A few days back, I joined a small, online Facebook group of grandparents to get some recommendations for my grandmother. I hung around to see some of the other conversations that were going on.
In one casual post, people started talking about everyday things they dislike in their homes. As more joined the conversation, people began to post “confessions” about things they have in their home; Not because they use them, but because it might upset their children, or grandchildren, to get rid of them. Here are 9 such items grandparents said they keep.
Souvenir mugs
A grandmother said she keeps decorative mugs from places she’s never been that clash with her kitchen. Those mugs are too heavy the rims are too thick to fit her lips and this annoys her.
She washes the mugs every month despite never drinking from them. This is because her daughter had bought them as a gift and she mocked how they were more like ornaments.
Tall vases
One grandpa confessed how he’s scared to be near a fragile glass vase by his dining table. His daughter gave it to him so excitedly that he couldn’t bring himself to say it wasn’t his taste. He tiptoes around it as if it’s going to fall over any minute. He claims it’s been through more close calls than he can remember.
A bundle of exercise gear
“Aww, don’t even get me started,” one woman groaned as she told us about a resistance band set her son gifted her. She used it once and felt a sharp tug in her shoulder, so she dropped it.
But it remains behind her bedroom door, because she can’t bear to toss out something that was supposed to “help her stay active.” She says it glares at her every morning.
Board games
A few of them mentioned they stash boxes of games their grandchildren brought over on holidays. They have no idea what the rules are or what the strategy is.
The boxes remain untouched, because those games recall the laughter that once filled the house.
Scented candles
A grandmother said she has jars of candles with potent aromas that leave her feeling dizzy. She doesn’t even use them when she has company, but they stay on display since they were gifts.
She said she is always afraid that someone will say, “Why isn’t the candle here?”
Digital photo frames
A woman said the backlit digital photo frame in her living room was “smart.” She had no idea how to change pictures or settings.
The frame once froze on one photo for days and she waited for it to work itself out. She keeps it plugged in because her family bought it to keep her in the loop.
Fancy kitchen appliances
One grandpa claims to own a high-powered blender that he’s never had the courage to turn on. It’s noisy, it shakes, and he likes his old hand mixer that works just fine. But he stores the blender safely on the top shelf because his daughter spent real money on it.
Abstract wall art
Another granny pointed at an abstract painting she had hanging in the hallway. She didn’t understand what all the shapes meant, but her grandson painted it for a school project, so she didn’t ask questions.
Decorative pillows
One grandpa made a chuckling comment about how he arranged four hard pillows on his couch. He only has them there because his granddaughter chose them with pride. Neatly lined up, they look fancy, but jab his back and slip when he sits.
When he’s alone, he pushes them to the side. Then he sets them just right again when company arrives.
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