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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to feel like a £10 gift card is a bit shit?

102 replies

FreddieEllie · 22/08/2023 20:15

I'm wanting to buy an Amazon gift card for a friend that I don't know too well and is quite a new friendship, so just seems like the safest option (doesn't drink alcohol). I'm looking at options and I'm not sure what is the appropriate amount? Does £10 look really shit? £20 then seems a bit much... is £15 a happy medium? Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I really want them to think it is nice and not some shitty half assed thing, although I doubt they will be expecting anything.

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 22/08/2023 20:18

I could buy plenty on Amazon for £10 or less that I enjoy so that would be fine for me.

LittleBearPad · 22/08/2023 20:18

Why a gift card? It’s a bit meh?

Flowers or chocolates would be nicer.

LubaLuca · 22/08/2023 20:18

Is this for a birthday present, or as a thank for something? Either way a small token gift like a bunch of flowers or a candle might seem a bit more personal for a friend.

Original poster
FreddieEllie · 22/08/2023 20:19

For a birthday. It's a guy... with a partner. Don't think the flowers would cut it Grin

OP posts:
TenThousandSpoons · 22/08/2023 20:20

For a friend I wouldn’t do a gift card. Especially a new friend. Flowers, wine/Prosecco, nice chocs, hand cream. Something that makes her say “ooh lovely!” whereas a £10/15 gift card is slightly awkward to receive.

Original poster
FreddieEllie · 22/08/2023 20:21

I'm open to suggestions that would work better though!

OP posts:
TenThousandSpoons · 22/08/2023 20:21

Oh sorry thought it was a woman. Wine or chocs still good.

Whatwouldnanado · 22/08/2023 20:21

£10.00 gift card and a bottle of wine then if you have a bit more to spend.

BrawnWild · 22/08/2023 20:22

Think of it this way - a tenner/fifteen quid buys a new book or two, bath stuff, a niche accessory for a hobby, a bottle of something.

Its lovely and is like it a lot more than flowers which will die and alcohol I will donate (I only drink one type)

ImDoingThisNow · 22/08/2023 20:22

I'd much rather a gift card than wine, chocolates or flowers!

Original poster
FreddieEllie · 22/08/2023 20:22

He doesn't drink alcohol or I'd have 100% just gone for that Grin

OP posts:
drpet49 · 22/08/2023 20:22

LittleBearPad · 22/08/2023 20:18

Why a gift card? It’s a bit meh?

Flowers or chocolates would be nicer.

Flowed or chocolates is meh

BrawnWild · 22/08/2023 20:23

If it's a bloke, get something that can be perceived as a non-threatening gift. I'd go for a Top 10 DVD, paid in cash, together with the receipt so he can exchange it or get a refund for something else.

mondaytosunday · 22/08/2023 20:23

A book. And I've given flowers to a man. Maybe a plant then?

Original poster
FreddieEllie · 22/08/2023 20:24

Yes that's what I thought, that deep down money/gift card is more helpful than stuff that isn't very personal to the person like chocolates or... can't think of anything else that would work for him

OP posts:
cherryassam · 22/08/2023 20:24

Have you got a shared hobby?

Does he like cooking? If so, a nice ingredient is my go to - interesting chilli sauce, nice oil etc.

If he likes coffee - an interesting coffee to try

If it has to be a gift card, I’d try and get it for a local shop he might like (if you live near each other)

Clefable · 22/08/2023 20:24

I have a weird aversion to gift cards. It feels a bit lacking in thought, although I do understand their value for teens! But I would generally always try to do something a bit more personal and less tied to a specific monetary value (as I think gift cards can be a bit mercenary in a 'this is what you're worth' way). My husband loves them though as they require v little effort on his part 🙄

Is there no interest of his that you know of? Something you've both connected over? Books?

Charrington · 22/08/2023 20:25

Men are awkward to buy for especially if they don’t drink. Flowers, chocolate and candles are all acceptable gifts for a woman but there isn’t exactly an equivalent from men, that doesn’t tumble you into a slightly inappropriate zone.

I think a gift card is a good choice. Either £10 or £15 is fine - definitely friend zone and he can put it towards a bigger purchase.

Clefable · 22/08/2023 20:25

And yes a gift card for somewhere local would be nicer I think. Amazon ones are very generic, but a gift voucher for a local cafe or business would be more personal and help a small business into the bargain!

WtfHormones · 22/08/2023 20:26

Do you know any shops he goes in? If so buy him something from there and give him the gift receipt. Even that's better than a voucher.

cherryassam · 22/08/2023 20:26

The other thing I’ve done in this situation is go in on a joint gift with someone else - it then isn’t a direct personal gift from you but clearly a friendship group thing. Only works if there’s a mutual friend who would be interested

Original poster
FreddieEllie · 22/08/2023 20:28

We met through a hobby (surrounding our love for rescuing exotic pets Grin) and i could definitely get him something related to them but then think I'm really buying for the pet and not him... but maybe that is better?

OP posts:
HeddaGarbled · 22/08/2023 20:29

Gift bag with a few food treats e.g. posh jam, marmalade, biscuits, tea, coffee, crisps, soft drinks. You must know some things he likes e.g. I know a guy who loves white chocolate Toblerone and WI marmalade.

cherryassam · 22/08/2023 20:29

If you do go for a gift card for a local cafe or a local bar or the like, in the card I would write something along the lines of:

”Thought you and His Partner’s name might enjoy a drink/coffee at name of place”

cherryassam · 22/08/2023 20:30

Cross post - I would buy something for the pet in that situation. Or if there is a related charity that you can make a donation to / buy something from even better