Would you give a Christmas gift to someone who can't reciprocate? (person, member)

[Lost Roses]

Originally Posted by goodmockingbird

Since you're renting the room to him, make up a card that says something like "This coupon good for 3 months rent"

Give him peace of mind.

Three months rent as a Christmas gift? Maybe a little over the top.

[Eascoaswing]

Hmm, now that I think about it... If you tell him he can have a break on the rent it may leave you open to being taken advantage of.

Make sure your relationship guidelines are clearly defined.

[HighFlyingBird]

I wouldn't get a gift for yourself and wrap it. I did that for a friend and it really bothered her.

But getting him a gift is totally fine and nice. And let him know how grateful you are for him being a great Rome mate

[goodmockingbird]

Originally Posted by Lost Roses

Three months rent as a Christmas gift? Maybe a little over the top.

I dunno, just s general idea on how to word the card. One month would be fine, depending on the OPs financial situation

The guy is renting a room from the OP, and the guy is unemployed. He's a great roommate, and OP would be out at minimum a full month of rent if -- heaven forbid -- he had to evict the guy.

One month, three months, doesn't matter to us, it's whatever the OP could afford to extend to his roommate.

An unemployed guy is going to need peace of mind about having a place to live for right now more than he needs anything else. If OP can afford to do it, it's the most meaningful, life-affirming, and generous thing he could give as a gift.

[goodmockingbird]

Originally Posted by Eascoaswing

Hmm, now that I think about it... If you tell him he can have a break on the rent it may leave you open to being taken advantage of.

Make sure your relationship guidelines are clearly defined.

That's why I suggested a card written as a "coupon" for a specific length of time -- virtually a legal document.

Not some open ended, 'hang out until you find a job, whenever' vague promise.

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by Lost Roses

Three months rent as a Christmas gift? Maybe a little over the top.

I think so too!

The OP hasn't indicated how expensive the gift she is considering for him is, and I think it makes a difference here. Something small and thoughtful, fine. Something extravagant will likely embarrass him.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by goodmockingbird

Since you're renting the room to him, make up a card that says something like "This coupon good for 3 months rent"

Give him peace of mind.

I'm in tears. If you can afford it, how nice this would be.

[silibran]

I wouldn't think you would want to give a really expensive gift, but a CD? Sure. It is a nice gesture and I like your idea of putting the gift under the tree from Santa.

Keep it light. Laugh a lot. Have fun with this. Merry Christmas!

[DubbleT]

Originally Posted by Colorado Rambler

I'm dying to go buy it for him because he certainly has been a gift to me. The roommate I had before him was just awful and I'm so glad I got rid of him and rented out my spare room to Sam instead.

Do. Along with a card that says just what you wrote here, that he has been a gift to you and that you are glad to have him as your renter and your friend. Tell him that is enough of a 'gift' for you.

[tht1guy]

Heck no!