Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

I babysat for a boy for about two years...from the time he was 11 months until the time he was 3. However, I was more of a mother's helper, and he always cried for his mom...so it was more like me hanging out with the kid and one-or both-of his parents. Odd situation, but very nice family.

Anyway, last November, they said that they didn't need me anymore, since it was kind of silly that there were 3 adults watching this 1 child (they used kinder words than 'silly' and I completely agreed...I was getting ready to quit because I felt bad getting paid to watch them watch their child lol)

Last Christmas, I sent him a gift. I didn't hear from them until around March, when I got a thank you card. I had sent them a save the date for the wedding back in the day, so I did invite them.

I did not get their RSVP card by the RSVP date. I assumed they were not coming, but I don't like to assume...I'd rather just know. So I emailed them and said something along the lines of hope you got the invite, sorry I have been out of touch, I'd love to keep in touch more though, let me know if you'll be able to make it. I asked how they were, etc.

They never answered my email. I just got the RSVP card about two days later...which I thought was strange, since I did try to have a conversation with them.



I figured I would never hear from them again, but then they sent me a wedding gift, which I was shocked about.

My question after all of this: Do I send their son a Christmas gift this year? Does it sound like I'm ever going to have a relationship with this family again?

Obviously, I don't want to hurt a child by not sending a gift...but I also don't want to be awkwardly forcing a relationship on this family.

SORRY so long!

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

i would send a card w a sweet message. thats it

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

I think it's time to let it all go. I wouldn't send a gift anymore.

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

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Posted by CarolAnn721

I think it's time to let it all go. I wouldn't send a gift anymore.

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Yep - maybe a Christmas card? Definately no gift.

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

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Posted by barbtony

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Posted by CarolAnn721

I think it's time to let it all go. I wouldn't send a gift anymore.

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Yep - maybe a Christmas card? Definately no gift.

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Definitely. A Christmas card is a nice way to ween them off the gift giving. lol!

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

i wouldn't send anything ... it doesn't sound like they want to stay in touch ... and i'm sure the kid won't even realize that your gift was 'missing'.

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

No. I wouldn't send the kid a gift. Just a Christmas card to the family and of course a TY card for the wedding gift they sent.

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

I'd send a TY card for the wedding gift.

No Christmas gift.

No Christmas card.

It doesn't sound like they're trying to maintain contact, so I would just let it be.

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

i'd send a card. no gift...

you guys dont have that relationship anymore that denotes gift-giving.

Re: Should I give a gift to... (kinda long...sorry )

I would send a card to the family, NO gift definately. Doesnt look like they care whether you guys are keeping in touch or not.
You cant possibly 'hurt' a 3 year old by not sending a gift....Im sure he'd like that he received one, but at 3 hes not going to wonder why you didnt send one!

Good Luck!