A gift I can refuse

[aotto08]

I recently, for Christmas, got a really nice set of makeup from my grandmother. She means well and all, and looked out for the most common animal products. Of course when I checked them after, the lip gloss and eye shadow has carmine in it. I don't want to be wasteful, but what should I do with them? I can't just return them, they came as a set.....If that helps any.

[Morrigann]

Maybe you could donate them to a group that helps disadvantaged families? I'm sure there's some women out there that would love the chance for good-quality, new makeup.

If it makes you feel better, my grandmother bought my husband and I a meat thermometer for Christmas...I thought she knew we were vegan... *sigh*. I'm thinking about giving it to a friend.

[Kiz]

Can't you use the meat thermometre for other things? To me a cooking thermometre is a cooking thermometre.

[bekajoi]

I'd keep the meat thermometer as a candy thermometer, if it goes high enough, temp-wise. :)

[Morrigann]

Never made candy... that's a good idea.

I already have a generic oven thermometer, so i don't really need a second. Plus, this one lists the type of meat over each ideal cooking time: "veal," "lamb," etc... it made my husband sad:cry:

[Alli]

I agree with donating them. You could also give them to a friend, a did that with non-vegan face wash I had.

[ketivnilloc]

i've used a meat thermometer for seeing how hot my water is for stuff...not a bad thing. as for the makeup, you could re-gift it. that might work.

[joyinc]

glad i saw this thread, i got a gift set as well that was tested on animals, and i dont know what to do with it

[computergirl]

Depending what brand(s) we're talking about you could swap them on makeup alley (http://www.makeupalley.com/swap/) for a brand you like, one that's more ethical.

[Garnett]

I dont have constructive thoughts to add, but I was giggling a bit at the meat thermometer. How thoughtless LOL. I would donate them somewhere.

[cookingVeg]

If they're individually sealed, give them to a women's shelter. If they're open, I don't think donating them would work, but you could give them to a friend.

You could conceivably use the meat thermometer to test whether a nutloaf or other meatless loaf was done, not for food safety reasons but to make sure it's cooked through.

[CherBear]

I agree with everyone - donate it! My in-laws bought me a REAL rabbit fur scarf for Christmas.... REAL freakin' rabbit! I was horrified but didn't want to hurt their feelings. Right now it's stuffed on my shelf in my closet so I don't have to look at it. Maybe I'll donate it... good idea! Just goes to show how ignorant some people can be. Let's see, I don't EAT animals so why would I want to wear a dead one around my neck!?!? :wall:

[oexoskeletalx]

i agree, you can always donate the makeup to a group helping out mothers who are poor and in need of hygiene products and such.

[NickelDime]

Definitely donate. Goodwill, Salvation Army, whatever, they can re-sell them and the money helps others.

[Groovy chick]

I was also in the same situation recently when I was given a leather bag for a present. I accepted it graciously, but obviously know I cannot keep it.

I was considering giving it to a friend as a present instead.

[Moonchild81]

A lot of good responses here. I struggle with little day-to-day things, too, like the soap in a public bathroom-probably not vegan, probably animal tested, so should I not wash my hands? Yuck.

I got suede gloves for xmas. My Dad knew I hadn't worn leather since becoming vegetarian, let alone after becoming vegan, he just "assumed they were'nt real suede". So now I have to find something at frickin' JC Penney to exchange them for. Woo hoo.

[honeyfugle]

i recently wrote to the Times concerning bath pearls i received for christmas. this might help some of you: :)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7-2529743.html

[oexoskeletalx]

A lot of good responses here. I struggle with little day-to-day things, too, like the soap in a public bathroom-probably not vegan, probably animal tested, so should I not wash my hands? Yuck.

I got suede gloves for xmas. My Dad knew I hadn't worn leather since becoming vegetarian, let alone after becoming vegan, he just "assumed they were'nt real suede". So now I have to find something at frickin' JC Penney to exchange them for. Woo hoo.

why not carry around a tube of liquid soap? kiss my face made travel size liquid soaps a while ago, but you could just carry around anything like it.

[magentamonkey]

Haha great ideas! I would probably save it to give away to my friends. I like to make a little something for them, such as sew a purse, and fill it with little odds and ends. Save it for a gift bag!

On the surface, it seems kind of funny that we would give these things (containing animal products) to our friends. But after thinking about it, it's at least a little better to not waste it.

[echowarrior]

I'll just second the idea of donation. I'd call your local women's shelter and check with them. Many of those women have been to &%# and back and there's nothing like putting on some quality cosemetics to make many a woman feel good.

I'm certainly not that type of gal but I know there are lots of 'em out there... sheesh I've even seen people blow drying their hair at a campground restroom. Strange if you ask me.

sorry about the diversion.