Is $15 too little?
By AmberLynn
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
United States
December 4, 2020 9:18am CST
This is just a quick opinion question. I don't have a lot of money to spare on gifts, and I was thinking of doing $15 per person or $30 as a couple for gift cards for friends. Is that too cheap? Should I do $20 per person instead?
How would you feel if you received a $15 gift card? I was going to do $15 gift cards per person so that both parts of the couple can use it, but would it seem better if I just did one $30 card per couple?
23 people like this
27 responses
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
4 Dec 20
I agree with @arunima25, a gift is a gift and a gift card is always welcome, you can use it as you like.
7 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
Thank You. I just worry that they have spent more on me than I will on them. I think after Christmas, I will talk to them about keeping to a budget. Next year, one of my friends will be getting married at this time so it makes sense for us to keep it to a budget.
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
@LadyDuck Thank You. I know they will as they are good people. More like my sisters than friends.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
4 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum I I think it's a good idea to talk to them after Christmas, but I am sure they will appreciate your gift cards.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160665)
• United States
5 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum That sounds like a good plan. It makes those who do not have a lot of money feel badly, and that is not the point of giving.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
@GardenGerty Agreed. I know my friends don't want me to feel badly either. I'm hoping by this time next year my finances will be more stable. I've been working on it for the past year and they've been growing steadily, but I'm still broke this Christmas.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
Thank You. Everyone on the 'lot more or less agrees with that. I know they won't mind what I get them, but I just think they'll have spent more on me. That's something I can rectify after our gift exchange - letting them know I'd be happier if we could cap the spending.
3 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78882)
• East Tawas, Michigan
4 Dec 20
I found that $10 gift cards almost get ignored, $15 gift cards are very thoughtful. $20 per person, I can't afford it any more. $30 per couple is perfect!
3 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
Thank you. I agree with you about the $10 gift card. My aunt gives me that every year, but I gave $50 to a cousin one year and he was upset with me! It was $10 per family member.
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
@kobesbuddy That's the way to do it. I'm going to talk to my friends after Christmas and maybe see about putting a threshold on money spent at Christmas. We can splurge more on each other's BDays.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78882)
• East Tawas, Michigan
4 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum I try to even things out, so everyone has a thoughtful amount. Nothing more! We can't afford it.
2 people like this
@thislittlepennyearns (62510)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
4 Dec 20
I dont think the point of giving gifts is how much they cost, I think it's the thought behind the gifts.
I try not to do gift cards because they don't seem as thoughtful to me.
But that's just personal opinion, we use them for stocking stuffers. But that's about it.
I think we finally finished up MIL's presents this week. We got her a Yeti like cup, that we will personalize with the Cricut, two adult coloring books, a new set of colored pencils, and a gardening tool set.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
I don't usually give gift cards either, but I don't know what to get a friend's fiance and don't have a lot of money to spend anyway. I was going to give keto food items to another couple, but thought it would seem rude to give one couple gift cards and the other food.
Hope she likes everything. Sam's or Costco usually has a good deal on Yeti type products this time of year I think.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
@thislittlepennyearns I love that place, but I haven't been there in months. I'll have to check it out.
@thislittlepennyearns (62510)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
4 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum We got hers at Ollie's.
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
4 Dec 20
A gift is a gift. I will count the thoughts and wishes. Value doesn't matter. And we have to gift within our budget. So go ahead
3 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
You are right, but I think it's normal for people to worry it wont' seem like enough. I bought a blanket for a friend's mother, but now there are more people that will be at the gift exchange and I can't afford presents for everyone.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
4 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum You can't please everyone. Those who are sensible will count the thoughts. And you can't overdo your budget and get into trouble later on.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
@arunima25 You're right. I know my friends will understand. I wish I made more money than I do, but I am working on that.
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
4 Dec 20
In our country it is a substantial amount of money.
For me, it's the thought that counts
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
You're right, I see it as the thought that counts too. I just wish I knew how much my friends were going to spend on me. I think I need to ask for us to set a spending limit next year. Thank you for your opinion.
@much2say (55608)
• Los Angeles, California
4 Dec 20
I suppose it depends on who they are too. If it were me, for a couple I'd do the together gift card. I can't explain it well, but if you were to give a couple a chunk amount, each person feels like they got that amount since it's shared. Or at least that's how we feel about it. But we don't think in terms of "cheap" - it really is the thought that counts. We've gotten $20, or $25 gift cards, as a couple. Cheap to me is an obvious bad regift 
.
