Among Friends

[Sooner]

This is long but I say and admit this every year so here's 2021!  LOL!!

To me, to send a charity donation for someone says "You don't need, or deserve a gift."  Sorry but that's the way I think and I think everyone deserves a little surprise, a little something special for them just because they are them.

I think charity is wonderful, but do it for you, don't co-opt a gift for someone else.

That being said, I think most of us have too much stuff and UNLESS you are sure and know a person wants something specific, just give a gift card and a sweet, heartfelt wonderful personal card with note to them with a gift card.  

After all isn't it the thought that counts?  Also, I think sometimes gifts are more about making the giver look good or smart or creative--and the gift turns out to be  something not wanted or needed by the giftee.

As an example don't give under any circumstances "something they have never thought of" or probably even "something they wouldn't buy for themselves."  Unless you are 100 percent certain.

I am embarrassed to admit this, but that was me in my 20's.  And let me tell you I dropped some bombs.  

And I will admit, it was more about me and I am ashamed to say it.  But I learned my lesson.  And am passing it along in case anyone is fretting over a gift. . . 

[manny2]

Love this @lolakimono 

[BirkiLady]

@Duckncover After checking with several of the preferred non-profits, I've found they don't work that way! I cannot donate IN THEIR NAMES and have THEM receive the tax donation. Those two things were why I wanted to gift to charities for the holidays, rather than give presents.  

As the person making the donation, I still must take the tax write off myself which defeats part of the purpose. That's not what I had intended when I was so anxious to do this for Christmas gifts. 

Therefore, we've moved on to PLAN B. Your idea is a good one, but doesn't cover the bases I had anticipated. My family is disappointed it didn't work. 

[Drythe]

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@BirkiLady wrote:

@Duckncover After checking with several of the preferred non-profits, I've found they don't work that way! I cannot donate IN THEIR NAMES and have THEM receive the tax donation. Those two things were why I wanted to gift to charities for the holidays, rather than give presents.  

As the person making the donation, I still must take the tax write off myself which defeats part of the purpose. That's not what I had intended when I was so anxious to do this for Christmas gifts. 

Therefore, we've moved on to PLAN B. Your idea is a good one, but doesn't cover the bases I had anticipated. My family is disappointed it didn't work. 

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@BirkiLady 

No, you can’t assign the tax credit.  But, of course you can make the donation ‘in the name of’  We always ask people to identify a charity they hold dear, so it is special.  Working with several not for profits I can attest that such gifts very appreciated.