Wedding Present/s for Friends


EDIT We've decided that we're going to give them money instead of an actual gift. The bride is half-chinese and I understand that it is not uncommon for chinese couples to receive money in a red envelop as wedding presents.

We can't agree on what would be a fair amount.My upper limit is $400 , hubby's is $1000. What would be an appropriate amount pls? I was told that a lucky amount to give for a wedding is $686? Is that correct? Is it the only lucky number?

We are also not going to attend the actual wedding ceremony. We are instead going to a dinner party in the father-in-law's backyard. There will be entertainment( music?) and a catered dinner.

Thanks:)


Hi :)

My friend:
I met her on my way back from uni. We used to take the same train and get off at the same station. We soon realised that we didn't leave that far from each other and started carpooling for the rest of the semester. She's nice. I like her.

His friend:
My husband has known his friend for almost 2 years. They work together. They get along but rarely do anything outside of work together.

The meeting:
One day, as I was driving hubby's car, hubby's friend saw the car.Thinking it was my husband who was driving, he pulled over. He saw me instead… and then he saw my friend. Their eyes crossed and it was Love!

They are getting married next month and we are invited, of course. However my understanding is that as I am a friend of the bride and hubby is a friend of the groom, they expect us to get them 2 gifts: one from each of us. They also expect the gifts to be expensive ones as we are now, according to them, the best of friends. We are not. Their meeting was serendipitous and had nothing to do with me. I don't see why our relationship has to change or why they constantly expect us to go on double-dates and even less why they expect us to give them 2 expensive wedding presents.

What is ozb take on this? 1 reasonably-prized gift or 2 expensive ones?

TL;DR : Hubby's colleague and an acquaintance/friend of mine are getting married and they expect 2 presents from us : 1 from hubby and 1 from me.

Poll Options

  • 9
    You've already given them the greatest gift of all: each other! No more.
  • 5
    Stop being a tight arse and celebrate love. Get them 2 presents.
  • 174
    One gift is fine. Why spend more money than you have to?

Comments

  • +6

    I love the option :

    You've already given them the greatest gift of all: each other! No more.

    LOL! Is it ever acceptable to be this tightass? o.O

    • +4

      An envelope for each of them with a slip of paper saying the other's name. Hahahahha

      • +14

        i first read this as "An eneloop for each of them with a slip of paper saying the other's name"
        & thought yep that will now ensure they are besties..

  • +3

    I know I'm gonna get burnt on the stake. What nationality?

    • Have a guess :)

  • +8

    My understanding is $200 is standard for a wedding present for your friends.

    • +1

      The cheapest thing on the registry is $375. Its a lamp.

      • +52

        Screw that, that is extreme arrogance. I wouldn't buy anything.

      • +3

        We had towel sets, so people could buy one towel or the whole set depending on how much they wanted of could spend.

        375$ is crazy expensive

      • +5

        So what is on the top of the list? A beamer?

        I would have expected that being the match maker, you would have gotten something from them instead…like a small thank you gift for the blessing…

        • +4

          true this, I have heard in some culture's, the matchmaker is given gold bangles, maybe ask them about this and google which culture's before.

        • +4

          @jdf: And ask for two gold bangles… seeing as you know… wicket set the bride up and JJB set the groom up… so just like their logic… one from each of the bride and groom.

      • +4

        The cheapest thing on the registry is $375. Its a lamp.

        Is there a genie inside it?

        • +1

          Its a gold leaf lamp. Looks ok. Like a kid's DIY project.

    • That wouldn't even cover the seat for 2 guests at a normal wedding….

      for eg in Sydney, your Navara Venues, Doltone Houses, Sergeants Mess, Gunnars Barracks and any other up style reception venues.. are pretty much $150 (adult) a head.. (some are $170-$180 (adult) a head). Usually half adult cost for kids.

      I always have a rule of thumb, find out the cost per head and repay that in gifts (plus $100 ontop) and if the reception or venue is significantly cheaper, then its common sense.

      I understand their are families who have several kids in which it may be difficult to pay the per head price.. but if you are just a couple, i am sure its fine.

      • +1

        Its not about getting your money back. Anyway, OP is not even going to the wedding.

        • +1

          I think you misunderstood.

          To be fair when I go to a wedding, I would generally pay for myself and my partners seat (and add a little bit more).

          Yes people can say that weddings aren't about presents etc, but just out of respect I repay them the per head cost..

