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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#173: Giving, Receiving, and Return Receipts

Yikes! The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for me to panic-shop for gifts. Even if you aren’t a big fan of Black Friday (when mega discounts and hard-won bargains are up for grabs) you might still be thinking about what to give to your loved ones, or what you might ask for yourself.

This week’s prompts are in the spirit of gift-giving. Whether your characters know just what to get, are scrambling for ideas at the last minute, or are the lucky (or perhaps unlucky) recipient of their own gift, it’s time to gather those wishlists and prepare for the upcoming festive season.

This week's prompts

Coming up with a gift idea was the easy part — getting your hands on it is another thing entirely.

Adventure – 22 stories

End your story with a character receiving a deeply meaningful gift they weren’t expecting.

Adults – 66 stories

Write about a character going to great lengths to return an unwanted gift.

Funny – 22 stories

Write a story starring a store cashier, during the busy pre-holiday season.

Holiday – 27 stories

Write a story that includes the phrase “Thank you! It’s just what I wanted.”

Holiday – 31 stories

Stories

“The Giant Acorn” by Tanya Humphreys

Submitted to Contest #173

Mila shuddered as she clung to the cattail over hanging the river. She was a rabbit and could swim if she wanted to; but she was frightened of what lurked just under the surface. Vlad the Chomper floated as still as a bumpy green log, only his bulbous, lichen-colored eyes glared upwards at her. She knew that under the water his one hundred gnarly pointed teeth stuck out from his long, grinning, alligator snout.Mila’s long back feet scrambled against the grassy bank, found hold, and propelled her upwards. She sputtered with fur...

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“THE PORTRAIT” by Mara Masolini

Submitted to Contest #173

THE PORTRAIT “ Oh, how wonderful! It’s really a masterpiece! Really brilliant! I could say I came here for this sculpture ( work)” Maggie said. She seemed truly enthusiastic about Joe K.’s self-portrait, which was exposed inside a glass case and frozen. In fact, the marvelous work of the genius could only exist as long as it remained frozen. “Ah, and then how wonderful is this museum, which allows dogs and cats to enter, and even without a muzzle! On, it’s magnificent! I find this permission a demonstration of great sensibility, ...

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“Of All the Gin Joints” by Edward Kennedy

Submitted to Contest #173

THIS HAS ADULT THEMED TOPICS MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTION, DRUG USE BUT THERE IS A POSITIVE MESSAGE. THE STORY ONLY HAS TO BE ABOUT A STORE CASHIER IN BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON SO....MEET TOM.“Congratulations Tom, you're hired. The Store Manager Stewart happily relayed to Tom. "You start tomorrow be here by 8 am. We are ramping up for the holiday so we need all hands-on deck and we are getting you right on the cash register so bring your A game” Stewart was a short stocky older gentleman and when he spoke you instantly liked him. “Thank you” Tom repli...

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“The Lost Art of Family ” by Somer James

Submitted to Contest #173

The snow hit hard against her face as she lay on the asphalt of the parking lot of Kmart, making snow angels in the freshly dropped flakes; she and the other front-end managers were watching and filming each other on their phones, one by one, Andrew than cat than April. She is close to these here, besides her. They managed the entire store because they worked best with each other. This was the customer service desk managers, here with our most loyal friends; April sat ba...

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“Christmas Trading” by Kerri-lyn Bryant

Submitted to Contest #173

Kate lent against the wall and took a breath hoping that Shane or Stephen or whatever the hell his name was had got the message and would not turn up to the store. She needed this casual position to pay off some extra debt she had accumulated now that she was newly single and holidaying back home with her mother. Only, it was becoming clear to Kate that this job and Christmas, along with her recent break-up... ALL of it ... was wearing her down physically and mentally. Every day the plastic Christmas tree in its fake pot was feeling heavi...

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“Happy Returns” by Emily Nghiem

Submitted to Contest #173

What a joy to work in customer service after Christmas, I thought.It wasn't close to noon yet, but all the sales staff were overwhelmed and ready for a break. My line was moving fairly quickly, when a difficult customer I knew too well started a commotion. The elderly matron held up Marla's line, making sure everyone heard the drama unfold."That's 'Mrs. Buford' to you, young lady! And these towels weren't used. Can't you see they still have the tags attached?""No, ma'am. I wasn't implying that --" Marla tried to calm her."Every year my frien...

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“Destroying Angel” by Kelly Jackson

Submitted to Contest #173

We live in a world of speed and noise, bobbing around like a cork on the waves, carried by the tide of love and fortune. Entering this world in a state of pure vulnerability, the simplicity of life snowballs with layer upon layer of life’s occurrences, those in our control and those which are thrust upon us. That is, until we then travel full circle back to that weakened state of vulnerability, living a simple existence; reliant upon others. The tick, tock of our mortal clock grows ever louder as we tumble towards our so called ‘golden’ year...

