What is a good birthday gift for someone who is laid off?

My brother in law is currently laid off and his birthday just passed.  Under normal circumstances we would have gotten him an actual gift for about $25 or so.  My husband had a gift picked out for him.  Something for his Playstation I believe, I’m really not sure.  Anyways, it just seemed so frivolous.  But at the same time I felt kinda bad giving him a gift card to the grocery store, or something equally practical.

On one hand we wanted to use this opportunity to help them out with something they actually need.  On the other hand, we know he won’t be buying anything for himself for a long time and it is his birthday.  I know I would have a hard time getting something for myself if I was worried about supporting my family. But everyone is different and maybe they are ok.  His wife works, and I certainly don’t know every detail of their financial situation.

We went back and forth a dozen times.  In the end, we got him a $50 gift card to someplace where he could either buy himself something, buy his family something, or both.  We spent twice as much as we would have normally but that way he can get what he wants and still put some towards groceries if he wants.  Or if they are really worried about bills then we helped out a little extra.  Or he can get himself something extra good for his birthday… which is fine too.

pic by: Manassas cakery

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