Especially if your partner works. It's best to avoid using "cool delivery" for gifts!

2019.05.19 published

I want to give something delicious! Fresh and cold items.

For celebrations, return gifts, summer gifts, and year-end gifts.

When I think about what to give, the usual candidates tend to be baked goods, juice, jelly, and other items that have a long shelf life and can be stored at room temperature.

However, I often receive such items, and they seem a bit uninteresting as gifts....

Even if the shipping fee (for refrigerated delivery) is slightly higher,

☑ Sashimi

☑ Fruits

☑ Ice cream

☑ Cakes

There are so many things I would like to give, and many things that would make me happy to receive.

Have you ever thought this way....???

(I have!)

Fruits, side dishes, seafood, and sweets are really delicious (especially fresh items), and it’s rare to receive fresh food as a celebration or gift, making it a bit of a unique choice when I am in doubt about what to present.

Of course, when choosing a gift, the main premise is to give something that you think is delicious or something that you would be happy to receive....

<But!!!!>

Still, as the general opinion suggests that “it’s better to give items that have a long shelf life and can be stored at room temperature,” it’s safer to avoid things that need to be sent via refrigerated delivery as presents.

Recently, I also sent a gift that required refrigerated delivery, and I reflected on it a bit, and here are my reasons.

① Cannot be received

Refrigerated delivery must be received directly from the delivery person (they cannot be left in a delivery box).

Therefore, it's unsuitable for households where it's difficult to be home during delivery times (from 8 AM to 9 PM).

If someone has a lifestyle where they leave home at 7 AM and return at 10 AM from Monday to Friday, they definitely can't receive it. ><

If something arrives on Monday and cannot be received, and it cannot be accepted during weekdays but only on the weekend.... that means 5 days have passed...!!

It would be okay if it's ice cream or a frozen cake, but if it's fresh fish or vegetables...

In the worst-case scenario, they might spoil.

The recipient may feel guilty that they "couldn't receive the gift in the best condition," and the giver might feel disappointed with "I sent it wholeheartedly, and yet..."

One might think, "But I can receive it on the weekend!" However, weekends are for everyone to travel or go out freely, so in the case of a gift that requires "definite face-to-face receipt," it’s important to check with the recipient what time they can receive it.

② Affects refrigerator contents

Additionally, many items sent via refrigerated delivery often require refrigeration after arrival.

This can be quite problematic:

"Oh no! My refrigerator is full of gifts! I was planning to go to Costco this weekend!"

Or

"I’m having a home party, and I need to prepare and put store-bought items in the fridge, but there’s no space left...."

Or

"I have to remove all the meal-prepped items from the freezer to fit the gift.... There’s no point in having pre-prepared food...."

Such situations can easily arise.

A "refrigerator" is like a mirror that reflects each person’s lifestyle and values.

It might be better to avoid gifts that impact this space...

That’s what I thought.

③ Short expiration date

Moreover, fresh items sent via refrigerated delivery definitely have shorter expiration dates compared to baked goods, dried fish, or canned products, which is also a concern.

Receiving them at times when you have been dining out or have plans to be away from home could lead to sad situations where you cannot consume them....

Ultimately, I realize that “standard gift items” like juice, somen noodles, jelly, and condiments are actually the ideal choice for gifts...

It’s better to avoid refrigerated delivery for gifts

Above, I've explained three reasons why "it's better to avoid refrigerated delivery for gifts."

If there’s a prior conversation like, "I want to give this, is that okay? When can you receive it?" it allows the recipient to plan their schedule, which is beneficial.

However, especially if the recipient is busy, it's definitely better to avoid sending “surprise refrigerated deliveries,” as it may lead to trouble.

If delivery isn’t received promptly, both the giver and the receiver may become anxious or frustrated, and neither will feel happy. So, thorough pre-notification or, after all, realizing that dry items are the best choice...

is what I want to keep in mind.