how much cash as gift for a friend careless with money

BabyBoots

Unless your current finances really prevent you from doing so, I'd recommend giving them the same amount they gave you.

You may see it as more than you'd like to spend, but maybe you could look at it as giving them their £300 back. Across the two celebrations the net result is cash neutral to you and you gained their drawings as a present, so you've lost nothing.

katie1812

It is up to them how they spend their money really. If they want to go on holiday then that's up to them. Every person and couple is different and have different values etc. I would give them the same amount as you were given tho else I think that looks a bit tight and odd if you don't! It's not about money and gifts obviously but if I'd given someone x amount of money and they'd given me a third less I'd feel a bit cheesed off to be honest! And I don't want anything from our guests! Could you not give some vouchers instead? Or half money, half vouchers?

zcrat41

Don't give them cash - give them a present they will use over the next 60 years and think of you every time they do. You can get some lovely crystal for £300. Or art.

Hollie84

katie1812 wrote: »

It is up to them how they spend their money really. If they want to go on holiday then that's up to them. Every person and couple is different and have different values etc. I would give them the same amount as you were given tho else I think that looks a bit tight and odd if you don't! It's not about money and gifts obviously but if I'd given someone x amount of money and they'd given me a third less I'd feel a bit cheesed off to be honest! And I don't want anything from our guests! Could you not give some vouchers instead? Or half money, half vouchers?

Really?? i wouldnt,if id given someone £300 and they gave me a third less id be entirely grateful,just because one eprson can afford to give a large amount doesnt mean that the reciever can afford to give the same back.

OP give what u feel is right,if u can afford £300 then give them that

Stephb1986_2

Why not a £300 tesco voucher or something like that they can only spend it on groceries then if that makes you feel better?

katie1812

I didn't mean it like that. I'd be happy with a tenner to be honest. When people have asked what we want, my response has always been their presence and a nice card!

In this case, they gave £300 cos they can afford to do it, and good for them, I wish I could! If they can afford to do that they can't really have money issues can they?! In which case giving the same back to them, if you can afford to do it, should be done.

Trust me, I don't give to receive. I'm quite happy to see the happiness on people's faces, but I would always want to give back on the same level as what I was given, regardless of what they did/do!

RainbowDrops

As others have suggested, you could go for the voucher option if you want to direct the spending of the money.Eg John Lewis for them to get something for their home, or travel vouchers.

YoungBaker

I think considering he was willing to give you 3grand of work for free 300 is reasonable. If they want to throw it off the top of a cliff that's their business - you can't give someone a gift with terms and conditions attached as to what and where they can spend it.

spugzbunny

Wow I'm really surprised by the replies!

I don't think you should feel obliged to give them the same back. That is not the spirit of gift giving. You didn't force t hem to give you that money or the architecture work.

Personally I would buy them a gift. They obviously don't need the money in cash. Buy a gift, to whatever price range you can afford. It really should be the thought that counts.

johannalf88

Me too Spugzbunny!

The fact that they are bad with money is irrelevant. It's a gift, you don't dictate what it is spent on.

If they hadn't given you the money for your wedding, how much would you give? Then give that as that is that you think is reasonable. I you are uncomfortable give maybe £150-£200 in money, then buy a gift to go with it, they don't have to know how much the gift cost you. And something to unwrap is always appreciated! (or is that just the kid in me?! :rotfl:)