‘Opt for a Store-Bought Blanket’: Reddit Discusses Handmade Gift Etiquette

Many of us enjoy browsing through AITA (Am I the Asshole) posts on Reddit, featuring everything from complicated family dynamics to chaotic wedding scenarios and pure human drama. Every so often, a particular post captures not only attention but also the collective outrage of the internet. One such instance involves a crocheted blanket, a discerning recipient, and a skilled crafter who refused to alter her well-intended gift. The situation has stirred robust discussions online, and for good reason. Check out the post here.

The Scenario Unfolds

Here’s a brief overview for those who might have missed it. The original poster (OP) crafted a beautiful crocheted blanket for her sister-in-law Amanda, closely adhering to her color preferences. This thoughtful gift was fashioned with meticulous care and was meant to be a heartfelt gesture, devoid of any commercial interests or expectation of compensation.

Instead of receiving a warm and emotional response, Amanda opted to act as a harsh critic. She scrutinized the blanket as if judging a serious art competition, pointing out various “flaws” such as color inconsistencies in the crochet work. After her critique, she bluntly handed the blanket back to OP, implying that it required further perfection. To make matters worse, Amanda had the nerve to label the blanket as “half-assed” and argued that it wouldn’t be considered complete until it reached a level of perfection.

AITA for declining to “fix” the errors I made in a blanket I crocheted for someone and taking it back instead? by u/One_Entrepreneur5686 in AmItheAsshole

Perfection? It’s important to note, this is a handmade gift, not a mass-produced item! If absolute perfection is desired, one should simply visit a store and choose a blanket absent of the emotion and effort that an artisan like OP dedicated to this gift.

Understanding Entitlement

Amanda’s sense of entitlement was stark. She insisted that OP redo the entire blanket. In response, OP, justifiably hurt by Amanda’s lack of appreciation, chose to keep the blanket instead. Amanda’s reaction was to call OP “ridiculous,” arguing that fixing it wouldn’t take much time.

For those unfamiliar with crochet, let me clarify: it’s not as simple as editing a digital document. Addressing a mistake in the midst of a crochet project, especially one as complex as 1,115 rows, can essentially mean starting from scratch. Amanda’s demands were not only rude but also illustrated a true lack of understanding about the craft.

Unsurprisingly, Reddit overwhelmingly sided with OP on this matter. Numerous commenters, both seasoned crafters and casual observers, expressed their astonishment at Amanda’s behavior. One pointed remark resonated with many: “This is someone who will never appreciate a handmade gift. Just give her a store-bought blanket.”

Final Thoughts on Handmade Gifts

Handmade gifts carry deep significance; they embody patience, dedication, and affection. Each minor flaw is a testament to the creator’s human touch. Demanding flawlessness in such gifts is to entirely misunderstand their meaning.

If Amanda truly desired a perfect blanket, purchasing one would have been the sensible choice. When someone dedicates their heart to a present, the least a recipient can do is recognize and honor that effort. Criticizing a lovingly crafted blanket because it doesn’t meet arbitrary standards amounts to disparaging a lovingly prepared meal simply because it doesn’t resemble something from a professional kitchen.

At its core, handmade gifts symbolize love and dedication, and they are not subject to unrealistic expectations. Amanda clearly neglected the real essence of such gifts. OP’s reaction? Entirely warranted! Perhaps in the future, Amanda will come to value the time and effort infused into gifts. For now, I align with Reddit in proclaiming OP is absolutely NTA (Not the Asshole)!

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