Money as a gift

[milly143]

So xmas is fast approaching and I've been asking what nephews/nieces would like. One sister has said just give her 3 money instead but I hate doing this. I gave my niece cash for her b.day last year so she could put it towards something she wanted. She ended up with about £150 in cash, which was more than enough to buy what she wanted but she never got it and I felt a bit cheated. I feel cash is a bit of a cop out and then you have to think about the amount you give. What's too much, what's not enough. How do you feel about giving cash as a gift?

[society]

"We're only giving presents to the under-18s this year, by agreement across all our families."

Boxy, I want a Kindle. You don't need to wrap it either. :-)

[ethandron]

we've spoken to all our friends and family and it's only primary school age children who will be getting a present from us in future. any older than that - and in most cases a lot younger - they don't believe in father christmas anyway. we did think about making the cut-off age 16 but decided by 16 the magic of christmas had long worn off anyway and they only wanted money. the only exceptions are two elderly aunts who will still get their m & s voucher.
it's made christmas a lot easier and cheaper this year and i couldn't care less if anyone is offended.. although i don't think anyone is judging by the conversations we've had with everyone about it.

[annie0000]

My rule for thank yous for presents is that if they receive the present in person then they have said thank you at the time so no letter, if they received the present in the post and have said thank you by phone, then no letter. In that case it is usually because it was a cheque or money so they can tell the person what they bought or if they have put it in savings for later. If they receive the present by post and have not phoned to say thank you, then they must send back a note.

[annie0000]

....and millie, my kids are 10 and 9 and are still thrilled with a tenner - they are happy enough with a fiver - that's enough to buy a dvd from the supermarket, or a book or to put together to buy a preowned computer game. I may spoil them at Christmas, but I don't expect anyone else to. I think a tokengift is sufficient - maybe some chocolate and a fiver.

[boxtops]

We're with you, ethandron - not only was it getting more and more difficult, but most of us can't afford the huge exchange of gifts which was developing. For people you don't see often, either, it became more difficult as we had no idea what they already have or would appreciate. This was is returning more to the spirit of the season - much goodwill and friendly gatherings, less commercial gift-buying.

[annie0000]

With the exception of my mum, we don't buy presents for the adults in the family or older teenagers, we only buy things for the younger ones.

[mollykins]

I like having things to open and haven't given anyone a cash gift before.

[mumstheword1]

My children are now 18 & 15 and they always send thank you notes after christmas and birthdays. I don't have to tell them either, they know that if they get a present that what you do.