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Money Moral Dilemma: Should we buy gifts for my mate's kids?

Former_MSE_Nick
Former_MSE_Nick Posts: 463 Forumite
I've been Money Tipped!
edited 21 November 2016 at 2:42PM in Marriage, relationships & families
This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...
I'm going for a boozy get-together with a group of old school friends. We're meeting in a town where one of us lives but the rest of us are staying in a hotel as he has young children. One of the party suggested we buy a 'visiting present' for his kids, but I don't see why we should since we aren't even going to the house, plus I think it'll set a precedent that won't benefit those of us without children.

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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Comments

  • I can't believe anyone would ever suggest that. Buying them presents would be really weird in my opinion! I'm sure that your friend who has children would never expect it and might even find it a bit awkward.
  • This isn't a dilemma. If you had been invited to the family home for the kid's birthday (and why would you go to that unless you had kids of your own to bring?) then sure, buy a present.

    However, you are all spending money to meet up at a location which is more convenient to your mate who has kids so he is quids in compared to the rest of you who have travel and hotel costs, so why on earth should you treat his kids who won't even be at your boozy night out (I hope!)
  • maman
    maman Posts: 30,494 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Another ridiculous made up mse thread.
    Perhaps if mse really want to generate discussion they should tell us why they invent stupid far-fetched scenarios and we can discuss the wisdom of that.
  • scotsbob
    scotsbob Posts: 4,632 Forumite
    "plus I think it'll set a precedent that won't benefit those of us without children"

    So only give gifts if there will be a future benefit to you or your family!


    That sets the tone for the Christmas spirit.


    .
  • *max*
    *max* Posts: 3,208 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    These things are getting desperate. Are they even written by real people, who get to experience society once in a while?

    NO, you don't have to pitch in to get your friend's kids a present. I'll go as far as to venture that whoever suggested it, doesn't have very much of a social life themselves, and is perhaps overcompensating in the giving department.
  • Lisbon
    Lisbon Posts: 415 Forumite
    I've been Money Tipped!
    Just say no. Where's the dilemma?
  • warby68
    warby68 Posts: 3,164 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    No gift necessary but the poster needs a rethink about the idea of only giving when you'll get the same back as that certainly isn't the reason why it isn't necessary.
  • XRAT
    XRAT Posts: 241 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    No. No. And thrice no!
  • PasturesNew
    PasturesNew Posts: 70,698 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Nothing for the kids.

    Nothing.

    Whoever suggested it's just plain weird.
  • Of course not. End of.
This discussion has been closed.
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