Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Money as a present

39 replies

mnnewbie12 · 24/02/2023 13:04

Honest opinions please.

I am in my 30s and on MAT leave. Pay is now at it lowest on SMP and so I was hoping to ask for money from family for my birthday, rather than a present. Is this an odd thing to do? I've not asked before.

OP posts:

Hont1986 · 24/02/2023 15:16

Would vouchers be a happy medium

My mum gives me cash in a card and calls it 'Bank of England vouchers'!

Choconut · 24/02/2023 16:16

I can't imagine the sort of family where, if they asked what you wanted for your birthday, you couldn't be honest and say could you have money instead of a present as you're struggling financially.

I mean I definitely wouldn't say that to friends, but your own family?? I can't imagine not being able to say that.

Kitkatfiend31 · 24/02/2023 16:46

I had lots of vouchers one year when dd was small. Had a great shopping trip, Costa voucher for coffee, make up from boots and a few clothes.

Whichwhatnow · 24/02/2023 16:53

I'd probably ask for a voucher instead? I mean my PIL (in their 70s, good pensions, fully paid off mortgage etc) asked us for a £50 M&S voucher for Christmas this year and I didn't find that weird so I wouldn't have any problem with your request! If anything it just makes present buying simpler

DelurkingAJ · 24/02/2023 16:57

Wouldn’t be a problem in my family.

BashirWithTheGoodBeard · 24/02/2023 17:22

Would be no problem for me. Some people get odd about this though so it's possible you'd be better asking for vouchers.

CaptainMyCaptain · 24/02/2023 17:27

My daughter is in her 40s and I always give her money. The older grandchildren prefer it too so they can put it towards something they really want. The gift is for the benefit of the recipient not to make the giver feel good.

ClaraThePigeon · 24/02/2023 17:29

I think it's fine as it's in response to them asking you what you'd like for your birthday. It wouldn't be an issue in my family.

GlassBunion · 24/02/2023 17:30

It's fine to ask for money.
If you need specifics then maybe ask for a gift voucher for whatever you need.

You can ask for vouchers for most things.

purser25 · 24/02/2023 17:35

I always enjoy cash I treat myself to something I wouldn’t normally justify myself in buying

WillowBeeT · 24/02/2023 17:59

mnnewbie12 · 24/02/2023 13:04

Honest opinions please.

I wouldn’t. It’s pretty rude.

Bubblebubblebah · 24/02/2023 18:11

Brits have sometimes bit weird relationship with money.

I love the wedding gift threads as someone who came from europe and envelopes are fully acceptable standard.

Why is it ruder to ask for cash than ask for particular item if you aren't asking for more? Let's say I would spend £50 on gift, I would be more than happy to put that in envelope.

Lcb123 · 24/02/2023 18:12

if they ask what you’d like, fine to say money, or what about a voucher as someone might prefer to buy you that? But only you can decide if they will be upset by that request.

Lcb123 · 24/02/2023 18:13

Like ask for a clothes shop voucher if you’ve had to cut back/out on clothes for yourself

Flip

1 2