Post #653098 by Q-tiki on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 7:25 PM

I'm not sure if this is the best place for this thread, but here goes...

I have been into the Tiki scene for a little over a year now. I have seen the light, had the revelation, etc, etc. During that time, I have been collecting a wide variety of Tiki related items. Mugs, music, shirts, rum, carvings, books, more rum, prints/artwork, blah, blah, blah. You all know what I'm talking about, I'm sure.

So, as soon as people (friends and/or family) begin to hear my wild rantings about exotic drinks, exotica or anything Tiki, suddenly I start receiving random gifts because now I'm the "Tiki" guy and I would surely love this random tiki sign or carving that is incredibly tacky (poor design, wild colors, etc.). I have received these items on my birthday, on holidays or just because. Up until now, I have always been gracious and thankful for the thoughtful gift, but I'm unsure what to do with the items I've received or how to stop it from happening in the future. Granted, lots of folks think that anything Tiki is tacky and I freely admit that it took me a while to develop a sense of tiki style and concentrate on "authentic" Tiki, but I feel I've narrowed my collecting asthetic quite a bit.

How do you deal with this dilemma? Do you tell them how particular you are or how hard it is to find the right style to match your collection? My son bought me a Parrot drinking rum sign at Big lots that says "Time flies when you're having Rum!". It's He was so proud to have found something he KNEW I would like. Of course, it's hanging in my kitchen because I would never hurt his feelings.

Anyway, I'm just curious how some of you may have handled these situations in the past.

Thanks and CHEERS!