[m67]

My oldest sister is very materialistic. She sent me an e-mail this a.m. "giving me a heads-up" about Christmas gifts for her kids. She proceeded to tell me that the "kids have asked that they receive cash instead of gift cards so they can buy what they want."

I was appalled at this rude e-mail. Part of me wants to send nothing because gift giving is supposed to come from the heart. Any suggestions/advice?

Thanks in advance... before I blow my top.
M

[CaptainForest]

I would rather have cash than gift cards as well.

That's just me.

I am NOT a fan of gift cards.

What were you planning on getting them? A present, gift card or cash? If you want to get them a present, then go for it, but in my opinion gift cards are a bad idea, they expire, force you to spend the money at a certain store, etc…

And if they would rather have cash, then go for it, less shopping for you!

But, if you like to shop for Christmas presents and want to actually BUY them a gift, then go out and buy them something.

[Krs]

My oldest sister is very materialistic. She sent me an e-mail this a.m. "giving me a heads-up" about Christmas gifts for her kids. She proceeded to tell me that the "kids have asked that they receive cash instead of gift cards so they can buy what they want."

I was appalled at this rude e-mail. Part of me wants to send nothing because gift giving is supposed to come from the heart. Any suggestions/advice?

Thanks in advance....before i blow my top.
M

I so know the feeling!
I don't know how old your sisters kids are but I'm in a very similar situation as you're in when it comes to b'days and Christmas.

We get asked in advance before the actual date, given lists etc of what the kids want.
I do get cross I must admit. But the kids are only 5 years old so I can't blame them. I just usually give money to keep everyone happy.

But if you want to do otherwise it is entirely up to you.
You buy want you want for them and no one is obligied to do otherwise.

[ScottGem]

I agree it was rude. Giving you a list of specific items they might want, may be considered helpful. But a plea for cash was not.

Buying gift cards is safer then sending cash (you never want to do that) or checks. If you have the receipt and the mail is lost you can get the card replaced. We try to get the cards from stores we know the kids like to shop at.

[J_9]

Yes, I agree that it could be construed as rude. However, it saves me from shopping and hoping that I get a gift they like. That way I know they got something they want, and they picked it out themselves.

If I get a list in September for Christmas I wonder if the kids will still want what is on that list in December. So cash is great. Especially if they are young and you are going to give them $20 for example. Then get 20 one dollar bills and wrap them in several individual boxes. It is fun for the kids that way.

[s_cianci]

Send your sister a tactful reply informing her that her indiscretions are inappropriate and why.