Re: Gifting to Neighbor’s Children

elated · ‎06-09-2010

@Biftu If it were me, I would stop the gift giving. There is no reason to feel guilty, sometimes we are our own worst enemy.. People change, relationships change and you have been very generous over the years and times have changed. Just move forward.

cindyNC · ‎08-01-2019

You are an incredibly kind and generous neighbor. Are you super close to the parents? I think you should discontinue the gifts. I stopped w/my neices when they were about 18.

It wasn't a big deal. I just let my sister in law know about it. I saw one neice for the first time in 20 years a few years ago, but keep up on Facebook with all the others. We live about 18 hours away from each other.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

It sounds to me like it is time to end it. When children are little it is very tempting and fun to give gifts. However at some point as they get older it is no longer "fun" as you try to figure out what to give nor is it necessary since it's not like they are your grandchildren.

The icing on the cake is the lack of a simple thank you. If you feel that you want to give something, give a family gift. Otherwise a card should be enough.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

@Biftu has this family ever given a gift to your family or you

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

Times are tough and the kids are getting older. Stop buying gifts for them. Don't feel guilty about it.

Goldengate8361 · ‎01-27-2014

@Biftu @definitely time to drop this tradition.

ajsidney12 · ‎02-10-2013

@cindyNC This is what I was thinking. My grandmother stopped giving the grandkids gifts/checks when we got married. By then she also had stopped the bday gifts (which we all had encouraged her to do anyway as we were adults ) One year she gave the spouses old pictures she had of us as kids, and that was one of the best ideas, cost nothing at all, and still remembered all these years later. As great grands came along, when she could, she would send a check or a little something, but then there were so many we all supported her decision to stop.

threecees · ‎09-22-2017

I would stop this year because there is only one really young girl left in the family.

It's obvious they don't appreciate your gifts by no thank you and that is not right at all.

If you don't stop this year, then you will go through this again next year.

Biftu · ‎02-05-2011

@jackthebear wrote:
@Biftu has this family ever given a gift to your family or you

No. In fact when they go on vacation I am tasked with watering their outdoor plants. I do get a thank you for that. They are very nice neighbors and always there when needed.

50Mickey · ‎05-21-2010

It seems like another poster had this dilemma a few years ago. She said that the family was very nice and included her in their parties, and holiday activities and helps her out when she needs help. And like Biftu she said they were good neighbors. I think the gifts to the girls are unnecessary at this point. But if these neighbors are kind and caring and are helpful to you I think a family gift with a card wishing them a wonderful holiday season. It doesn't have to be expensive. It's the thought that counts.