Is getting my mother or father a gift subscription to netflix a bad/unthoughtful gift?  I'm in college=poor
824063
i think it's a great gift, especially if they like movies. i loooove netflix. my husband and i have crazy schedules and we rarely have time to watch movies together and it's great to be able to not have to worry about returning them "on time" great idea!!
967278
No, he doesn't deserve presents. A card is more than generous. A gift is a gift, it's not mandatory and for your sister to even insist that he get one is not only rude, but down right a poor show of manners. If she is insistent that you get him a gift, then perhaps she can share hers. Whatever you get her, just stick his name on it too. Someone who can't make an effort to get to know the family of the girl he *loves* doesn't deserve anything more.
1128837
dang!!! maybe ask your mother for some money!!
98751
It depends on how your family is structured. If your mom and dad ask you if you've paid him, then that shows that your parents feel that it is right for him to ask you to pay. Are there alternative methods for you to get to school that cost less? \nYour parents should really be paying the 60 cents or subsidizing him for taking you in some way. I never charged my parents or sister and she went to a different school.
25343
Obviously, I don't know all the legits about your situation with your mother, however sending a card never hurt. I believe that you should send your mother a card. If she still doesn't like you, at least you know that you tried.
24403
Big brothers and sisters know that their little brother and sisters don't have a lot of money. If he has an Ipod, you could get him an Itunes card. That way, even if its only 5 songs ($5) he will still enjoy it. If you have parents that will help, you could always ask what they got for him and you can get an accessory to it. If all else fails, make him a card. It may sound corny, but it will let him know how much you care.
990361
Try buying a less expensive gift off the registry. That way it is thoughtful, useful and sensible. You can find out where they are registered by asking around to other guests you know who may be closer to her. Generally I think $50.00 is a minimum gift but it is based on your conscience and ability really.
800158
How about a present from the Oxfam Xmas catalogue. $150 can buy something that will benefit a whole community in Africa or India.\nWithout being too presumptuous, as they are both doctors I doubt they really need anything. \n\nI was bought a goat for an African village last Christmas and a bicycle for a midwife to use for my birthday and thought they were the best and most thoughtful presents. \nOxfam sends out a card thanking the person and explaining what their gift means to those in need.
934806
Tell them to surprise you because if they give you money, you're going to turn around and spend it on your son or your bills. I am in the same situation. I am so wrapped up in my children and with paying my bills, I couldn't tell you for the life of me what I want. The best gifts are things you would never buy yourself. For me, those things are:\n\n  Journals, Book Sets, perfume, new sneakers, scrapbooking supplies, a night out in lieu of gift certificates to the movies or to dinner. They also make gift cards for like blockbuster and that would be nice for you and your boyfriend. \n  Other ideas are candle sets, bath sets, pajama sets, a certificate to the hairdresser. \n\n   Amazon.com has the best gifts to send too. I saw this retro candy gift set that actually looked like something I would want. Here is the link:
767046
i really hope for your own good that those arent your real details...\n\nim sure your family will understand your broke and cant afford gifts.... same as me this year.
15543
My mother has a boyfriend that I can't stand (he is pulling the - rushing to a widow's aid crap and taking all of her money)... I'll tell you know, he's not getting a thing for Christmas.  And if you feel like you have to get him something, then get a gift more for your mum and just say it's to them both.  Tell them you would have gotten more, but your penny pinching this year.  \n\nGood luck!
2054
No Way !!    Family and Friends will give you one gift and say ---"Here is your Birthday AND Christmas Gift" --  You are getting ripped of 50% of your gift getting !!!
485503
cash is always good! For family members, I usually ask the mom or dad if they are  buying a large present -- like a camera or computer, and chip in. \n\nA nice photo frame is good - for their grad pictures and pictures of friends from high school --.\n\nIf they are going to university or college, see if you can order a t-shirt or hoodie from the place they will be attending.
570501
why dont u buy her a big box of candy?? im sure everyone likes candy!! and if u feel a gift card is too impersonal, im sure u can make a nice one with maybe some pics of u and her on diff occasions... whenever u have a budget in mind, its best to make the gift, rather than buy it-- that way the reciever knows u care and are not being cheap... so put in some effort and even if u have only enough money to buy giftwrap-- its got to have 'love in every stick' if u know what im sayin. =)
684471
OK to start out relationships shouldn't be transactional. On any holiday/birthday presents are not a requirement, and a demand of a present is in very bad taste no matter who is making the demand.\n\nYour situation is complicated by the fact that your mother helps you out a great deal but from your question you are helping her out too.\n\nThat said in a sense she is right about the meal because you both footed the bill, however that still doesn't give her the right to complain about no gift on the day.\n\nShe sounds like she is manipulating you.\n\nTo circumvent this situation, sit her down in as dispassionate a manner as you can manage explain that you resent being blackmailed. Then list the many way You help HER throughout the year. Then explain your finances and that a present (especially a large one) is going to be a real strain. Finally as a means of getting past this ask her if there is a particular thing that she really wants or needs so badly then offer to help her acquire it.\n\nBy the end she will most likely feel a fair amount of guilt, since she is so good at dishing it out she probably deserves it.\n\nHappy Mothers Day LOL
771633
Can I tell you what we did for my Grandfather which may be of help to you.  Like your Dad, he was the cornerstone of the family and didn't care much for gifts--but we did a very special thing for him which made it a wonderful occasion for him. I suggest you do this with a writable CD.  There used to be a television show called "This is Your Life...(fill in a name)" Where someone would be honored for their accomplishments and contributions throughout a life time, starting with family photos when the person was really young, working up through high school and college and then career.  Anything that would be important to that person as memories. During different phases, different people would talk from behind a curtain describing favorite memories until the guest of honor figured out who it was.  For our family, we had all his children telling little stories about favorite times together and tape recorded it, and worked it in with the slide show of photos.  It wasn't mushy, it was honoring.  I'll just be frank here, it's like a living memorial while the person is still alive.  As  a poem I read said:"If you have anything nice to say to me, tell it to me now while I can appreciate it, don't tell it to the cold unfeeling gravemarker, tell it to me now when I can bask in the warmth of sincere appreciation." Or words to that effect.  It is easier than ever to make multi-media CD's now or some photo shops will do it for you. You cazn even have music in the background from the 20's,30's and 40's.  It would mean so much to me to have my children put on CD words that they love me, and appreciate me as a father along with memories of happy times together.  It doesn't have to be a big production, and it would mean more than any store-bought gift whether it be $60 or $600. People like to think that they have accomplished something in their life time--it doesn't have to be anything major --infact for a man it can be just that he raised his family as best he could, went to work when he wasn't feeling well, saw his kids through heartaches and sorrows, joys and happy times and is appreciated for it and loved.  My Dad died when he was 62, and I have wished over and over that I had taken more time to say "Thanks Dad for being a great dad and all that you did for us kids and the family!"  I don't have that chance now. You do.  I know you will do that which is right.\n-Spec
927742
Not buying for all the grandkids is not in good taste. Regardless of what age they are, she should give EVERYONE (the grands, everyone under 21) something, even if its $5 in a card. If she does not have enough money to buy everyone something, she should buy something for the entire family to enjoy (a game, dvd's, gift basket, etc.). Though I think Christ is the reason for the season, children and grandchildren should be the focus of the gift giving and such. The adults have had their time to enjoy opening presents. How about letting the younger ones be the focus. Let her know where you stand, and the adults should call off the exchange and focus on the younger ones. If there is any money left over, get things for each other. Happy Holidays!