What to do with all the greyhound tchotchkes?

[EllenEveBaz]

We probably all have a similar problem -- or if you're new to greyhounds, you soon will -- which is what to do with all the greyhound stuff that people give you?  I have a few things that I have bought and one thing that someone gave me years ago that I want to keep.  But people keep getting me stuff.  And it's almost always big.  I would have to get rid of stuff that I like to put up new stuff.  This year alone I got two large "decorative" signs about dogs.  Did I mention that I do not like signs hanging in houses?  I would never say, "Dogs leave footprints on our hearts," let alone put up a 2 1/2 x 3 ft sign declaring that.  But someone made it herself to give to me.  She said, "I know you like practical things" so she put three tiny hooks at the bottom that wouldn't hold a chihuahua's leash.  What to do?  What to do?   

Exception 1:  GT secret santas do actually give practical things, or they ask ahead of time. 

Exception 2:  Someone gave me a HUGE coffee mug that says "My dog and I talk sh** about you."  Love it. 

[macoduck]

I plan on listing my no longer wanted stuff on FB's Greyhound Vendors and Action page. I'll probably either save all the money in my doggy medical stash and/or donate a portion of the money to a rescue group.

[FiveRoooooers]

 

If there is a group nearby they can often use such items for raffles/auctions. 

[Remolacha]

55 minutes ago, FiveRoooooers said:

 

If there is a group nearby they can often use such items for raffles/auctions. 

This what I do, “regift” for an auction

And to anyone who might think this is tacky, some of my favorite items have come from greyhound auctions and were not new

Edited January 2, 2022 by Remolacha

[MerseyGrey]

3 hours ago, FiveRoooooers said:

 

If there is a group nearby they can often use such items for raffles/auctions. 

I think this is a very reasonable way to recycle an unwanted gift, for the reason the Remolacha states. Someone else could put it to better use.

(does the friend who made it ever come round to your house? Would you be expected to have it on display at least once or will it escape their notice that you don’t have it anymore?)

[Time4ANap]

Some groups will have a "straw draw" at their picnics where the straw pulled corresponds to a particular type or value of prize.  We always tried to save that stuff to donate to the picnics or as raffle prizes at greyhound events/group picnics. 

[Jerilyn]

My "dogs leave pawprints on our hearts" sign hangs in my garage. 

[HeyRunDog]

10 hours ago, Jerilyn said:

My "dogs leave pawprints on our hearts" sign hangs in my garage. 

I don't need a sign for that. We've had so much rain recently that I have plenty of paw prints already

[palmettobug]

I think that's supposed to be a key holder instead! But if you've got a car with a keyless ignition, it's better to store them away from doors and windows because thieves can use a scanner to get the code and make a duplicate.

[greysmom]

I sent a whole box of coats and PJs we didn't use to a Canadian adoption group for a fundraiser auction they run every year.  Usually I save all that kind of stuff for the Miss Nellie/Hope4Hounds auction in October, though it hasn't happened in a couple years due to Covid.  I've donated items to our local adoption group, and to individual fundraiser auctions on Facebook where people use the proceeds for vet bills or donations.

The most important thing is making sure the items are in good shape (even if used) and appropriate for the auction purpose.

[2greyhoundMINI]

Regift to new greyhound owners!

 

FYI - Ellen, that mug sounds awesome!

[EllenEveBaz]

Do I have to display the signs and bricabrac, and is there a minimum amount of time?

Is there a polite way to discourage such gifts before they happen?  I was taught that was rude.

I knew someone who was into poodles before greyhounds, and she said the amount of poodle tchotchkes is unbelievably high.

[palmettobug]

If the person comes over, have it on display, then put it back into storage. Or if you don't have it, and they ask, just say "I found a special place for it, don't worry". Technically the truth.