Birthday WWYD

[OrangePixyStix]

Normally when we are invited to a birthday dinner out somewhere, I usually still get a card and a gift even though we end up pitching in for their dinner and paying for our own. However due to medical bills, an upcoming vacation, and increasing costs like gas, my budget is not very high for birthday expenses this year.

My very good friend is having a birthday thing this Saturday and I did RSVP that we would be there. Of course it's at a fricken expensive ass restaurant downtown that has no parking lot (will have to pay to park or valet) and I know we'll drop $100 just on us for food and drinks. I am thinking of skipping the card/gift because of this, since we aren't talking about Chili's prices.

WDYT? Would you get just a card or a small gift just to give something? Or would you just consider the dinner and your presence enough and not worry about giving anything tangible?

I'm torn, because he is a really good friend but at the same time I'm poor right now.

[duff]

Honestly, we very, very rarely do birthday gifts for friends unless it's a big birthday (all of us are turning 30 lately, so we've been doing a ~$50 gift for each). The only other thing I've done is make necklace and earring sets for a couple of friends over the past year, but that's generally b/c I have a ton of beads that I need to do something with. I'd skip the gift if it's going to put some strain on your personal finances.

[lizo11]

I would probably consider my presence enough of a gift, especially if it is at a really expensive restaurant (unless it is somewhere that you normally go). If you really feel the need to get her something, I may just do a card, but I don't think it's necessary. (Personally anyway.)

[sapphire bou]

The way I see it, the purpose of a birthday dinner is to celebrate with one's friends/family. Not to receive gifts.

Skip the gift. Your friend probably won't even notice.

[louietunes]

If you're going to be paying for your friend's dinner (at least partially), I wouldn't get a gift in addition. If you feel like you should do something extra, buy him a fancy drink while you're out to dinner.

[MyName]

This what my friends and I do for our birthdays, and we never exchange cards/gifts.

[conradtn]

I can't imagine inviting my friends to celebrate my birthday at a place so expensive.

[lizardesque]

I think your presence is enough.

[OrangePixyStix]

Thanks, all. I didn't want to appear cheap, but when I think about it I have noticed that not many people bring gifts now that we are old (unless it's a booze bottle).

May 29, 2012 12:30:50 GMT -5 conradtn said:

I can't imagine inviting my friends to celebrate my birthday at a place so expensive.

I figured this would happen, this particular couple has expensive taste and always prefer to be at places that are overpriced in my eyes, but the "place to be seen". I know it will be fun and I love these friends, so I forgive their decision even though I personally would have gone somewhere cheaper with a big patio and options for pitchers of booze.

[alabasterangel]

I'd do a card with a nice message about valuing the friendship.

[ILikeSloths]

May 29, 2012 22:02:45 GMT -5 alabasterangel said:

I'd do a card with a nice message about valuing the friendship.

I like this idea.

My friends and I don't do gifts, but I still can't imagine inviting my people to a place so expensive either. I think it's nice enough that you plan to attend, and a card would be sufficient and more heartfelt anyway.