        • +4

          @Puska: the reception is in the father in laws backyard so I'm guessing costs would not be like the costs at an actual reception venue

      • Kids shouldn't be at wedding receptions. Unless they are the bride and groom kids.

    • Our friends usually give $100-$200 at weddings
      Our registry only had a handful of items over $200, that's a generous enough gift and I didn't realise people expect to be spending $500+

  • One higher value gift instead of 2x lower value is fair.

    • +3

      But would you say we're close friends? If we're not close friends, why a higher value gift?

      She is someone I carpooled with , 2 days a week, for 8 weeks. Its a 15 minutes drive. We've had them at our place twice (they mostly self-invited themselves) and we went to the movie and dinner once ( they chose the movie, we paid). They've never returned the favour. Their excuse is that their place is not kid-friendly o.O

      I'm pretty sure that hubby also gave them a couple spa treatment that he got for free from a client. I like them but I feel like we're being taken advantage of and its not a nice feeling :(

      • +14

        You obviously do not value the friendship at all so why are you stressing, by them a toaster from Big W and if they get there nose out of joint why would you care?

      • Ooh ooh. An envelope for each of them, with a slip of paper saying the other's name AND the movie stub!

        or a movie ticket to any movie of their choice. heh

        • https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/195031

          this might save them a fortune…

          here's a tip.

          if you need to ask on ozbargain whether they are close friends, the answer is pretty straight forward.

      • +1

        Wow.. if you're being taken advantage and they want something expensive from you guys, I'd say ignore it. Just give what you think is worth it for them. I'd rather be not friends with them anymore. No use having friends when they treat you as they wish :(

        • Seriously, I would just not go to the wedding. RSVP No and make up some family thing I couldn't get out of that weekend. If they get upset, big deal. Better off not having friends like these judging from OP's comments about their hinting about gifts etc.

  • +5

    You said it was to your understanding that they expected 2 expensive gifts, but was it explicitly asked for or just somehow hinted?

    Given they consider you to be such close friends it shouldn't matter what you give them because your "friendship" shouldn't be determined by material value. Just a note to be careful if it was something straight out expected/demanded though, I would be wary of the emotional investment into friendship. This is probably too deep for the situation and not really amazing advice, since you would know her best and as you say she is a nice person, but there is always more to know about people and they do change.

    If I were to take a guess, it sounds like there is an over estimation/expectation of friendship between the male partners from your friend. Totally normal if this is the case - she's probably just very excited about it all.

    I voted one. If you were best friends enough that you would get them two super expensive gifts then this question would not have been asked. Rather it's whether you should meet their expectation - what's the worst that could happen if you spent just a reasonable amount on a wedding gift? Friendship questioned? Wedding spoiled?

    If one gift instead of two would spoil their entire wedding I would question the wedding.
    If it would spoil a friendship there's probably something there you don't want to get super close to anyways.

    according to them, the best of friends. We are not.

    One reasonable but thoughtful gift could also be a gentle hint that you are a little less enthusiastic but still support and appreciate their union.

    • You said it was to your understanding that they expected 2 expensive gifts, but was it explicitly asked for or just somehow hinted?

      They asked me what I was getting and then what my husband's getting them. They want 2 of this

      • +8

        Wow. Both at the request and the straight forwardness. I'm not actually sure how normal it is to request a specific gift, or ask what the gift is beforehand, but that feels down right calculated to have even been asked that in the first place. If it wasn't calculated and was a completely natural question to ask then that is their expectation of you both. Personally at this stage regardless of which it was, I would feel offended to be considered separate to my SO - particularly with matters regarding money.

        Honestly though, I would get them something else entirely (still nice but not so costly and probably only one.. depending) and tell them "we" wanted to gift them with a present that was "from us personally" that had meaning that you (both) chose.

        They probably have standards set so I wouldn't be getting them a cheaper version of what was requested, just something different. Also, If they want two and you only give one, you might not feel very good after having spent that much if you just get judged for it afterwards.

        Another thing to consider is the cost of their wedding. If the wedding is one of those explosively expensive weddings that are going to cost them ten times as much to cater for having you there it would make a little bit more sense.. But still wouldn't be quite so fair.

        Just curious, would you ever receive the same kind of expectation for other celebratory gifts like birthdays and Christmas?

        • Just curious, would you ever receive the same kind of expectation for other celebratory gifts like birthdays and Christmas?

          Nope

        • +1

          @wicket1120: Whoops, I meant: Would they do the same thing to you again for something like their birthday parties or a baby shower, etc.?
          My apologies if my choice of wording sounded offensive instead.

