Andrea's Gift Boxed Baskets

What’s proper etiquette for donating to a charity instead of giving a gift?

My mother continues to give $50 in my name on my birthdays and Christmas to a charity I have nothing to do with. She sends a nice card with a copy of the letter she sent to the charity. Shouldn’t she be making all these donations to the charity I donate my money and time to? I don’t want to sound ungrateful but I don’t think it’s a gift unless she’s giving to my charity of choice. Comments?

I totally understand your misgivings. It’s a tricky one. You don’t want to hurt her feelings cause its your mom and you love her, but since it’s supposed to be a gift for you it probably feels odd that she’s doing this for you without any of “you” in the gift. You could either let her keep doing it cause you know it comes from the heart or the next time that happens use it as the excuse to get the conversation rolling… something like: Hi Mom, Just calling to let you know that I received your gift (card), it was great! Hey, so do you think next time around we could try out this other charity? I REALLY like this other charity because of _______ reason. And then proceed to tell her all about the charity you’re interested in and sound really excited and happy and into the idea of your charity. When she hears how happy you are about the other charity, she shouldn’t take it the wrong way. (At least I hope not) Good Luck!