Netizens slam careless RM50 gift exchanges, sharing frustrations over cheap presents and stressing the importance of sincere, thoughtful gifting.
A netizen’s rant about careless gift exchanges has gone viral, striking a chord with many Malaysians who’ve been on the receiving end of thoughtless presents.
In a Threads post, @fasya.wahid warned, “For gift exchange events, if you’re the kind of person who is stingy, half-hearted, careless, or not sincere, please don’t join.
“It’s better to just excuse yourself.
“Because it’s hurtful when you receive a gift from someone like that. The gift budget is RM50, but they give a tumbler bought from Eco shop — what do you think?”
While she clarified that the gift was just an example, the post quickly drew reactions from fellow netizens.
The post sparked a wider conversation about the etiquette of gift exchanges.
Many agreed with her sentiments.
Netizens highlighted how such events are meant to spread joy and thoughtfulness, not disappointment.
One user called emerlinep commented: “Exchange gift budget is RM50, but the gift is from a discount/bargain shop. That’s not an exchange gift — that’s just clearing out your own stuff.
“If you’re not sincere, don’t join, or people won’t just be disappointed — they’ll be fed up.”
“Do the gift exchange according to the recipient’s wishlist so that the purchase matches what the recipient actually wants,” aznasha suggested.
“Back then, my team did a gift exchange, but we had to stay within the budget and prepare the link or item we wanted in advance.” jajaazmi shared.
Others shared their own experiences of receiving gifts that didn’t match the budget or effort, showing that the frustration is far from uncommon.
“I received a pendrive, and I gave someone a coffee maker. The person I gave it to immediately apologized for not following the set budget,” illianykhairuddin lamented.
Meanwhile, mysticalluna88 shared an honest take: “Hey, RM50 is actually a huge amount for some people. I’ve experienced something similar at a company before.
“Some staff have many children and have to save just to buy school supplies for them. Meanwhile, their own kids don’t get gifts, but then they’re expected to join a gift exchange for colleagues. Refusing feels awkward.
“Some come from difficult family situations and have to support them. Some months, their commission is low, and their salary barely covers food, rent, and car payments.
“If you’re going to do a gift exchange, a minimum budget of RM10 is already enough.
“It’s supposed to be a fun event, not something that makes people feel stressed,” the same user shared.
