Community Chat

[Hoovermom]

@Biftu :  You are a very generous "gift giver" to this neighbor/family.   As @Lucky Charm suggested, I would hire contractors to help me.  I know it's not always about the "money" per se, but this seems a little high.  

[Biftu]

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@Hoovermom wrote:

@Biftu :  You are a very generous "gift giver" to this neighbor/family.   As @Lucky Charm suggested, I would hire contractors to help me.  I know it's not always about the "money" per se, but this seems a little high.  

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@Hoovermom  The amount given is our decision.  I'm sure if given nothing the neighbor would still do what he does.  He never asked for any money.  Besides we would rather give to them rather than a contractor.

[LavernLuvsShoes]

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@Biftu wrote: 

The amount given is our decision.  I'm sure if given nothing the neighbor would still do what he does.  He never asked for any money.  Besides we would rather give to them rather than a contractor.

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$3,000 at Christmas is a very generous gift, and it certainly speaks to how much you appreciate the help your lovely neighbors provide throughout the year.

If you still feel compelled to give the kids something, I agree that a gift card (in a modest amount to each child) would be fine as well. 

[Sooner]

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@LavernLuvsShoes wrote:

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@Biftu wrote: 

The amount given is our decision.  I'm sure if given nothing the neighbor would still do what he does.  He never asked for any money.  Besides we would rather give to them rather than a contractor.

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$3,000 at Christmas is a very generous gift, and it certainly speaks to how much you appreciate the help your lovely neighbors provide throughout the year.

If you still feel compelled to give the kids something, I agree that a gift card (in a modest amount to each child) would be fine as well. 

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@Biftu If you are contracting their family for yard work, which is in essence what is going on, I would just give the kids the gift card value of what you normally give them as a gift.  You can afford it as I gather and why not?  A gift card is easy and makes someone happy.  You probably are getting off well on yard work. 

[occasionalrain]

It's acceptable to give young children a pass regarding thank yous. It's on their parents for failing to teach their children.

Manners matter to me, so if I give a gift and fail to be thanked, it's the last gift they receive from me.

[Sooner]

I sort of go by this definition: In property law, a gift refers to a voluntary transfer of a benefit without the need for any compensation and consideration.

So if you expect something back, I'd say you shouldn't give a gift.  You are under no obligation to give a gift.  If you accept a wedding invitation now days, a gift is accepted and it part of your attendance, no return except your attendance at the event expected.  Apparently.