          I just saw below:

          Not getting them would ruin their special day.

          Also:

          We're not going to the actual wedding. They are getting marrried overseas. We're attending a reception/dinner that they are having when they get back from their honeymoon.

          This is where I start running would start to consider how the future of your relationship with them as friends would look if you didn't at least let them know where you stand (not as in drop them, but just imagine how its gonna be every time something like this comes up). It sounds to me like there is a culture difference which may be what's coming into play here, but they also need to appreciate yours.

          I still say get them something you believe is appropriate. I take it the gifts wont make it to them until the reception then? In which case you probably don't need to tread too lightly about ruining their wedding given it feels like more of a spoiling session after the celebrations are all over. In my personal opinion I don't think its even a high priority given it's after the honeymoon, but that could just be a location-convenient thing.

          If you are getting them something else and you are worried you may spoil their wedding, let them know beforehand that you will be selecting your own gift(s) for them. Regardless of the outcome, or how the situation actually is (since this is mostly my imagination getting to work here), I think letting them know you are opting for a different gift should mostly work better for both parties, if said earlier than later (unless of course you change your mind after).

        • +1

          @Myrtacaea:

          Not offended :)

  • I am interested in how you know they expect 2 gifts, and, expensive one? Did they allude to or they just be candid about it?

      • +2

        My bad didn't read the preceding post

        Is this a trend now that people will ask this kind of thing directly? Furthermore say what they want specifically? (I can't believe people will say this so directly)

        Well I would just go for one gift that is of reasonable price which is given by you and your husband. From your reply it sounds like they are more like "using" you, not the real friendship that I want, and I believe not you want either. And I don't think "best of friends" will ask for the gift in this way? So giving them one gift will surely disappoint them but at least let them know that you are not "easily to be taken advantage".

        • +2

          I might be too cheapo, but if it's my wedding, I'd only want my best friend to be there. And I wouldn't want expensive presents too, I'd prefer something more personal. Even better if it's something she makes herself. Or personalised order or something. Not just things from my wedding registry… but that's me. But yeah, sorry wicket, I think this friend might use you a bit or prob just a high maintenance one :/

          About lucky number, 888 is very good for chinese, but there are some other good numbers coming up lately i.e. 1314 (means forever). But this only works if the bride speaks mandarin.

          Check out this link on Combination part: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_in_Chinese_culture

  • +4

    I voted C.

    They're not the centre of your universe, even if they were your best friends. Quite ballsy of them to list those $500 tables (and two of them at that) as 'wants'. Think about your own circumstances - do you have priorities in your own family's life which are more important than blowing that grand on some little tables for wedding gifts to friends who aren't really even your best mates?

    • +2

      do you have priorities in your own family's life which are more important than blowing that grand on some little tables for wedding gifts to friends who aren't really even your best mates?

      My point, exactly. JJB thinks otherwise. Hence the poll. 43 to 3 : looks like I'm winning this argument :)

  • +1

    If your creative you could always make them a gift of some description (not something crappy however). Take the focus of the monetary value of your gift with an emphasis on something sentimental that you made for them. This however is usually better when you are actually good friends with them, have been to their house etc, know them and something that they would like but not necessarily have thought of.

    Them having only expensive things on the registry, actually asking you what you are getting them and then what your hubby is getting them would make me personally want to give them little. It sounds like you haven't got a lot to lose friendship wise (Both it sounds like it isn't that close a friendship and they sound self centered) so do what your comfortable with and if they have an issue then that's their problem.

  • +1

    Two gifts yes (count as number of guests invited), two expensive gifts no.

    Weddings aren't cheap nowadays but it sounds like the registry items are somewhat premium-priced even above that..

    • +2

      Are you saying that every couple who gets invited to a wedding should bring two gifts? I kind of get (but disagree with) the brides logic but have never know of a expectation of 1 gift per guest.

    • +2

      Weddings aren't cheap nowadays

      Isn't there an old saying that goes "Cut your coat according to your cloth."

      We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary not so long ago. Initially we were going to do it in our backyard but then so many people rsvp that we ended up doing it at a reception venue in the dandenongs.We didn't ask for gifts. We were touched that our friends and family had chosen to spend their sunday with us celebrating our special day:)

      • +1

        +1 for the saying, my mum literally drilled this into us growing up.

