SKANEATELES - Through the store, past shiny jewelry and scrolled fine china, the figurines that wait for a happy home, is the non-descript table holding the presents that nobody loved.
What special occasion saw them wrapped with a bow?
With what care were they selected, what significance did they bestow?
What the heck were their givers thinking?
Such are the questions being pondered by customers and clerks alike, amidst the Ugliest Gift contest being held by the 1st National Gifts Store.
“We were brainstorming, because we do a lot of charitable events, and we wanted to do one that was fun,” said proprietor Chris Gary.
It was employee Mary Anne Spencer who came up with the idea - with the accumulated treasures to go to the Saint James Thrift Shop in the village when the contest is over.
“We're hearing so many stories. We're hearing about spouses, friends. Some were given as wedding gifts, some as shower gifts,” Spencer said.
Employee Robin Swietoniowski added, “We had someone who came in yesterday and said she only brings her gift out when her friend comes over.”
With names withheld to protect the guilty, some belongings have found their way out of hiding only to be displayed with surprising results. A trio of painted ceramic elephants appear quite attractive, even though no one knows what they are for. A purple glass vase bordered by purple grapes isn't all bad. Then there is a black iron eagle, fit to be hung.
“It's been really fun because we had this eagle come in and we had someone who wanted to buy it. We had to explain to them, you have to wait and go to the thrift shop after the contest is over,” said Spencer. “Since we believe ugly is in the eye of the beholder, we think anything could win.”
Arguably a strong contender is a heavy statue of a British policeman standing alongside Sherlock Holmes.
“It just looks like something that would hurt if it fell on your foot,” Spencer said.
Even son Ned Spencer had something to share - in the form of a Jamaican dinner plate. How does one know it's a Jamaican plate? It's written across it.
“One of my roommates from (Tompkins-Cortland Community) college went to Jamaica on his spring break, and gave it to me,” he said. “It's been sitting in my closet for two years. I don't even eat off plates to begin with. I use paper.”
A $50 gift certificate will go to the owner of the item voted most ugliest, while a $20 one will go to a randomly-drawn voter. All donated items are expected to be ready for sale about a week after the contest ends, according to Saint James Gift Shop chairperson Marie Bundy.
Eventual proceeds will be used to fund local facilities such as the Skaneateles Food Pantry and the Skaneateles Library.
“We're most appreciative of all donations,” Bundy said.
With what care were they selected, what significance did they bestow?
What the heck were their givers thinking?
Such are the questions being pondered by customers and clerks alike, amidst the Ugliest Gift contest being held by the 1st National Gifts Store.
“We were brainstorming, because we do a lot of charitable events, and we wanted to do one that was fun,” said proprietor Chris Gary.
It was employee Mary Anne Spencer who came up with the idea - with the accumulated treasures to go to the Saint James Thrift Shop in the village when the contest is over.
“We're hearing so many stories. We're hearing about spouses, friends. Some were given as wedding gifts, some as shower gifts,” Spencer said.
Employee Robin Swietoniowski added, “We had someone who came in yesterday and said she only brings her gift out when her friend comes over.”
With names withheld to protect the guilty, some belongings have found their way out of hiding only to be displayed with surprising results. A trio of painted ceramic elephants appear quite attractive, even though no one knows what they are for. A purple glass vase bordered by purple grapes isn't all bad. Then there is a black iron eagle, fit to be hung.
“It's been really fun because we had this eagle come in and we had someone who wanted to buy it. We had to explain to them, you have to wait and go to the thrift shop after the contest is over,” said Spencer. “Since we believe ugly is in the eye of the beholder, we think anything could win.”
Arguably a strong contender is a heavy statue of a British policeman standing alongside Sherlock Holmes.
“It just looks like something that would hurt if it fell on your foot,” Spencer said.
Even son Ned Spencer had something to share - in the form of a Jamaican dinner plate. How does one know it's a Jamaican plate? It's written across it.
“One of my roommates from (Tompkins-Cortland Community) college went to Jamaica on his spring break, and gave it to me,” he said. “It's been sitting in my closet for two years. I don't even eat off plates to begin with. I use paper.”
A $50 gift certificate will go to the owner of the item voted most ugliest, while a $20 one will go to a randomly-drawn voter. All donated items are expected to be ready for sale about a week after the contest ends, according to Saint James Gift Shop chairperson Marie Bundy.
Eventual proceeds will be used to fund local facilities such as the Skaneateles Food Pantry and the Skaneateles Library.
“We're most appreciative of all donations,” Bundy said.
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