I have given gifts such as the sirius subscription before to “family” especially my parents or older people who I know have the $$ in their budget for the monthly fee. Problem is they are tech hesitant. I KNEW my parents would love TIVO but they didn’t have a clue what it was or why they would like it. I gave them a receiver and a one year subscription. I taught them how to use it and then I explained in detail how I would be available to help as they learned it and if they didn’t like it I would uninstall it with no questions asked.

I was correct, they love it. I did the same thing with a netflix subscription for a relative who was not as mobil and he once was and depended on others for errands. The concept of movies delivered to his door was amazing to him and he was thankful for the service. But in both cases neither would have tried it even if I had explained it in detail without actually seeing how it worked for them. “Oh, I don’t need that.” Mom would say right after complaining about missing her favorite news show because of unexpected drop in company.

(This was back at he beginning of both companies when they _were_ new!)

I remember a story my uncle told about the time him and all the sibs chipped in and bought grandma a clothes dryer. She said that it was a silly piece of expensive machinery and why would you buy that when drying clothes cost nothing hanging them on the line. Within a year, she would have fought you if you tried to take it away. She raved about the time savings. (Yes, this was before environmental issues and high energy costs)

There are reasons to give this kind of gift, but you are right in that it is something that should be considered carefully. I agree with the poster that says it was a nice gesture to let you try some new technology and see how you like it.

I like giving gifts of experiences. Tickets to theater. Trips. And, yes, new technology that they wouldn’t have tried without a nudge.

And four months of enhanced commute time is a pretty good gift, even if you don’t continue or can’t sell the equipment. Heck of a lot better than a doodad that collects dust or doesn’t match your decor.

The Cheaps were all stunned.

If the service isn’t worth the $0.50 a day its costing you, I’d sell it on EBay, thank the giver for their thoughtfulness but just tell them the ongoing service wasn’t worth what Sirius is charging.

Emily: You are so right about both routes having positives. The sentimental side in me feels terrible I even question the gift…while my frugal side shouts out “hey, what gives!”

Chickadee, alikat76: Can you imagine I never even thought of selling it? The thought failed to cross my gift horsey mind. I love that idea. Snicker. Thank you so much for looking up the prices on eBay too alikat76! You just blew my brain…cause for some silly reason I just thought the device would become a useless piece of crap once disconnected from the service. I am so slapping myself in the forehead.

Susan: You are indeed right about the kind gesture of my family to allow me to try something new. I am still snickering on the thought of eBaying it too. Ohh, and I am so checking out this podcast site you list. Thank you!

Try listening to podcasts. There are tons of FREE ones to download to an inexpensive mp3 player. You can find ones you like such as the MONEY BLOGGER PODCAST (needs to update, but great info!)

Would I sell it our not? Depends on how much I love it and can I give up something else to offset the cost….one less new book, 3 less Starbucks….and so on.

Would I give a gift with monthy fees attached….only if the person had said they wanted it!