I just purchased my 1st home a brand new condo and planning a house warming/open house. I have pretty much purchased everything (major appliances, TVs, etc.)but still need some things and out of funds now. I would prefer if someone wanted to buy me something that they give me a gift card instead of a gift. I don't like registry because often times people do not follow it any way. Is there a way to word this on the invitations? When people ask me I've been just telling them a gift card is appreciated but I really feel ackward. What do you think?
2007-01-16 03:38:24 · 14 answers · asked by citygirl 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Well, you can tell them if they want to get you a gift, that they can get you something that you need, but ran out of funds for(but don't tell them you ran out of funds).
Even if you told people to give you gift cards, you will still be given gifts. At my grandfather's funeral, we said in lieu of flowers please donate to.......but we still got flowers(my grandpa said it was a waste for flowers).
Its fine that you're telling them, but a few gifts are still nice.
2007-01-16 03:47:21 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Brown Eyed Girl ♥ 5 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Asking for a gift card is just like asking for cash -- it is NEVER proper etiquette. It is NEVER proper to mention gifts in any way on a party invitation to your housewarming. If people want to bring you something, accept it graciously and be thankful they care enough to bother.
A housewarming isn't a present-fest either, it is an opportunity to gather your friends and family to your new home to fill it with laughter and love -- NOT gift cards. The person who said you were confusing this with a wedding shower was 100% correct.
The ONLY thing you can do is mention this to someone very close to you who may be getting some phone calls about this. They can then answer the callers question "What does she need for the home?" honestly. Other than that you DO NOT ASK FOR GIFTS.
2007-01-16 14:16:02 · answer #2 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Who are you inviting? If it's family you are close to and would ask to loan money, you can say gift card. If you wouldn't ask for money or for a loan, don't ask for a gift card either.
Suppose a person is strapped for cash. However, she knows how to shop- she finds a gift you'd pay $50 for and manages to get it for $10. She can still make a good showing. If she has to buy a gift card, she has to give less. If that makes sense.
2007-01-16 15:14:47 · answer #3 · answered by imjustasteph 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a great question, it is hard to answer. Do not put it on the invite that you want a gift card, but if someone asks tell them a gift card to (you fill in the blank) would be appreciated. You will probably end up with gifts anyway, but don't expect them. When you do get something unexpected just say thank you. It's ok to feel awkward, that means you're not ungrateful for what you get. Congratulations on the new house and have a great time at your party!
2007-01-16 13:10:52 · answer #4 · answered by Jnine 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think that since you have pretty much purchased everything, you should save your money and get what you need later. It might sound like the purpose of your party is to collect gifts/cash. If you feel awkward, start telling people that you'd just love the see them. If they insist, invite them to bring snacks or wine.
I've never given "gifts" like cash for a housewarming---most people bring a basket of kitchen towels, a plant, wine, sometimes a plate of cookies and you keep the plate. I think you're confusing a housewarming party with a wedding shower.
2007-01-16 12:47:33 · answer #5 · answered by Violet Pearl 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When you ask for a gift card instead of gifts, you are effectively saying, "I don't appreciate the time and trouble you spent picking out a gift, and would prefer to money-grub you for cold, hard cash. Come across, or else!"
Is this truly the message you want to send to people who are under no obligation to give you a gift in the first place?
Please do NOT place this on the invitations in any manner. If you get gifts that you don't want, return them. Or are you too lazy to do that?
When asked, you can steer people towards your registry. THERE you can place a "gift card" slot. Please do not say "Oh, a gift card would be what I would prefer," even when asked.
2007-01-16 12:02:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
First of all, you are throwing yourself a party TO GET GIFTS, and then you want to tell these people that you don't trust them to pick out something for you and to give you gift cards instead?
Wow, if anyone shows up you should be thrilled! Talk about insulting.
A housewarming/open house is NOT supposed to be a gift getting experience. People should typically bring a plant, frames, etc, to add WARMTH to your home, not to furnish it!
I think you have a lot of nerve and very little class. Given that, write whatever you want on your invitations to your 'gimme gimme fest' ! Just don't send one to me, because I won't be going!
2007-01-16 12:25:07 · answer #7 · answered by I_Love_Life! 5 · 5⤊ 2⤋
It is not EVER EVER EVER appropriate to ask for anything - a gift, gift card or otherwise. Not EVER.
If someone wants to buy you a gift for your new home, it is because they choose to do so. You need smile and thank them sincerely for their generosity. Then send them a note telling them how much you appreciate their kindness in thinking of you.
2007-01-16 16:11:40 · answer #8 · answered by sylvia 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I find it interesting how some people ignore the question at hand, and use it as a forum to express their unsolicited opinions or thoughts about a certain topic. Most likely they have no other venue in which to discuss or vent those ideas, thus this forum.
I think you have conveyed, quite eloquently, your question here and the following post.
IF someone asks you - it is okay to tell them that you'd really appreciate a gift card because you LOVE to shop and a gift card offers you a multitude of options to go crazy shopping with!
When someone asks you, they are asking because they need your suggestions (obviously), I see nothing wrong at all with being honest and telling them the gift card idea!
I think if someone views this as a negative - they are negative minded and it doesn't matter. If someone is a positive minded person they'll see it for what it is - a solution to their quandry of what to get you.
It's all how we choose to view things.
Enjoy your new home and the shopping ventures with your gift cards!
2007-01-16 12:52:11 · answer #9 · answered by ☼High☼Voltage☼Blonde☼ 4 · 5⤊ 4⤋
I really hate the idea that people ask me to a event ie party or wedding and ask for gift card or money instead. I do not attend. Be ready to offer suggestions as to what you would like and you could throw in the idea of a gift card but do not ask for money. Tacky Tacky. Remember it is the idea that counts, someone may give you something you would really be pleased with but may not have thought of it yourself.
2007-01-16 11:53:51 · answer #10 · answered by cece 4 · 7⤊ 2⤋
Mentioning a gift at all would be incredibly rude. Just be happy if someone shows up with a plant or a bottle of wine.
2007-01-16 11:46:51 · answer #11 · answered by twinmom 4 · 6⤊ 2⤋