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“A Simple Heist” by M B

Submitted to Contest #173

Dark clouds blotted out the stars with the threat of an imminent downpour as wind blew across dark streets. If not for the bobbing lanterns of the watch weaving through the streets the city would have appeared to be dead. From the shadow of an alleyway, a figure leaned against the wall. The shadow stared hungrily at the manor house beyond the wall ahead and studied the hired badger thugs - armed with mean-looking spears - keeping watch outside the walls. The figure in the alley stepped forward a bit, the long lithe body concealed b...

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“Lower Your Expectations ” by Jeffery Young

Submitted to Contest #173

You find yourself fettered to a table once . . . and the next time isn’t quite as special. Interrogation chambers were becoming way too common in my life, quickly losing their charm. A very gruff looking security guard stood near a metallic door on the other side of the room. A black one-way mirror covered the wall to my right and I was definitely on the wrong side of it. Yellow bulbs buzzed above me like bees, making the already uncomfortable room even less inviting, as if that were possible. “Got...

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“The Blue Marble” by T. S. Memory

Submitted to Contest #173

It is not easy to buy a gift for the Emperor. There is very little he does not have and rarely anything he cannot get. But the Queen is determined to present the perfect gift for his upcoming birthday. Her last few attempts were adequate to say the least, a rare mineral or an exotic creature. The Emperor would attempt an exaggerated smile when he saw it, before flashing an even bigger smile towards her, his eyes communicating gratitude more than surprise. The adoring crowd assembled to commemorate the event was always filled with applause...

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“Ariels Necklace” by Lilyana Halter

Submitted to Contest #173

“Albus?” “Yea?” he answered excitedly. “I'm heading out to Bess’ house for the day. If you can manage to get off the couch try to make this place not look filthy” she sneered. “Oh…yea yea. Of course” The door shut with much strength leaving Albus alone in their house on the edge of the village. It seemed she was still mad at him. Albus stared at the candle in front of him, its light dimming before coming back in full burst, over and over again. He cocked his head to a now empty wood stand. His wife, Ariel, had been mad for almost a wee...

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“The Mission for Murphey: After All This I Sure Do Hope I Marry This Woman” by Elizabeth Alonso

Submitted to Contest #173

My clothes were stained with mustard and pickle juice. My hair was disheveled. My chest was heaving in a desperate attempt to suck in more air. My knees and an elbow were scraped. A shard of glass was embedded in my forehead! And my bike? Completely totaled. “I….” I sh-“ I wheezed. “I should have… ordered… the damn thing online!” _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- For as long as I’ve known my current girlfriend Murphey, she’s been completely o...

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“For You I Will...” by Joi Miner

Submitted to Contest #173

“Yes sir, we have it. It’s a beautiful piece,” the woman on the phone said, igniting a fire in me.“Okay, can you hold it for me, please?” I asked, biting the nail of my manicured hand. There was silence on the other end of the line. Well, not silence. I could hear Bing Crosby singing about chestnuts roasting on an open fire loud and clear. But I wasn’t interested in him, his chestnuts, or his fire. I wanted to know if she was going to be able to hold the one thing that my wife wanted more than anything.“Well, Mr. Moses, that’s the thing.”Her...

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“The Gift” by Mary Gould

Submitted to Contest #173

The Gift Tandria Minot counted the tips from her twelve- hour waitressing Saturday shift, $10.05. If the tips got any smaller, she’d have to get out a tin cup and a begging sign and parked herself on the corner. She smiled at the image; one must not lose hope even in the worst circumstances, smile and courtesy were the hallmarks of food service industry. Besides, begging in the street wasn’t an option. Where would she find the time? Mountain C...

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“Daisy and Rose” by F.O. Morier

Submitted to Contest #173

What is the most precious gift anyone can ever give or receive for Christmas, or any other occasion for that matter? Well, sit down, make yourself comfortable and I will tell you. The moon paused to peer through an uncurtained window into a small room with nothing but a bed, two chairs, and a large chest. Two heads in floppy hats lay on a pillow, and two pairs of bright blue eyes stared at the sparkling stars. -"I'm so glad we got our shirts done on time." said a tired little voice. -"Yes, and the kids will be happy with our tree. Th...

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$250

Prize money

168

Contest entries

79

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Nov 25, 2022 EST

Won by Jacob Brown 🏆

Title: How to Return a Book Titled "How to Improve Your Writing in Five Easy Steps" in Five Easy Steps

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

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