Pass the Gift Envelope Via the Web

Moms are the original masters of tricky maneuvers. How do you make sure the Tooth Fairy pays up without waking a sleepyhead? How do you bid farewell, then check back on an upset child without starting the whole drama of departure again? And how do you politely collect funds for a group gift without tipping off the recipient?

Every other month seems to mark the close of another shared endeavor like ball season, school, or camp. Each event calls for a collective gift to show appreciation to the coaches, teachers, counselors, and othes who make it all possible. Then there are the occasions like wedding and baby showers, Bosses Day, or fond farewells that merit a gift from the group.   

There are usually two kinds of moms who work the secret group gift: Those who are happy to write a check if only someone else will please, please just handle it, and those who swoop in to organize the entire giftng operation independently. At the gift-giving ceremony, most of the contributors have no idea what was purchased and are as curious as the recipient to see what comes out of the package.

There is rarely any middle ground, because to merely acknowledge the need for a group gift is tantamount to volunteering yourself to ask for donations, collect funds, select and purchase the gift, and circulate a card for everyone to sign. Of course there isn't time to solicit input and reach a consensus - you're just lucky someone volunteered to get the gift in the first place.

Frumus.com is a website that leaves a bit more middle ground. The site allows all group members to discuss gift ideas, view suggested gifts, and donate to the gift fund securely via credit card. The usual dialogue that is either impossible or time consuming can be avoided. If your group's members are scattered geographically or have busy schedules, Frumus.com can help you coordinate your efforts. If you have absolultely no idea what a coach would like, Frumus.com has a variety of suggestions at different price points to suit your needs. And if you just want to give your gift recipient money or use the site for collections only (not a purchase), you can designate an account where the funds can be deposited (the recipient must set up a Paypal account).

Have the gift delievered to a designee in time to bring it to the team/class party, or have the gift sent directly to the recipient (remote boss, camp counselor already back at college). Set up more than one collection if you need to cover multiple recipients such as teachers, recipients, and so forth.  Many common gift retailers are represented among the available shopping options, and gift cards are also an option.

Of course,someone has to set up the account, input e-mail contacts, and make a determination on the group's behalf. However, this still may beat the usual methods of communicating and collecting, especially if your group doesn't meet together regularly.  Whether you're the mom who loves to organize the gift-giving or the one who prefers to just send money, at least you can stop spending time fabricating excuses to pass an envelope.