  • +2

    at least they had the decency to find the tables for you, on sale! (Kidding)

    Seriously, I think one of those tables is super expensive . If you want to get one of them, then do that, but if not … Get them whatever you want and spend what you think is reasonable, according to your budget and how much you value them. One gift, not two, unless you were planning to spend up to an amount, and the gifts were a lot lower value than that, e.g. Budget $200, glassware set $80, cutlery set $110, card and wrapping $10… If Chinese, usually money in a red packet is ok too.

  • +12

    Give them the present of suddenly having family commitments which require you to be elsewhere on their wedding day.

  • +3

    They sound annoying. I say get one present, maybe cheapest thing on the registry, and then they might be angry and never ask for a double date or invite themselves over again (yay!).

    Though $375 is crazy for a lamp, it does cover the reception and dinner for the two of you, doesn't it? I would get a present that covers the cost for the two of you plus a bit more, but enough to say "We are NOT the best of friends".

    • Seriously unless they are inviting very select part of the population I think they are going to be disappointed by gifts given by all people.

      Just work out how much you feel would be appropriate for a gift and give that much in cash/gift card. (or if you can find a present then that)

  • +1

    if your considering ending the friendship and telling them to go jump
    buy them two of these as a wedding gift!
    http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20193658/

    if they were close friends and i've known them for over 10 years, and i was getting married so i could demand a present, yes i might consider them one (not two)

    but the sounds of ur post on how long you know them and how you aint that close, two ikea tables will be fine!

    i'm sure the green one is on discount this week for 7.99, you can get them three!

  • I say only give what you're comfortable with and what you believe is appropriate for this relationship and how close you feel towards them, not the other way around . If the friendship ends because you didn't get them what they demanded… Well it's probably not a relationship worth keeping.

  • Those side tables are a bargain.Only $499!!! Down from $1,136.85. That's a saving of $637.85!!! They are butt-ugly but hey , you're saving more than you're actually paying for them!!! Buy them now before they get ozbargained! :p

    On a more serious note, thought you'd be more elated about this union, considering how instrumental you were in them meeting and falling in love.

    Stop being such a TA ( sorry TA).If it makes you feel better, get JJB to pay for both and include a note that stipulates that they can keep the butt-ugly tables only on the condition that they name their first born after you:)

    • Suddenly I see the appeal of getting married. Create registry of insanely expensive gifts. Get as many acquaintances to give me all those expensive gifts. Live in luxury. Get divorce. Continue to live in luxury (I'd probably have to move somewhere where those acquaintances can't track me down though).

      Upside: Karma doesn't exist. Downside: my conscience does :( I also don't have enough friends or acquaintances to make a wedding like that profitable enough either. lulz the joke is on me.

      Luckily I have cheap taste & am quite happy with what I have :D lol

      • A colleague got married 3 years ago and we gave her $300 in an envelope.2.5 years later, she got divorced and threw a divorce party. She was expecting another gift to celebrate that she was "single and ready to mingle again". I caved in and paid for a spa treatment of some sort.Can't remember what it was exactly but it was worth about $150. In my defence, her ex was a jealous, possessive jerk, so I was happy to celebrate that she got rid of him.

        • What the hell?? Gifts for a divorce party? I can understand the party, but expecting gifts is pretty obnoxious. No offence but your friends sound annoying :P

        • @notarealperson: They are colleagues, not friends. My friends are either really awesome or funny.

      • What is this conscience you speak of? I know not such a thing…

        @Nick Larson

        I don't think it is so much a TA move (sorz TA), but it would be more on the principle… asking for two gift just because wicket knows the bride and JJB knows the groom is just being an entitled prick(s).

      • +1

        Suddenly I see the appeal of getting married

        Married people have better, more fulfilling sex. you're welcome…and don't forget to invite me :p

  • +4

    The best present would be sending them a link to this post!

    • We've discussed it with them actually. It would seem that they really have their heart set on getting those tables and everything else that's on the registry.Not getting them would ruin their special day.

      • +20

        They have some serious problems if the gifts are such a concern. The best gift anyone ever gave me for my wedding was their attendance and blessings. Also it doesn't matter how much money they spend on their wedding, that shouldn't dictate what you give as a gift. What they spend on their wedding is their choice, just as what you spend for their gift is your choice. I personally think it's outrageously rude to ask people to buy you specific items.

        • I completely agree.

          I understand the notion of a registry/wishing well to prevent your house filling up with toasters but it feels almost childish to think that not getting gifts they want would ruin the wedding.

          Its like a child not getting the toy they wanted for the birthday. lol

      • +7

        What a bunch of greedy manipulators.

      • +1

        I sense theres another angle to this picture. The current consensus of everyone are not favourable on this couple.

