Help me choose!

[Immadismom]

Politely tell my boss thank you but ask him to give it to charity instead. I don't like gifts that are given with a caveat. Either give me a gift or not.

Unfortunately the caveat is from HR, not my boss himself. He’d prefer to give cash or a gift card, but this is against policy. He also cannot donate the $ to charity.

 

[unrequited23]

So, if it was me I would buy a book of lawn seat tickets for my local orchestra's summer outdoor concert venue. Is there an experience or membership you have been intrigued by, but dismissed due to price or not being sure it was a 'good value'?

 

[disykat]

I would go with option 1. Then, since it was money you would have spent anyway, put the money in an imaginary "bank" and some day when you find something you want to treat yourself with, do it!

 

[mjkacmom]

I would do the second 1/2 of number 1, and spend the rest on #5. That is if it can be split. This is a gift for you! No vacuum, no gifts for others Spoil yourself, you deserve it

I spoil myself with a new roomba every 4 or 5 years.

 

[Travel60]

IMO if you can afford to consider blowing $150 on 1, 4, 5, you can afford to pony up the extra for a good vacuum. But, I'm at a point of life that I don't want "stuff" unless it's useful.

 

[Sinder]

Provided I didn't need it to go towards something for someone else I'd definitely splurge and get something I wouldn't normally buy for myself.
I'd buy a really nice piece of cookware for myself

 

[tvguy]

Of the options, #1 would be my choice.
Looks like your Christmas budget is amazingly generous already.
And to be honest, I can't imagine $150 of candles. Fire hazard anyway.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I would vote for #1, but the vacuum sounds pretty tempting... still #1

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Unfortunately the caveat is from HR, not my boss himself. He’d prefer to give cash or a gift card, but this is against policy. He also cannot donate the $ to charity.

At least they didn't hand out cards like this!

 

[figment52]

I would do a modification of #2 - use it to buy your son's gift BUT then put $150 in an envelope FOR YOURSELF and spend it later on something for you.

 

[lisaviolet]

Annual pass to Cinemark/Regal/AMC

That exists? Jealous. Unlimited?

 

[TwoMisfits]

That exists? Jealous. Unlimited?

Regal/AMC virtually unlimited - 3 movies/week (with Regal being about $150 with its current Xmas deal for 1 year - I think AMC is more, but I don't usually look b/c I don't have one nearby)...Cinemark's is $100, and only 1 movie/month, BUT it lets you buy extra discounted tickets and save tickets month to month (so more useable by families who just want a movie/month)...

 

[kirstenb1]

You mentioned Brooks running shoes, which I also love. Have you seen the Brooks Ghost 14 new black leopard print, with the purple insignia? You really can never have too many running shoes!! Or a really cute outfit to go with your new shoes? For years, I dressed like a hobo when I worked out. Couldn't afford cute clothes, once I paid for the shoes. Lately my splurge is multiple pairs of running shoes, and outfits, so I always match. I feel so bougie!

 

[lisaviolet]

Regal/AMC virtually unlimited - 3 movies/week (with Regal being about $150 with its current Xmas deal for 1 year - I think AMC is more, but I don't usually look b/c I don't have one nearby)...Cinemark's is $100, and only 1 movie/month, BUT it lets you buy extra discounted tickets and save tickets month to month (so more useable by families who just want a movie/month)...

That is wonderful.

We used to have AMC here (Canada) but they did not stay long. I did Sinemia before they went bat **** crazy. And then of course folded.

I guess our new program up here is close to Cinemark, but I would rather pay a flat fee.

 

[lisaviolet]

@Immadismom, any decision?

 

[Imzadi]

3. Purchase a robot vacuum - Amazon has an iRobot on sale for $179, so I’d have to cover the difference. I also would prefer a Shark robot vac, but they’re much more $, and not really in my budget at the moment.

Buy the vacuum. Return it for the money or a gift card or store credit. Any of those will give you more than 5 days to use the funds again. Then wait until you have the rest of the money to buy the vacuum you do want.

 

[Immadismom]

@Immadismom, any decision?

Since I was on a time crunch and having such a hard time choosing, I ended up going with option #1, and then put $100 of my own money aside toward whatever I ultimately decide to get. I really do want ther robot vac, but don’t want to kick out an extra $350 three weeks before Christmas when I wasn’t planning to. I certainly can afford to, but I’d have to shuffle a few things round and don’t want to deal with that hassle when a gift should be fun!

 

[lisaviolet]

Since I was on a time crunch and having such a hard time choosing, I ended up going with option #1, and then put $100 of my own money aside toward whatever I ultimately decide to get. I really do want ther robot vac, but don’t want to kick out an extra $350 three weeks before Christmas when I wasn’t planning to. I certainly can afford to, but I’d have to shuffle a few things round and don’t want to deal with that hassle when a gift should be fun!

I can't believe I was so attached to a stranger's Christmas gift from her boss. But I was!

Hope there is plenty for you in that Amazon shopping cart Immadismom. Enjoy.
And Merry Christmas.

 

[Immadismom]

I can't believe I was so attached to a stranger's Christmas gift from her boss. But I was!

Hope there is plenty for you in that Amazon shopping cart Immadismom. Enjoy.
And Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!

PS - $50 of the Amazon cart was pricey haircare items I love, but HATE spending $ on.