Welcome to our our very first blog on gift-giving dilemmas. Since we launched GroupTogether.com, we’ve been inundated by questions about the etiquette surrounding gift-giving events. Since so many people ask the same questions, we decided to share their questions and our responses.
One of the parents on my son’s soccer team has suggested an extravagant gift for the coach and I really don’t want to spend that much money? Should I opt out or pay up?
We hear this one a lot. There are a lot of reasons for this. Some kids (or parents!) have a better relationship with the coach, some kids had a break-out season and some just have more $$ to splash around. Whatever the reason, if the gift is still in the idea stage (i.e. no one has bought anything yet), then it’s time to speak up! Offer a different gift idea that exists in a more reasonable price range.
Don’t believe us? Well then check this out: how about mind-blowing head phones, a superb bottle of wine, or the ultimate waterproof sports bag? It’s amazing what you can get when, for example, there are 10 teammates chipping in $5 or $10 each. Bonus! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many other parents feel exactly the same as you do. To clinch the deal, offer to be the one to go out and purchase the gift.
In the unfortunate and rather sticky situation where the other parent has already bought the pricey item? Then a very polite email or text is in order. Something along the lines of, “Thanks so much for making such a lovely choice, but we have already arranged another gift, so we won’t be able to contribute” should head off any awkward questions or encounters.
We hope this clears it up for you. If not, feel free to ask some follow-up questions. We’d love to hear from you.
Julie & Ali
Co-Founders, GroupTogether.com
Who needs more stuff? GroupTogether for the gift she REALLY WANTS.We invite friends to chip in online. And send reminders too.We keep track and then send you the money eg: 25 kids