15 Times When a Simple Gift Unexpectedly Changed Someone’s Life

Occasionally, the smallest presents can be the most significant. A good word, an unexpected package, or even a misplaced object can transform the way a person feels, or even lives. In this article, we’ll recount true stories about simple gifts that made a big impression. You could begin to notice small things in a whole new light.

• My MIL handed me a beautifully wrapped gift, and when I opened it, I found a sweater that was several sizes too small. “I thought this might motivate you to get in shape,” she said with a sweet but cutting smile. The room went silent as I sat there, humiliated.
  Then my husband took the sweater, held it up, and said, “Wow, Mom, you didn’t have to get Max a present!” Then he tossed it onto the couch where our golden retriever, Max, was lying. Everyone laughed nervously, and her smug expression disappeared.

• My boyfriend’s grandma had a really unique diamond ring, and I complimented the setting. Later, we met up for lunch, and she gave me my Christmas present. I opened the box and was really confused because there were only little plastic rings. I thought it was something craft-related, she knows I crochet.
  No, turns out it was for sizing a ring. And a piece of paper under it showed me the ring that was being custom-made. She bought me my own diamond ring. © notyourcoloringbook / Reddit

• My sister got a book from my grandmother titled “Proper Etiquette.” She proceeded to tell her in front of the whole family that “She’ll be more likely to make the boys stay after reading it!” My sister just smiled and carried on. © ***_rot02 / Reddit

• It was my birthday, and we’d agreed on no gifts. Money was tight. But that morning, my husband handed me a note. Inside, “Pack a bag. No questions.” I assumed a spa or a hotel. What it actually was something I could only dream of. An hour later, we pulled up in front of a little house in a quiet neighborhood. “I know it’s not much,” he said, “but it’s ours. I bought it. Happy birthday.”
  My knees nearly gave out. I’d grown up moving from place to place, always renting, never settling. The idea of having a home of our own felt impossible.

• When my wife and I first got married her parents hated me. One year they got me a woman’s sweater. It was very obviously a woman’s sweater too. The next Christmas I wore it over and my MIL asked my wife why I was wearing a woman’s sweater. © Unknown Author / Reddit

• My MIL got me an ugly purse with the clearance sticker still attached. The box it came in was dusty and damaged. © Bottle_Sweaty / Reddit

• When my wife and I first got married, her parents hated me. One year, they got me a woman’s sweater. The next Christmas, I wore it over, and my MIL asked my wife why I was wearing a woman’s sweater. © RichLyons*** / Reddit

• My brother gave me a bright orange wallet. “Because you like orange so much,” he said while flashing the wallet I gave him a few years ago. It’s red. He’s color-blind. © Whole-Arachnid-Army / Reddit

• Recently I was talking with my mom about how I’ve cut back pretty significantly on scented products of any kind for my health as I have allergies and asthma that has gotten worse. She got me scented shower steamers because she felt I must miss the fun scented stuff. © StoryAlternative6476 / Reddit

• First gift I opened said it was from my mom. There was a small jewelry box which I opened to find four molars.
  My sister starts cracking up. They’re her wisdom teeth. Her husband even found something with my mom’s handwriting on it to make the tag believable. © saebyuk / Reddit

• My mom asked what my 13-year-old daughter wanted for Christmas, and I said, “She likes to sew.” How this led to our entire extended family buying her nothing but yarn, I do not know. © Downtown_Statement87 / Reddit

• My mom made a pineapple upside down cake for dessert, because she said she knows it’s my favorite. I’m allergic to pineapple. © 111gemini111 / Reddit

• When I was 10 years old, my grandparents gave me an unwrapped suitcase for Christmas. In the interests of convenience, they used that suitcase for the wrapped presents for my sisters. © ragedandobtused / Reddit

• A $50 visa gift card from an extended family member. You see, I had also gotten her a $50 visa gift card. We basically both made it harder for ourselves to spend the money we already had. © LowerRoyal7 / Reddit

• I asked for a jigsaw puzzle that had 300–1000 pieces. I received three jigsaw puzzles with 100 pieces each. © Feral-Librarian / Reddit

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