Would you give a bonsai as a gift?

[Bonsai Nut]

Kinda like buying someone a dog - there are mixed opinions.

 

[irene_b]

Kinda like buying someone a dog - there are mixed opinions.

Only if they are into it.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Only if they are into it.

Wow Irene you're fast - you posted before I got my poll completed

 

[irene_b]

Wow Irene you're fast - you posted before I got my poll completed

opps.....sorry ;o)

 

[greerhw]

Nah, just be a waste of money and a good tree.
Harry

 

[pauldogx]

Nope. If it was a cheapie tree and it died it may put them off the hobby.
I would give them a gift certificate to a Intro to Bonsai course or take them to a club meeting instead.

 

[buddhamonk]

I have done it before on two occasions... both died

 

[pauldogx]

I have done it before on two occasions... both died

What--taken people to a club meeting???? Must have been quite a meeting!!!!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

What--taken people to a club meeting???? Must have been quite a meeting!!!!

My first morning laugh Thank you! I've actually been to some of those meetings... no wait - it was a meeting at my office

 

[Attila Soos]

Giving a bonsai as gift is like helping a blind man to cross the street.....against his will.

(Just imagine the scene: the blind man is kicking and screaming, and you are trying to keep up the appearance that you are being helpful, looking around and smiling to the onlookers - this is about the same as giving bonsai as a gift).

 

[Bill S]

I voted maybe, but I have on occasion, but I was just about asked for them, thats why I keep rooting cuttings. At some point I don't want them all so, hmmm give em away, club events, at work, or gifts to someone that does the club a favor etc.

 

[JTGJr25]

The Japanese give bonsai as gifts all the time. Like our presidents and country leaders of other sorts. Thats an extreme example but what I really want to say is...i would only give one as a gift if I knew the person was experienced. Meaning a gift from one experienced artist to another.

Tom

 

[meushi]

Actually it would be the Japanese equivalent of offering the complete "Golden Ladies" DVD set or a box of depends to someone... bonsai is mostly an old rich fart hobby over there. It is usually labeled "jijikusai" (grandpa smell) by most people under retirement age.

Personally I wouldn't give the gift of bonsai unless I knew the persons were interested and able to keep the tree alive.

 

[TimD]

Maybe but only if I really really hated the tree.

I picked no. There would be some cases where I would pick yes but they weren't listed as options.
1. A fellow Bonsai friend.
2. Someone who totally understands the commitement involved and was willing to take classes and/or instruction.
3. Poison Ivy Bonsai to an Ex. With instructions to trim daily.