Cash birthday present AIBU?

[Peepeep]

I'm sure I probably am BU, so will be prepared for the pasting I am about to receive.

A large group of friends do a gift swap for our DC for their birthdays. Everyone buys for another child, keeping costs down but means all children get a gift. Budget isn't much, but we all agreed it's the thought that counts and gifts don't need to be flashy. Every year we have a mass gathering and swap and open the presents. More fun that way. The children have fun, play with their toys together, parents catch up, and it's all lovely. Less pressure on parents to buy a gift for everyone, etc.

This year my DD was given cash in an envelope. AIBU to think this goes against the spirit of the thing a little bit?

I felt for her as all the other children obviously had new toys that they were playing with and she didn't. She's one of the youngest children in the group and a bit young (not long two) to appreciate cash in the way an older child would, it probably wouldn't have bothered me in the slightest if she was older and more aware of money and it's value etc. We obviously were enthusiastic about it and told her it could go in her money box, or we could buy a book or toy with it etc. but it just niggled me a little bit and wondered if others would feel the same?

Not something to lose sleep over, I appreciate (I haven't been), but what would AIBU be without people's petty grievances?

Actually yeah, I do think that's a bit shit. What did the person expect her to do with the cash on the day, knowing that all the other children would be playing with their toys?!

Yes, another YANBU. Not a huge deal, but it would niggle me too.

YANBU. It goes against the spirit of the occasion I think.

YANBU. It's not on to make your own rules if you've all previously agreed to buy an actual present.

That definitely isn't in the spirit of things.

Strange they'd deviate from the plan unless they forgot and stuffed cash in a card last minute.

Like you say, not something to lose sleep over but I'm not surprised you're a bit miffed.

Yeah that's crap. I'd be annoyed too. Who gives a 2 year old cash when all other kids in the group would be getting toys. I'd try to bring it up ahead of next time to agree a no cash rule.

In the circumstance you've described where you all meet up and the children open gifts together and play with them cash is a crappy gift, especially given the age of your child. I'd be a bit non plussed too. x

YANBU I agree it's quite crap, personally I think cash/vouchers are only a good idea at that age if it's previously been agreed with parents (i.e. Child is saving for something big or is getting something part of a set then they can choose what to add to it if that makes sense) but only my opinion xx

That's exactly it! I am not angry about it or anything, just a bit non-plussed. In fairness DD was fine really, we distracted her with toys from the changing bag and she's too young to really know precisely what's going on, but I still felt bad for her (which is probably silly).