Is it rude to ask for specific gifts for your birthday and Christmas?

Question

Hi. :) My sixteenth birthday is coming up really soon. On my birthday and Christmas, my mom always tells my extended family that I would like to have books, socks, movies, and other things like that. This year, I have a couple of things that I think would be great to have that I would actually kind of like to recieve. (A mini flat iron, Harajuku Lovers perfume, and maybe a Sephora gift card.) I'm not at all close to my extended family, so the only time we really see each other is on Christmas. They always send birthday presents through the mail. (They don't live that far away, they just don't like to get together much.) Do you think it would be rude for me to ask for specific things this year?

Answer 1

Nah it wouldn't be rude at all. I think they would rather seek out things you actually specifically want versus just buying some random stuff like they typically do. In my opinion, anyway.

Answer 2

My family thinks it's rude, but I nevertheless let the know what we want/need for Bdays and Christmas. The way that I explain it to them is that wouldn't you rather get me something I'll actually use, and that I want rather than getting me a bunch of junk that never makes it out of the box/container/wrap? I like the idea of some other answerers where they suggested gift cards. As people get older their tastes get more defined and sometimes it's best to just let them pick and send a small gift with the giftcard. Mention to your Mom what you would like and ask her to relay that info to the relatives, so that you get what you want! It's your special day and getting nice presents should be a part of it! Happy 16th!

Answer 3

I would not specifically ask for anything. Let your mom know what you would like to do with any money you might get for your birthday or just tell anyone flat out who asks you what you want. At 16 you will probably get asked so just give them a few ideas. Just put it in a way like "Actually Aunt Sally I'd really like to get a mini flat iron or some Harakjuku perfume. Thank you for asking, but you know I'll love whatever you give me."



Once people start asking your mom the word will get out. Sixteen is a pretty big birthday.

Answer 4

No, I think it would be better for you to just ask for Sephoras gift cards so you can get what you want. I had a friend that wanted a camera and he just asked for gift cards to a now defunct camera chain at the mall. in way it makes their life easy as all they have to do is get you a gift card and the amount is up to them. I would rather give money or a gift card then get a gift that might suck.

Answer 5

This is kind of like a gift registry - you can't put the name of the store you're registered at on the shower invitation, you have to rely on word of mouth.



I would give your mother a detailed list - and if any relatives call between now and these holidays, and mention they intend to send a gift - your mother can politely ask them if they need ideas. That way - no one who already has a thought is offended, but you may well end up with what you want.



As is so often the case - it's not asking that is polite or impolite - it's the *way* you ask that matters.



Happy 16th! :)

Answer 6

Not rude at all...a 16th birthday is a big deal. What you can do if you're not sure is ask for gift cards to certain stores, or a money check or cash that you could spend on whatever you like. This way you're not asking them to spend a certain amount of money but they can decide how much they put on a gift card or check but you get to spend it on what you like.



My reletives always give me gift cards to barnes and noble (I'm a bookaholic) or just cash or a check so I can buy what I like.

Answer 7

particular, it is awfully undesirable manners to invite for a present day and presumptuous to specify a needed present (demonstrating which you assume someone will supply a present day), regardless of ways you justify doing so. it is amazingly rude and irrelevant. Any time we ought to ask no depend if something is rude, undesirable manners, undesirable kind, lacking in etiquette, and/or "the thank you to artwork that and ... slip it in with the invitation" - we frequently already understand the respond. If family members or close acquaintances *ask* what your son needs for his birthday, you will point out the Wii and that any help in the direction of the price of that purchase would be favored. ensure that your son knows of all who make contributions to the acquisition of the present and thank you them top.

Answer 8

To ask for things that are considered luxuries, i'd say yes. To actually ask for things you need, no. It depends on what kind of financial shape the giver is in, and if they like you that much. The items you mentioned you should ask your parents for, and let you other relatives give you what they want. Plus, aren't you getting a little old for christmas?

Answer 9

It's always rude to ask for gifts. What if they wanted to send you gift cards this year? Never ask for what items you want for Birthdays and Christmas. It is in poor taste and makes you look ungrateful for their attempt at getting you a gift in the first place. You can ask your immediate family for the items you desire, but not the extended one.

Answer 10

not rude at all.. i think helpful as gift-giving is very difficult, especially if people sending the gifts are in your daily life or know what your tastes are now - a - days.. i think a list is helpful.. as long as it isnt filled with extravagant items

Answer 11

it's not rude. tell your mom what you want, and have her communicate it to them..when I send gifts to my nieces and nephews I usually ask my sister what they want/need.

Answer 12

No I don't thinks so