Given a gift - what should I do

Kila wrote: I went to a Christmas party for my work this evening. You of my co-workers who is also married to the Vice Presidnet of my organization gave Sydney 2 gifts and 1 for my and Chris. I have been on maternity leave so $ is REALLY tight, therefore I wasn't able to bring anything for them. I feel bad because they went out of their way to get us something and I just am not able to. They know that $ is tight but it still makes me feel really bad. I now think that even if I do go out and get them something it will look tacky because it might seem that I gave it to them just because they did. What would you guys do in my position?

Jamison'smama replied: If you have some money at all---maybe sending them flowers to thank them for the gift as well as the party invitation would be nice--or you could bake them something--breads or desserts as a thank you.

Otherwise, a nice thank you note will suffice--you are not obligated to get a gift.

paradisemommy replied: i think baking them something would be really nice along with a thank you card but i wouldn't feel like you have to go get something extravagant..i give gifts because i like too not because i want/expect a present back...

Josie83 replied: Yeh I wudn't go out and get thm something, it does ust lok like ur doing it coz they did it. I agree with Brenda, maybe a thank you present that doesn't cost too much? xx

kit_kats_mom replied: I am in the same position. One of DH's co workers got us a $50 blockbuster gift card and our neighbor (who I just met last week) dropped off a basket with some candles and other small gifts in it. Frankly, I'm in no shape to be on my feet all day baking nor do I have a bunch of spare $ sitting around. I just wrote nice thank you cards and will leave it at that. I feel bad but geez, we barely know these people.

ediep replied: I agree with the others, maybe bake something like Christmas cookies or bread and send a thank you card.
Don't feel that you have to go out and buy a gift

Mommy2BAK replied: I don't think you should go out and buy them a gift. Especially if you have no money. And plus it would kind of look like you are just doing it because they bought you something. I would maybe just send a nice thank you card and if you could bake something that would be really nice as well.

moped replied: I am quite certain they did not give you something for you to give somehting back - that is not the meaning of christmas - say thank you and that it was lovely to recieve a gift and that is it!!!!!!!

People do not give to recieve, they give cause they want to.......

I know money is tight cause I am in the same boat but they do not expect anything in return!!!!!

Kila replied: Thanks guys! It's just hard because Christmas is my favorite holdiay. I just love to give gifts myself and it's hard for me to cope with the fact that I can't financially do it this year. Urghh! Oh well. Thanks again!

coasterqueen replied: I really think just baking something would be perfect! They are more than likely not expecting a gift anyways so baking something would send a very nice gesture along with a thank you card. I know I'd like that. Maybe bake some cookies or some bread of some kind. Trust me, I think it's a very nice gesture . Gifts don't always have to be the norm...baking gifts are just as great!

GavinsMommy replied: I agree w/ the baking idea. You know how people just LOVE food.

Just make sure it's something you're good at making...or leave it up to Betty Crocker

DansMom replied: A simple, sincere thank you card is a wonderful and appropriate response in that situation. Taking the time to write a thank you card is as much of a gift, sometimes more of a gift, than anything you might go out and buy, and I'm fairly certain Dear Abby would give the same answer

And of course, if you have time to bake cookies... yum!