$100 - what to do?

[rabbitfoot]

I got a $100 surprise bonus from work. My sister's birthday is coming up. Do I buy her a really nice present that I know she will love or a so-so present that she'll thank me for, but probably won't be overwhelmed with and put the rest toward my credit card?

[Tree0164]

Re: $100 - what to do?

That is a tough decision. Do you usually spend that much on each other? Remember it is the thought that count-not that price.

[rabbitfoot]

Re: $100 - what to do?

Yes, we usually do spend that much on each other. I know that it is the thought that counts and if I thought sh would like the $50 gift as much as the $100 one, I would get the $50 gift in a second. I don't think she would be disappointed with it, but she wouldn't be as happy as if she opened the more expensive gift. I just know this from her taste.

[PennyPincher]

Re: $100 - what to do?

There are so many nice things under $50. I would definitely say to put some toward credit cards. It was a bonus for you...so I think it is very fair to put some toward something for you. Paying yourself with extra to your credit card can save you even more in interest. I've found some very nice special gifts online - www.redenvelope.com is a great site for that type of stuff. And it comes in a nice envelope, or you can spend a little extra on wrapping... It's so nice to give great gifts, but I think you can do that for alot less than the $100.

[terry1156]

Re: $100 - what to do?

I would take the time to look around for a gift that is less expensive if you have the time. It's a tough call if you don't have time.

[Bev S]

Re: $100 - what to do?

Wow, $100 for a gift for your sister? In our family, we each spend around $20 for a gift. We all have kids and times are tough, so we agreed when we started having kids that we'd put a limit on what we spend on each other for birthdays.

At Christmas, we exchange names between the 6 of us and only purchase one gift instead of 5. We spend a little more then and are able to get that person a really nice gift instead of purchasing 5 gifts for less money.

[econ o'miser]

Re: $100 - what to do?

You might also set a precendent so that your sister feels obliged to spend more than she can afford when your birthday comes around.

If you can find something that you think she would really like, without using all your bonus, then go for it. After all, the situation wouldn't have arisen unless you'd had this surprise bonus.

[mom-from-missouri]

Re: $100 - what to do?

I hate to sound cruel, but if you normally spend $100 on a gift, that may be why you have the credit card debt?? My favorite gift from a family member was a all day trip to kansas city to an art gallery and to walk around the plaza. she packed a picnic lunch and drove. She maybe spent $30 on gas & the lunch, but we made memories that day just being together and talking. I will remember that day a lot longer than trying to remember (material item) gifts someone gave me

[snafu]

As I understand it...your sister will be delighted for the few minutes she acknowledges your oh so expensive gift while you will be paying down your credit card long term. Had you not received the bonus, what would you spend on the gift? Do you have an emergency fund?

I suggest you use the bonus to reduce your credit card balance and buy sister a gift that you can afford.

[bjl584]

Being that he got the $100 bonus 8 years ago, I really don't think it matters what he does at this point.

[mogoko]

What would give you more joy

[JBlock]

$100 is just enough to buy groceries.

[YLTL_Dan]

I'd be mad at my siblings if I knew they spent $100 on me instead of paying down the credit card... my brother-in-law is awesome at finding $10-$15 gifts on eBay that are much cooler than anything anyone could buy me for $100.

[v_keely]

I'd say put at least some of it towards your credit card.

[FPipitone]

Honestly, the most meaningful gifts are usually those that cost the least. In fact, make something for her instead of buying something. The time and effort you put in to making a gift are priceless. Use the money on the credit cards.