Birthday Gifts - To buy or not to buy

[MrG]

I would like to clear up a matter of perception regarding the topic of birthday gifts. I will reserve my opinion until later however add a few example events which can assist you in formulating a base from which to draw your answer.

Please specify with as much detail who you honour birthday gifts (close friends, family, people certain age etc etc), if you even do at all.

Potential Scenarios: Should a gift be expected or not.

1) The individual having a birthday is a close friend. They throw a small get together party at a restaurant or at their house. (Each pay own way and bring items respectively)

2) The individual having a birthday is a close friend. They attended/saw/bought you a gift for your birthday however they are NOT hosting any get together/party etc.

3) An individual close friend or otherwise (at least in regular company) hint at birthday gifts etc for themselves upon their birthday. Apply scenario 1 and 2 if you like in terms of throwing or not throwing an event/gathering. If you honour this and purchase a gift should they in return automatically be expected to return the favour without you hinting and whether or not you are applying scenario 1 or 2.

I find it interesting the way certain people come across when it comes to their birthday. Certain people year in year out have surprise parties thrown for them by their significant other/bf/gf/best friend etc and have this huge list of gifts NOT to buy or gifts to buy for the person having a bday.

Then in other cases you have someone that always keeps their birthdays low profile, then others that always hint at and expect gifts as if its a given. You have the two extremes. Some people will be on the gift getting extreme of hinting and expecting and then by no means return the favour.

As I said before I these are simple perceptions that have been noted. I will share my opinion a little later on in the thread on exactly where I stand.

The one thing I will let slide already is irrespective of what the belief is and best practice within that group. It is plain selfish and rude to make a close friend, family anyone feel that they are obliged to buy you something expensive when they are running under significant financial pressure.

 

[MissM]

I think that if it is someone who is a close friend, irrespective of whether the have a party/get together ot not, you should get them something. Doesn't have to be something big, especially if you are under financial pressure. If u can afford it, then get them something. If not, then a sms or a phonecall (not a FB birthday msg) would be fine

In the case oof someone having a specific event for their birthday, then I believe it is common courtesy to get them something. Afterall, isn't that why those things are planned in the first place? For ze presents

 

[Kiruna]

For a close friend and direct family member usually always get something. Even if there is a planned event or not.
It is something they would never buy themselves and it is more of a token gift, a gesture, something small. More often than not it is a bottle of their favorite drink or wine. My partner usually gets the more expensive gifts of course.

For acquaintances or friends that see now and then don't usually buy anything.
There will be times when a group of us chip in for a new co-op / multiplay game for a gaming buddy so that he can join us online.

Something that recently starting doing with my best mate is we go out for a dinner, just the two of us, without hubbies / babies, and just have a really good night out instead of buying each other presents. A good memory is far better than a physical gift.

 

[Fluffelana]

my opinion on bday gifts is:

close friend / family / significant other - i will almost always buy / make / get a gift for them that will mean something to them. sometimes it is expensive, sometimes not. my point is that it is something they will like, want, use and not be a waste of money etc.

friend / acquaintance - most times I will buy a gift of some sort, not cheap but not expensive, I find a good bottle of wine normally works here. there are times I won't get a gift if I will not see the person or something like that.

If i am invited to a bday party as such for a person, be it a surprise for the bday person or organised by that person, I will bring a gift. as to what it is the rules above apply.

there are times when the person does not want a gift or I am too broke and then I make another plan - make sure I see the person, if we are out, I'll make sure I buy them a drink or two etc.

then I find that if someone got me a gift, I will generally get them a gift as well, it just seems right. I can't say I have ever been guilted in giving a gift

I like getting people presents in general, as long as they will appreciate it!

 

[anon815]

my opinion on bday gifts is:

close friend / family / significant other - i will almost always buy / make / get a gift for them that will mean something to them. sometimes it is expensive, sometimes not. my point is that it is something they will like, want, use and not be a waste of money etc.

That's about where it stops lol most people are happy with a free beer or two and some drunken memories

 

[Achtung!Baby]

For me birthday gifts are a given when it comes to the family i.e. parents and siblings. Usually the person asks for specific gifts (with various price ranges) or the we ask the person what they would like for a present. When money is tight though, we don't expect a gift. But the family always comes together on the day regardless.

With close friends small gifts are given, something thoughtful or chocolates If an event is held a gift is welcomed but not expected, since the friend usually spends some money of their own at the event, be it a dinner or any kind of activity. Oh I should add my close group of friends are all young, so either students or starting out in their jobs.

Strangers/acquittances dont get gifts. Unless they got me something, then I would get something small in return.

 

[eugenekoen]

if i have a friend that likes gaming i would buy him a call of duty 4 game and some ram to boost up his slow pc the only game that i would reccomend is this game because it is epic simple and mind blowingly adrenaline rushinly awesome. why would you guys want to play mw2 or black ops? is the server finding easy for you or do you just play on a server that steam finds for you?

 

[DenSweeP]

eugenekoen, I suspect you missed the mark slightly, but never mind too much, one post closer to your requirement!

As for my opinion, I spend more on Birthday gifts than on Xmas gifts. Simply because your birthday is yours and you are the special person for the day and deserve the attention. Xmas is a day for all and presents are simply a tradition and also, I have a big family to buy for! Any close friend or family member gets a gift for his or her Bday.