groupon as a gift?

[illgetthere]

Is giving a paper groupon for Christmas taboo? We always get each set of parents a $30 restaurant card and $20 movie card. There is a $40 groupon for a place my mom loves for $23; we would both come out ahead with that. Can I do it? We are a pretty relaxed family

[Deleted]

I think with a relaxed close family member it is okay. I wouldn't give a gift like that to someone you aren't really close to, because of the annoyance factor of having to use it by x date and all of that.

[Poeticxpassion]

Sure, I think that would be a good gift for parents if it a place you know they love and will use the full amount in 1 visit.

[lindyanne]

I agree with V. For my mom or sisters I would. Outside of that circle I probably wouldn't.

[mbcdefg]

I think it's fine, as long as you know for a fact that they'll be willing/able to use it by the expiration date. And if the place has good reviews.

We received a restaurant.com certificate to a local restaurant several years ago. We needed to spend money out-of-pocket in order to use it ... we wound up spending over $50 on a really crappy meal. The place wound up having pretty mediocre online reviews. So it turned out to be a big waste for us.

[illgetthere]

Thanks. I'll verify the expiration is at least April or so; I know they can use it by then, and I know it's a place they like. That's terrible about the restaurant.com place. Those things are such a sham.