Money Gift - how much feels right? Cash or prepaid card?

[LinedOverLatte]

I usually buy pressies that I’ve chatted to the recipient about, so it’s something they’d like but also a bit of a surprise.

I’m also happy to give money. My dilemma on this one is -

• how much feels enough but not too much/over the top

• is actual cash better or would a pre-paid card be better

It’s someone who’s not working at the moment, so short on treat money but all bills/other outgoings are covered.

I don’t want to give too much and them feel embarrassed or anything so wondered how much would feel ‘like a treat’ and also wondered if putting it on one of those prepaid cards might be better so they don’t know how much it is til later on / don’t get asked how much by others who’ll be there.

We've already chatted about money as a gift for them to treat themselves and they’re really pleased and also don’t expect anything.

Are they an adult? I'd probably do an Amazon voucher. Depends on their age, your relationship with them etc as to how much but I'd say £20-50.

Hopeful bump…

I'd give them the cash equivalent of how much you would normally spend then round it up if you can easily afford it. Definitely give cash as they can then spend where it's most needed.

Cash. My dd got one of those vouchers that you can spend in different shops and it was a pain to try and use. All the shops we tried had either left the scheme or had rules about the order being the exact amount as the voucher.

Imagine this we got some of the multi shop cards when we had our little girl and they’re a nightmare to use!!

I did the prepaid Mastercards one year for the kids we buy for and again a massive faff for parents this to set up for until use!

Go for cash unless you know they shop in a particular supermarket then go for that! Would help with the shopping!!

Just cash. However much you want and would normally spend.

Giving a prepaid card to me says you can’t trust them with cash because they’ll spend it on something stupid. For example, for work, we have to give prepaid cards so people can’t spend the money on drugs or anything else dodgy.

I'd give cash as I wouldn't want anything noticed in their bank account.

How much can you afford to give and what would make a difference to them?

I'd give cash, unless there's a specific thing you know they'll treat themselves to so a gift card/voucher would be fine (like a favourite restaurant/afternoon tea/nail salon/clothes shop).
Depending on the age of the person, and how much you'd usually spend, I think £50 is more then enough if they can't usually afford treats.

We've had those multi-shop vouchers and they are a nightmare. I've ended up using that voucher to buy a shop-specific voucher which is easier to spend.

I’d just stick the cash in a card.

Cash. I think £50 is a nice amount if you can afford it. Anything up to £50 is good but more seems over the top.

These are perfect replies, thanks so much, it has really helped to get other points of view (and I didn’t realise those ‘loads of shops’ cards were so annoying!).

Thanks all - have a lovely a Christmas yourselves 😊

It depends who it is. £40-50 is reasonable but if it's a close relative you could give more.