A friend of mine who I have know for about 7 months or so just gave me my Christmas present ... It is something that I have wanted for a LONG time, but have never bought because I couldn't afford it. This friend is better off than me financially, but not by much. She truly is one of the most thoughful and generous people I have had the pleasure of meeting, but we've only hung out together a total of about 10 times, so, while we are good friends, I don't really know what she would like.
I would like to get her something really nice to show her how much I appreciate what she did, but nothing I can think of measures up--especially since I am on a tight budget. Any ideas of something I could do for her?? Or should I just give her the gift back and tell her that I love it but can't accept such an expensive gift?? Help!!!
2006-12-05 16:02:06 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
The gift was in the $150-$200 range, although I am not sure on the exact amount.
It is not a neccesity, which is why I never bought it myself....I hate spending money on myself....
2006-12-06 05:19:09 · update #1
At the ripe old age of 50, I can tell you that giving truly IS better than receiving. Your friend got immense joy out of giving you a wonderful gift. She is not expecting a similarly priced gift (or any gift for that matter) in return.
Do not feel you need to give an expensive gift, or ANY gift, as a thank you to her. If you would like to give her a gift for Christmas, give her something you feel she would either enjoy or that shows that you care about her...do not worry about what it costs.
Do not give her the gift back. She gave it out of love or whatever feelings she has for you.
Some day, you will be in a similar situation where you will be fortunate enough to give something to someone that means as much as this gift means to you. When that time comes, do it. And when you do, I promise you that you will not for one SECOND feel that the person you gave it to owes you a similar gift.
If this gift means this much to you, simply tell her personally or with a thank you note (I realize this is a vanishing tradition) that expresses how much the gift meant to you.
Trust me.
Merry Christmas
2006-12-05 16:14:56 · answer #1 · answered by SoCal G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give her your time. Being a friend and having friends is so much more important than "STUFF". Take the time to do something special. Since you are on a tight budget and it is still holiday shopping time and holiday parties will be coming up, ask her to go to the mall and get her nails and yours done (or a manicure, it's cheaper) and go to lunch. I bet she would enjoy the time with you. Also you could bake up a bunch of goodies and take them over to her and spend an afternoon with her. Good luck and God bless.
2006-12-05 16:49:12 · answer #2 · answered by samantha s 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think in this case, making something with your own two hands would show your appreciation more than anything - the time investment is more important than the money. If you knit, then make her a scarf in her favorite colors; if you sew, make her a quilt or a purse...if you paint, make music, sing, write, etc, etc. Plus, nice surprises when she's having a rough time are sometimes more meaningful than anything money can buy - like showing up with coffee and brownies on horrible hormone days, stuff like that.
2006-12-05 16:12:52 · answer #3 · answered by Julia L. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion: Write her a nice, hand-penned letter telling her how much you appreciate the gift and her friendship. Offer to have her over for coffee/dinner (something cheap at your house). Do something free (watch tv or a movie, play a game or just talk) and enjoy each other's company.
If she's well-off, she didn't get you a present to get one in return. She gave it to you because she enjoys your friendship. I predict she will be touched by your return of the friendship.
2006-12-05 16:11:39 · answer #4 · answered by Candy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i depends what kind of gift she got u...was it like an IPOD or something...or a new car....if she got you something really expeensive she obviously cares for you....just get her something she would really like....like a gift certificate somewhere to the mall or dunkin donuts or a spa or something she will like...a gift is something that tells another of how appreciated you are of them....it doesnt matter on the cost of the present it is the meaning behind it...when you give her the gift just tell her "i know you got me something really expensive but i hope u will like this" and your friend will def. understand...i had a similiar experience where i was in ur friends place and i bought an expensive gift for a person and they didnt give me much back but i appreciated them for not giving me something huge...i understood! i will all work out for you..i promise :)
2006-12-05 16:13:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't mean to advertise in this case for this question...but do something simple like sending a Christmas Song to her phone from http://www.christmasecheer.com
Otherwise I hear ornaments are very meaningful and tacky!
Best of luck!
2006-12-05 17:12:18 · answer #6 · answered by Christmasecheer.com 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ask! Ask questions to find out what she likes and go from there. She might even give you a tip.
2006-12-05 18:15:38 · answer #7 · answered by Chocolat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u just do some hand craft work...is cheap...lyk folding stars...
u don have to use money to show her that u treasure this friendship...just use ur actions...and is free...in return u got a better friendships..
hope i did hlp....gud luck to u =)
2006-12-05 16:08:23 · answer #8 · answered by day 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
cook her a meal. a simple act like that means more.
2006-12-05 20:38:24 · answer #9 · answered by scooprandell 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