I've already bought my gifts for everyone, including her.....should I return them or give them to her.....I don't want to make her feel bad because she hasn't bought me a gift, but my gifts are already wrapped and ready to go. Whats the proper etiquette?
2006-12-18 22:49:25 · 16 answers · asked by whoa 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
To give the gift despite knowing her wishes is quite frankly rude and she might even see it as a act of chilish defiance (even though it was purchased with good intent).
Return it, give it to someone else, donate it to charity, but don't give it to her, go out have a nice dinner with her.
Perhaps your friend has given you (and us) a gift of a reminder of what the holiday is about and it isn't something you buy in a store. Its about being with those we care about.
2006-12-19 00:36:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
If you return the gift yes. I would want to go out to eat especially to a place that you "Both" like not just a place that one person just likes. Or what you can do is give that gift to another person you think might like the gift if you don't want to return it. I know with one of my friends if she suggested going out to dinner for a Chrismas gift that would be a great idea! But you could too also just tell her the truth that you already bought her a gift and see what she says and go from there.
I know people say her wishes need to be respected. But your wishes need to be respected and granted as well. For You have feelings that matter as well. Friendship is a two way street. Not just all about her. Your friend is not the only decision maker. True Friendship can talk things through even your gift delima!
2006-12-19 02:15:01 · answer #2 · answered by jrealitytv 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your friend has let you know their budget isn't big enough for gifts . . . If my friend needed no gift thing , I would respect my friend , give a token personal gift like a photo album of stuff you've done together, that doesn't require more than $5 or so.
Whatever gift you bought could be used elsewhere or returned. If this is a real friend, you will care more about their feelings than any inconvenience a gift return is.
2006-12-18 23:01:47 · answer #3 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't give a gift. Perhaps the friend just doesn't have the funds to spend on gifts for everyone. I've been in that position. Please respect her wishes. Maybe the most important thing is for her to spend time with people she cares about. Isn't that what the holidays are supposed to be about? Not who gets what for whom?
2006-12-19 00:41:28 · answer #4 · answered by Tina D 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Congratulations to your friend for stepping back from the rampant materialism that is all too pervasive this time of year.
Going to dinner with her is an excellent gift...it's what the Holidays are supposed to be about - spending time with friends and family, not exchanging silly trinkets.
The proper etiquette is to not give her the gift. What you choose to do with it is up to you, but you can always return it, give it to someone else, or, donate it :-)
2006-12-18 23:51:40 · answer #5 · answered by The ~Muffin~ Man 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Hold on to the gift to make certain that she doesn't change her mind and give you a gift. If she doesn't give you a gift, then give it to charity or throw it into the closet for next year, or her birthday.
2006-12-18 23:01:25 · answer #6 · answered by Derek 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Give the gift but don't be surprised if you do not get one in return. Accept the friends decision. Perhaps its a down year financially for them and they can't afford it.
2006-12-18 23:06:05 · answer #7 · answered by Jim G 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
when you are giving a gift that is your choice ; people shouldn't give gifts to expect one in return; people need to learn to be a person who can accept as well as give; go to dinner and leave the present for her and just wish her a Merry Christmas.
2006-12-18 23:52:58 · answer #8 · answered by sml 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Explain your dilemma to her. Tell her you purchased a gift before she made the suggestion, and perhaps dinner can be her gift to you. If that's not financially feasible for her, go dutch and give her the present anyway, just for being a good friend.
2006-12-19 01:10:45 · answer #9 · answered by oj 5 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Give the gifts to the needy - it is a win-win answer!
2006-12-18 22:54:42 · answer #10 · answered by Doyle Hargraves 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