General Question

rockfan's avatar

Is a framed drawing a good birthday gift for a friend that I’ve only known for a short period of time?

Asked by rockfan (14627points) July 9th, 2022
12 responses
“Great Question” (2points)

For the past year and a half I’ve been going to a bar trivia Meetup group once a week, and have gotten to know the group rather well. The group consists of about 7 people.

We’re celebrating a group member’s birthday tomorrow and everyone is giving her a gift. She loves Asian culture, so today I decided to draw a panda chewing on bamboo. It’s a fairly detailed drawing, so it took quite a bit of time to finish it. I’m giving it to her in person tomorrow in front of the Meetup group and I’m afraid it’s going to be really awkward. I have this weird feeling that giving her the drawing seems over the top and out of the blue. What do you think?

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Answers

janbb's avatar

It’s a lovely gift. No need to worry.

Jeruba's avatar

It does sound lovely, as @janbb says. But your hesitation is telling. If you are feeling that it might be an inappropriately special gift, as if it represented a closer relationship than you actually have, your doubt may be giving you good advice. Perhaps choose something a little less personal, or even just omit the frame?

gorillapaws's avatar

I’d just downplay how much effort went into it, and I might skip the frame (maybe double-sided tape onto matboard)?

“Hey [her name], I hope you don’t think I’m too cheap to get you a real present, but I know you’re into Asian stuff, so I scribbled a little something for you. Hope you like it. Happy birthday.” You could also give it a funny title to tone it down: “Pen and Ink: Asian Bear Eating Asian Stick #1”

rockfan's avatar

I forgot to mention that she’s moving to Thailand for about a year. So that’s what really sparked my idea for a going away present.

JLeslie's avatar

I like the idea assuming it’s not very large. I’d love to receive a sketch or painting from a friend that depicts something I like or am interested in.

Are most people giving inexpensive token gifts? She can always use the frame for a favorite photo, or regift the frame if moving with it is a burden and put your drawing in with other papers she has.

chyna's avatar

That sounds like a very wonderful, thoughtful gift. I personally would love receiving such a gift.

jca2's avatar

Apparently you’re confident enough about your artistic ability, so I would give the sketch, framed or unframed, with confidence if I were you.

capet's avatar

I think it’s great! Very cool.

gorillapaws's avatar

Update?

smudges's avatar

Oooo I’d love something like that and would be flattered that you knew enough about me to do that. People like feeling special.

rockfan's avatar

She loved the drawing! And another friend in our group made her a crochet hat, so I wasn’t the only one that gave her a handmade gift, which was nice.

smudges's avatar

Yayyyy! Glad it worked out! Thanks for letting us know.

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