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Gift instead of money tip?

justmekimmiejustmekimmie
10 Comments Name Dropper
in Wedding Etiquette Forum
My photographer is a really good friend of mine and is giving me an amazing deal (only 350 total for my engagement AND wedding day pics). I want to give her a tip but money just seems really impersonal for a friend even though she's a vendor. We both photographed different groups around our college campus (both working heavily with the marching band) and ended up working a lot together. I offered her a wide angle lens that she borrowed often as a graduation gift and she was over the moon because that was one less lens she was going to have to buy. She talked a lot about a fish-eye lens that she would love to eventually get and I was wondering if THAT would be an appropriate gift? I asked her guy to double check to make sure she still hasn't purchased it and he assures me it's still just on her wish list.
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Re: Gift instead of money tip?

  • Simply FatedSimply Fated member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 500 Love Its First Answer
    Since she's working as a vendor, I'd treat her as such and give her a cash tip.
    If you want to make it personal, maybe throw in a small gift.

    Since photography is her craft, there might be a specific lens she has her eye on that you don't know about. I'd steer away from that, but maybe something along those lines?
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  • justmekimmiejustmekimmie
    10 Comments Name Dropper
    We talked often about the specific lens (brand/make/price) so I have those details.
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  • STARMOON44STARMOON44 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    Give cash. If she wants a lens she can use the cash to buy it.
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  • jessicabessicajessicabessica member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    I would still give cash.  Put it in a card and write her a sincere note--that will make it feel more personal. 
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  • Grabows14Grabows14 member
    250 Love Its 100 Comments First Anniversary Name Dropper
    Cash is best, Maybe give her a tip along the lines of how much he would have cost if she wasn't your friend.
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  • saraboppsarabopp
    10 Comments Name Dropper
    I like the idea of the lens as a gift but I do agree that a cash tip is always the most useful thing.  If you are able to swing a cash tip and the lens that would make for an awesome and memorable "thank you".
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  • KeptInStitchesKeptInStitches member
    5000 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary 5 Answers
    I agree that cash is still best.
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  • Teddy917Teddy917 member
    1000 Comments 500 Love Its Third Anniversary First Answer
    A good review is always a great thing to do in addition to a tip for any vendor.
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  • daveANDkristendaveANDkristen member
    Knottie Warrior 500 Love Its 1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    Since you know the lens is something she really wants and will use, I would probably buy her the lens actually.  I always love to get (and give) thoughtful gifts that are really bought with me (or the recipient) in mind.  Include a receipt if possible (I'm sure she knows how much the lens costs anyway) just in case she decided to get a different brand or the boyfriend is mistaken and she does already have it.  But if there's any doubt in your mind about buying her the lens, don't feel bad about a cash tip!
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