What do you think of this gift request? Update...No Wii

[Jex]

wanna be passive agressive? buy them a WII yourself just to spite the parents. $200 is cheap revenge to me

This is what I would do, but I would go all out and get all kinds of games and add ons.

 

[Stacerita]

I don't even know them and I just received an email from them asking me to contribute. Have they no shame?

 

[omghidanielle]

My Mom's one sister does this kind of crap all of the time! And they always end up giving in. But the worst part about it is, they will use the $$ on something else!

It got to the point where they would give the $ directly to the kids and take the kids to the store and buy it for them, because every birthday and Christmas went to Mom and Dad.

Now that I think about it...now that it's Christmas Eve Eve, I'm sure I'll get a message tomorrow about "What to do about the kids? Wahh Wahh"

 

[Skywalker]

I don't even know them and I just received an email from them asking me to contribute. Have they no shame?

Please don't cough up the 20 bucks Wall-E1, you'll just make me look bad.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

wanna be passive agressive? buy them a WII yourself just to spite the parents. $200 is cheap revenge to me

Wanna have some real fun ? Let her (the rude parent) know right after Christmas how much your children are enjoying their new X-Box or PS3. You don't actually have to get one - just let her think you do and watch her spin like a top.

 

[sunnyday123]

My Dad got a call from one of my cousins on my mom's side of the family. My mom is out of town visiting my brother's family and won't be home from Christmas. Anyway, cousins tells Dad that everyone decided to go in together on a gift for my Grandparents. My Dad told cousin that he and my Mom had already gotten a gift for them and so wouldn't be participating. Cousin then tells my Dad that he and my Mom have to give because they are "the money people". Dad then tells cousin you are barking up the wrong tree bud. My Mom lost her job in August and hasn't been able to find a new one yet, Dad's job is pretty much just getting them by and they have my youngest brother living at home and he isn't working either. So I guess it is time for my family to find new "money people". I'm just glad I live on the other side of the country

Oh my gosh he must be my brother! My neice ( his daughter ) refers to my Mother as "Mom-Mom Warbucks"-no doubt started by her parents. My brother once mentioned when I needed money for my retainer when I was getting divorced that I should just "hit Mom up, that's what she's for."

But of course, he is 32, married with 3 kids and has never moved out of my Fathers house. He pays no bills, doesn't help with anything-my Dad is 70 and cuts his own grass-and thinks everyone owes him.

I hate when people act so entitled over gifts and what-not. Do they not realize gifts are not required?

OP, were they asking for $20 per child, or $20 all together? I'd have to make a phone call about that last e-mail, they are going to put the blame of not being able to buy a Wii soley on your shoulders, I would bet $$ on it.

 

[kidzmom3]

so what ended up happening???

 

[Skywalker]

so what ended up happening???

Apparently, they did not get the Wii.

I got told about the email that was sent around to all the contributors (so not me, lol).

The email basically said that they did not get enough money for the Wii, so they are going to keep the money in a special Wii fund. They thanked people for being so kind and generous and even specifically thanked those that contributed more but noted that it wasn't enough to cover the people "that sent nothing". They also invited people to contribute (only if they want to!) in the New Year so they can get the Wii faster. Also there was apparently a line about how their kids are so brave they managed to have a good Christmas anyway.

I am baffled by these people. They gave each other spa weekends at some resort place, but no money for the Wii. I guess they need to prioritize better!

I have no idea how many people actually gave them money.

I haven't seen them yet but I will on New Year's Day for a family brunch. I wonder if I will get the cold shoulder.

I mean geez its not like I dislike these people, but I had already bought gifts and don't want to be guilted into this thing! Of course now that they have extended the "Wii fund-raising drive" into the New Year, it is no longer even a Christmas present so that no longer matters. Ugh!

 

[Becky2005]

I haven't seen them yet but I will on New Year's Day for a family brunch. I wonder if I will get the cold shoulder.

Maybe they should set a Wii donation jar out right in the middle of the table for all to contribute to.

It's just crazy. Good Luck and you'll have to let us know how your family brunch goes.

 

[sunnyday123]

Apparently, they did not get the Wii.

