Donating Christmas presents (given to me) to charity?

Question

For the past few years, I have told my friends that, in the spirit of Christmas, I will be donating a present to a charity on their behalf. (I take a photo of the gift and put it in a card for them). I have also told my friends that I do not want any gifts and if they really feel they want to buy me something, to make a donation to charity. Anyway, so many of my friends ignore this request and continue to purchase me gifts. I appreciate the gesture but I really do not want or need these gifts (I am over-run with clocks, photo frames and candles ever year). Would it be rude of me to pass on their gifts to needy families this Christmas?

Answer 1

No because you made it very clear your wishes. If your friends thought to put gift receipts in their packages, you could even return them and donate the cash or buy food for a food bank. How about if you adopt a family for Christmas next year and then tell your friends what they need and each could buy something for them. I began a "Spirit of Christmas" in our neighborhood 14 years ago purchasing for just two boys and this year we raised funds to buy for 35 unwed moms and their babies. Put it in writing to your friends exactly how you feel and what you want to do. Happy holidays!

Answer 2

It's not that you are wrong in doing this however their are people that feel that you are truly not giving them a gift if you are donating money on their behalf rather you are giving a gift to the family/organization you donated to. I do think part of Christmas is showing people you appreciate them and by doing this doesn't say that exactly unless they said donate on my behalf and don't get them a gift. I think this a great idea donating in this way when someone passes away or even at a wedding reception in lieu of favors. However I think at Christmas time you should be thinking about your loved ones and have them in mind. Why not balance the two in donating and buying gifts for people. Perhaps set aside $100 to donate to the organization. Indicate in your card that a donation has made in their name and present them with a gift. I have seen many times people saying that they did this and got a very bad response from it. Just look at yahoo questions. I am sure you will find someone that has done this and it turn out too well. Since you have that heart of giving to charites why don't you buy your gifts from places where all profits go to their organization. Breast Cancer Items, Shop at the World Wildlife Foundation, a local wilderness centre, your zoo, a gift shop in a hospital that funds go to patient enhancement, 10,000 villages. Good luck.

Answer 3

There is nothing rude about donating the gifts people give you to charity.

There is nothing wrong with you telling people who ask you what you would like for Christmas that you would prefer a donation to a charity in lieu.

However, except for children who have no control over their excitement at Christmas, an adult should never inform someone what they want as a present unless they are asked. There is no such thing as "asking for a gift", it's called "placing an order".

Answer 4

I don't think it is rude at all. They don't need to know that you are donating it. They got you something because they want to show that you mean something to them. After the gift is yours you are free to do whatever you want with it. It is the same as returning it to the store and getting something else or a gift card. You have the right to give it to charity, much better than throwing it away. I definitely don't think you need to tell them. Just thank them for their thoughfulness. SD

Answer 5

Definitely not!! Give them to someone that will use them rather than letting them sit in a box somewhere. It makes sense. To solve the "questions" from friends as to the whereabouts of their gifts you could either tell them the out-and-out truth in which case they are likely to get you a card next year and a gift voucher, or if they are sensitive take out their gift and display it on a couple of occasions when they are over. After that you should be safe to give it away. Good on you for continuing to help others less fortunate.

Answer 6

No, I don't think so especially since you told them what you preferred.

I'm actually donating about two-thirds of my closet [I didn't even wear most of those clothes] to needy kids. It makes me happy because I used to be not so fortunate and I know what it's like to not have anything for Christmas. Hell, when I was a kid I used to tell people that I didn't celebrate Christmas to hide my lack of gifts.

Answer 7

No I don't think it is rude of you to donate your gifts. It is very nice of you to want to help someone else have something nice for Christmas. I think you are a person with a big heart. I commend you with your generosity. Good Job. More people should do this, and help others.

Answer 8

A gift is that which is given with no expectancy of return.

The gift is YOURS to do with as you please.

By all means, if your heart leads you to donate the gift to a worthy cause...do so!

If the friend asks you later where the clock/vase/statute, etc. is, tell them that you made a donation to a worthy cause in their name and the item is gracing the house of one who is deservins and "Thank you for enabling me to make a gift."

Best

Tom

Answer 9

You cannot dictate to others whether or not to give gifts. That's the whole point of gifts. When the spirit moves someone to commemorate a friendship with a gift.

However, the gifts are yours to do with as you please. So if you want to donate them, then do so.

Answer 10

Nope, I do the same thing. I also sign up for freebies on website so that I can donate them to charities as well. (Free deodorant, perfume, and such. As long as the item is sample (travel) size or larger.