MY DD and her BF decided to get help me celebrate my birthday last Saturday. They decided to get me a FatMax Rolling Toolbox. It is the one with three compartments and a telescoping handle. BTW, this was the first time we have met the new BF. He is a construction framer guy. So, I am in the midst of getting the house ready for the party when the BF decides he just has to give me the present. My DD told him to wait because I was locked in on getting things ready. I was totally in the zone. Anyway, they roll this thing out. I look up and say "thanks" in an indifferent (some would say annoyed) manner. Then I went back to finishing up. Needless to say, there was some doubt about my true "thanks" for the gift. In general, I personally ruled out this particular toolbox for possible purchase because it has too many things wrong with for my situation. Now I am struggling to see what I can do with it. I cannot just have it disappear.

As a side, my brother, knowing my penchant for looking at things in the PRS (preparedness/readiness/survival) mode starts joking about how I will accessorize the box for just such purposes. Now I am thinking of doing it, maybe. UUGGGGGGHHHHH!

Maybe use it as a vehicle based BOB? I've got a Craftsman rolling box with a telescoping handle that I use for work stuff. Looked at the FatMax but needed a larger main compartment for my own use. I will say that I see a fair number of them, the FatMax's that is, on film sets and they're not babied.

Worst case, re-gift it to the local Habitat for Humanity or a similar group?

You only have to worry if the BF lasts. If he's gone in a few weeks/months, no problem.

Sue

Ahh, Cynical Sue

My little Hyundai Accent already has storage issues. I may have to jockey and shuffle things (read: clean out) a little.

Sue,

Right now they do not see each other enough for her to get bored with him or him to get tired of her being high maintenance.

It may not be your personal favourite item, but be honest: is this a hill you want to die on? It's too darn easy to poison family relations; and it's a vertical climb to set things right.

IMO, you should be gracious and make a point of finding a use for it (if only to organize your tax receipts or vacuum cleaner attachments). And casually let people know you are using it. What's the cost to you? Nothing, really. Same as the cost of a smile, a wave to a courteous driver, or a kind word to a sales clerk. Think of it as an investment in future good relations, that will pay off when something big and difficult comes up.

That's my $0.02.

BTW: When I give gifts, I always make a point of saying that "if it's not suitable for you, I won't be offended if you re-gift it or donate it to your favourite charity; I bought it to be useful, not to gather dust." I note that others in my extended family are starting to use the same line.

If you break it and have to get a stronger model it's not their fault it didn't last

Ah, the unwanted gift. What is the real problem?

Have you offended anyone? If so, consider dealing directly by apologizing. A little self-deprecation goes a long way.

Does your family have some kind of use-my-gift-or-I-will-be-offended rule? In other words, are gifts given with strings attached and not as true gifts? If so, this is a troubling relationship and communication pattern that goes beyond the toolbox. I defer to professionals regarding any suggestions on how to deal with this.

Is it just being stuck with a toolbox you cannot use? Consider letting the thing sit for a while and see if you can discover a job for which it is well suited. Maybe outfit it to serve another family member?

Did they give you the receipt so you can do a return? If so, I see no problem - just return it for credit or something you really want / need.

The real gift, of course, was the respect and love shown to you and the toolbox was just a vehicle for that gift.

Because I'm in a tornado area, and possible earthquake area, I keep my "bug-in" kit in a large wheeled steel cabinet. It resides in an area unlikely to be crushed or covered by debris. Have you thought about using you rolling tool box in a similar way?