OK. Here's a gift-giving quandary. Frugal Son wants to buy a gift for his across the street neighbor (the grandmother of the young fellow who will be getting the computer). She is on public assistance. Frugal Son's go-to gift has been homemade bread plus some cheese from a fancy cheese store.
But--said Frugal Son--while the bread seems good, the cheese seems superfluous to someone who has plenty of food (and often brings a covered dish over to him). The neighbor has enough of the necessities but has NO MONEY. Seriously. He has no idea of what she might want or need. He is thinking of BREAD PLUS...in a basket. PLUS WHAT?
P.S. Thank you readers for your comments on my sporadic posts. While I think of responses to each and every one, I have had a hard time actually typing them up. This is perhaps because I have spent the past few weeks grading papers, writing comments on the work of the 109 students who remained in my care, AND sending email responses to queries about final grades. These last, as one might expect, are often heart-rending. So thank you, one and all. Maybe I'll attempt a few today...
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7 comments:
How about bread in a basket with a gift card to the local grocery store tucked into the side? I know, I'm not a big fan of give cards either, but being practical, sometimes it really is for the best. Or perhaps the fixings for a meal he thinks they might like? Bread, a roast, fresh veggies, etc…
I love doing foodie baskets....I would put the bread in a basket lined with a linen tea towel and add some jam or marmalade and some simple beeswax candles, a few chocolates and some coffee. If I knew the neighbour better I could personalize it and add an orchid or a bottle of wine or sherry!
Consumables are excellent gifts. Artisan bread, butter, and cheese are wonderful--treats above and beyond the everyday budget groceries and government cheese. If you're not sure about tastes a gift card to the local supermarket would be great too.
God love and bless you for your generosity towards your son's neighbors and students. Also sending gratitude to the Econ professor who upgraded my clueless F to a passing grade.
Since you said she has plenty of food and often brings your son a dish, I would suggest the loaf of
bread and a small gift certificate that could be spent any where. She could then spend the card on whatever she might need, and the homemade bread would
make it more personal. Your son is a "good guy."
How about an American Express gift card? she probably needs to pay utility bills and such and this is less obvious than cash
Probably too late but- we all want to give things that are useful, but there is another function of gifts: to give someone something they •enjoy•, so I second the treats. It would be useful to know what is a treat to her. (Some people don't like chocolate, for example, or don't drink alcohol.) Would be great if there were something he made in the basket.
I'd not give a gift card, it's not nearly as neighbourly and personal. I only give cash gifts as tips.
@All--Thanks for the ideas. Of course, Frugal Son procrastinated, so he's considering these and other ideas! He did give the grandson the computer, however. It was much appreciated.
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