So....it's one of my friend's birthday tomorrow. Everyone at his house and most of our mutual friends are broke so they're throwing a nice, cheap potluck instead a regular party.

The problem? I literally have no food to bring. I'm eating a broke-ass dinner tonight of beans and rice.

So my question is, would a box of tea be appropriate? It's nice green tea, and it's unopened. I'm a little stuck for ideas.


Some help?

meow85 said:

put a nice ribbon around it if you have one I think it's a good present

I just feel like an ass showing up empty handed even if I do have good reason for it.

$2 wine from trader joes??

meow85 said:

anything else unopened in your pantry?

evenstar3 said:

There's no such thing as $2 wine in BC.

ZombieKitten said:

A brick of butter.

meow85 said:

that's also useful!

ZombieKitten said:

"Happy Birthday, H____! Have some cholesterol!"

If you can't help in bringing food, a helping hand in decoration, setting up, and clean up is always welcome. Real friends do understand if money is tight, so the tea is fine and come early to help out.

Don't worry. The tea should be fine.

paintedlady said:

I'll be working later than usual tomorrow so I won't be able to help set up, but I suppose I can help with cleanup.

Calling to offer my services now!

Lammastide said:

Go to the dollar store and get some wrap and ribbon.

Wrap the box of tea with ribbon and include a pretty, handwritten coupon booklet with expiration dates...to wash his car (if he has one), do his laundry, iron some shirts, give a massage, etc. You get the idea. I did that before and it was very much appreciated!

Just show up. It happens, and everyone knows someone has those broke days at times, especially just before a payday. If someone asks, just shrug and say "rain check", and let it go. No one is that big of an asshole to try and call you out on it.

Or go with the tea.

Green tea is a great gesture, wrap it up nicely and ur good to go. If ur still unsure, another idea is to bake a simple cake, if u have the ingredients handy (flour, sugar, eggs, milk, cocoa etc).

meow85 said:

Paintedlady and Noimageatall really hit with what's best! The coupon book idea is awesome! ...and actually quite a useful gift idea with longer shelf life than a bottle of wine or flowers(the latter being the standard house gift here). Wrap that tea in a pretty ribbon (from the dollar store!), make a funny coupon book an go for it, Lil Mama

meow85 said:

My brother shows up at EVERY family event, dinner, birthday, potluck...without food or a present. He even has the nerve to ask for a take home plate.



In your case, I say the tea is perfect!

Another suggestion.... go to the dollar store or walmart. Buy a wicker basket and then buy some fruit making it into a fresh fruit basket.

Just another idea

paintedlady said:

agreed!

Anyone would understand and if they don't, they're an asshole, so screw them.

tea is fine. don't feel bad, everyone is broke at one point or another. and, the dollar store is a good place to get party stuff, if there is one nearby.

hope you enjoy!

Thanks everybody.