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       #Post#: 64941--------------------------------------------------
       Birthday Outing but Gift is Delayed
       By: NyaChan Date: March 27, 2021, 1:17 pm
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       This is a low stakes question, but to be frank, I feel like I’ve
       lost a lot of social confidence over the past year due to being
       so isolated (live alone, no family in state).  I have one friend
       who also lives alone, has groceries delivered and works from
       home - so similar to my level of precautions - and we feel
       comfortable occasionally socializing together with masks in
       outdoor spaces.  It is her birthday this week so I asked if she
       wanted to either have a picnic or hire a traveling pedicurist
       (that may not be a real word...). It was pricey because of the
       non-salon setting and extra Covid precautions, but I don’t think
       either of us have had a pedicure since 2019 so kind of worth it.
       I didn’t plan to treat her for the pedicure because I’d ordered
       a really pretty pair of earrings which were already more than we
       normally spend for birthdays.  But the earrings are delayed in
       shipping.  So now I feel uncomfortable coming with only a card
       and no gift.  Normally I’d pay for the pedicure instead but then
       I’m stuck with a pair of earrings that I can’t return. Giving
       both is way over the level of gift which is typical and she is
       the sort of person who would feel obliged to reciprocate.  How
       bad would it be to just give her the card and say I’m so sorry
       but her gift hasn’t arrived yet and I’ll drop it off as on as it
       does? Should I just pay for the pedicure and try to find someone
       else for the earrings?
       #Post#: 64945--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Birthday Outing but Gift is Delayed
       By: Mrs Rat Date: March 27, 2021, 2:05 pm
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       Shipping has been delayed quite often due to covid. I'm sure
       your friend would understand if you just give her a card and
       explain the delay. That way you can catch up for a second
       celebration in the park or coffee, something to look forward to.
       #Post#: 64947--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Birthday Outing but Gift is Delayed
       By: Rose Red Date: March 27, 2021, 2:31 pm
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       If cost is not an issue, I would pay for the pedicure as her
       birthday gift and save the earrings for her Christmas gift (if
       she celebrates), or for her birthday next year.
       Otherwise, it's fine telling her about the delay. I'm sure
       she'll understand. You can even give a smaller "placeholder"
       gift until the earrings show up. Chocolates or cookies or
       something.
       #Post#: 64949--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Birthday Outing but Gift is Delayed
       By: lakey Date: March 27, 2021, 7:20 pm
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       How about giving her a picture of the gift that hasn't been
       delivered yet?  If you ordered them online, maybe you can print
       out the photo and put it in the card, with some jokey remark
       about snail mail.
       #Post#: 64980--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Birthday Outing but Gift is Delayed
       By: NyaChan Date: March 29, 2021, 8:38 am
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       Thanks everyone. I really liked the placeholder idea - I think
       I’ll pick up a cute birthday cupcake or something yummy from the
       bakery so it’s not “just” a card and then give the real gift
       when it arrives (hopefully...) appreciate the suggestions!!
       #Post#: 64988--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Birthday Outing but Gift is Delayed
       By: TootsNYC Date: March 29, 2021, 10:19 am
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       I do the placeholder thing all the time.
       once when the bridal-shower gift was flatware from their
       registry, I bought a couple of nice bamboo disposable flatware
       from the grocery store and wrapped those with a note.
       Or I've printed out the web page from the actual product, or
       maybe a review page (once, for a nursing pillow, I did this)
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