I got told about the email that was sent around to all the contributors (so not me, lol).

The email basically said that they did not get enough money for the Wii, so they are going to keep the money in a special Wii fund. They thanked people for being so kind and generous and even specifically thanked those that contributed more but noted that it wasn't enough to cover the people "that sent nothing". They also invited people to contribute (only if they want to!) in the New Year so they can get the Wii faster. Also there was apparently a line about how their kids are so brave they managed to have a good Christmas anyway.

I am baffled by these people. They gave each other spa weekends at some resort place, but no money for the Wii. I guess they need to prioritize better!

I have no idea how many people actually gave them money.

I haven't seen them yet but I will on New Year's Day for a family brunch. I wonder if I will get the cold shoulder.

I mean geez its not like I dislike these people, but I had already bought gifts and don't want to be guilted into this thing! Of course now that they have extended the "Wii fund-raising drive" into the New Year, it is no longer even a Christmas present so that no longer matters. Ugh!

Let us know if they make a clinking noise when they walk. ( that's about as Dis-friendly as I could get)

Seriously, they are keeping the money in a Wii fund?? Those things are only $199 now. They really couldn't get their kids a wii, but they can give each other a spa weekend?? They have more nerve than anyone I can imagine!! How did they react to your gift??

Next year, I am sending an email to everyone to ask for contributions to my "pay off my car and buy me new clothes fund." Can I have their email address???

Hope you had a wonderful holiday!

 

[OceanAnnie]

Apparently, they did not get the Wii.

I got told about the email that was sent around to all the contributors (so not me, lol).

The email basically said that they did not get enough money for the Wii, so they are going to keep the money in a special Wii fund. They thanked people for being so kind and generous and even specifically thanked those that contributed more but noted that it wasn't enough to cover the people "that sent nothing". They also invited people to contribute (only if they want to!) in the New Year so they can get the Wii faster. Also there was apparently a line about how their kids are so brave they managed to have a good Christmas anyway.

I am baffled by these people. They gave each other spa weekends at some resort place, but no money for the Wii. I guess they need to prioritize better!

I have no idea how many people actually gave them money.

I haven't seen them yet but I will on New Year's Day for a family brunch. I wonder if I will get the cold shoulder.

I mean geez its not like I dislike these people, but I had already bought gifts and don't want to be guilted into this thing! Of course now that they have extended the "Wii fund-raising drive" into the New Year, it is no longer even a Christmas present so that no longer matters. Ugh!

If you are lucky, you'll get the cold shoulder. But my bet is that they'll give you another "opportunity" to donate by bringing it up to you in front of everyone.

Is this donation drive a typical kind of thing for this family? It's really bizarre. And to extend it?! Do they do other weird and brazen things?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

KimandChris nailed it on the money.

 

[golfgal]

Maybe they should set a Wii donation jar out right in the middle of the table for all to contribute to.

It's just crazy. Good Luck and you'll have to let us know how your family brunch goes.

Maybe they will charge everyone an entrance fee to the New Year's Eve Brunch and get their Wii faster?? I would bring a jar for your Disney fund

 

[luvmy3]

I also found out that they didn't just email my side of the family, but also the husband's entire side of the family, and their friends as well. WTH? Are they planning to contribute ANY amount for it themselves?

I can't believe these people.


This whole things remind me of a letter dh and I got from a relative's seminary school asking us to donate money to pay this relative's tuition so that when he was done withs chool he didn't have to start his new life with debt. Apparently this relative had provided our name and address along with other family members to the school, un-freakin-believable . Needless to say that we didn't contribute and I was thinking of sending them dh's student loan payment ticket that month to see if they would help us out

 

[Becky2005]

I would bring a jar for your Disney fund

I had thought to add that but it's so bizarre to me, that I'm trying to wrap my head around it. If they were asked, I could see them saying they were saving up & would you want to help contribute but not just a mass e-mail saying "we want some money, can you send it to us for Christmas?" (which is basically what they did).

I truly do get sending out fundraiser letters but NOT a Christmas present and then to just hang onto the money.