        So why then does it sound like JJB doesn't mind spending up on this couple? Why!?!?!? :) whats your side of this mate?

        • +1

          So why then does it sound like JJB doesn't mind spending up on this couple?

          Our parents weren't exactly on board with the idea of the JJB and I getting married.They cut us off financially and didn't attend our wedding.We were uni students at the time and didn't have much (any?) savings.Our friends, who were also uni students, gave us a couch, a dining table, a microwave , a bar fridge and a water bed as wedding presents . Everything was second-hand but they were our most prized possessions for a very long time.

          Without our friends' generosity, we wouldn't have been able to move into our own place after we got married. We were deeply touched and grateful for their generosity and have always tried thereafter to give as generously as we could to other newly-weds as a way of paying it forward.

          While I still like the concept of paying it forward, I, unlike JJB, believe its time we modified it to include only newly-weds who actually need /deserve our generosity.

      • The best present would be sending them a link to this post!

        .

        We've discussed it with them actually

        This topic, have they read it?

        Is it going to be a very expensive wedding? I have generally thought as a rule of thumb I spend roughly the amount on a wedding gift that it costs them for my wife and myself to attend the wedding.

        If they don't get everything else that's on the registry which they probably wont (unless they are putting the hard word on other guests as well) then its their choice if they let t ruin their day or not.

        • true, if they are flying you to some island to have the wedding then buy a set is ok

        • +1

          @tryagain
          Well, if they just going to a backyard receiption than by your logic the amount they should spend on a gift would be about $80. And given the attitude of the couple, I think that is enough. You could make it $88, so it's a lucky number in chinese :)

  • +9

    Get the table and cut it in half. Problem solved.

  • +1

    It's really up to you depending on how much you and your husband value the friendship, and whether that is enough for the two of you to want to fork out a grand as a wedding present. If you feel $1,000 and the luxury of two gifts is a bit much to ask for, maybe talk to them about this issue - it may be that they potentially don't realise how douchey they're coming off by asking this of you.

  • Oops suddenly one of your distant auntie dies somewhere and you are off course can not come.

  • +1

    If you know their other friends consider a joint gift with a bunch of people to get those ugly, overpriced, fake antique tables.

    Edit: Hand made with golf lead, $1200 bargain! Hehe

    Edit: even one seems expensive, are you well off? Are they? Gauge their lifestyle.

  • +2

    Please tell them you would love to come but there has been a sudden death - death of a friendship - and you can't go.

    • We're not going to the actual wedding. They are getting marrried overseas. We're attending a reception/dinner that they are having when they get back from their honeymoon.

      • …………..just wow, at east you weren't required to buy a plane ticket to fly with them!

  • +3

    they sound like entitled, obnoxious *****

  • +1

    It seems like your "friends" are upgrading their friendship status with you to "close" friends so they can get expensive gifts.

    In my opinion you should not buy them two gifts or even an expensive gift. Just think about what you want to give them and buy what you feel appropriate and don't worry about what they think.

  • +1

    It's also how you "feel" about it, for example, you might have a wedding for an actual best friend coming up and you think to yourself, I can't afford to get her this mixer but I wish I could because I know she'd cherish it, we've been through a lot together etc… but then again with a best friend you'd also be willing to contribute by helping with the wedding even if it's just bouncing ideas off, giving tips, maybe doing some baking for the kitchen tea (assuming you weren't a bridesmaid already), or just generally making sure she doesn't become a bridezilla.

    This won't really work considering the cheapest item is that lamp, but I recall with my friend's kitchen tea, everyone used the wedding gift registry but bought the low key kitchen related items, but some glitch happened so she had several wooden spoons and a few of the same baking tray, which were probably easy for her to exchange, but just saying you could just buy the cheapest item and pretend there was a glitch.

    I thought gift registries were a bit outdated now, especially for couples already living together. Btw, do they expect you to sit at different tables haha??

  • Isn't it usually one gift per couple? When I sent my invitation I address it as Mr X & partner (or Mr & Mrs X), so in a sense its one invitation - hence one gift. If you want to get them 2 separate gifts out of friendship then its really up to you, but I don't think you must give 2 gifts.

  • the best of friends. We are not.

    Lol not after this you're not…

    they expect us to get them 2 gifts

    Did they actually say this, or is this your assumptions? If it's the former, they're not your friends… If it is the latter, then "assume makes an ass out of you and me"…

    Just read someone else's post and found out they said it… I'd seriously reconsider going if that is the case…

    1 reasonably-prized gift or 2 expensive ones?

