Giving money as a gift may sound like a simple exercise, but it can be interpreted in different ways and maybe more or less appropriate in certain contexts. For example, you wouldn’t give your romantic partner money as a gift if you know they were expecting something personal picked out by you.

There is a certain etiquette to giving and receiving money as a gift. Let’s look at some of it now.

Don’t ask for money as a gift

If someone is asking you what you want as a gift, don’t ask for money. It should be up to them if they want to give you money, as asking for it yourself will make you seem kind of greedy. A gift is as much about gratifying the person giving it as it is for you.

Don’t discuss the amount with others

It’s impolite to discuss the amount of money given to you as a gift, as it can make others feel worse when they get a gift that is not worth as much. You don’t want people to be in an unspoken contest with one another to spend the most money.

Only protest once

If someone wants to give you money as a gift to be spontaneous or pay for dinner, then you should only try to refuse them once. If they really insist on you taking it than accept it and be gracious about it.

Don’t go broke giving money as a gift

If you are giving money as a gift, don’t give more than is appropriate. You need to be able to part with the money, so don’t sacrifice a significant amount just because you think you need to.

Don’t give money in place of a meaningful gift

A romantic partner or a family member is not the best recipient for a cash gift.