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Parenting

07th May 2018

Mum calls daughter’s friend a ‘cheapskate’ for gifting a free toy and handmade card

'I know it’s the thought that counts.'

Anna O'Rourke

Mum calls daughter's friend a 'cheapskate' for gifting a free toy and handmade card

A mum has caused a stir online by asking if she was unreasonable to think her daughter’s friend was a cheapskate.

The women said that she threw a birthday party for her daughter and that the little girl’s friend, who is six, turned up “with a free toy from a magazine as a present.”

“The card was a crumpled folded over bit of scrap paper that was drawn on. (It was a scribble that I couldn’t even tell what it was supposed to be. The girl is 6),” she wrote on Mumsnet.

“I know it’s the thought that counts. When my daughter makes cards for her friends I say it’s to be neat and you’ve to make it your best job because a birthday is special. I wouldn’t allow her to pass off a scribble that would take her 5 minutes. I know all kids abilities are different but I know her friend and have seen her drawings etc.

“And as for the free toy, I feel it’s cheapskate. I honestly don’t care the value of gifts! Another friend made her a friendship band and I think that’s lovely to give homemade gifts. And another gave a colouring book.”

Most of the other parents thought she was being pretty unreasonable, with many reminding her that money can be tight for families.

Mum calls daughter's friend a 'cheapskate' for gifting a free toy and handmade card

“Are you about to say her parents are millionaires who usually hand out yachts, and this was a pointed snub? Because otherwise you look like a total jerk. The friendships are the important things here, not the stuff,” wrote one

“Sorry but I think you are. So many people live in poverty these days even if it’s not always apparent,” commented another.

“Some people are skint. As in literally haven’t a penny to buy a £2 gift. Is your daughter in desperate need of a toy? If so, buy her one yourself.”

“For someone who doesn’t care about the money “cheapskate” is an odd choice of word.”

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