R. Eric Thomas answers a reader's question about dealing with a family member who gives cheap gifts. The reader's son was upset after receiving a secondhand gift from another family member, especially since he spent $100 on each of their family members. Thomas suggests setting a price limit on gifts or electing someone else to do the buying.
In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to a question about how to deal with cheap gift-givers. Our entire family of 10 exchanges gifts for Christmas. One family just gave my son something that looks cheap and probably purchased at a secondhand store .
He was furious, as he spent $100 on each of their family members. So, I told him to be gracious and just maybe spend less next year, but he doesn’t even want to give them anything next year.If I’m reading this correctly, each family gives gifts to the other branches of the family and your son was tasked with buying on your branch’s behalf this year. If that’s true, then I understand his frustration.
Thinking charitably , the other family may have picked out the secondhand gift as something your son would like, a unique, even considerate gesture. But maybe they’re just inconsiderate gift-givers. Such is the risk we take when giving and receiving gifts. You can avoid this in the future by setting a price limit on gifts and advising your son to adjust his expectations. Or you can elect someone else to do the buying.Asking Eric: I’m tired of trying to solve all of my family’s problems©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our
Gift Giving Family Dynamics Secondhand Gifts Price Limits Gift Exchange
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Asking Eric: Our more modest gifts drew a distressing responseThese well-paid adults sent a wish list beyond our budget.
Read more »
Asking Eric: Self-described people-pleaser fears disappointing therapistJoe Nguyen is a digital strategist for The Denver Post. Previously he was the online prep sports editor. Prior to that, he covered Adams County and Aurora in the YourHub section. He has previously covered Colorado’s Asian-American communities as editor for Asian Avenue magazine and AsiaXpress.com.
Read more »
Asking Eric: Self-described people-pleaser wants to seek therapy, but fears disappointing the therapistAdvice from R. Eric Thomas.
Read more »
Asking Eric: Our neighbors’ home repairs might damage the whole neighborhoodIn today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who is concerned about their neighbors hiring unlicensed concrete workers.
Read more »
Asking Eric: Neighbors worry about unlicensed contractors next doorJoe Nguyen is a digital strategist for The Denver Post. Previously he was the online prep sports editor. Prior to that, he covered Adams County and Aurora in the YourHub section. He has previously covered Colorado’s Asian-American communities as editor for Asian Avenue magazine and AsiaXpress.com.
Read more »
Asking Eric: I took a quiet friend to a loud Thanksgiving and got snarky blowbackShe indicated she’d like to join us again. My son votes no.
Read more »