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I like charity gifts! For many years, I've made enough money that the the things I want are either easily affordable (rock climbing equipment, a gaming console

I like charity gifts! For many years, I've made enough money that the the things I want are either easily affordable (rock climbing equipment, a gaming console, etc.) or completely unrealistic as gifts (two round trip first class tickets to Taiwan). And this is compounded by the fact that I'm the most expert person among my friends and family on most of my interests. So for many years I've asked people not to buy me gifts for birthdays or other occasions, but to instead donate to an animal advocacy nonprofit (and I'll suggest some to them). I'm _much_ happier to see them spend some of their money improving the state of the world, as opposed to getting me stuff that I don't need or could purchase for myself any time I wanted it. That said, some relatives still get me gifts, but at least they're very usable, like gift cards to my favorite restaurants or book store.

willpatrick 6y ago
Thanks for this comment Autarch. On reflection, I wrote that paragraph way too harsh. I've redrafted it now to reflect the reality of yours and other comments like it.
- autarch 6y ago
  The rewrite is much better. I agree that it's not something you can _assume_ the recipient will like. Even for me, I'd be fairly annoyed with a gift to a charity I don't think is very valuable (looking at you, Make a Wish).
  - wsc981 6y ago
    > Even for me, I'd be fairly annoyed with a gift to a charity I don't think is very valuable (looking at you, Make a Wish). I'd be very hesitant for people giving money on my behalf to charity as well. Many charities seem to mismanage money in a big way, for example by spending lots of money on marketing and paying the leadership big salaries. From other charities I might find their agendas often questionable (Oxfam Novib, Amnesty) or I don't agree with their methods (Greenpeace). Of course there are some decent charities to be found as well. Other people might object giving to charities for other reasons [0]. --- [0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcqinGqHQCg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcqinGqHQCg

willpatrick 6y ago

Thanks for this comment Autarch. On reflection, I wrote that paragraph way too harsh. I've redrafted it now to reflect the reality of yours and other comments like it.

autarch 6y ago
The rewrite is much better. I agree that it's not something you can _assume_ the recipient will like. Even for me, I'd be fairly annoyed with a gift to a charity I don't think is very valuable (looking at you, Make a Wish).
- wsc981 6y ago
  > Even for me, I'd be fairly annoyed with a gift to a charity I don't think is very valuable (looking at you, Make a Wish). I'd be very hesitant for people giving money on my behalf to charity as well. Many charities seem to mismanage money in a big way, for example by spending lots of money on marketing and paying the leadership big salaries. From other charities I might find their agendas often questionable (Oxfam Novib, Amnesty) or I don't agree with their methods (Greenpeace). Of course there are some decent charities to be found as well. Other people might object giving to charities for other reasons [0]. --- [0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcqinGqHQCg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcqinGqHQCg