I am going to sound like the Old Lady that I certainly am
but I have to ask: When did the inflation of gift giving get completely out of
hand? When did a present for a wedding or baby or bridal shower become a
multiple gift-giving occasion? When did collecting for a coworker become so
steep? As we go into the Holiday season gift giving is on everyone’s mind but…
At a recent wedding I purchased a lovely present off the
couples’ registry. I had already purchased a lovely present off their registry
for the bridal shower. At the wedding there was a money tree for their
honeymoon fund and a money dance with the bride or the groom for their
honeymoon fund. Honeymoon fund? A list
of items to be enjoyed on their honeymoon was also on their bridal registry.
Things like couple massage, parasailing, brunch and spa treatments were
registered along with traditional household items. I chose household items
because what if they fell ill or the weather was bad? Cookware lasts for
decades.
Another example of one gift not being enough I witnessed at
a recent baby shower. I bought a lovely present off the future parents’ registry.
Before the shower I received an email saying there would be a diaper tower and
to please bring diapers for the tower. A prize was to be given to the guest who
brings the biggest tower. Have you priced the cost of a box of diapers recently?
Did I mention I already bought a lovely present off their registry? Did I
mention the shower was at a no host restaurant?
How about the fund for a coworker who is retiring or having
surgery? I remember when $10.00 was fine. Now I have been approached with
requests for a $25.00 minimum contribution. Often a gift is already bought and
you are told that so and so will have to eat the cost if not everyone chips in!
$25.00 is now the new inflated $10.00 contribution for co-workers presents.
What are these lavish gifts? Not anything different than what they have always
been, wine, books, hobby item, or houseplant.
Am I being a grumpy cheap old lady? I know if the co-worker
is some one I care about I am going to buy them something on my own. I have
declined some chip-ins. and I have succumbed to some others. I have not
participated in wedding money trees and money dances. The diaper tower, I really
don’t need to compete for a prize!
Have you seen this inflationary trend? How do you deal with
it?
8 comments:
Totally agree! I feel like an idiot half the time because I don't know the new rules...and I refuse to obey them, anyway! Money grubbing is money grubbing, whether by a bride and groom or coworker. Hate it.
Signed,
Too Many Tip Jars
I agree with you. Seems that since professional wedding planners have moved in, the opportunities for contributing to newleyweds' gift options has grown exponentially. I've not experienced the baby shower thing, and I hope I never do. I follow Miss Manners' guide - one is not obligated to give a gift at every opportunity. Sometimes well wishes and congratulations will have to do. I'm not cheap, just selective.
Thanks Lynne! I agree tips jars are everywhere!
The baby shower add-ons really got to me! I like your use of the word selective. Thanks Pamela.
At the risk of joining your grumpy old cheap lady status, I agree wholeheartedly. What gives with all this giving? One thing per occasion should be enough. And then, I hate the guilt I feel if I choose NOT to participate. Can't win...
Thanks Sheryl. I agree it is a no win!
ha - I don't think you are an old grumpy lady!
I am definitely a very generous gift giver - what kills me lately is all the EVENTS surrounding an event - like for a wedding...there is a destination wedding, a destination bachelorette party, a shower, a 2nd shower, etc....all that require gifts, travel and also to buy bottle service at a club :)
Wow Rachel, I once got the "Bottle Service" in the early 90's and about had a fit! The 'destination' anything takes an expensive toll.
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