Cash Gifting Facts
Cash gifting can be a social minefield. The rituals constructed around the giving of gifts and the holiday occasions mean that giving and receiving may be highly emotionally charged events.
Although some people are able to accept cash without shame or embarrassment attached, there are social situations where a gift of money is considered gauche. Generally, the closer the relationship, the less social awkwardness is involved with giving cash instead of a gift item.
Other People Are Reading
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Family
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Family and close friends may be open to receiving cash in lieu of a gift for holidays and special occasions. Family members may know about personal financial need and the amount given will most likely be accepted without the recipient feeling insulted or the giver feeling they were not sufficiently generous.
Dating
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People who are dating should avoid cash as a gift for a partner. There is a danger that the recipient will equate the gift as: 1) inappropriate--considering the context of the intimate relationship; 2) thoughtless--as those early in relationships are expected to demonstrate a greater level of interest and knowledge of one another's needs and wants.
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Service Providers
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Cash gifts outside the intimate circle of friends and family should be limited to tipping those who provide a service. The postman, hairstylist or anyone who provides regular deliveries may be given cash gifts in appreciation of their attention and effort throughout the year.
Gift Cards
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An alternate to giving cash is to purchase gift cards for services, local stores, chain stores and restaurants. Some insight into the likes and dislikes of the recipient is helpful and the card choice shows a certain amount of thought accompanied the gift. Be aware that stores may deduct a fee from the balance if the card is not used within a certain time period.
Prepaid Cards
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A gift card from a major credit card issuer is another option; it removes the association with cash to a degree. The amount given may be discreetly recorded in the card's envelope and because the amount, large or small, is not on display, the gift is slightly more refined.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by AMagill @ http://www.everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=1055596