.1 person likes this
@much2say (55608)
• Los Angeles, California
4 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum I know people have said that any gift is welcomed . . . and that is very true. But there are some instances where you may feel it needs to be "something" more - at least that is that way with certain family/friend circles - sort of obligatory I guess? I think one gift card would be easier too . . . and the couple gets to enjoy spending it together. I like the gift cards that don't have that extra fee 
.
.1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
Thank you for your opinion and you explained it perfectly. I am leaning more towards the one gift card instead of two each. I think it would be easier to spend one gift card than two anyway. I was probably going to do walmart or a visa gift card anyway.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
@much2say Right. It's the "something more" feeling that gets me sometimes. I am really bad at picking out gifts. I mean, I'm great at browsing and getting ideas but I always pick the worst one. Gift cards will save me from that this year. Also, yeah I don't like the gift cards with fees either. That's why I'm thinking more like walmart because I don't think they have fees.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (89882)
• Arvada, Colorado
5 Dec 20
In these times Amber, any gift should be enough. That sounds more than fair to me.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (89882)
• Arvada, Colorado
6 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum Aw dont they will have fun getting you something.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
6 Dec 20
@RebeccasFarm I know you're right. I am sure it will all work out too.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
Thank you. I know these ladies won't be disappointed either way, but I'll feel bad if they get me something more expensive.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (44537)
• Staten Island, New York
4 Dec 20
It should always be about the thought put into the gift not how much the person spent on it. However, there are people that will frown upon getting a gift that cost very little.
It comes down to what you can afford to give... I'd go for $20/person though.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
I know they won't frown at what I give them, but I'm afraid they will have spent more on me. It will all work out though, I know that.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
@lovebuglena These ladies are like my sisters so I know they won't think that. Doesn't stop me from worrying though. They mean a lot to me.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (44537)
• Staten Island, New York
5 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum You gotta give what you can afford to spend though. Hopefully, they won't think you are being cheap or something like that.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178701)
• United States
5 Dec 20
They should appreciate any gift that you give. As I answered on the other Discussion, "It's the thought that counts." Discuss with them guidelines and limits for next year's gift giving.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
I plan to do just that. I know they won't mind whatever I give them, but I will feel bad because I think they've probably spent more on me.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
@LindaOHio Thank you, I know you're right. I just worry too much.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178701)
• United States
5 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum Don't worry about it. I'm sure they understand.
1 person likes this
@porwest (90917)
• United States
4 Dec 20
A gift should never be about how much someone spends on it, or even what it is. It should be about the thought. I find people who put emphasis on things other than the thought are shallow, and I don't think I'd want to gift them in any event. If $15 fits your budget, I say go with that. No reason to break the bank.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
Right. $15 i'm comfortable with. These people won't be upset over the amount, but I'll feel bad because I am sure they have spent more on me.
1 person likes this
@porwest (90917)
• United States
6 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum You spend what you can afford. Period. It's the only logical way to go. No need to go into the poor house trying to impress someone.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
I believe you are right, I am thinking too much. I always do though. 
1 person likes this
@Nevena83 (65277)
• Serbia
5 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum Just relax and do as you feel.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
@Nevena83 Thank You. I do think I'll do $30 for both couples, so $15 each but in two gift cards instead of four.
1 person likes this
@Butterfingers (66583)
• India
4 Dec 20
I won't mind getting even $10 Giftcard because I value the relationship not the money
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
THank You. I agree, the relationship matters more. I just don't want to give them less than what they spent on me.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
Thank You. $15 doesn't buy a lot anymore, but it's about all I can afford at the moment.
1 person likes this
@Ciskoba (243)
• Kenya
6 Dec 20
@ScribbledAdNauseum That's why I said if it's what you can afford then it's a lot
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
7 Dec 20
That is most likely what I am going to go with.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
I exchange with my friends more than I do with my family.
I will buy something small for some relatives though.
I like getting gifts, but I don't really expect a lot at the same time.
1 person likes this
@Aquitaine24 (11813)
• San Jose, California
4 Dec 20
My nephew isn’t interested in gifts and he’s only 12. Why does everyone have to give gifts?What if the stores are closed?
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
This is true. I prefer the gift card option for myself sometimes.
@JESSY3236 (19949)
• United States
8 Dec 20
I wouldn't mind getting a 15 dollar gift card.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
8 Dec 20
I ended up going with $20 per couple, so $10 a piece. I wouldn't mind $15 either.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
4 Dec 20
Thank You. I usually have so many ideas but then I wait too long and don't have the money to spend on them.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
5 Dec 20
You're right, it is the thought that counts. I just hope my friends aren't spending too much on me. It's too late to talk to them about it now though. We are exchanging gifts in a week.
