You need a gift for someone, but don't have any money...

What do you do?

My roommate's birthday is this Friday, but because of a thousand different factors, and my boyfriend and I having to put every DIME we make into getting a new apartment (which, by the way, is the FAULT of said roommate... but I won't get into THAT rant) I only have about $20 to my name right now. That has to go towards vet bills this Wednesday and I'm sure I'll also be dipping into savings. I can't make her anything because I really don't know her well enough to know what she would like. I'd like to get her something though, especially since she bought me something on my birthday.

Any suggestions?

Well, I've done the kid thing and written poems, made my own cards, etc. Maybe find a book in your collection and wrap that up and give it to her? I love worn, loved presents. They made me feel like someone wanted me to have part of them. I'm weird.

Uhm...Lie and tell her that her present's in the mail? ^_^

I love those kinds of gifts, too, but I don't think my roommate is the type. I have always made my own cards and will think of very personal, heart-felt things to put on the inside. But my roomy isn't very ... what's the word? I'm not sure if she would think it's very "thoughtful" if I give her a "used" gift. Y'know? She can be very materialistic at times...

If she likes to read....get her a book called SHANTARAM.

Supposed to be a great book.

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Originally Posted by Mindibun

I love those kinds of gifts, too, but I don't think my roommate is the type. I have always made my own cards and will think of very personal, heart-felt things to put on the inside. But my roomy isn't very ... what's the word? I'm not sure if she would think it's very "thoughtful" if I give her a "used" gift. Y'know? She can be very materialistic at times...

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I would find a used Monopoly game and put a few thousand dollars in her card and tell her that you wished you had the cash to get her something worthy of her greatness. -Sighs.- Sorry. That's not nice.

What about a mixed CD of the music y'all listened to when you were rooming together? A reminiscing sort of thing?

I think craigslist has a "free" section!!!

I looked into books because they're my favorite thing to get as a gift, but apparently she hates reading. T_T So, I'm currently looking at a simple bracelet. It wouldn't cost me much, but the money goes to a charity that saves the rain forest and she would really like that. Whether or not she'd wear the bracelet is another story... She never likes anything I've gotten for her. -lol-

Beer! I get it for my brother and dad because I never can think of anything to give them. If she doesn't drink then I guess it wouldn't work

Wash and wax her car......

Does not sound like you like her, or have the means to get her anything.

Wish her the best and give her privacy for the night and go out... I never feel obligated to get gifts for people.

As my mom told me early on... "gift giving with people that you do not like is an easy habit to start and a hard one to break."

Just a thought.
Bruce

Make her dinner. Otherwise I wouldn't worry overmuch, a card should be sufficient. Gifts should never be a requirement.

Get her a card and don't sweat what she may think about it. She doesn't sound like someone you're going to carry on a warm and fuzzy relationship with once you move out.

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Originally Posted by ev477

Beer! I get it for my brother and dad because I never can think of anything to give them. If she doesn't drink then I guess it wouldn't work

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Feel free to buy me beer anytime you want!

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Originally Posted by AndrewGeibel

Feel free to buy me beer anytime you want!

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Alcohol makes a great gift, even though I'm not old enough to buy it (I have to get my dad to buy it for my brother or vice versa). When I turn 21 I'll mail you a case :D