…when people ask you what you want for your birthday?
I mean, on the one hand, I’d feel kinda rude if I went and said “I want this and this and this. Or that.”, but on the other, I also know that as the gift giver, it’s easier (and better) just to get someone something you know they want!
Still, there isn’t really anything I would ever ask my friends for – everything I want right now is too expensive to ask my friends for and I wouldn’t want them to give it to me anyway, you know? And the less expensive things, I tend to just buy. (Like the 3 MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos that I just bought yesterday!)
So so far I’ve just been avoiding the question with jokes and topic changes…what do you do when people ask you? What’s the etiquette here, if any?
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July 31, 2008 at 12:52 am
addy
I DON’T KNOW! When you figure it out, let me know. I want money and/or gift cards, but I don’t feel right asking for them, especially from friends! My birthday is right around the corner (Aug 16) and I never have anything to tell people. I too, want things too expensive for people to buy, like a new dresser or camera. I honestly don’t know what to tell people either!
July 31, 2008 at 12:57 am
JenBun
If they are your friends, and they are asking, there is usually a certain comfort level there, where that is OK. I mean, don’t tell them anything crazy expensive, but maybe mention a store you like, or a book (or DVD or eyeshadow or whatever) you’ve been eyeing and then, if they want to get you something else, it’s up to them.
I’ve also just been known to say “Let’s just go out to eat and you can buy me a drink or something!”
I got a lot of booze for my birthday this year. And books. My fave!
July 31, 2008 at 3:41 pm
mcgee
When in down, I always ask for gift cards. My birthday is coming up on 8/14, and I already know there isn’t anything specific I want. So that’ll be my answer. That and good old hard cash…haha.
My friends and I never exchange actual gifts for birthdays…we usually just buy each other drinks and such. So the only people I really get gifts from are J. and my family. No qualms about asking for gift cards and/or cash from them! As for J., he’s on his own. It’s his JOB to know what I would want right?
August 1, 2008 at 3:37 am
freeandflawed
I figure if they’re asking then they want to know. Typically I’ll respond, “You don’t have to get me anything, but if you really want to…” and then I’ll give a list of a few, non-expensive items. Usually just gift cards.
Sometimes I’ll just say for them to be there when I blow out my candles. Cause that’s nice.
August 1, 2008 at 10:17 am
Jessica
I agree with FreeandFlawed here. It’s a slippery slope. If I want something specific from my parents that’s one thing but usually my friends get me gift card or nothing. I think at some point it just evolves into that because you’re all starting out and don’t have much money anyhow.
August 5, 2008 at 10:51 am
quin browne
mine was last week… i pretend i don’t have them… it’s awkward to have people ask, and awkward to respond.
so, the deal i make with friends is, i celebrate theirs, not mine… and i listen to them during the year, to get ideas. if they remember mine, swell. if not, that’s okay, too. this way, no pressure either way.
August 7, 2008 at 10:57 am
Larissa
I can never answer that question either!