I just returned from the mall where I shopped for graduation gifts for the children of friends. I don’t begrudge the money or even the feelings of obligation, but buying gifts for other people’s children still stirs up some tough emotions. So, it’s the topic of this week’s Whiny Wednesday:
Buying gifts for other people’s children
Whine away, ladies, and feel free to chime in with anything else that’s setting you off today.
I only buy for nieces and nephews. That is all the obligation that I feel to do. And I have 4 of each, so that is enough money to be spent between birthdays and Christmas. They are between 6-14 years old. The ones that live by me I do one on one birthday outings where they are given a predetermined amount of money and we shop and have lunch.
I don’t buy for anyone else’s kids.
I normally don’t mind buying for others kids except a few circumstances. One is when the boss is having a baby. There’s an obligatory feel that doesn’t sit right. Maybe it’s just my office. 2nd is after several years of gift-giving and the child hasn’t been taught to say say “thank you”. This is a sore subject since we gave gifts to my husband’s granddaughter years ago and when done, she said “Is that all?” In terms of comparing shopping for my own child if I had one vs others children, yes, I do get a little sad. I don’t camp there. Generally speaking, I love to give gifts and have been told I give too much.
I give to my nephews and a few close friend’s children and I don’t mind so much. But something that has always bothered me was fundraisers. I have contributed to so many cookie dough, pizza kits, magazine subscriptions, cookie sales, candy, etc., through the years. I have supported friends on mission trips and helped when I could, friends and family when someone needs it. But as soon as I post that I am doing a fundraiser for cancer research, nothing. I think, if I had a child selling cookies, candy, etc. would I get contributions? Where are all my friends that I gave to for their child’s fundraiser or there own mission? Hmmmm?
I quite enjoy choosing presents for my nieces and nephews, but get quite prickly if no one bothers to thank me (which is not uncommon).
(Lol – just realised that the word “presents” includes the word “resent”!)
I’ve usually enjoyed shopping for other people’s kids (including our two nephews)… but yes, the lack of thank-yous sometimes can be irritating! And I agree with Cathy above about all the raffle tickets, magazine subscriptions, Girl Guide cookies, cookie dough, candy, etc., that I’ve bought over the years from kids in the neighbourhood, coworkers’ kids, etc. etc.