I have cousins on the dad's side of my family who have birthdays coming up. They're not poor, just fresh out of college and working multiple jobs to keep things afloat types. Me being slightly older, on more stable financial ground, and a terrible gifter, would like to give them maybe two or three hundred dollars as a present. My girlfriend wants to choke me for coming up with what she calls a simply rude gift devoid of thought. I on the other hand figure its perfectly fine and logically the most helpful gift I could give. I'll admit it also saves me the trouble of thinking about what to buy. Who's right?
2007-05-11 10:29:52 · 9 answers · asked by djiang83 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I can see her point, BUT I think that money is a wonderful gift - I give money to all of my nieces and nephews for their birthdays - so they can pick out what they want etc..
If you are worried about how it will look - what about gift certificates for big chain stores? That way, you went out, got a gift, and they still get to decide how to spend it!
2007-05-11 10:35:03 · answer #1 · answered by Laura S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, in my family it's normal. Why guess at what someone wants, only to find out they have something similar or they don't like it at all. Money is a great solution, the person can get what they want, when they wanted. I would actually see giving money to a friend more problematic, as you can't hid how much you've spent on a friend's gift when you give cash. In my family, you give what you can give. Everyone has a pretty good item of what each others limits are. So, no surprises. I guess some family are just really stern and rigid with each other. Thank God, I don't have one of those families.
2007-05-11 11:02:57 · answer #2 · answered by Answer Girl 2007 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I have 10 kids between the two of us. That means Grand kids and Great Grand kids, too. We all agreed a long time ago that money was the perfect gift. The receiver gets the money, adds it to the other money received, and gets themselves a much better and more expensive gift than any one of us could have gotten them in the first place. Everyone is happy!!! Especially those just out of college, trying to start their lives, and need the higher priced items either for their homes, or their offices. If you feel tacky about giving just money, dress it up by putting it in a cute box, or one of those darling little stuffed animals or cards they have nowadays. Really, today, I think that is the best way to go for someone who is already out of highschool, and on their own. Hope this helps you.
2007-05-11 10:44:44 · answer #3 · answered by Just Curious 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No its not rude. My family members gave money for gifts for birthdays and for graduation presents.
Maybe she wants to choke you because the amount of money you want to give. But it all up to you.... its how you feel...
2007-05-11 11:03:09 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Brown Eyed Girl ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a perfectly fine gift. Especially to give to younger people just starting out. It is a thoughtful gift.
I have even given gift cards to relatives who have more money than I do. For Christmas I gave my brother and his wife a gift card to their favorite restaurant. They seemed to appreciate it. Of course they could afford to go themselves, but usually didn't.
YOU ARE RIGHT. YOUR GIRLFRIEND IS WRONG.
2007-05-11 10:41:51 · answer #5 · answered by Patti C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think giving money to a family member as a gift is not rude because they have to be grateful because you didn't have to give them anything.. I dont see nothing is wrong with it
2007-05-11 10:39:42 · answer #6 · answered by Malaysia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people, especially teenagers and young adults, would rather have cold hard cash. Honestly, I would rather have money over almost anything else too. And especially from you! What a generous gift.
2007-05-11 11:24:52 · answer #7 · answered by fun_purple_beach 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No-it's a great idea. Why give people something they're not going to use ?
2007-05-11 11:03:11 · answer #8 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give me money anytime!
2007-05-11 21:28:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