Don't you think this is a terrible gift idea for baby shower?

Question

My friend wants to get one-share-of-Disney-stock for our friend's baby shower because "It's so cute!" I told her it's a terrible gift because one-share is useless and now she's upset with me.

She has been giving only Disney items to all our friends' birthdays since she started working there. She thinks it's justified because she didn't get those stuff for free. It's not about the price of the gifts! The problem is that she gives them out without considering the recipients. She just expect everyone likes Disney.

My group of friends are around early 30s and I found it very immature of her to have given me a Minnie Mouse doll for Christmas.

Anyway, do you think one-share-of-Disney-stock is a good idea? Does any parents out there actually WANT that gift? Any gift sugguestion? Would you prefer something practical, like a gift basket filled with dipers and baby toiletories?

Need to clarify something for those who are not familiar with the market. One share of Disney is not worth much. The printing paper, frame and stuff cost more than the value of the stock. Unless the stock goes up 10 fold, the transfer of title will cost you more than the share price. The cost of this one share will not withstand inflation.
i.e. It's not investment worthy.

One share of disney is value at $34 today. Transfer fee is $39.
The cost for that that one share paper is total at $124 today.

Thank you Terri for telling me I'm rude. Of course I didn't say it's a terrible gift. I said, "Don't you think Amy would prefer something more practical? I got one-share-of-HSBC when I was a baby and it's completely useless for me or my mom."
Historically, Disney stock has not been doing as well as you all might think. US dollar is at all time low and the risk of copyright expiration will make Disney stock hardly competitive with inflation.

Sorry for my bias tone, but I'd like you all to understand the trade.
One-share-of-Disney is value at $34.
Cost of one share is $129. (paper & frame is $54!!!)
Cost of transfer is $39.

i.e. if they wants to sell it today. He or she has to pay someone $5 to get rid of it.

Answer 1

I agree with you....get her the gift basket. Put your name on THAT gift and let your friend do the Disney thing if she wants. Be seperate in your gifts.....

Practical will be appreciated....and I am sure they will think the Disney stock is cute. I wouldn't want to put my name on that gift....the Disney stock if it was not worth that much. It's a gift that LOOKS like more than it is and, if what you say is right, it's not worth the paper it's printed on!

Good luck....and don't sweat the small stuff!

Answer 2

I don't see anything wrong with the size or value of the present. That's not what's important, as gifts are only symbols of good wishes for the baby. What I don't like about it is the fact that not everybody wishes to support a company like Disney. I would be rather upset if someone gave me stock in that company. I wouldn't tell them this of course, but I wouldn't be happy about it, and would probably sell it just to get rid of it. If she's set on Disney gifts, why doesn't she just give the baby a Minnie Mouse doll? Or a little onesie with a character on it. That would be cute and useful.

Answer 3

I personally do not find anything wrong with that. I mean yes, the baby is going to need bottles and stuff like that but this is something that can grow with that child something that is long term. My mother was given a bond and a CD for me and that came in handy when college came around. I think that it is a better idea than just the normal stuff that is given at a baby shower. My question is at what point did a baby shower become a gathering for people to give gifts. It is my understanding that historically it was a gathering to wish the new parents well and share tips and pointers, to give the new baby blessings. I mean her intentions seem to be well and I do not see anything wrong with stock. Even if her one share is useless maybe that will engage the parents and they will turn that one share into many more.

Answer 4

Well. etiquette wise, she may give what ever present she wants.
But, it would be better to give something that might be worth something in the future, or is practical for the here and now.
A lot of people have there standard favorite gift to buy. My mother always gave baby shoes. My friend, a mother's helper basket, with the necessities of life for the baby in it. Me, I wanted to be the one with the cute outfit for pictures, but after a friend lectured me on how many little dresses she got, and it was impractical, I now give a gift certificate to the place of choice. Her daughter chose Wal-mart. Fine with me.
People used to get together, and plan gifts. Somebody bought onesies, another the helper basket, another linens, so the Mom would have some of everything. I guess people don't do that anymore.
I wouldn't want Disney, but some people really do want to give a gift that says, this is from me, the Disney freak. To each his own.

Answer 5

I think it's a super-lame gift. It's not worth anything, really, and it's just for show. Your friend, however, might be one of those people who think it's cute and will eventually teach the child about how stocks work.

If you are planning on chipping in, simply tell her that you do not like that as a gift idea, and you're not going to put your money into such a silly item--that you'd rather give the baby something they can actually use. If she wants to buy the gift on her own, that's her choice. If she is planning on buying it alone, there's not much you can do to persuade her otherwise. Let it go. It's her reputation.

Most parents, unless they are super-wealthy and need nothing, probably want something useful. If you look at baby registries, they're not filled with useless items. Your idea of a gift basket is a great one--but I don't like to see unwrapped diapers in them. It just doesn't seem sanitary to have diapers out of the package. But baby toiletries--shampoo, nail clippers, lotion, washcloths, towels, etc.--very useful, and can be done in a cute way.

Even an outfit (even if it has a lame character on it) is useful. Kids go through so many dang clothes in a day, thanks to what comes out of their mouths and their butts. My sister has two children, and she loved getting outfits for them. A diaper genie is also very useful (but a little pricy, unless you go in with other people.)

Answer 6

While that would not be on any list of gifts that I want for my child, I wouldn't be upset if someone gave it to me. No one has to give the parents to be anything, so they should be grateful for whatever they are given. Besides, while 1 share of Disney wouldn't do much for the child now, who knows what it will be worth in 18 years when the child is getting ready to go to college. It may turn out to have been the most valuable gift.

Answer 7

My parents give my children stocks and bonds instead of traditional "gifts" for every special occasion or holiday. They receive a "trinket" gift because they are young and don't quite understand the investment in your future gift yet, but it's nothing that would cost a lot of money. I'm glad my parents started doing this and have even recommended that other family members and friends do the same. My children have plenty of books, toys and clothing and honestly when they receive toys as gifts I cringe because they are typically loud, obnoxious and offer no educational stimulation. Anyway, you asked for gift suggestions and since you think the investment in your future gift is useless, you could get her gift certificates for diapers and or formula if she'll be using them. Have a cleaning service come to her house the first few weeks or months ( if you can afford it) to help with the chores she'll need help with. Practical gifts like toiletries, bibs, onesies, receiving blankets, wipes are all appreciated and definitely used so you can't go wrong there.

Answer 8

I think one share of Disney stock is a great idea! Disney has been around forever and will be around forever. Can you imagine, over the next 18 years of the child's life, how many times that stock will split and how many shares she/he will have at high school graduation? I think this is a wonderful idea, and very creative. 18 years from now, the 3-pack of newborn size onesies with the cute little flowers on them will be LONG gone and forgotten, but the child will have the beginning of a VERY nice nest egg/investment. I say kudos to your friend for being so realistic!

Answer 9

Your friend certainly seems obsessed with Disney! What is a share in Disney cost? Will it appreciate significantly over the years? If it's like giving the baby a bank account with $50, then I'd say it's fine, and it's something unusual that the mum-to-be will remember.

Answer 10

The thaught of getting stock at a baby shower, seems like something that would come from rich uncle mortie whom you haven't seen since you where 12. I mean seriously, if you must give something Disney, how about baby clothes or stuffed animal or something. But yea, seems strange for someone to get everyone everything Disney, especially at 30.