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Assuming one has enough to eat, a place to sleep and a few toys for the kids, this is the only really meaningful gift they can give you, so yeah, I'd like it!
I think it depends on how well you know the person. If they did it as a genuine act and donated to something that you believe in or support, then I think it's great. I personally would love it if someone actually did that for me. It would make it a little more special if it was to a cause/organization I was passionate about and they actually knew/remembered that.
Depends on the organization, but I'd probably feel great about it. I've got everything I need thanks to my little baby.
I think charitable donations are great gifts. Within a family, regular gifts may be better because family members know what the other members need or want. If someone you don't know very well tries to get you a gift, chances are you won't use it or you will regift it/return it. A charitable donation, on the other hand, will be used for sure.
People who WANT things may not realize that there are millions of people in the world than NEED things, and that 20 dollar gift card to Starbucks will be used in a few weeks and then any benefits from it will be gone. 20 dollars in canned food to a local shelter will help them feed families and less fortunate people. In other words, those 20 dollars won't do much for someone as a Starbucks gift card, but they can substantially help a family in need.
People who WANT things may not realize that there are millions of people in the world than NEED things, and that 20 dollar gift card to Starbucks will be used in a few weeks and then any benefits from it will be gone. 20 dollars in canned food to a local shelter will help them feed families and less fortunate people. In other words, those 20 dollars won't do much for someone as a Starbucks gift card, but they can substantially help a family in need.
I think I would feel great, especially if it's an organization or charity that I felt strongly about. When giving a gift like this, I think it would make it much more meaningful and thoughtful if you actually tried to find out what causes or charitable organizations that the recipient really believes in, rather than just a generic charity that you think anyone will like.
I believe they would love it if you donated to a charity that they hold very close to their heart and they truly believe in, as if you donated to a cancer center when a family member just died of cancer. A gift like that is a like no other and it is one that will be remembered and hopefully others will do the contribute also.
I don't think it's a good idea unless you know the person VERY closely. My grandparents donated Gideon Bibles in lieu of giving me a graduation gift this year. That's was something I would not have personally supported, so I didn't really appreciate it.
I received a gift like that once. I felt frustrated because (a) it seemed inappropriate as a wedding gift (b) it went to an organization I wouldn't have chosen myself, and anyway had no say in that choice (c) we were really struggling financially at the time and could have used some help ourselves (d) it seemed impersonal. These were wealthy people who could easily have done both - it felt like they were using the donation as an excuse not to give us a gift.
I would feel like they knew the true meaning of Christmas and would probably feel ashamed that I hadn't make the contribution myself.
I wouldn't mind at all. I mean other people in this world need the money more then I would need gifts so I would accept it with a smile and thank you.
If the organization was something I was passionate about, I think this is a great and thoughtful gift.
Charitable donations are hitting on hard times right now and donations are down for the year, so anything I can do to help even if it is asking people to donate money is great.
Charitable donations are hitting on hard times right now and donations are down for the year, so anything I can do to help even if it is asking people to donate money is great.
I would be happy with that! Actually, I have done this myself, and the person was happy that I did. I wouldn't do it for young children though. They want gifts!
Honestly, terrific.
I have enough stuff, and the stuff I want I will go get myself.
I have done this, and the recipients are always disappointed, though.
But personally, I would love it.
I have enough stuff, and the stuff I want I will go get myself.
I have done this, and the recipients are always disappointed, though.
But personally, I would love it.
A friend sent a gift donation to my favorite charity, and it was wonderful to know the money was going to a needed purpose, Also, it gave her an opportunity to write a letter expressing what I mean to her. Very much in the Christmas spirit.
I personally think it is a great idea. I would choose a charity that the person has an association with or at least supports. For example, if your friend likes animals, organisations like the local animal welfare organisation would be ideal. However, some charities can be politically charged, so I would recommend only giving it to someone who you are sure wont be offended by the wrong choice (example, while there is a lot of PETA supporters, it is a polarising group)
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Personal opinion only
Personal opinion only
A relative gave a donation to a charity in lieu of a wedding present. We were quite disappointed because (a) it was a charity we would not have supported (b) we were struggling financially at the time and really could have used something tangible (c) I think we're all kids at heart when it comes to gifts - opening an envelope and reading about a donation feels like a letdown - even a small gift would have been a lot more personal and fun (d) this person is wealthy, which made the donation feel like just an excuse not to bother with a gift.
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