That's the difference between accepting a gift graciously and doing what these parents are doing.
Accept what is given, thank the person/people that gave the gift and then do with it what you want.
In my family we frequently make and exchange lists of what we would like to receive as gifts for birthdays/chirstmas. I like it, it means I know that what I get will be appreciated. It is particularly useful for my nephews who I don't get to see often and who, as kids, have ever changing tastes and already have a lot of toys etc. The receipt thing is odd, and the letter isn't written the best way (it comes across as demanding rather than being a useful list of stuff the kid might like) but I understand the principle. They probably weren't expecting it to be blasted across the internet.
We do that as well, we just don't have a binding contract attached to the list laying out the "consequences" of what happens when a gift is purchased that isn't on said list.
While this invite is pretty CRAY CRAY, I can say that we do a version of this in our family for birthdays of nieces and nephews and family members.
We send a mass email with an invite and then add a list of "XYZ want/needs."
Everyone picks off the list that way no one buys duplicates and no one ends up getting something that they don't need or want.
It's actually really convenient and takes the guess work out of gift buying.
However, we only do this AMONGST ourselves. Siblings, grandparents. NO FRIENDS OR GUESTS.
You know, I can think of about 3 people in my life who I can talk to with complete, no bullshit honesty: My Mom, my brother and my BFF and I can see myself exchanging PRIVATE emails with these people with this kind of info ..
("Oh my god, if little Billy screams his way through another storybook hour again I'm going to go mental. Please promise me you won't buy him any more fucking books for his birthday or I may become an alcoholic"). The big difference here is these emails would be reciprocal, and private. I am totally open to my brother telling me exactly what to get my nephew because he knows how much I hate shopping and it's just easier for everyone. However, if one of those 3 people were to go out on their own and get something that I didn't love I would show nothing but gratitude and appreciation.
I can also see having a more specific list drawn up for those who contact you and ASK FOR IT (this is key) , but with a completely different tone that doesn't reek of entitlement.
My guess as to what has happened here is that she is used to doing this kind of thing for her family, where it is acceptable. But as they have a kid now, she has sent a similar email to his side of the family and they aren't used to doing this kind of thing and she didn't phrase the email very well so it comes off as being very demanding and obviously rubbed one of his relatives up the wrong way so they posted it online.
Comments
I love the comments that
I love the comments that follow the letter. }:)
Definition of "gift": 1.a
Definition of "gift":
1.a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.
I just really feel sorry for that kid.
I missed that! All
I missed that! All business.
I pray this letter is a joke, otherwise poor little Timothy's life is already doomed.
Okay, I see where that is.
Okay, I see where that is. I'm still swimming through the funny replies.
"Also, the event is a full formal black tie affair.
We have included two different tailor's numbers to help you procure clothing. We'd appreciate it if you only went to these tailors.
For real though, we will check the tags as you enter.
Looking forward to seeing you!"
Any no shows who have RSVP-ed
Any no shows who have RSVP-ed will be sent an invoice for snacks and drinks purchased for them.
Plus 8.25% per month for late payments and your visitation rights will be revoked until account is settled in full.
Formula is expensive.
That's the difference between
That's the difference between accepting a gift graciously and doing what these parents are doing.
Accept what is given, thank the person/people that gave the gift and then do with it what you want.
Um, yeah, go ahead and take
Um, yeah, go ahead and take me off of that mailing list. Geez, the nerve!
In my family we frequently
In my family we frequently make and exchange lists of what we would like to receive as gifts for birthdays/chirstmas. I like it, it means I know that what I get will be appreciated. It is particularly useful for my nephews who I don't get to see often and who, as kids, have ever changing tastes and already have a lot of toys etc. The receipt thing is odd, and the letter isn't written the best way (it comes across as demanding rather than being a useful list of stuff the kid might like) but I understand the principle. They probably weren't expecting it to be blasted across the internet.
We do that as well, we just
We do that as well, we just don't have a binding contract attached to the list laying out the "consequences" of what happens when a gift is purchased that isn't on said list.
What? No jail time if correct
What? No jail time if correct gift is not given?
While this invite is pretty
While this invite is pretty CRAY CRAY, I can say that we do a version of this in our family for birthdays of nieces and nephews and family members.
We send a mass email with an invite and then add a list of "XYZ want/needs."
Everyone picks off the list that way no one buys duplicates and no one ends up getting something that they don't need or want.
It's actually really convenient and takes the guess work out of gift buying.
However, we only do this AMONGST ourselves. Siblings, grandparents. NO FRIENDS OR GUESTS.
Reminds me of my cousins
Reminds me of my cousins wedding invite!
She actually had the invite printed to read:
DENOMINATIONAL GIFTS ONLY!
So we spent the last month before the wedding buying all the bowling balls we could find, we wrapped 15 for her to open!
Congratulations!
That can't be real. But it
That can't be real. But it sure is funny.
You know, I can think of
You know, I can think of about 3 people in my life who I can talk to with complete, no bullshit honesty: My Mom, my brother and my BFF and I can see myself exchanging PRIVATE emails with these people with this kind of info ..
("Oh my god, if little Billy screams his way through another storybook hour again I'm going to go mental. Please promise me you won't buy him any more fucking books for his birthday or I may become an alcoholic"). The big difference here is these emails would be reciprocal, and private. I am totally open to my brother telling me exactly what to get my nephew because he knows how much I hate shopping and it's just easier for everyone. However, if one of those 3 people were to go out on their own and get something that I didn't love I would show nothing but gratitude and appreciation.
I can also see having a more specific list drawn up for those who contact you and ASK FOR IT (this is key) , but with a completely different tone that doesn't reek of entitlement.
These people are assholes. Sorry kid
My guess as to what has
My guess as to what has happened here is that she is used to doing this kind of thing for her family, where it is acceptable. But as they have a kid now, she has sent a similar email to his side of the family and they aren't used to doing this kind of thing and she didn't phrase the email very well so it comes off as being very demanding and obviously rubbed one of his relatives up the wrong way so they posted it online.