DCV stay at a Bat Mitzvah Gift?

[CarolA]

I would like your thoughts on this..

I have a friend who has two daughters who will celebrate thier Bat Mitzvah over the next year and a half or so. One in Feb 2005 and one in April 2006. I am a Southern Girl and to be honest have practically no Jewish friends (my friend is not Jewish, but her husband is)

My friend joked with me that I didn't have to give them a gift, a week at Disney would be fine (She was joking!!!) I have given them stays before and she always wants to pay (and I won't let her!)

So... I thought I might do it again. Give them a week in a 2 Bedroom either next Feb during the winter break or maybe this summer? What do you think? Would this be appropriate or should I just stick to the standard $100?

 

[KNWVIKING]

Wish I was a Jewish friend of yours !!!

I think the points are a great gift but it's also one of those gifts that will cost the parents some major bucks for food,tickets & travel.

 

[rocketriter]

Yes, definitely ask the parents first, and give some thought to whether the girls would travel alone (perhaps not what you intended) or with their families. If the parents are OK with the arrangements and the other costs, then be sure that you are giving an extraordinary gift.

By the way, if you decide to give a cash gift, it's very good form to give it in multiples of $18, which relates back to an ancient symbol of good luck. That means you'd write your check for $18, $36 or some other multiple (bearing in mind that a simple $18 is just fine).

 

[pumpkinboy]

Folks do go all out for Bat/Bar Mitzvahs, but a week in a 2BR would be a VERY generous gift, perhaps over the top. Maybe 5 weeknights (Sun-Thurs), and let them figure out the weekend on their own maybe.

I live in a town (Newton Mass, safest city in America this year, BTW) which is about 30% Jewish, and we have been invited to quite a few Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Now some are very fancy affairs, with the parents spending nearly as much as a wedding celebration. Perhaps you might think of it as one notch down from a wedding present. Since it seems that these are very close friends (they have been on vacation with you and all), and are apparently close to their daughter, consider what you might give her 15 or so yrs from now when she gets married - maybe that's when you give her a DVC week, but in a 1BR with her hubby.

I think a whole week in a 2BR might be over the top. Perhaps the cash idea might be more appropriate at this point, and aim for the multiple of 18 maybe, like $108, or $180.

 

[cherylp3]

I think it would be unque as well.

 

[CarolA]

I was planning to bring this up with the mom when I went to visit this weekend. (She will probably love the idea, I then have to let her convince the hubby! He is not the Disney fan. She loved it and so do the kids) I don't think 13 year old girls would be allowed to go alone

PumpkinBoy, My friends live very close to Newton. And they are spending more on this event then they did on their wedding LOL!

This girl and I are like sisters and the reason I would go with the two bedroom is so her parents could join them. (we have been very close friends since we were in 4th grade and we are both in our 40s) I also will be required to go for a few days. Daugther #1 is a thrill ride junkie. Mom, Dad, Sis, and all grandparents are wimps! Aunt Carol is required to attend and ride the scary stuff with daughter #1. (I had to go to Gatlinburg to do Dollywood with them just for this reason!)

If I do this, it will probably be the Sun-Friday deal.

I am certainly not doing this because it is cheaper. I could easily get away with the cash, but I know the girls and mom would love this and it gives my friend and I an excuse to convince Dad to go again.

Thanks!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Well, what you propose certainly would be a very nice Bat Mitzvah gift. And I think 5 days in a 2BR would be appropriate, not over the top, and since you, Aunt Carol, would be joining them to help the honoree enjoy the thrill rides, it'll be even more personal. I am sure your freind's daughter will cherish it.

 

[rocketriter]

Enjoy, and Mazel Tov!