A friend from work has invited me to her home for Christmas. I had only planned on a gift for her, her husband and their pets. Now she's emailed me saying that her son and daughter, her mother, grandmother, her husband's friend, the friend's girlfriend, her cousin and brother will also be coming. I really don't think I should be expected to give gifts to all those people, especially when I don't even know them. But why would she email me to tell me that? Please advise. Thanks.
2007-12-19 00:14:35 · 8 answers · asked by debodun 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I agree with the first answerer, you only ever need to purchase one gift for the house. You don't need to purchase for their pets. However if you want to purchase for all of them then of course you can :)
She most likely e-mailed you out of courtesy just to inform you of either the change of plan (if it was originally just you, her and her husband) or to let you know that they will be there, given that you don't know them and might feel uncomfortable turning up to their home and seeing unexpected and unfamiliar people.
I'm sure it is just a courtesy thing, don't worry, and she won't be expecting you to purchase for all these people :)
2007-12-19 00:37:21 · answer #1 · answered by deedee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Etiquette says you should only bring a gift to your host/hostess. You are not required to bring gifts to anyone, actually, but as part of the Holiday good cheer, and as a thank you, your host/hostess should get something. I suggest a candle, with perhaps a sprig of holly or some little fancy decoration , a fragrance that is not to strong. Vanilla is always a good one. On the winter solstice, or Yule, or Christmas, it suggests warmth and light given. Wrapped in a pretty bit of clear cellophane, with a nice little card.
It is very nice that you would include the rest of her family, the husband.child. and pets , but not necessary.
She most likely told you of the other guests so you would know what to expect. It sounds as if she is simply welcoming you into her home and family.
2007-12-19 00:25:47 · answer #2 · answered by Robin B 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. You're not expected to provide her family with gifts.
I wouldn't even get her and her husband, child and pet a separate gift
What you do is, you get a HOUSE gift. A general gift that can be used by all of them in the house (it doesn't matter about the grandmother, husbands friend etc, you don't know them, you're not obligated to them).
Go with a nice plant or floral arrangement and a bottle of nice wine.
2007-12-19 00:22:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A hostess gift is the only thing you should worry about.
Are you bringing a dish to pass? Maybe that is why she told you so many are showing up.
Guests are not required to come bearing gifts for the entire party.
Merry Christmas
2007-12-19 00:24:10 · answer #4 · answered by Gem 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the others. One gift for her would have been enough. If she's a coworker than you probably don't even know her husband, so unnecessary, so is for the pets. Other relatives, don't worry about it. Nobody would expect that & if they do, then you'll know not to go back.
2007-12-19 01:07:05 · answer #5 · answered by Pogo peeps 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she does it to remind you to get each of them a gift, it's preposterous.Since they are all related, it's better for you to give them one gift like a log cake or fruit cake. Don't give them individual gifts.....that would be too expensive and too much of a hassle. It's unfair to you too since there's only one of you and so many of them. I doubt it that you will get a gift from each of them.
2007-12-20 03:25:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it should be enough to give only to your friend..you are being told who will be there as a courtesy so that you feel confident in their company...you go over the top with presents..try to believe that you may actually be liked for your company
2007-12-19 00:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by minerva 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
nobody take a bottle of real nice wine and a card
2007-12-19 02:15:40 · answer #8 · answered by ♥ Glitterbomb ♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