Search Results: girlfriend and I are different

I was shocked yesterday when my girlfriend expressed that she thought it was weird that I give a gift AND a card for Christmas, birthdays, etc. (I’m not talking about the generic “Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours” courtesy cards, I’m talking people you’re close with and exchange gifts with.

I was taught to always buy a card to accompany the gift, and that the card and it’s sentiment is more important than the gift. And when receiving a gift, I was raised to read the card first, take in what’s written in it, and thank the giver, before even opening the present (upon doing so, I’d then thank them for the gift).

In her world, cards are just something you give if you’re not exchanging a gift with someone, just an acknowledgement. If you’re giving a gift, an additional card is unnecessary, unless it’s something like cash or a gift card. And she asked me if I had ever noticed her family doesn’t give me cards with my Christmas gifts, and I guess I haven’t, haha.

I’m not offended by it or anything, I just was surprised because I thought my way was standard. And she said the same, and we’re both questioning it now because we both have small families and subsequently small gift-exchanging circles.

So I’m curious what all of you folks think. Do you give a card AND a gift? Or a card OR a gift? I guess I’m primarily concerned with opinions of people from North American countries/cultures that I’d be around, it might be totally different elsewhere, but all opinions are welcome👍