General Discussion

frazzled

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34. My kids loved it even when they were young

Sun Dec 25, 2011, 01:30 AM

Dec 2011

They would get checks from grandma and grandpa, and sometimes aunts and uncles. Although they used it very differently. My daughter would want to go out and blow it all on little junky stuff here and there within days. My son (younger) would save it up all year (birthdays, Chanukah) until he had enough to buy something he really wanted. He bought a telescope for $200 once, after saving for a long time.

You can bet that as adults they are pretty much still the same way with money! Which may prove that financial habits are inbred, not learned.

I'm not sure I'd give money as a present to my sister, though (she doesn't need money, so maybe that's why I can't picture it; but I would certainly do so if she could use the cash). We try to give each other things we think the other will like, never too extravagant (this is for birthdays only).

But we don't celebrate Christmas, so perhaps I'm out of line here. For Chanukah we don't exchange any gifts with adults in the family. Never did: it was always just for the kids. Just good food for the adults, if we're ever in one place (which is rare).

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what are your feelings on giving money for Christmas present? [View all] quinnox Dec 2011 OP

I think it is appreciated just as much as a gift. tabatha Dec 2011 #1

If you can be sure the parents won't snag it, it's an OK idea Warpy Dec 2011 #2

My late grandmother always used to do this--later in life hlthe2b Dec 2011 #3

It is a good gift searchingforlight Dec 2011 #4

i send cards and checks to DesertFlower Dec 2011 #5

My mom sends me $300 and a case of Brunswick Stew every year arcane1 Dec 2011 #6

I give cash to a nice lady and her daughter who help me with housework once a month. CTyankee Dec 2011 #7

You can't go wrong with cash. Curmudgeoness Dec 2011 #8

my mother used to think it reflected an unwillingness barbtries Dec 2011 #9

Even people not in need. There's a purse sitting in my room my sister in law gave me gateley Dec 2011 #23

No problem - especially for teenagers csziggy Dec 2011 #10

Sounds OK to me. It's difficult IMO to find/buy the right gift for people, trying to RKP5637 Dec 2011 #11

give bibles instead lol nt msongs Dec 2011 #12

I do it every year. That way they get a gift and can go spend it on what they want shraby Dec 2011 #13

It is all my nephews want so that is what they get Motown_Johnny Dec 2011 #14

i think it's a great gift pitohui Dec 2011 #15

There are VISA and AmEx cards that can be used everywhere -- essentially a debit card -- gateley Dec 2011 #25

I use these cards just in case the teens have some "vices" I may not approve of that cash could be lunasun Dec 2011 #41

I would not recommend those tabbycat31 Dec 2011 #60

That's good to know. I only get them for birthdays and Christmas, because, if getting gateley Dec 2011 #63

Once kids get to be tweens, teens or if any live far away.. Little Star Dec 2011 #16

Even though for the last 6 weeks, a good deal of the time I have been in Santa "Uniform" ,, aka-chmeee Dec 2011 #17

I would rather receive money myself than some stupid gift I don't want. I have doc03 Dec 2011 #18

Many people I know want it. It allows choice, and is less about oneself than the recipient. freshwest Dec 2011 #19

I think it's fine for teens and adults steve2470 Dec 2011 #20

SCHEDULING STEVE2470 FOR ASS KICKING Skittles Dec 2011 #24

actually I would, but she didn't like those gifts steve2470 Dec 2011 #28

awwww Skittles Dec 2011 #42

I'm sorry to hear of your loss steve2470 Dec 2011 #59

That's all I'm giving this year Uben Dec 2011 #21

there's nothing wrong with it Skittles Dec 2011 #22

it's kind of you, not crude. I'm sure your niece, nephew and sister will be very appreciative. cali Dec 2011 #26

I know I like recieving money, ZombieHorde Dec 2011 #27

Money is always good Politicalboi Dec 2011 #29

Be Honest I think it is a much better gift. Much more useage. I know when my nieces and nephews Justice wanted Dec 2011 #30

I give that gift most frequently, and have for many years now. MADem Dec 2011 #31

I send people mix tapes. Muskypundit Dec 2011 #32

Include some comfortable underwear jberryhill Dec 2011 #33

My kids loved it even when they were young frazzled Dec 2011 #34

Cash is a great gift. Lugnut Dec 2011 #35

Our daughters are 16, 18, and 20. They have their own styles. HopeHoops Dec 2011 #36

i wouldn't consider "no butt crack" to be conservative, but decent/normal JI7 Dec 2011 #46

Agreed. Mine wouldn't even consider it. (read on) HopeHoops Dec 2011 #57

We do that for our teenage Grandchildren newfie11 Dec 2011 #37

I think it is fine, especially for teens and tweens. REACTIVATED IN CT Dec 2011 #38

Cash is just as good as money..... Historic NY Dec 2011 #39

For someone that could be considered a 'dependent', sure. Edweird Dec 2011 #40

I usually give money to my daughters for the children. They add it to their cost of the gifts. One jwirr Dec 2011 #43

to quote a dear friend NMDemDist2 Dec 2011 #44

i think it's better than getting some random thing they probably wont use , but if you have time to JI7 Dec 2011 #45

In my experience money is always appreciated DesertRat Dec 2011 #47

My daughter is in college Goblinmonger Dec 2011 #48

My mom, mother in law, and uncle a la izquierda Dec 2011 #49

My MIL and my SIL got cards with amazon cards nadinbrzezinski Dec 2011 #50

I'm fine with it guitar man Dec 2011 #51

Money is the perfect gift. It's the right size, right color and goes with everything. Faux pas Dec 2011 #52

thumbsup proud patriot Dec 2011 #61

On the receiving end, I'm all for it. AtomicKitten Dec 2011 #53

I wish I had enough to be able to share.... Tippy Dec 2011 #54

Many in my family are struggling financially Vanje Dec 2011 #55

Some fun ways to give "cash" ... JoePhilly Dec 2011 #56

This video does not reflect my own views... Mark Baker Dec 2011 #58

I think it's great. MrSlayer Dec 2011 #62