I got a really nice batik purse from a friend. It sat in my closet for about a year before I took it out and finally started using it. I love it now and carry it every day. Maybe that's what will happen with your family.
I'm just not a purse person (try saying that five times). I always just have one purse and carry the same one everyday. That may be one reason they weren't as enthusiastic as you expected.