Is it impolite to ask for big ticket gifts?

[easjer]

We really need a new computer (and would prefer a laptop). My dad and step-mom will ask when we are in town what we need and what we want. We're adults in a separate household, so I usually don't throw anything big out. But that has resulted the last couple of years in strange stuff that I can't really use (A two foot tall nutcracker? An third toolkit? Waterproof loafers when I requested tennis shoes?) and don't really need.

I hate to sound grasping and rude, and would be perfectly content to share the holidays with no gift from them. But we could really use a new computer. Is it rude to ask for something like that? I mean, I can't see spending huge money like that on us when the wedding was just a couple months ago, and I haven't convinced my dad that something under $3500 split between us, him and my mom, was a great deal. . .

[SWC Bonfire]

I haven't convinced my dad that something under $3500 split between us, him and my mom, was a great deal. . .

Umm, you might want to skip on this one and reserve that kind of help for things that are important, like loaning you a portion of the down payment for a home, or in case something terrible happens, like helping with medical expenses.

[easjer]

Oh, goodness, I wouldn't bring that up in an argument to him! or as an excuse to give us more.

I'm just tired of listening to him crack jokes about how expensive the wedding was when it a)wasn't and b) not a burden he shouldered. My mom paid for a lot of it.

I'm grateful for the help he gave us and I'm grateful to have them for family. I guess I'm just tired of receiving things that aren't helpful or useful or needed or wanted. Maybe I'll tell him to donate to charity instead of getting us something. Cause I don't think I can find room for another nutcracker or angel. I'd really rather not get anything than get something I don't need or can't use. I already know I'm getting another ugly teapot from my MIL, because for some reason, she's convinced herself I collect them. I've never figured out why . . .

[2Blonde]

How about asking for a gift card to whatever store you plan to purchase your new computer from. That way they can put money toward the new computer but not necessarily be obligated to pay for the whole thing. You can explain to them that you need a new comp and that anything they could put toward it would be appreciated. Who knows, maybe they will offer to foot the whole bill, maybe not. But at least the gift card option will get you part of it paid for.

[PM5K]

As much as you say you are grateful you sure as hell don't seem like it.

You think you are the only person on the face of this planet that got a gift that was less than useful? Well NEWSLFASH, you aren't.

But it's the thought that counts, you should be grateful that your parents even think of you.

My mother is suing my father for sixty-thousand dollars in back child support and it's tearing our family apart, be glad that you at least have one.

[easjer]

As much as you say you are grateful you sure as hell don't seem like it.

You think you are the only person on the face of this planet that got a gift that was less than useful? Well NEWSLFASH, you aren't.

But it's the thought that counts, you should be grateful that your parents even think of you.

My mother is suing my father for sixty-thousand dollars in back child support and it's tearing our family apart, be glad that you at least have one.


I'm sorry to hear about your family.

[Kori Ellis]

How about asking for a gift card to whatever store you plan to purchase your new computer from. That way they can put money toward the new computer but not necessarily be obligated to pay for the whole thing. You can explain to them that you need a new comp and that anything they could put toward it would be appreciated. Who knows, maybe they will offer to foot the whole bill, maybe not. But at least the gift card option will get you part of it paid for.


Very good answer.

[Carie]

I agree with 2Blonde and Kori. If they're asking you what you want, there's no reason not to tell them, that's in no way rude.

[SequSpur]

Be honest and tell them what you need.

[samikeyp]

I agree with 2Blonde and Kori. If they're asking you what you want, there's no reason not to tell them, that's in no way rude.

Good answer.

[batman2883]

Hell no i expect to have an xbox360 and a brand new television for christmas

[SpursWoman]

Hell no i expect to have an xbox360 and a brand new television for christmas


And I really need a new car....badly. :lol