I really want to go to Disney again -- it's an arm & leg with a family of 6, with those 5 are considered Disney adults. I can't even imagine sending out a letter asking for people to fund our families Disney vacation as their Christmas present to us.

Now, here's another take of it too -- those that contributed as their Christmas present, did they not get the kids anything else because that WAS their gift? Now, do the kids think Aunt Susie never got them a gift because they never got anything from Aunt Susie like they normally do? Were the kids told about the Wii fund? I wonder how long the Wii fund will go on for? Does that mean now their birthday you can just say "here, put this in your Wii fund?" Does next Christmas still have the Wii fund going or by that time, maybe it will be Wii game fund?

 

[SleepyMom]

Wow, just wow is all I can say. For your New Years gathering I think I would print out this thread and hand it to them when they bring up the Wii fund (which you know they will).

Amazing nerve of these people, just amazing. Looking forward to hearing what happens when you see them.

 

[Wall-E1]

I am so disgusted!!! The nerve of some people!!! Look at this email that was just sent to me by your family member...


Please Remember The Forgotten Children This Holiday Season

We live a simple life. Except for the occasional spa retreats, we are not a family that indulges in excesses. I am sad to report that we were unable to raise enough money to make our children's Christmas wish a reality. They did not receive a Nintendo Wii on Christmas morning. Thank you for all who donated. Your money is being placed in a Wii Savings Fund. Please know that none of the donated money went towards my golden facial, wine bath, or herbal wrap treatment at the spa this past week. We are still accepting donations and hope to raise enough by the end of the year to purchase this one special gift for our children.

Please help this hard working and loving mother bring the joy of this holiday season to her precious children. Cash donations will be accepted. Call for details. If no response, please leave a message, as mom is scheduled for a 14 karat gold facial sometime this week. Either she, or her personal assistant will get back to you.

Have a happy and healthy holiday season, and if you have not yet donated, there is still time.

 

[krcit]

WallE...



Honestly, I would hope they brought up Wii-gate at the New Year's Brunch because I wuld have no problem asking them outloud and in front of everyone how their 'spa weekend' was? People are unbelievable!!

 

[hentob]

In my invitations to DS' bday party, school friends as well as family I said we were going to WDW in Feb and would they consider a gift of $5.00 in cash in a card to him.

EVERYONE loved that idea....

I am sure people were just being polite. As a stranger (and to save you embarrassment in the future) may I gently tell you that people were most likely gossiping about you behind your back It is very rude to place a monetary request (no matter how small) in an invitation.

As for the OP I would not even want to associate with people like that...Family or not. They were actually snippy that you did not comply with their request for cash Nope. I couldn't even be "fake polite" to people like that

 

[MiniGirl]

Apparently, they did not get the Wii.

I got told about the email that was sent around to all the contributors (so not me, lol).

The email basically said that they did not get enough money for the Wii, so they are going to keep the money in a special Wii fund. They thanked people for being so kind and generous and even specifically thanked those that contributed more but noted that it wasn't enough to cover the people "that sent nothing". They also invited people to contribute (only if they want to!) in the New Year so they can get the Wii faster. Also there was apparently a line about how their kids are so brave they managed to have a good Christmas anyway.

I am baffled by these people. They gave each other spa weekends at some resort place, but no money for the Wii. I guess they need to prioritize better!

I have no idea how many people actually gave them money.

I haven't seen them yet but I will on New Year's Day for a family brunch. I wonder if I will get the cold shoulder.

I mean geez its not like I dislike these people, but I had already bought gifts and don't want to be guilted into this thing! Of course now that they have extended the "Wii fund-raising drive" into the New Year, it is no longer even a Christmas present so that no longer matters. Ugh!

Wow.... I am truly surprised anyone gave them any money at all. Doing so has just opened up a floodgate of $$ requests to help out with the gifts for the kids' birthdays and other holidays.

What I don't understand is...... dh and I would gladly do with out any gifts at all in order to get our kids gifts -- even an occassionally extravagent gift like a Wii. I'm not patting ourselves on the back because of this. In fact, I thought this attidude was more the norm than the exception. Would I enjoy a spa weekend? Absolutely, but not if I was able to "afford" it by making my kids do without.