Comments on: Respecting a Gift Giver Who Sticks to his Budget

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:15:00 +0000

I grew up with this same philosophy. If you get a $20 pair of pajama pants for $3, you are still giving a gift worth $20. That's how I always looked at it.

I have a friend who feels very differently. She would argue about what would happen if the person tried to return the gift (either it didn't fit, or they didn't need/want a pair of pajama pants) - then they would get a credit for only $3.

So I do worry a little about giving frugal purchases as gifts (but I still do it). :)

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 03:23:00 +0000

A few of you mentioned being more excited by a bargain, then an expensive gift purchased at full price. In my house it certainly helps that both my husband and I feel this way.

Dividends4Life -- Thanks for mentioning my post on your blog.

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 02:36:00 +0000

I’d think my husband was an awesome stud if he pulled that off! 🙂

It’s too common, of course, for people to feel that relationships have to have a certain monetary value. I’d love to have a gift I like, even if it’s free.

By: 4Life

4Life — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:02:00 +0000

Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing it. I think your brother-in-law is fortunate to have you and your husband helping him. I plan to include your article in my weekly carnival review this Friday.

Best Wishes,

By: wealthy_1

wealthy_1 — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 15:36:00 +0000

oops! I meant I agree with Donna

By: wealthy_1

wealthy_1 — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 15:35:00 +0000

We've grown into a society that seems to have forgotten that it's the thought that counts.

I agree with One Frugal Girl. If you're brother-in-law's girlfriend is so concerned about how much he spent on her, he needs to shop for a new girlfriend.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:57:00 +0000

One year I was deployed with the military before Christmas, and I found a gorgeous cashmere sweater for my wife… selling for less than ten bucks! I was telling some of my Marines about my find, and one of them said derisively: “That’s @#$%() GREAT, doc… you must REALLY love her.” I was completely baffled, because I knew I had rock-solid insurance that when my wife found out what I paid for the sweater, she would be absolutely stoked! She likes nice things, and she likes to find them for a deal… and she wants me to do the same. I’m a lucky man, indeed!
Jerry

By: fizzyg

fizzyg — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 02:27:00 +0000

Another good option is always a store like Marshall’s or Ross, where you can find brand name items for really cheap, thus covering all your bases.

By: Jesi

Jesi — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 02:34:00 +0000

This is a great post. First, I love JC Penney and I think they offer great products at wonderful prices.. when you hit the sales at the right time. I recently bought a $40.00 wine carrier for our company president (I pulled his name for gift exchange). The limit was supposed to be $10, the item was on sale for $19.99 and I had a 20% discount coupon… it ended up costing me a little over $16 for a $40 so I can’t complain… the guy owns the company, I had to splurge…

Anyway, I think its excellent that your b-i-l saved so much. I would definately be so proud of my husband if he was able to pull of a deal like this. I love a bargain and no matter the price, if the PJ pants are warm and he spent time to chose them, then its all the same!

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 02:26:00 +0000

There are so many great comments on this post.

I am hopeful that my brother-in-law will realize that the amount of money he spends does not matter, but I also understand his ingrained desire to impress his girlfriend.

I love the commenter who suggested he provide free gifts like cleaning his girlfriend's apartment or washing her car. Those are great suggestions!

I also can't agree enough with the idea that 'The spirit of christmas is not dumping expensive presents on someone but, the joy of giving them something that means a lot to them.'

If my brother-in-law's girlfriend gives him grief for not spending enough money on her, it's time to find a new girlfriend. I'm definitely in agreement with Donna on that one!