Birthday gifts on very low income

Zipz · June 16

I have a number of birthdays coming up in the next three months. Frankly, I'm going without things I need to finance gifts to people that support me regularly or occasionally and whom I appreciate deeply.

However, there's one person, to whom I'm not close and from whom I seldom hear, who expects flowers from by far the most expensive florist in her area. I've tried sending from less pricey florists in the past and her disappointment/ displeasure has been obvious. I'd really just like to send a very nice card.

What do I do?

Edit: I ought to have added that the person who expects the wildly expensive flowers is generous herself but can afford anything she wants/ needs.

Carpy · June 16

I would like to tell you what to send to this particular person but I would probably be banned from scope if I did!

Bluebell21 · June 16

I would send a very nice card. With the price of stamps now that is more than enough @Zipz I always think it is not the price of the gift that matters but the thought put into it.

Take care.

kreacher · June 16

people should be grateful that you sent them a gift at all, you don't have to send anyone anything

Wheeled_Weapon · June 16

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1038058#Comment_1038058

Is it brown and sticky, and not a stick? 🤣🤣

MW123 · June 16

@Zipz

I wonder if your friend, who sounds generous and financially comfortable, might actually think she’s helping by suggesting that specific (albeit expensive) florist. She may believe she’s making things easier for you by removing the pressure of deciding what to buy, and perhaps assumes it’s more convenient that way.

If I were in your situation, I’d send a beautiful, thoughtful card, maybe one with a floral design and a heartfelt message. It still acknowledges the occasion in a meaningful way, while keeping things within your budget. After all, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag.

Among my own close friends, many of whom are now retired all with different financial situations, we’ve come to really appreciate sending and receiving cards on birthdays. It’s a simple but meaningful way to show that we haven’t forgotten each other’s special day and that we’re still thinking of one another.

Ranald · June 16

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1038128#Comment_1038128

You thought of that too? Lol.

chiarieds · June 16

Hi @Zipz - as we can't advertise, as a general comment I'd like to say I've just bought my neighbour an 80th birthday card which I think she'll like & is a little different. It's a 3D pop up card which looks like a floral bouquet (search perhaps on Amazon).

Her family are coming to visit her on the day, but little does she know one of her friends is going to get up early to place a 'Happy 80th birthday' banner under her front window, & a few of us are going to go around later to celebrate her birthday with her.

JessieJ · June 17

I was going to suggest as @chiarieds has. The 3D cards, as they really are beautiful & if you peruse Temu (there was a thread before where Temu popped up a lot & how I first heard of it, hence mentioned here} they are very well priced. That is what I send close adult family & friends, some come with 'vases' as part of the design. I would love to receive one, I think anyone would, I know the comments received are that they're over the moon. I have also sent the Christmas versions too, they are lovely & the several 3D Xmas cards I have received over time, I've kept & they come out every year as decs. Anyway, with one of them, it is a card & pressie that should fit the bill. You could also mention to that person at some point, that you don't have much in the way of spare cash, make them aware. Do not be embarrassed!

Binky1234 · June 17

How about sending a birthday card with a packet or two of wild flower seeds since they like flowers so much, this way the birthday flowers will last alot longer than any bouquet of flowers.

Just a thought plus wild flower seeds are so easy to grow, just scatter contents of box or packet and watch them grow into a beautiful ray of colours also good for bees as well as attracting butterflies.

I personally would appreciate this gift and appreciate it far more than a bouquet of flowers that wilt after what 10 days if your lucky.

Zipz · June 17

Thank you everybody for your help. Ive see the pop-up cards on a well-know retail site! Great!

@Binky1234 I bought flowers seeds a few weeks ago for somebody who hadn't cared for my last two gifts. I think they were liked but I certainly wouldn't send wildflower seeds to this recipient. The gardener would throw a tantrum.

Albus_Scope · June 17

A sign of appreciation should never come with a price tag. 😉

66Mustang · July 18

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1038340#Comment_1038340

I agree with this

I need to be careful what I say as I don't know who'll read that knows I'm on Scope… but I have a few relatives who are not close but are in quite comfortable positions… they often send gifts for small events which are the kind of value I'd save for a big Christmas or birthday … however I hope this doesn't sound ungrateful but there's a noticeable genericness about them, and lack of mindfulness of the recipient's likes/dislikes

I've had gifts that cost less than a pound that honestly were so thoughtful they made me want to cry! 🙂

idk · July 18

I will often build up gifts for people from sales, charity shops, and carboots, except for people I am really close to, which isn't many.

I am happy with just the thought being put in, and an effort made when getting a gift, it should never be about money.

Birthday gifts on very low income

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