We live overseas on an Army base and have two children. Our family back home has begun asking what we want for Christmas. In the past, we always receive gift certificates to online stores. It is very difficult (sizes, fabric, quality) to order online unless there is something specific we know we want. We have looked into having family members purchase gift certificates to our PX/Commissary, but they are not allowed as it is only for ID card holders. The cost of mailing packages makes it hard to request certain items as well. I've also thought to request donations to charity in our name, but our family (especially for the kids) would rather send something. Is there a proper way to ask for cash instead?
Please don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for what we have been given in the past and would be happy with nothing but a Christmas card....
2006-11-26 18:55:39 · 16 answers · asked by Older Sister 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Well, explain to them what you are explaining to us- that if they wish to give Christmas gifts, cash would be the most convenient (sp?).
2006-11-26 18:57:59 · answer #1 · answered by JP 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why not ask for Visa gift cards. That's what I'm buying for some of the gifts this year. That way, you can spend it anywhere Visa is accepted. Unless the base doesn't accept Visa, that is.
I doubt that Traveler's checks would work, because they have to be signed the first time when they are bought. They would have the buyer's signature on them, and you couldn't cash them.
Can you cash a money order there? Find out what you can cash, and tell your family that is what you prefer, because you like to see what you are buying, and you can't do that online.
However you get the money, be sure to tell your family what you bought!
Have a good Christmas!
2006-11-26 21:35:36 · answer #2 · answered by Cat Lover 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the recipients of these gifts are your children, I would tell family that a prepaid debit card would be a great alternative to an online gift certificate-it's basically the same type of gift, so there shouldn't be any hurt feelings, it still saves postage, they have logos like visa/mc that are accepted worldwide, and it can be spent pretty much the same way as cash. As a bonus, tell them that you would like to use this opportunity to teach the kids about spending, budgeting, the math of money, the concept of plastic, etc by them being able to shop with the card at a store themselves rather than you punching a keyboard on the net for them. Not to mention the fact that a kid would be thrilled with being able to shop for themselves!
2006-11-26 19:03:47 · answer #3 · answered by dragonlady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a way to transfer money without it costing anything.
There is a little bit of work involve in setting it up, but you only have to do this once.
Both you and your family at the other end should each open a Paypal account. It is free.
Once you have done so, you both register your respective bank account with Paypal.
Your family can then withdraw some money from their bank account into their Paypal account and then send it to your Paypal account. It cost them nothing to do so.
Once you receive the money in your Paypal account, you can send it from Paypal into your own bank account. This cost nothing either as long as you are moving $150.00 or more. If it is less than $150.00, Paypal will charge you a small fee for the transaction.
If your family don't want to link their bank account to Paypal, they can also use their credit card to put money directly into your Paypal Account.
However, any money you receive via credit card, PayPal will charge you a fee for processing the card. Different fees apply to different cards. I think the highest fee is for American Express.
Also, it seem that the fees on small transactions... like $10.00 are higher than for transactions like $50.00 or more.
Like I say, it is a bit of a hassle to set it up... but it works. I receive money from all over the world when I sell stuff on Ebay.
2006-11-26 22:46:10 · answer #4 · answered by Aussies-Online 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in case you could not have adequate money to supply particularly everyone presents, do what I even have finished interior the previous various years. i purchase a equipment of christmas enjoying cards and upload a private message to the guy enjoying cards. everyone who could get disillusioned with you on the grounds which you at the instant cannot have adequate money presents at christmastime the two would not would desire to understand you or shouldn't understand you. It shouldn't count lots on the subject of the presents yet greater approximately spending time mutually. If people who're meant to be your friends or relatives do not think of it somewhat is proper, ask them in a well mannered way in the event that they could choose to pay for the presents for you. that would desire to place an end to a pair of those conversations.
2016-10-13 04:46:52 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them not to give any gifts and a card is good enough. Only if there is a reunion should gifts be exchanged. Sending/mailing gifts is too much of a hassle, especially if it is a yearly affair.
2006-11-26 19:38:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell them the truth
Gift card would cost a lot less to mail then a package
2006-11-26 18:57:53 · answer #7 · answered by Eldude 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A traveler's check would work wonders. They're better than cash, because if they're lost or stolen they're replaceable, and any place that would take cash would take a traveler's check. It's like a bank-backed gift certificate.
2006-11-26 18:57:47 · answer #8 · answered by supensa 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, they asked, so they can't get mad if you are honest with what would be easiest for you...
but on the other hand, you can't be unhappy with whatever you get. it is a gift after all, not something owed to you.
2006-11-26 20:50:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
write a list to santa and post it on your door or on the tree..
or just simply tell em..
2006-11-26 19:21:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