I am often given various gift cards during the holidays and on birthdays. For example, a gift card to a coffee shop.
My parents are usually aware of the fact that I have received these kinds of gift cards, and ask me about how much money they are worth.
If I respond, for example, that a gift card to a coffee shop has “enough for several coffees,” instead of stating the total dollar amount, my parents become upset.
In my view, though, it doesn’t seem necessary to share that detail about the gift with them, since it was something given to me. I do thank the gift giver after receiving it, in some form or another.
I was wondering how socially acceptable it is considered, if at all, to ask for that kind of information about someone else’s gift. Between parent and child, for example. Does it overstep a boundary? Or is it the kind of question maybe most would respond to without hesitation?
Also, it would be helpful if someone might be able to provide a suggestion for responding to this when asked, which is firm but at the same time not unnecessarily rude.
Any other thoughts about this would be very much appreciated. Thank you!