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Recently, I had a birthday party for my three year old son. I was expecting my life-long best friend to give a wonderful present to him for his celebration, especially given the great lengths I took to host a great party for the kids an adults alike, and also because I always give her three kids very nice presents that are thoughtful. The present she gave my son was no more than $3 and was really not anything he was even interested in. I am terribly disappointed, especially because I know she has the money as she is always talking about how much she is constantly buying for herself and her family. What to do?
It is very interesting that people who are not under any financial hardship will not spend a good amount of money on other people’s presents, but will on stuff for themselves. Some ways to handle this with friends can be to have an open discussion and decide what is the amount everyone feels comfortable spending on kids’ presents, this way you won’t be overspending and being on the cheap end.
Alternatively, if you cannot be open and have this type of a discussion, in order to make yourself feel better in future, watch generally how much people are spending on gifts for your kid and reciprocate within this same budget. It may feel petty, but at least you will feel that you are giving out what is coming back to you and not feel so bad when the gifts from good friends don’t match your expectation given how much money and thought you put into yours.
Lastly, I would not end the friendship over this matter. Unless you have been growing apart for some time and feel that this situation is “the last straw,” I would try and either discuss it or bring your gift giving in line with hers and keep the friendship. It is very interesting to see what people will and will not spend money on, but try and not let it ruin your friendship.
