I'm not really a fan of group gifts. My husband has six siblings and they have often gone in together for a large gift for their mom. It is nearly always something she wants, or someone says she wants. I've seen her reaction and she does always seem pleased.
Part of the problem is that some of the siblings can't afford to pay their share of the gift, or even participate. So the group gift becomes a smaller group and a larger burden financially. That has resulted in us opting out of this plan for many years, it seemed to put an end to it for awhile.
This year the group gift has come up again. I think we are actually going to participate. My mother in law wants, according to my husband, a glorified space heater. It's actually a media console for under her flat screen tv that looks like a fireplace mantel and will actually electrically heat up. It's about $250 at Walmart. Our share is likely to be at least $50, maybe more depending on how many people are going in on it.
I think I'm willing this year to participate since we do have the cash, she does want it, and we may not actually be at Christmas this year. (Does that make it a guilt gift?!) It's easier to mail a check then purchase gifts and mail them. So it will be more than the $30 I usually spend, it will be easier and make her happy.
Do you participate in group gifts? Do you avoid them?
Group Gifts...What do you think?
December 5th, 2014 at 01:55 pm
December 5th, 2014 at 02:28 pm 1417789714
December 5th, 2014 at 03:17 pm 1417792663
December 5th, 2014 at 03:37 pm 1417793824
December 5th, 2014 at 03:55 pm 1417794905
December 5th, 2014 at 05:08 pm 1417799314
Just like a couple weeks ago. We were at a party and everyone agreed to order pizza and split the costs. Well they talked husband into putting it on his credit card, and they would give him cash. Well the bill was $30 and we were given a total of $6. So we just had to foot the bill for everyone's pizza. Both of us are too nice to confront them, and/or they had an excuse. "Sorry I don't have my wallet on me... etc"
If you just hand over your agreed upon cash, it's fine.
December 5th, 2014 at 05:33 pm 1417800827
December 5th, 2014 at 08:23 pm 1417811009
December 5th, 2014 at 08:46 pm 1417812399
We've been stung for restaurant meals a couple of times when we didn't know some of the group very well. We now make it clear at onset to the oversized tag.
December 6th, 2014 at 12:23 am 1417825391
December 6th, 2014 at 05:03 am 1417842195
I'm enthusiastic about group gifts as long as it gets the receiver something substantial she will enjoy for years. It will envoke pleasant memories every time she uses the item. I really don't care if someone chips in less, obviously they have a problem managing their money. I want the recipient to know we love, respect and care about her and what makes her happy gives us joy.
Like so many others I dislike secret Santa or worse White Elephant junk. Who keeps this going? Can you opt out? To avoid clutter I give consumables. Experience taught me it's all about the packaging! I like flat fold containers, often used for wedding favours, available at liquidation outlets and Dollar Stores to fill with edibles that look good/appropriate at Costco or the Bulk Food outlet. If the limit is $ 25. I'd buy a decent bottle of white wine, decorate a clementines box making it re-usable in the New Year+ Clementines. If I don't get the box decorated I'll add a hokey poem [copied from internet] to the oversized gift tag
December 6th, 2014 at 01:54 pm 1417874073
December 6th, 2014 at 01:59 pm 1417874392
I'm really okay with the amount we are asked to pay...$50. Yes, we could have opted out. I'm not the one making the purchase though, so it is easier on me!
@snafu, I do like those consumable gifts, too! Anything that will at least be used up before the next year. I give them and ask for them.
December 7th, 2014 at 02:46 pm 1417963612
This is the same SIL that gives my son a gift card and a box of candy bought on the way to the family party-I don't think she realizes the time and date are stamped on the receipt!