Choosing a gift. Such as a duck.

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It's really tough to choose gifts for people who say they don't want anything.
Once I didn't get anything for someone because she said she didn't want anything, and then she was upset with me! I realize that is a classic case of taking a request too literally, but it is really unfair. Anyway, my dad wouldn't tell me what he wanted for father's day, but I learned from my previous mistake that I needed to get something regardless, so today I bought him a duck carcass at a luxury grocery store, which I shall present to him tomorrow.
My mother is upset with me and she says it is thoughtless! I DID think about it though. He tried to prepare a duck 4.5 months ago but failed and appeared to be upset, so I wanted to give him a second chance to prepare it. Mom says it is a bad idea because it is giving him more work. She said never to give anyone a pet or something that requires work. The duck is DEAD. It's not a pet. I also get the impression that dad enjoys cooking. I would enjoy a book, even though it is work! Some people would probably also enjoy train kits or models or something, even though it requires effort. What the heck do people want?! It's all such a big ducking feal.

I think if you tell him why you got the duck he will appreciate the thought.

I usually make something, or if I'm out and see something I think they would like then I buy it and either give it to them right away or save it for a specific day when you're supposed to give presents.

Gift-giving and card-sending frustrate me; I don't understand the pleasure people gain from such a complex social obstacle course. Practically everyone in my family says they "Don't want anything" but actually do (and give you no clues as to what they might want). I usually just delegate the gift-buying to someone else who's good at guessing such things while I deal with the (relatively simple) matter of the card. My brother and I both find the whole matter over-complicated, so we don't get each other cards, and we always state exactly what we want on occasions where gifts are expected.

Gift voucher and card.

Gift voucher and card.

Never flowers (allergies), chocolates (diet), champagne (incipient alcoholism) or other such dangerous presents.

Big store with lots of different stuff gift voucher and card.

It's the thought that counts, I suppose. But I prefer to give money instead of gifts. That way it can go towards something the person really wants.

One of my cousins in particular loves the whole gift-giving process. In her family birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day etc are always a big deal and she normally spends all of her money getting presents.

Personally I don't bother except on Mother's Day and I'll get my mum a card and either chocolate or maybe flowers cause she likes them.

@book_noodles - I think your present was a nice thought but maybe you should give something extra with it like a voucher or something as well...

I prefer to give cards and money, as well.

have to admit to being curious...how did dad like his duck carcass?

He said he LOVED it
Mom was wrong. She said it "rocked her sense of order."
I think it was a rather traditional gesture.

Even if they don't explicitly state it it's still a good idea to go ahead and get the gift, shows that you care. My suggestion would be money or a gift card...y'know, let them decide if you're unsure. Works for me everytime