opinions please on exchanging a gift

[thumpersfriend]

My stepdad passed away a few months ago. His family was never around and I live a few doors away. I am a retired nurse and basically did hospice care when hospice was unable, which was alot for about 2 months. I was happy to do it because my 80 year old mom insisted he not go to a nursing home where the hospital wanted to send him. Anyway, I received from his kids a $700 room gift only to a casino that is only about 30 minutes away. I like to go to the casino once in a while but I would rather have the money. The only way to get the money would be a cash card at the casino for slot play for the other card.The person who bought the card would have to call and exchange the card. I would love to tell his kids that I would rather have that but I don't want it to sound like I didn't appreciate their gift. What would you do?

 

[Disney Doll]

I'd probably say thank you and go stay in the room.
To do anything else will look ungrateful.

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thanks Disney Doll. Some people are telling me to get them to exchange it. I came here for the best advice though. Thanks

 

[diznygirl]

My brother did this to me once - assumed the price of the gift was the gift instead of the gift itself.

You could tell them that you would never use the room and ask them to choose something else - but expecting the $700 would be in poor taste.

They probably felt it would be a nice relaxing getaway after all you've put yourself through. I would accept it in the spirit it was intended and be appreciative they thought of you so kindly.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My stepdad passed away a few months ago. His family was never around and I live a few doors away. I am a retired nurse and basically did hospice care when hospice was unable, which was alot for about 2 months. I was happy to do it because my 80 year old mom insisted he not go to a nursing home where the hospital wanted to send him. Anyway, I received from his kids a $700 room gift only to a casino that is only about 30 minutes away. I like to go to the casino once in a while but I would rather have the money. The only way to get the money would be a cash card at the casino for slot play for the other card.The person who bought the card would have to call and exchange the card. I would love to tell his kids that I would rather have that but I don't want it to sound like I didn't appreciate their gift. What would you do?

So do you have to stay in a room that is $700 or is this money for the casino or a combo of both?

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thanks Disnygirl. The casino is very smart and won't exchange for plain cash. There are other cards that give casino play only, so I couldn't get the money anyway. I really don't want the cash but it is such a waste for me to use a hotel only 30 minutes away and then probably spend more to gamble a little. They did this because I would take their dad to the casino on senior day where we got $20 to gamble and he told them ( I guess ) that he wanted me to enjoy the casino too when he was gone. Either way it was a nice gesture, but I was really excited I have to admit when they sent the card for the casino for $700 but then realized it was was for the hotel only.

 

[disykat]

In this case, I would say asking for the exchange is okay for several reasons.

One, you are still showing appreciation for the casino idea - it's just exchanging staying in a room for money to play the slots - not asking for cash instead - right?

Two, this doesn't seem like a normal "gift" to me. It is a thank you for specific services you provided - in a way it's kind of a "payment." I'm sure that they would really like it to be something that you enjoy.

Honestly, they may not have realized exactly what they were getting you. It seems silly to give you a hotel room (which you didn't need because you live nearby) but no money for the entertainment (which would be the reason for going in the first place.) They probably thought they were giving you a card you could use as you pleased at the casino.

 

[thumpersfriend]

I forgot to say that the room costs $255 a night. They give each person $25 to gamble that day, my husband does not gamble so instead of giving me $50, they so no to that. So I could go 2 times and it would be $510 and I would get $50 total to gamble. So I would have to use the rest of it in their food court and a restaurant.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Thanks Disnygirl. The casino is very smart and won't exchange for plain cash. There are other cards that give casino play only, so I couldn't get the money anyway. I really don't want the cash but it is such a waste for me to use a hotel only 30 minutes away and then probably spend more to gamble a little. They did this because I would take their dad to the casino on senior day where we got $20 to gamble and he told them ( I guess ) that he wanted me to enjoy the casino too when he was gone. Either way it was a nice gesture, but I was really excited I have to admit when they sent the card for the casino for $700 but then realized it was was for the hotel only.

Hotel only? That blows. You live 30 mins away and don't need a hotel room.

I would call them and tell them you think a mistake was made. It may have been a genuine error.

 

[phorsenuf]

I forgot to say that the room costs $255 a night. They give each person $25 to gamble that day, my husband does not gamble so instead of giving me $50, they so no to that. So I could go 2 times and it would be $510 and I would get $50 total to gamble. So I would have to use the rest of it in their food court and a restaurant.

Do they have a spa there you could use it at? What about for room service. Even if it is 30 minutes away going away over night with hubby, ordering up room service, maybe soaking in a tub.......sounds nice to me.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I forgot to say that the room costs $255 a night. They give each person $25 to gamble that day, my husband does not gamble so instead of giving me $50, they so no to that. So I could go 2 times and it would be $510 and I would get $50 total to gamble. So I would have to use the rest of it in their food court and a restaurant.

So they bought you one of those "weekend getaway" packages, right? You are probably hosed. I would just go and enjoy myself.

 

[thumpersfriend]

The Mystery Machine, I called the casino and they said that it could be exchanged for a slot machine card instead but the person who put it on the credit card has to send a check to them and I would have to take the card to them to cancel. So it could be exchanged but I was worried I would hurt their feelings. It would cost more money for us to stay. They give you 20% off a spa treatment that is about $100. I really think their dad wanted me to have the slot machine card and try to win some money.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

The Mystery Machine, I called the casino and they said that it could be exchanged for a slot machine card instead but the person who put it on the credit card has to send a check to them and I would have to take the card to them to cancel. So it could be exchanged but I was worried I would hurt their feelings. It would cost more money for us to stay. They give you 20% off a spa treatment that is about $100. I really think their dad wanted me to have the slot machine card and try to win some money.

Well honestly you probably will look ungracious as DD says however the gift they gave you it is a little on the ridiculous side.

They might take the whole thing back. Are you OK with that?

 

[padams]

I would just go spend some nights at the hotel. To ask for an exchange would be tacky. Be grateful that they gave you anything (and I realize you weren't expecting it).

 

[Ember]

Truthfully, if it were me, I would head to the casino and see if anyone wanted to buy the card from me for, say, $650. I've done this with other gift cards I'll never use. For the person buying the card they save some money and you get cash. Of course, I've never done it with anything that big before...

 

[wdwfan16]

I'd probably say thank you and go stay in the room.
To do anything else will look ungrateful.

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thank you everyone for the advice. there is no way I would want to have someone think I was not grateful for a gift. So I will not say anything to them about it and accept it in the spirit it was given. I honestly was hoping for the gambling card and have a chance of making some exta bucks. I have been saving to take my granddaughter to WDW again. She has autism and when she was 4 we went and had a magical time, she is 7 now. Harder to save now that we are retired. Oh well, I probably would have lost every penny anyways, lol! Thanks again, a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. You all are the best.

 

[rie'smom]

I'd take the gift and say Thank-you.