Housewarming gift price range?

[NoCanoe]

I originally offered to buy a gift once my friends were settled and knew what they wanted. There had been talk of wanting to replace dinner plates, bed linen , towels etc.

They now have said they will forgo the non essential items in favour of something more practical.

That's fine. But because I never stipulated a budget at the time when it was a general idea, Im now being presented with an invoice far greater than anticipated.

Im just wondering if Im out of touch with price range these days, or am I being taken advantage of?

Id like some idea of what you'd consider normal price range before I say how much I am actually being asked for.

I do feel I have no option but to honour the commitment. But I'm a bit miffed.

What have they asked for?

I’d assume a housewarming gift is just something like a bunch of flowers or a pot plant , never heard of anyone asking for something specific, unless it is very close family (ie; maybe first home for your grown up child).

They are a long established couple and are just friends of mine.
We live in different countries, so it was always just going to be a money transfer for something to be bought on my behalf.

I'd have imagined bunch of flowers, plant or something similar. Because you mentioned towels, bed linen etc, I'm thinking £50 - £75 which is a lot unless you're particularly close. I did buy a very close friend a Panasonic bread maker which was £100, but there were other circumstances in play there too, so it felt reasonable to be a bit more extravagant.

On this instance just say that you will bring something when you visit- then take a small house plant from Ikea- just to put them in their place. In this instance for a friend I wouldn’t spend more than £5. If they can have audacity to give you an invoice, reciprocate by refusing. I’m talking from experience, same thing happened to me.

I don't think I've ever given or received a housewarming gift. I'd say no more than £20 though! What are your friends asking for?

Sorry just read your response on the thread. Have a house plant or flowers home delivered and refuse to pay for anything.

They are being incredibly vulgar in asking for a set sum.

If the arrangement was for a monetary transfer than a simple, “Any contribution would be gratefully received, thank you”. Then them telling you what they bought or put it towards.

In the circumstances given I would I would do exactly what Mummy20192 says.

It’s never wise to indulge the greedy and entitled.

I'd say £20 to £30 would be the maximum I would spend.

Yeah, bottle of champagne type of price. Cheap one, though, £25.

We all have different budgets so I have no idea what the average price spent on a gift is but I wouldn’t never let anyone dictate to me on what I should spend on them. I’ve never actually met any one who would! It’s extremely crass.

Actually, I think it depends on how the conversation went, There had been talk of wanting to replace dinner plates, bed linen , towels etc.

If you’d said you’d get them a dinner service, then I guess they’re expecting £200.

I gave a couple of friends who were setting up home together a John Lewis voucher for £50. I felt it was a pretty generous amount for a housewarming present (unless close family), they bought a lamp.

Palominoo - yes, I think its the crassness and vulgarity of it that has annoyed me , just as much as the amount itself.

I expected to be shown a few items and asked either to choose one, or contribute towards one in particular if expensive.

Palominoo I have a friend like that... it’s like I’m obligated to pay for her lifestyle..

Op in normal circumstances I would say a gift would reflect the closeness of he friendship... but in this instance, not more than £5.

An invoice????

Bit cheeky IMO.

I'd tell them I've just bought them something and it's in the post so that's that. Cheeky fuckers

Bunch of flowers/bottle of wine is usual. Not sure I have ever bought anyone anything else apart from DSD and we got her a £100 JL voucher but she is my DSD not a friend.

BiscuitDrama - the original conversation was very vague. It was just along the lines of....I'd like some new dinner plates, or maybe some new towels, maybe a new bath robe ...etc.

Nothing was nailed down and budget wasnt mentioned. There seemed no need at time as it was all up in the air.

The greediness of ppl these days are unbelievable!

Buy whatever it is they want in the dolls house size version and post it to them saying that’s all your budget stretches too.

Goodness. A plant, a bottle of wine or a pretty bowl would be appropriate, I’d say. £10 to £20.

paloninoo - that made me chortle.

Unfortunately, the item(s) in question have been ordered and deposit paid, hence the presentation of invoice and a....'asap, please' request attached.

Wow!
I've only ever taken flowers or a plant round when I've gone to nose at visit someone's new house. Never bought (nor had bought for me) presents when friends move house.

When it has been a niece / nephew / godchild, I've sent them something practical after I've visited and seen what is missing (some cutlery, most recently - but it was about a fiver from Argos). Just as a practical helping hand for youngsters moving into their first home after university.

Sorry....palominoo....correct spelling this time!