How would you spend a cash gift? - YouLookFab Forum

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How would you spend a cash gift?

JAileen

Veteran

It was a gift with strings - I'm not allowed to just deposit it in my bank account. I have to report back what I bought. It's a few hundred dollars. It seems like I can always find something to buy. But now I'm having a hard time figuring out what to do. Possibilities:

1. Tidal wave scarf from Metropolitan Museum of Art - I love this Hokosai image. I'm not sure about the creamy beige color, though

2. Skagen bag - in light grey leather - a very hard color to find

3. Jewelry - I'm attracted to this type of necklace

What would you do? Maybe it's something I would love but just haven't thought of yet.

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50 replies

Latest reply was from JAileen

Staysfit

Veteran

I tend to purchase my favorite perfume with gift money. I love it. It's going to get used, and it makes me happy. The gift giver is typically aware that's the case. Another option might be a bangle bracelet. They last a long time, and don't really go out of style.

El Cee

Veteran

I am no help here as I think all three possibilities are beautiful. I am particularly drawn to the scarf because it is "wearable art". But the practical side of me would jump on the fabulous leather bag... function and beauty. Then again, who wouldn't love a pearl and silver necklace!? Would the kind and generous "gift giver" be particularly tickled by one of these purchases? Last time I got this kind of cash gift, I went for a spa day. Giver was delighted.

JAileen

Veteran

Staysfit, thanks for your thoughts. I don't wear perfume, though. Do you think the necklace is too trendy?

El Cee, the gift giver, my mother, completely surprised me because she usually gives me a book for my birthday. I think she would probably like the scarf, too. She's not a bag person. I gave her a lovely Kate Spade hobo bag once, and she didn't like it. She also doesn't wear much jewelry.

El Cee

Veteran

Then I might lean scarf. Your mom would probably be tickled. Besides, the scarf is GORGEOUS!

Mochi

Veteran

I'd say bag.

I love the scarf, too--but I recently had a problem with a NAS scarf in that I had to tie/arrange it so intentionally in order for the pattern to show up nicely.

And the bag is beautiful.

Style Fan

Veteran

All 3 items are lovely. You did seem iffy about the colour of the scarf. I don't know your mother but if she gave you the money perhaps she wants you to buy something that you like even if she would not be that enthusiastic about it. I would lean towards a piece of jewellery. That is me though.

When my mother died I bought a watch with some of the money she left me. I also bought a ring with some money I was given 40 years ago for a special occasion.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, I am of no help -- I would put it towards something that you love totally but would normally not buy for yourself. But all of those options are lovely. What a nice gift!

Anonymous

I'd probably go for a great pair of boots. But I love your selections, especially that gorgeous bag!

JAileen

Veteran

Mochi, thanks! I've ordered the bag, but I can always return it.

Style Fan, I think jewelry has some staying power. Do you still wear the jewelry from years ago? I looked through watches on Nordstrom and Macy's but nothing caught my fancy.

Janet, thanks! I've been eyeing the bag for awhile. It has very clean lines and the color I like. But darn it, it would never go on sale! It depends on its particulars - how it feels.

Xtabay, that's a good idea - boots! I'm going to go look at boots.

Anonymous

I would pick something your mom can see you using frequently. Even if it's not what she would pick for herself, I'm guessing she would enjoy seeing you use a more luxury item you wouldn't normally purchase for yourself.

Staysfit

Veteran

I do wonder if the necklace is too trendy, but I like it. However it's simple enough that others might disagree with me. If I needed to pick a necklace that I knew I wanted to last, I would probably pick a beautiful chain with a single pendant, maybe a pearl, maybe another pretty small stone or something that reminds me of the gift giver.

I love the bag, and agree that's a very hard color to find. My mother purchased a beautiful leather briefcase for me when I graduated from medical school. It's 26 years old! It looks a bit worn, but I still use it. My mom was visiting in June when my DS graduated HS. She saw the bag and was surprised but happy that I still had it. I keep it because it's sentimental.

JAileen

Veteran

Delurked, thanks for your thoughts. I think you're right about her.

Staysfit, I love your story of the briefcase. I wondered about the necklace.

BTW, I found some booties I like.

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Anonymous

Oooh, now you're talkin'!! Those are some good looking booties. Snakeskin is a fabulous choice. It's a neutral, but still makes a strong style statement.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

THE BAG.

El Cee

Veteran

Ooooh! Fab booties. Could you get some snake booties AND the bag?

Jules

Veteran

I feel like boots will wear out relatively quickly. A bag can last many years. It seems like the right balance of longevity and daily usefulness.

Tanya

Veteran

I vote the bag, as it is gorgeous and you will have it for a long time.

Meredith

Veteran

I vote bag!

JAileen

Veteran

Xtabay, thanks! I haven't seen any of these booties in person or tried them on.

Angie, thanks! The bag is a VERY strong contender. I've been stalking it for some time. It just depends on how it feels, how it fits, etc.

El Cee, I could, but I would have to pay for the booties, myself. My husband has started noticing my recent shoe buying.

Jules, I was thinking that too. I still have some bags I bought in the 80s!

Tanya, and Meredith, thanks! I've ordered the bag, we'll just have to see how it feels, etc.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I'd pick a piece of jewelry. You can keep it forever to remember your mother. I don't have very much jewelry, but I have kept every piece ever gifted to me by special people or relatives that have passed away....some gold pieces were given to me when I was a young child.

anne

Veteran

If it was me, I'd be strongly tempted by the booties, but OTOH, a leather bag that lasts for ages is also on the long term possible plan.

Aquamarine I have broken or lost every piece of jewelry that has been given to me apart form my wedding ring. I doubt (and hope) that they weren't too expensive Glad you're not like me!

JAileen

Veteran

Aquamarine, thanks for your thoughts. Jewelry is a tempting choice.

Anne, I am interested in the booties, but I think they don't have the longevity of a bag or jewelry.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Out of your choices I would pick the bag,which I love, but first I would look at shoes.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I'm a bag lady so I vote for the leather bag, of course!

Diana

Veteran

I'd choose the bag or jewelry. For this type of gift is want it to be something that would last for a long time.

JAileen

Veteran

Shevia, thanks! Did you see the pictures of the snake booties? I'm more inclined to go with the bag, though.

Goldenpig, thanks for your thoughts. I even went to the Kate Spade website to look. I was inspired by your collection. Sadly, no penguins..

Diana, I completely agree with you. I'm leaning toward the bag. I hope it fits.

DJP

What Angie said!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

It is a hard decision. I bought my leather moto jacket with gift money from my parents. Their gift gave me permission to buy it for myself. It is the perfect shade of olive for me and fits beautifully, so I felt lucky to find it.

Of your options so far, I would choose the bag. It will have good longevity, and it's a hard-to-find color that you love. Is it also a style that you adore?

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JAileen

Veteran

DJP, thanks!

Firecracker, thanks for sharing your story. That's a beautiful jacket. As to the bag, it fits my basic requirements - zip top, long strap for wearing crossbody. And I like its simple, clean design. Of course, until I actually feel it and wear it, I won't know for sure. I always joke that what I really want is a bag like the tents in Harry Potter - small on the outside but big on the inside. So we'll see.

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