We Need a Museum of Bad Gifts Too!
Toronto has one and I think the same thing could serve useful purposes right here in St. Thomas. Here are my reasons:
We’ve got a good sense of humour
I think our community would likely appreciate the lighthearted nature of the Museum of Bad Gifts. It would give us a chance to reflect on awkward or unwanted gift-giving experiences in a fun and artistic way. It would provide a welcome contrast to more traditional exhibits and offer an opportunity engage in a communal experience through laughter and shared stories. Everyone in my family could certainly donate a few items
Our local artists would get involved
In addition to you and I contributing our “bad gifts”, our local artists might use it as an outlet for their unwanted creativity. Visitors might transform awkward gifts into art.
Their stuff is sh** and your sh** is stuff!
I know I’m dating myself, but do you remember George Carlin’s skit on stuff? And the famous line “Have you noticed that their stuff is sh** and your sh** is stuff!”? I think we would welcome a Museum of Bad Gifts to highlight waste and excess. Our values, especially as we get older, provide a thoughtful (but still playful) commentary on our gift-giving practices.
Another Tourist Attraction
In addition to Jumbo, the Railway Museum, the Art Gallery, and our historic Downtown, don’t you think a Museum of Bad Gifts would attract tourists? It could serve as a fun and unexpected stop for tourists visiting the area. Whether it’s through bizarre items in the exhibit or the stories behind the “bad” gifts, visitors would likely find it entertaining.
Supporting Local Charities
Of course, we would sell the items with the proceeds going to charity, turning a fun exhibition into an opportunity to support a good cause which would be a great fit for St. Thomas. We have a strong sense of community and support for local causes — 120 people showed up at our Euchre Tournament to support the women’s shelter (Valora Place)! a Museum of Bad Gifts would turn a potentially awkward or uncomfortable part of gift-giving into something positive and impactful for those in need.
Another Day-Trip Attraction
Our parks, conservation areas, farmers market, restaurants, breweries, hiking trails and proximity to Port Stanley, make us an attractive day-trip choice.
A Museum of Bad Gifts in St. Thomas would be a fusion of humour, creativity, local engagement, and charitable giving. It would be a great conversation starter, a fun cultural experience, and an opportunity to reflect on the nature of gift-giving in a quirky, yet meaningful way. Indeed, it’ll help us feel better!
By Peter Yurek, B.Sc. Phm.
