The aguinaldo price matrix guide for holiday gift giving
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
Children look forward to Christmas for the exact same reason adults dread it: it’s the season of gifts. Make no mistake, the holidays are more than just about gifts, but there are certain societal expectations in place that dictate some damage to your bank account.
In the Philippines, this type of gift-giving practice has a name: aguinaldo. Aguinaldo is the cash gift most godparents, aunts, uncles, titas, and titos give out to the younger generation. It’s a sacred and time honored tradition that many kids hold dear and some adults hold off.
Economically speaking, it’s been an extra tough year. Inflation and just the general cost of living have gone up, which means it’s not always possible to give out aguinaldo. But if your bank account (and heart) are still plump this holiday season, here’s a proposed price matrix for how much to give all your inaanaks.
Your favorite godchildren
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Proposed budget: $50 and up
These kids have a special place in your heart, and you have the same space in theirs. You’ve seen them grow up from when they were *this big,* go off to school, graduate, and all that jazz. You’re basically a second parent to them, and this gift is a reflection of how much you adore them.
The nice kid that helps you carry your groceries and mows your lawn
Proposed budget: $20 or a gift card
This kid has saved you from multiple trips back to your car when you come from grocery shopping. They’re always polite, call you Mr. or Mrs. last name, and offer their help whenever they can. You sometimes wish your kids acted more like them, but alas, it’s still nice to get help when you need it. For these good deeds, a $20 bill or a nice gift card is a more than acceptable show of thanks.
Your coworker’s kids that are nice enough
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Proposed budget: $10 in a nice card
You’re not necessarily close to these kids, but your coworkers made sure to raise them well. They’re nice to you whenever you see them and always call you by your preferred name, whether that’s your actual name, or tita or tito.
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Your nieces and nephews who only talk to you if they need something
Proposed budget: $10 or a gift certificate of an equivalent amount (OR a promise of next time)
Family is family for a reason, and these kids remind you of that every time they need your help. If they’re not in need of some assistance on your part, it’s almost like you don’t exist to them. If you’re feeling generous, $10 is more than enough. If you’re feeling a little exacting, just stick them with an I.O.U.
