everyman and his dog! She was very upset a few years ago, when I suggested reining in the spending, but now with 2 unmarried sons in their 50’s, she’s taken over buying all their gifts for them and even distributes them locally.

BlueBelle

Why do you think it’s showing off maybe she just wants to spread good vibes
I often think I like giving every bit as much or more than receiving
Let her have her give and take with good grace

I don’t recall saying that I thought she was showing off, far from it. She is a lovely person with a good heart. I now wish I’d mentioned it on here.
Happy Christmas

not presents exactly, but a small church group I belong to, several of us said we not doing cards, one of them still sent a card to me, signed "fondest love" and then sent a text saying "thankyou for the Christmas Card" I can only assume being sarcastic? yes, I did say a church group

Calendargirl

^I do wish she wouldn’t^

If she’s been doing it for 30 odd years though, I think even I would have a box of chocs or biscuits ready to hand over, however pointless it seems.

Calendargirl

Sadgrandma I didn’t think it was showing off at all
It was Grandematte who said
I suspect it’s a form of showing off further up the thread

Not me m’lord

I love these tiny tokens...
I love giving them most - but even a poinsettia (which is pointless as far as I can see) will be kindly received!

Small gestures are just like passing on a little of your own happiness.

Fudge, jam, a few snowdrops, narcissus, olives or biscuits...

It’s a gift - not a transaction!