Poll: Is giving Cash as a gift rude?

[VicunaBlue]

This is something about where I live. No matter how well you know a person, you are always supposed to get them something that you picked out for them. While this is a nice gesture in showing how well you know some one, it has gotten to the point where giving cash, or even multi-store gift cards, is considered rude and somewhat trashy. I was wondering if this is something that occurs everywhere, or unique to my area.

Personally, I find nothing wrong with it. I figure if I don't know what somebody wants, they'd prefer card with a twenty inside of it to a dancing stuffed bear or whatever I picked out.

 

[mythstoorfoot]

That's what I got this year! Nah, I don't think there's anything wrong with it if you can't think of anything else to buy.

See, 'cause it's like two presents in one... the gift of money and the gift of going out and buying whatever the hell you want!

/endless optimism

 

[Cowabungaa]

I see it more as incredibly lazy, that you can't be bothered to get a fun present for someone. If you ask me, giving a present is not about how expensive it is, but it is to show how well you know that person and that you're fond of them.

 

[Master Kuja]

I don't find it rude, but then I usually directly ask for money because I don't even know what I want for Christmas/Birthdays myself, so god forbid anyone else buying something for me, otherwise it becomes an incessant and incredibly annoying pattern of "What do you want?" "I don't know." "You must want something." "I don't know!" ad nauseum.

 

[RobCoxxy]

No, I like getting my own stuff with that money!

 

[Swaki]

well, for christmas (on the 24th) i got around 200 euros from my grandma, 100 from both my uncles, and the best gift i got was a Batman coaster from my sis, cash is not rude, but its not a very interesting present, its about as thrilling as getting my pay check.

 

[Biosophilogical]

My direct family is really the only ones I expect a present from, what with them having more time than anyone else to take me to the shops so I can point out exactly what I'd like for my B'day/Chrissie. All my other relatives (or friends on the rare occassion I'm pressured into a birthday party) just get me money, and if they ask what I want, that is what I tell them (because you can use the money to socialise with said friends, or to buy them gifts! (I'm poor, my B'day/Chrissie money is most of my disposable yearly income (I'm also 17 without a job)))

 

[SUPA FRANKY]

I don't really mind, as I'm usually indecisive about what I want. Though it does seem like its incredibly lazy, just giving money.

 

[2xDouble]

It's not rude, but it is tacky. It requires no thought and has no personal touch to it at all. If you cared about the person even the slightest, you'd have put more effort into figuring out what they like or want.

But I suppose it's better than a gift card. It's just as tacky as cash, but it's already been spent for you.

There are exceptions to both of these. (it's far more difficult to mail a present than cash, for example.)

 

[LightspeedJack]

I'm fine with a gift or cash but obviously a gift is more personal and a tad more special. What does annoy me is gift cards, because I always get them for shops I don't use.

 

[Aidinthel]

It isn't rude, but it does say that you either couldn't be bothered to pick out something for them or don't know them very well. If the person is a close friend or family member, they may be a bit offended.

If you really have no idea what they want, ask them. If they say they don't know, say something like "well if you don't know what you want then I sure have no idea, so unless you think of something I'll just have to give you cash". Then you're off the hook.

 

[Travis Austin]

All I got for Christmas was cash and giftcards and I am fine with that.
It's better than getting something you don't want or will never use.
This way I can get what I want and I have the receipt if I don't like it.

So no.

 

[mdk31]

I always ask for money. I'd rather be able to buy my own thing with the pooled cash from everyone, rather than socks or something.

 

[Edorf]

Noway, getting money is the best!

1. You can spend it on whatever you want
2. The people who gave you money actually thought "Hm... I could buy him this, but would he REALLY need/want this? I'll just give him some money and he can figure out himself what he would like!"

Money works if you dont have a 100% winner gift.

 

[llew]

no its not, i mainly think this because i and everyone i know are almost impossible to buy gifts we will appreciate for (not out of being spoilt just our hobbies are rather expensive) so a card with a tenner is better appreciated than say, a box of malteasers or a game of monopoly

 

[StriderShinryu]

I'd say yes it is rude, but it's still far better than getting something that the person doesn't like and will have to return/exchange later. If you really don't know exactly what someone likes go with a gift card to a store you know they shop at. At least then it shows you put some thought and effort into it.

 

[jack583]

it depends on the person receving it
if they don't have a lot of "free money" then they might like being able to do some "carefree" shopping more then they would just getting something.

but as you can see from the other people posting here, not everyone is the same. some people might get offended by just receiving money.

 

[Glaive_21842]

No, i wouldn't say rude...pointless for sure, but not rude...