“No More Stuff!” If I Can’t Eat It, I Don’t Want It

Joan B. Reid

 

Pondering the approaching gift-giving season, I thought back on a day when I confessed to my lifelong friend, Barbara, that I had no idea what she might like. Something to complement her décor? Or would that risk duplicating something she already had (or simply didn’t need or want)?

 

She declared, “If I can’t eat it, I don’t want it.”

 

Wow! That certainly slashed my shopping list. Forget about floral stationery, a kitchen towel set, a blouse, jewelry, plants, or picture frames. Barbara made it infinitely clear that she didn’t want anything battery operated, came with instructions in 20 languages, 5-year warranties, charge cords, or had to figure out where to (hide) I mean display it. Her indisputable logic is how many 65-plus-year-olds may feel. Who needs another gift that will collect dust on a shelf until eventually being donated.

 

At retirement and even prior, we may begin to assess what we have, what we want, and how to streamline. Simplicity wins the day. There are too many gadgets today, even gadgets to fix other gadgets! Do we really need a pot that just cooks rice or a knife set for slicing watermelon midair? How about the Jason-like mask that claims to erase wrinkles? No thanks.

 

Barbara and I are not curmudgeons, nor are we ungracious, as I’m certain you aren’t. For years I have accepted — with gushing thanks — unwanted gifts. Now, when it comes to edible gifts. I’m easy to please and so is Barbara. A cup of tea, a slice of pizza, a scone, a cake. This year my birthday gift to her was an eggplant parmigiana dinner with strawberry shortcake for dessert.

 

Love from one’s kitchen — homemade soups, stews, pies, and cookies — is always welcome. If you’re pressed for time, as we retirees sometimes are, a fruit basket, a sack of pistachios, a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine, crackers with specialty cheeses are happy alternatives.

 

For those who enjoy cooking, there are delicious cooking oils, herbal or black tea collections, or gourmet coffee. Think items that a beloved friend of family member may not purchase

for themselves.

 

If you’re a frugal retiree as I am, include a canister of popcorn where the canister can be repurposed or recycled, a tin of butter cookies (store-bought or homemade), a homemade casserole, sample herbs and spices, a roasted chicken with rice and vegetables. Did I hear someone say peanut butter sandwich?

 

The next time you’re browsing at Walmart or Marshalls, and you see that perfect item for the retiree in your life — stop and do not purchase. In our 21st century we can take a picture with our mobile phone, attach it to a text or email, delighting the recipient with a message that says, “Thinking of you.” Such little greetings are especially ideal for non-holiday/non-gift occasions.

 

My grandmother, an Italian bundle of joy who wore black as long as I can remember, never wanted any gifts. She had 10 children, 32 grandchildren, and more than enough pasta, meatballs, pastries, hugs, kisses, and love to fill her heart.

 

Buon appetito!

 

Joan B. Reid is the author of Joyful Passage: A Woman’s Path to Retirement.