Would you give money?

daisiegg

Bit of an internal dilemma.

I asked my brother what he wanted for Christmas and he said money as he is saving up to go on a mountaineering course with his university. My immediate response was 'I'm not giving you money, think of something better' so he is thinking.

But.......I realised it is perhaps very selfish to get him a present just because I like doing presents, wrapping them, etc, when actually what he really wants is money. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure we could come up with a present that he would like and appreciate, but still...

Am I being really selfish? Would you give money if it was what someone really wanted, even if it is not usually what you like to do?

wendall

Definately this will be my third year of doing this for my son, he is in his final year of uni and for the last three years i have given him money. He can then spend it on what he needs.

comeandgo

I have no hesitation in giving money as gifts if that is what is needed. When my family were at uni money or gift vouchers were their main present and always a little something to open, but it was little.

LittleVoice

comeandgo wrote: »

I have no hesitation in giving money as gifts if that is what is needed. When my family were at uni money or gift vouchers were their main present and always a little something to open, but it was little.

Yes, I'd give the money too - especially when you know what he does want to use it for and when it costs more than you can pay in full.

As the OP enjoys wrapping presents (as well as selecting them), why not a mountaineering themed present - if only a bar of Toblerone!

fiscalfreckles

If that is what he wants I would go with money, but get a small token present to wrap up too. Better to get something wanted that will be used!

bagpussbear

I'd definitely give him money if that's what he wanted.

But why not add on a small gift with the money, if you like wrapping up something for him maybe some maps/books of the mountain range he will be going to, or just a bottle of wine?

Laurajo_2

It depends with me...

I would for something like that if the recipient has specifically asked for money, and for a valid reason; I wouldn't if I knew they weren't going to get themselves anything with it and just spend it down the bookies or the pubs.

I'm not a fan of giving money where the recipient hasn't specifically asked - ihink it's a bit thoughtless...there's a few occasions when someone has given me money early for christmas and I've used the money to go out and buy there Xmas present lol.

daisiegg

Thanks everyone I know you are right. He has now said that he could do with some new aftershave. I am going to see what other people are doing - I am pretty sure our parents and grandparents will give him money so if it looks like they are giving him enough to cover the mountaineering weekend then I might give him aftershave, if not I will go with money.

IrishRose12

I'm the same as you OP. I prefer to give gifts, have something for them to open on Christmas morning. But now with my older nieces and nephews ( 16-23) they get a money wallet and I bought them a small gift and a Soap/Deodorant set for them as I knew they would all be used. Up until last year 3 of them were at Uni, now just 1 is this year lol, and the other one is too hard to buy for. All 4 are getting the same as last year, 2 want onsies, 2 want the Soap and Glory sets again like last year, so they'll get those, and a money wallet

CH27

I don't see the point of asking somebody what they want & then not getting it if it's within budget.

kjmtidea

I would definitely give him the money, especially with what he wants to use it for. I would still buy a token gift - chocolate or something.