i disagree, saying give me cash instead of a gift is ok. You give what your comfortable giving. If you cant afford to give $100 or $200. Fine, give a macy’s amazon gift card for $40.
what your saying is like, going to a 8 year old’s girl birthday party, and giving her a mechanic’s tool box. The girl will have absolutely no use for it, might as well give her some cash where she can either save, or buy something.