Is it Rude to Give Cash as a Gift? (And 5 Ways To Do It Like a PRO)

For years, people have been following the traditional custom of giving different types of items, products, accessories, clothes, food items, gadgets, jewelry etc. as a gift. But in the recent past, many people are practicing the trend of giving money as a gift. There are people available for and against this trend. Many people consider cash is a convenient option as a gift because it saves time and energy while there are others who think it’s rude to give money as a gift and the debates go on!

So the question is; is it really rude to give cash as a gift.

Whether, cash giving as a gift is rude or not completely depends on the gift recipient. Many people consider cash gifts as impersonal and they think it lacks creativity. Gift recipient also questions the commitment of gift-givers who give cash because there is not much effort to stash some money inside of an envelope and present it.

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There are many pros and cons of giving cash as a gift.

Read these advantages and disadvantages to understand if cash is an ideal present to gift or it’s best to avoid giving cash as a gift.

Is it Rude to Give Cash as a Gift

Advantages of Cash as a Gift

One of the key advantages of giving cash as a gift is; it excludes wasting gifts. There are chances the gift recipient didn’t like your gift or he/she did not require that product so these types of gifts are never used. Moreover, these types of gifts might take up the space of the room. Cash on the other hand can be used sooner or later.

For example, if you receive a sweater as a gift that you don’t wear what will you do? Will you return the gift or the sweater will end up in the garbage or stashed in the back of a closet. Cash gives a person the opportunity to buy exactly what he or she wants.

For older people, a cash gift is best because they might have limited mobility and cannot visit the store or shopping mall. Moreover, they are not aware of the latest trends so a gift from the beloved grandfather might not be liked by the grandchildren.

So grandparents can give cash in a card and initiate grandchildren to purchase something they like. A cash gift is also a great solution for people who are always busy or have little time to buy a gift. Cash is portable so people who are traveling during the holidays can avoid shipping costs or extra baggage fees to take gifts on airlines.

Disadvantages of Cash as a Gift

People are still not accustomed to the concept of cash as a gift. Many people consider cash gift as measured because it lacks ingenuity as you only need an envelope and some money to call it a gift.

Unwrapping gift boxes are a part of celebrating the holidays with your family members and many people want a giant pile of gifts waiting to be unwrapped. So giving cash as the gift eliminates this excitement through the gift recipient can purchase whatever he or she likes but it won’t match the immediate gratification of tearing through boxes and bags.

Many people find it very awkward to receive cash because it lacks value and gratitude for each other. It might create some uncomfortable moments if the value of the money doesn’t match the value of the gift that the cash recipient spent on the cash giver. Moreover, cash gift has no hidden value.

Another fact is if both person give a cash gift to each other then what is the point.

Do the two gifts cancel each other out?

What if the amount is different, doesn’t it create an awkward moment? So you should think clearly before deciding to give cash as a gift.                

How to Give Money as Gift (The Surefire 5 Ways)

There are many ways you can give cash as a gift and it won’t hart your loved ones. Moreover, these options will personalize your cash gift so that the gift recipient won’t think you have put minimal effort.

1. Gift Card

It’s like you are giving someone cash as a gift but not the cash itself! Find out favorite stores or restaurants of your gift recipient and buy them gift cards from those shops. You can pick any types of gift cards like the Visa or American Express prepaid cash card and then pair it with a heart-touching note to show your loved ones how much you care. 

2. CDs or Savings Account Transfer

This is an excellent way of giving a someone cash gift. You can gift a certificate of deposit or savings account to your cousin, children, brother, sister, and teach them money management and to put aside money every so often. Moreover, it’s a gift that the gift recipient can build upon year after year.

3. Contribution to Future Plan

If the gift recipient has a future plan that you are aware of then you can contribute your money to help the person complete the plan successfully. For example, if the gift recipient has a future plan for his/her children then you can contribute money so that it can be used in the future to pay for education expenses like tuition, textbooks, and other supplies. You can contribute to the future plan of your friend who recently had a baby or for your niece/nephew who is nearing graduation age, etc.

4. Charitable Contribution

You can donate money to a charity on behalf of the gift recipient and it can be a great way to show the person your love and appreciation. Make sure you donate to the charity that the gift recipient likes or follows. Then at the time of gift exchange, you can give a card with a message about the donation.

5. The Cash

If the above options are not applicable for you then you can stick to the real cash gift plan. You can give holiday flair by dressing the money in a card or money holder. If you are looking for something unique then look for ideas online. There are countless inventive ideas available to give your cash gift a festive look!

Final Thought

Before giving someone a cash gift check if it is appropriate for the gift recipient. It will be hilarious to give someone a $100 cash gift who earns 10k in a month. After exploring the above information I hope you will be able to decide whether you should give cash as a gift or not. Feel free to share your opinion in the comment section.

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