    Did you mean "1 expensive gift or 2 reasonably-prized gift" or did you mean what you wrote, because I'd go with 1 expensive gift at most for the couple to be wed.

    • +1

      I meant what I wrote :)

      They are expecting 2 X$500 gifts when I'm planning to spend $400 at the most.

      • Yeah, what you're looking to spend is what I was thinking when I said "1 expensive gift" lol

  • It sounds like it was all going peachy until they made the request, and now you are second guessing the whole relationship. Find someone else who is going for the wedding, and match the value of the gift from the other people. If this causes your friendship to break down then you know what kind of people they are and you can make a decision if you want to continue associating with them. Good / normal friends will be happy with an ordinary gift/some money - don't go empty handed!

  • +2

    In our family social circle/whatever you want to call it. It's one present per household/invitation.

    Its always cash. 200 for friends distant relatives. More if they're closer 300-500.

    In you're case you'd be better off without them. Before you know it they'll want you to buy the cot for the baby.

  • +9

    $1000 in presents basically for a dinner for 2 because they aren't getting married here. Um no I don't think so. In our culture we give money for gifts but unless they are close - family or really old friends - I would normally give $100 -$200 per guest.

    A wedding isn't about getting your money back. I had a registry but there were options ranging from $10 to $500 - which I knew a group of people wanted to go in together for.
    As much weddings aren't cheap going to a wedding costs a small fortune too.

    No wonder you are her "best friend" I'm sure all the others gave up long ago.

  • +3

    Logged in just to vote.
    What a ridiculous request!!!
    I think standard would be $150pp and more if the friendship is valued.
    Not that you should put a value on friendship, but just something extra that says we're not "JUST FRIENDS".

    Is there an option D? Like spending the money on a quick getaway coincidentally around the same day as the wedding?

    • The official wedding is going to be overseas. We were invited but can't go on such short notice. Plus its a bit harder when you have kids…

      They are having a celebratory dinner for those who won't be able to attend the actual wedding. Celebratory dinner will be in the father-in-law backyard. There will be about 40 guests.

      • +11

        Back yard BBQ is worth bringing along a bottle of good bubbles, and that's it.

        What a horrible, calculating way of sucking money out of you two, who seem pretty nice to me.

        I would not go, no matter what.

        I feel very sorry for you having been put in such a horrible position by a couple of leeches.

        • Agree.. either have a short getaway during the bbq… or go with no more than a nice picture frame. Royal Doulton have nice ones at the outlets for around $50.

  • Best friend =/= spending the most money

    You could buy 1 of the lamps and get another smaller present. If fear is ever a factor in buying a present for a friend then they aren't a friend.

    Unless they saved your life while carpooling. Then buy the mahogany table too

    • We took turns with the carpooling.

  • You could buy something handmade or vintage on etsy and then they will have no idea how much it cost :)
    The value of gifts they receive for their wedding should be the last thing on their minds…a marriage is so much more than a wedding day!

  • You should ask them how long it would take them to earn the $1000 required for the gifts, then ask them if they're willing to give up that amount of time for you.
    For me, that's a week's wages - to spend a week's pay (or 2 * half a week's pay) on a gift for a (very good) friend, it had better be a damn special item that will always remind them of the occasion, and not just be a piece of furniture.

  • +1

    Spend Your money on Your kids OP (and yourselves)! $100 gift card (coles/woolworths) for each of them is more than enough. If they can't appreciate that then they can go and get stu$$ed. Your family is the most important thing, their demands on presents is worth nothing.

  • +5

    Random idea made in the spur of the moment…Dump them. Give no gift. Sell up everything, take JJB and kids to some exotic island utopia to live in peace and tranquility for the remainder of your lives. Don't worry about language. The language is love is enough.

    • Great minds think alike :)

  • +4

    88 bux is the lucky number

    • Actually poll should include $88.88 all in one cent pieces from the looks of things

  • +2

    How about $388? Anything with 8 or a double 8. Haven't heard of $686 being 'lucky' though. And avoid 4.

    • The two major lucky numbers for the Chinese are six and eight, because the word for six sounds likes the Chinese word for "never ending" and the word for eight sounds like the Chinese word for "money". By giving money in amounts that end in six or eight, or have multiple sixes and eights in them (686, 888, etc.) you are showing your wish for the couple to always be happy and wealthy

      • +1

        OP is in luck then, she can give two gifts… one of $16 and one of $18!

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