tondalaya

My sister is so chic, she thinks, so a money belt would never do but she loves euro or dollars. The last time, she took a chance, wait for the dollar to gain and was happy to buy her euro.

Christina

I clearly live in a different world (I knew I did). My family only gives Christmas presents to small children and to adults that are parents, grandparents or siblings. Even when my parents used to have this drawing name thing within the family (mainly for children up to about age 12), the price limit was around $20-$25 (in today's dollars).

I can't imagine having a name drawing to be forced to give a present to someone you don't want to (obviously) and then have to spend a couple hundred dollars on this person. Adults don't usually need presents of value if they are working and at least middle class, it is supposed to be the thought and idea that you picked out something especially for them because you like them and thought it was something they would like. Working adults don't "need" someone to hand them a $25 check as a present.

You will lose money on the exchange, but that's sort of the idea of a present -- you are spending something to get it.

CYork

How about writing a check out to their credit card company when they return and have to face the bills?

suze

Kellie, I think euro in cash is a fabulous gift!

I don't know why people must compare what their family does or doesn't do, how much they spend on each other, etc. That is neither here nor there to this posting.

kellbell

Thanks everyone for your insights and opinions. I love reading responses!

Actually, my brother-in-law just recently moved back to Ohio to help out his mom (as did we) who is in failing health. He has a lot of debt, but is going to see his sister and nephews who live abroad. I'm giving him more than the standard $50 because he's been so extremely helpful to me and my husband this year with our new house and baby. It isn't much, but a small token of thanks and Christmas cheer.

I'll place an order with my bank for actual euros. Although the idea of writing a check to his credit card company upon his return was a good one!

Happy Holidays!
-Kellie

Timlin

We are giving our Grandson Euro for xmas this year. He has a school trip in March to Paris and on to Venice and I thought just holding Euro in his hands would give him a more excited feeling.

We also included a few tips and hints we had learned on our travels (and some coin for him to pay for the toilets in Italy...and explained the concept to him so he'd be sure to give .30/.50E to the attendant.)

We explained to him that he must not ever accept a damaged bill in his change because we accepted a partly torn (not torn right through) 100E bill and were unable to use it....they are very fussy about the condition of the bills they will accept or you have to go to a bank to have it replaced. Going to a bank is not an easy thing to do on a school trip.

We explained how to easily order his food when he must go to the cashier before getting his food. Told him to check the price of what he wanted and order by price (one at 3.50E, one at 2.75E and coke) then take the receipt to the next counter and point to what you've paid for.

And a couple other just simple little hints that we hoped would help him enjoy his trip.

I think the Euro will be a great gift since he's never even seen any before.

AAFrequentFlyer

as posted by <b>moldyhotelsaregross</b>

<i>I like the money belt idea the best since many people will not buy them for themselves. </i>,

yeah, because many people don't have a need for it. I would never use one. It's the most ridiculous accessory there is IMHO.

elaine

If you want to give cash, give some euro. You can include, or substitute, a guide book, a travel wallet (lots of extra compartments, a history book about Spain, Spanish language CDs to listen to, luggage tags, luggage, or even a gift certificate to a company like Magellan if he wants to buy his own travel doodads, etc

I don't use a moneybelt, but 'ridiculous' is personal. People should use whatever they like. If you think he'll want one (is this a first trip abroad?), then get one.

cigalechanta

euro is a splendid idea. Will save time for the lucky traveler.

Mucky

Christina !! Wow
Thank you you wrote word for word almost exactly what I think and would recommend.
Are we related...lol

Muck

moldyhotelsaregross

Thanks, Elaine.

AAFrequentFlyer

<b>elaine</b>,

I did say <b>I</b>n <b>M</b>y <b>H</b>umble <b>O</b>pinion....

So, I agree with you, it is a personal decision, but as far as I'm concerned, it's the most ridiculous travel accseory there is......

cigalechanta

It depends, I have one but use it for when I ride my bike. It's very good looking leather made by Longchamp.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion be it a restaurant, hotel or money belt.
A few posters think only their opinion is valid, IMHO

kywood1955

Euro is a great idea. Then he doesn't have to deal with money exchange on the first day.

As an alternative, you might consider a museum pass or train/transportion tickets or a restaurant gift certificate (although the later is not as common as in the U.S.).

But I think the Euro would be the best.
And fun to open on Christmas Day -- kinda exotic!

Seamus

Though this may be offensive to those opposed to cash gifts, Continental Airlines has begun offering a travel gift account. If your BIL plans to fly CO you could make a deposit there, and let other potential gift givers know that it has been set up. http://www.continental.com/programs/...ry/reghome.asp