$1,000 for a Purim basket… No, it’s not a joke, it’s real. I’ve seen some expensive holiday gifts before, but this deserves a prize! How did I hear of such luxury, you may be asking? From a friend who lives in a very exclusive community in Westchester, NY. According to her, said basket was purchased in multiples by someone in her book group.
The list of included items is breathtaking:
- 12 Coffees
- 2 Champagne Bottles
- Truffles
- Chocolate Cherries
- Chocolate Tubes
- Mint, Chocolate and Caramel Balls
- Mixed Nuts
- Fudge
- Gourmet Popcorn
- Candy
- Fruit
- Peanut Clusters
- Pretzels
The package alone weighs 50 pounds and could feed a small army, let alone a single soul!
Now, I truly don’t care how another person spends their own money, but I do wonder if a $1,000 basket provides more joy than a $10.00 or $100.00 basket? From my own experience, I’ve never known anyone—especially a kid—to reject a gift based on cost. Normally, I just cobble together free or discounted candy purchased after Valentine’s Day and a few cheapies special to the recipient. I wouldn’t say my baskets are extravagant by any means, but they’re always enjoyed!
There’s no denying that we’d all love to be given a $1,000 gift on Purim or any other day of the year. Regardless, I’m sure that a lovely present can be made, no matter how small a budget may be, based on the creator’s determination and ingenuity.
A celebration is not about money, after all! It’s supposed to be about family, friends, faith, fun, and LOVE. Getting caught up in a social circle that only focuses on conspicuous consumption is not festive, it’s empty. Gifts are great, but we should never feel obligated to spend, spend, spend because another person goes overboard.
Holidays are meant to be joyous, but should there be a limit on spending?
I would love to have this, but I shelter elderly cats, and a $1000.00 could go a long ways.
I love cats, too! Their expenses can be huge, with food, litter, and vet bills.
UGH. Consumerism kills me sometimes. We have a not so elaborate problem at Christmas.. relatives spend a lot of money on a large gift for my daughter. I appreciate it of course, as it is from love- but I would rather have a few lunches together instead, and I know she feels the same.
The gift is large, takes up space in our house, and rarely gets played with.. makes me feel they wasted their money. She would rather see them!
I couldn’t agree more! How many of us unwrap a gift, stick it in a closet, and never see it again? The gift of an experience, an outing, dinner together, a vacation for the whole family—those are things I’d prefer and definitely would remember longer.
I’d only purchase this for someone special to me, like the Jewish lady! Better to give then receive……I would be kind of envious though. The best gifts to ever give or ones you’d actually enjoy yourself!
Happy Purim everyone!