Christmas gift for financially struggling younger brother and his family?

Question

I drew my fiance Mike's younger brother in our gift name-drawing this year. He's 19, recently married and a new dad as of this August. He and his wife are really struggling to get by financially. The gifts have a $40 limit. We really want to get them something that will help them out. They could probably use the $40 more than anything else, but we don't want to insult them.

Any ideas on something creative, really useful yet not insulting (like straight cash)? We can go over the $40 a little as long as they don't know. I was thinking maybe, like, frozen meats? Like Omaha steaks, only something less expensive where they can get more. That's all I've come up with so far. Please help! We really want to use Xmas as an opportunity to help them.

Answer 1

How about a grocery store gift certificate?

Answer 2

I am in the same position as you, though my 21 year old brother is a married student with no children. All of my family are going to get them something useful. For his birthday earlier this year, I got him a gift certificate for The Olive Garden, his favorite restaurant. This Christmas I'm going to get him an outfit from my work (Aeropostale). I won't say that luxuries can't help out, but clothing can be a necessity, especially if they need a new pair of jeans or a nice jacket for the winter. I like your idea about the frozen meat. How about a big turkey or two? That way they can have some nice leftovers. My dad, who is a retired dairy owner, used to receive these packages from clients that would include nice cheeses, condiments, etc. Nice staples for the kitchen could be nice. Anything for the baby could help out, like a gift card for a baby store. If all else fails, you could get one of those Visa gift cards that act as credit cards so they can use it wherever they like. Most importantly, the fact that you guys care is a great present, and anything you do for them is a nice gesture. :)

Answer 3

Why don't you get them a Gift Cetificate at the Grocery Store or Butcher shop, or give them a small gift and $40.00, like a Christmas Ornament, and $1.00 bills or Coins..maybe add some coffee mugs, and a can of Coffee or Hot Chocolate...make them some Christmas Cookies, and put them in a Christmas Tin, get a Basket at your Local Thrift shop, and cover with Celephane! You are giving a gift of Love, and I do not believe it is "Tacky" Or, you might get them a gift, and collect another $10.00 or whatever from each family member and do the Money or Certificate thing....this might become a family tradition, a way to help the newest couples on their first Christmas!

Answer 4

I think the meat idea is an excellent idea. I know this time last year I was struggling to make ends meet and I asked my sister for a gift cert to the meat locker. You don't want to give them a grocery bag of groceries or anything but I think the meat idea is excellent. Or even a "gift basket" maybe a laundry basket, laundry soap, fabric softner, tp, paper towels, etc. You know the small things that everyone uses daily that add up.

Answer 5

Consider a gift that gives on giving - education. Buy him some books on personal finance, money management, budgeting, investing, etc.
With a little bit of studying, he and his wife will feel a lot more confident about their financial future, and may gain some valuable insight on how to save for their retirement and their baby's education.
It's the sort of thing people are reluctant to buy for themselves, and you might need to present it with an assurance that this is not meant as a insult to their intelligence, but some savvy tips for their already smart brains.

Some good, easy reads:
-The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in your 20s and 30s
-The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Money
-“Smart Couples Finish Rich” or “The Automatic Millionaire”, by David Bach
-any Suze Orman books

Answer 6

Gift card to a Super store where they can buy either groceries or other stuff. The Omaha Steaks are nice and they maybe don't eat steak often but they are expensive....instead go to your regular store and buy some good steak and give it to him.

Answer 7

I don't think cash is insulting,they may know just what they can do with it and a gift is a gift,money or package.If you could I would give them a store voucher and the money.That way they can have what they need.I think you have a very good idea.Blessing and Merry Christmas to you too!

Answer 8

how about movie gift certificates or a restaurant gift certificate and the offer to babysit.....who knows when they were able to get out last with the new baby and being so strapped. Sometimes an escape from reality is the best gift!

Answer 9

I would either say maybe a kitchen appliance under $40 they would need. Or maybe a gift card/certificate to either the grocery store or a place like Wal-Mart or Target (if they have a Super Wal-mart or Super-Target where they can buy groceries), that way you aren't giving them cash, but they can buy what they need whether it be clothes, appliances or groceries.

Answer 10

If it was me- I would go to the store and buy meats, veggies, potatoes, maybe some baby food or diapers. Get a variety of foods. You could put them all in a laundry basket. I did this for a very good friend of mine years back. She and her husband really loved it. You could also buy them laundry soap and things along this line. Have fun with it.

Answer 11

Do the gift certificate at a superstore or something like that. But I'd also give them a gift only you can give: a coupon for babysitting so they can get out once or twice without the baby.