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Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

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lightblue
LIF Adult

Member since 1/17

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Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

So wanted to get some opinions on this since me and my DH disagreed on this topic:

Do you think it is rude to tell someone you prefer gift cards when asked what to get for the holidays?

In DH's family we still exchange with extended family and so between our parents and these extended family members my kids always end up with a TON of toys. A lot of which end up trashed or donated when I have to make room for more toys the coming year. Some of his cousins/uncles will ask each year what they can get for the kids. I told him to tell them gift cards since they get so many toys and already have plenty clothes, but he thinks that this is rude and it is like asking for money.

What are your thoughts?

Posted 12/15/19 7:53 AM
 
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

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..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I would be in my glory if someone asked for gift cards. Easy and stress free. At this time of year who needs the added stress if shopping for things.
Not rude at all

Posted 12/15/19 7:57 AM
 

lightblue
LIF Adult

Member since 1/17

2249 total posts

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Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

Posted by NervousNell

I would be in my glory if someone asked for gift cards. Easy and stress free. At this time of year who needs the added stress if shopping for things.
Not rude at all



Thanks! I told DH if they asked him then they are genuinely interested in getting the kids something they can use otherwise they would just buy them a random toys. He keeps telling everyone that DD likes Frozen and DS likes cars. So I'm sure I'll have 20 elsa and anna dolls and 20 cars... lol

Posted 12/15/19 7:58 AM
 

MrsT809
LIF Adult

Member since 9/09

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Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

What about asking for GCs for activities? To the movies, plastercraze, bounce places, etc.

Posted 12/15/19 8:26 AM
 

M514
Hi

Member since 8/10

6011 total posts

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Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

Posted by MrsT809

What about asking for GCs for activities? To the movies, plastercraze, bounce places, etc.



This is what I tell people when they ask. Movies, Adventureland, art workshops, etc...

Posted 12/15/19 8:38 AM
 

StaceyWill
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Member since 6/10

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Stacey

Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I don't think it's rude, but I feel like people rather give toys to kids than gift cards.

Posted 12/15/19 11:01 AM
 

LuckyStar
LIF Adult

Member since 7/14

7274 total posts

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Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I don’t see how it’s different from naming any other specific gift.

I have no issue giving kids gift cards. I see how many toys DD has, I’m always thrilled to receive gift cards. I know other parents are in the same boat.

Posted 12/15/19 11:07 AM
 

loveus
LIF Adolescent

Member since 9/13

684 total posts

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Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I don’t think it’s rude and overall I prefer cash. I try and ask for a gc for Target and but it from my kids so I can deposit cash into their bank accounts.

Posted 12/15/19 12:06 PM
 

Adri
Joy!

Member since 5/05

3116 total posts

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A

Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I love gift cards and wouldn't mind at all if someone asks for them as a gift. They are very practical.

Posted 12/15/19 3:32 PM
 

Katareen
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Katherine

Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

It depends on the person. I know gift cards are more practical, but I also know that my mother loves seeing my kids open a gift and get super excited. So I let her have that moment!
But my BIL who doesn’t really care, I always suggest he get the kids a GC.

Posted 12/15/19 3:54 PM
 

KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination

Member since 5/05

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Karen

Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I am personally against GCs for kids. Teens and up, I think it's fine because teens don't like anything lol. For kids, I think the whole point of giving a gift is for them to open up an actual gift. Some of my favorite memories as a kid was opening up the crappy gifts from my extended family and laughing about it with my cousins. If your just going to be swapping GCs then it's not even worth the time.

Posted 12/15/19 11:26 PM
 

Momma2015
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Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

Posted by KarenK122

I am personally against GCs for kids. Teens and up, I think it's fine because teens don't like anything lol. For kids, I think the whole point of giving a gift is for them to open up an actual gift. Some of my favorite memories as a kid was opening up the crappy gifts from my extended family and laughing about it with my cousins. If your just going to be swapping GCs then it's not even worth the time.



ITA. I don't really think it's rude, but depending on the age, kids are too young to really understand a gift card and I know my DD would be kind of disappointed (she's 3). For kids, I think a physical gift is better.

