Grinches! NBA Team Gifts Playstation 5, Then Take It Back
If you know anything about the NBA, you know about the franchise the Charlotte Hornets. But the Hornets were more like the Grinch after the team takes back a Playstation 5 they had just gifted a teenage fan on the court. It is almost baffling how stupid this promotion was. Now the teen’s uncle is speaking out, the team is trying to make amends, and everyone is left saying “who approved this?”
How Did This Wretched Playstation 5 “Giveaway” Happen?
According to Queen City News, the teen’s uncle took him to a game on Monday night. A staffer with the Charlotte Hornets approached them and asked if they’d like to take a part in a bit during the game. Their mascot Hugo would be dressed up as Santa and hand out gifts to people. Obviously that answer is a yes.
What happened next was… baffling. As they are about to head out to the court, the uncle says a staffer whispered in his ear that the teen would not be able to keep the gift he receives on the court, and instead would win a jersey. Um, what?
Before he had a chance to say anything to his nephew, it was lights, camera, action! They were shepherded onto the court, they did the bit that made the organization look, in front of the crowd, incredibly generous. But… it wasn’t to be.
Despite dancers and staff literally congratulating the kid as he heads off the court, as soon as they got backstage a staffer starts taking the Playstation 5 away from the kid. The same one they unjokingly gifted him on the court.
Who. Approved. This.
The uncle was incensed, the teen was devastated, and the dancers who were just congratulating the kid were baffled. He walked away with a jersey and a sour taste. So he took to social media to blow up their spot.
Wouldn’t you know it, the Charlotte Hornets organization feel really bad about it (now that the tomfoolery has gone viral). They reached out to the fan and offered up a Playstation 5 along with a VIP experience at a future game. Which is, you know, great. But how unnecessary was this?!
At the end of the day, the uncle said if they just told him he’d be winning a jersey he would have been happy. Chances are he might want a different jersey nowadays. Yikes.
7 Ideas For VERY Last Minute Christmas Gifts
1. Tickets
Tickets In A Gift Box
Who doesn’t love to go to a concert or sporting event? Get yourself on Ticketmaster or other ticket-selling website and just go crazy. Get the music-lover tickets to a show nearby. You can even buy airplane tickets to a weekend away somewhere. Use your imagination and get hopping on the ticket shopping.
2. Groupon
Happy Mother On Christmas
When it comes to last minute gifts, consider Groupon your BFF. For the person who prefers experiences over things, this is a winner. Horseback riding, spa treatments, dining out, hot air balloon rides…you can find a ton of ideas on groupon.com and print the gift out on your computer. Just make sure you put it in a Christmas card to make it look nice.
3. The Re-Gift Gift
Regifting
In case you missed it, regifting is actually a thing now. I have a section in my linen closet for just this kind of occasion. It’s got all kinds of bath products and candles that I can regift at a moment’s notice. If you don’t have that, you are allowed to find something that’s in good condition around your house and give it to someone else. This works really well with jewelry or electronics. Because your mom isn’t going to be all that mad when you regift her your old iPhone that still costs as much as her first house did.
4. Personalized Basket
Christmas Git Box
This one is a really cool way to give a gift that makes the recipient feel really seen. Grab candy, wine, coffee or trinkets that you know someone will like. Throw in the wine glasses or cute coffee mugs. Buy a nice wicker basket and put the stuff in that instead of a bag. Make it part of the gift. It will be a hit with the person getting it.
5. Monthly Subscription
Beauty Subscription Box
These are actually really cool. And there are endless options for this gift. If you have a kiddo on the list, get a craft box subscription. We get them from KiwiCo and they’re amazing. There are also craft boxes for the adult crafter in your life. Try a Disney+, Hulu, Netflix or other streaming service subscription for the TV lover on your list. Have someone who wants to learn a new skill? Masterclass subscriptions will get you big points with that person. Readers will love an Audible subscription. Or Blue Apron for the chef in your life. Seriously, the options are endless.
6. Personalized Gift Card
Gift Cards
Gift cards are the best. You can get out of a lot of trouble with these bad boys. Even if the stores are already closed, you can print gift certificates from an online order. Here’s how to make it personalized: put it in a card with a message about WHY you chose that specific gift card. Make sure the recipient knows that you know something about them that made you sure they would love this specific card. That goes a long way.
7. Photo Of The Gift
Christmas Card Giving
If all else fails, you can print out a picture of the gift you are getting for someone and put it in a card. HEAR ME OUT! There is a stipulation…this has to be a gift worth waiting for. I mean a gift so awesome that the recipient doesn’t mind that it’s not there in time for Christmas. Like a car…or a house.
