helenquilt

Soon after my son married they had a garage sale and sold something I had given them. I ask my daughter-in-law that if I ever gave her anything she didn't want would she please give it back to me. This has worked real well. We get along so good. She will call me and say I am cleaning house do you want my trash. They have now been married 30 yrs.

2manyhobbies

I have told my kids that they don't have to keep any of my antiques when I pass on to the big quilt shop in the sky, but they shouldn't sell it for low dollars to dealers who come looking before we're even cold. I definitely would have it appraised and give them the appraisal.

brenwalt

I've had the same situation many times. Enclosed with the gift card, I give an article about "how to care for your quilt." In conversation I do tell them it "isn't a blanket" - With my children and grandchildren I tell them to use it, enjoy it, and when it starts to show signs of wear, let me know and I'll make them another one. (With my own daughter and son in law, a king size quilt was actually getting very worn so I came out and asked them to "retire it" and I'd be happy to purchase them a new bedspread for their next anniversary. Also, make sure you write out a relatively detailed label to affix to the quilt more or less for the benefit of posterity. "Happy quilting"

IAmCatOwned

Get it appraised and give them the appraisal. They will need it anyway for insurance purposes.

The problem though is that they may not use it because they are afraid of wrecking it. I get it that you don't want them to use it for the dog's bed (been there, done that). I agree with the other poster though. When you gift it, it is theirs. Another poster had a great idea - let them know that if it is not to their taste, to please give it back to you and you can talk with them about making something more appropriate to their taste.

QandE2010

Excellent idea, quiltngolfer. I would sew the care instructions in the back of the quilt so they don't get separated from the quilt itself.

Sewnoma

I definitely vote for stressing sentimental value over monetary value. I cherish my grandmother's quilts like they're the most precious antiques (because to me, they ARE) but MOST of them were made from cut up thrift store wool skirts and suits and whatever batting and flannel grandma could find at a deal, usually tied with yarn left over from other projects. She chose well and wisely and her quilts are in amazing shape considering they get used every single winter...but they cost her very little money to make. If she'd have spent thousands it would not make them any more valuable to me - I value and prize them because they are made with love by my grandmother, and because they are warm and cozy as all get-out.

JoanneS

Or if you are uncomfortable about giving them the receipts, you could hang on to them in case they are ever needed. Keep them in YOUR album of quilts (if you have one). If you don't have a quilt scrapbook of your quilts, now might be the time to start one - LOL.

Treasureit

That is a tough one, because what they value and what you value may be different. I know my son & family don't give a hoot about my quilts, but because I have made all my grandchildren quilts...theirs will/have too. I just gave the 10yr old his applique doggy quilt and he just looked at it and said...oh good a new blanket...I drooled on my other one. The other one was a fleece square. I just shrugged my shoulders. Once it is given...it is theirs to do with what they want. I have to admit I wanted to hear about how wonderful I was for going to all that work just for him.

JenelTX

How about saying something like, "This quilt was made with heirloom-quality fabrics. If cared for properly, the quilt can be passed down to your children and then to your children's children. I hope you will treasure it as a symbol of my love for you, and my happiness for you on this special day."

bearisgray

Some people's sentimental value of an item seems to be roughly equivalent to the dollar value of the item.

I don't see any harm in attaching an appraisal to the gift. After that - it's up to them what they do with it.