ETA: Even if it's just a token gift. Like my MIL is getting my DD swim classes for Christmas which is wonderful! But she's got her a bathing suit and goggles as a physical gift as well so she was something to unwrap.

Message edited 12/16/2019 8:48:43 AM.

Posted 12/16/19 8:47 AM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

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..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

Posted by Momma2015

Posted by KarenK122

I am personally against GCs for kids. Teens and up, I think it's fine because teens don't like anything lol. For kids, I think the whole point of giving a gift is for them to open up an actual gift. Some of my favorite memories as a kid was opening up the crappy gifts from my extended family and laughing about it with my cousins. If your just going to be swapping GCs then it's not even worth the time.



ITA. I don't really think it's rude, but depending on the age, kids are too young to really understand a gift card and I know my DD would be kind of disappointed (she's 3). For kids, I think a physical gift is better.

ETA: Even if it's just a token gift. Like my MIL is getting my DD swim classes for Christmas which is wonderful! But she's got her a bathing suit and goggles as a physical gift as well so she was something to unwrap.



At around 8 ish years old DD started LOVING getting gift cards because she started to understand that this meant she could go to whichever store and pick out whatever she wanted.
So I'd say around the age they start "getting" the concept of how a gift card works, how money works, etc it's great.
Before that age, I agree with you that it's kind of a let down for them.

Posted 12/16/19 9:18 AM
 

PurpleC
Miracles Do Come True

Member since 8/10

2287 total posts

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Caren

Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I prefer gift cards over toys for any age. My kids don't need clothes right now, they have their winter wardrobe so I would love a gift card that I can use when the weather gets warmer. My parents buy them so many toys that we don't need them. I agree about gift cards to Adventureland or a fun place. My kids are young so they would be a little disappointed but I don't care if you buy them a box of gummy bears let them open that and gift card in a box they would still love it.

Posted 12/16/19 9:41 AM
 

CookiePuss
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Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I wish my mom would just give gift cards or cash. She needs to buy me random stuff I don't want or need.

Posted 12/16/19 9:52 AM
 

AliceCullen
LIF Adult

Member since 6/08

1497 total posts

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Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I have recently been doing a combination of a small gift and gift card and I appreciate when others do the same for my kids. My 5 year old would be thrilled to open up a 99 cent hot wheels car and I am happy to not have another huge toy to store.

Posted 12/16/19 10:48 AM
 

MarathonKnitter
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Member since 2/07

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EMBRACING CHANGE

Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

when i read the subject of this thread, my thought was "yes," because i was assuming the person asking for a gift card was unprompted... yes, i assumed incorrectly Chat Icon

under these circumstances, i say it is NOT rude. they are asking and you are giving an honest answer. i like the idea some people have suggested of gift cards for experience gifts.

i try to stay away from the gift card route, but sometimes it's what makes sense. this year, half of the people i'm buying for will be getting gift cards. too much going on in my world to worry about getting someone the perfect gift.

Posted 12/16/19 10:50 AM
 

Straightarrow
LIF Adult

Member since 2/11

3534 total posts

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Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

So I agree with you, however since it is his family I might err to what he says.

Posted 12/16/19 10:58 AM
 

lululu
LIF Adult

Member since 7/05

9511 total posts

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Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

I don't think it's rude but I know my MIL hates it because she insists on taking them to spend the GC with her. Which is precisely why I don't want her doing it - because then they end up with more crap they don't need. I am better at convincing them to go for things they actually do need.

I think if you husband is uncomfortable ask for experience type gift cards like stub hub or membership to the children's museum. GC to Bounce or Urban Air.

Posted 12/16/19 11:29 AM
 

Mags1227
Just a mommy ...

Member since 10/10

2665 total posts

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M

Re: Asking for gift cards as gifts, rude?

Posted by AliceCullen

I have recently been doing a combination of a small gift and gift card and I appreciate when others do the same for my kids. My 5 year old would be thrilled to open up a 99 cent hot wheels car and I am happy to not have another huge toy to store.



this is what i've been doing as well. i think it's the perfect compromise. the kid has something small to open and a gift card that the family can decide how to use.

personally, when DS gets gift cards they either sit there or whatever he wants is always more than the gift card so i end up spending more money anyway.

Posted 12/16/19 10:13 PM
 
 

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