A word that means “small gift”?












9














I'm looking for a single word that means "little gift":




Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




As for the context, it should be like one you'd see in letters between close friends i.e. informal and the word shouldn't be too long.






single-word-requests







share|improve this question
























  • A small caveat. In vernaculars in which I am familiar, "a little something" is often used in an ironic sense. "Here's a litlle something for you" might be said by the giver just as the toe of one of his shoes makes contact with a sensitive part of the giftee's anatomy. Or, it might be said by the giver as he pulls the trigger.
    – J. Taylor
    Dec 9 at 16:08






  • 1




    @J.Taylor I think you meant to comment on ab2's answer
    – wjandrea
    Dec 9 at 16:22










  • @wjandrea ...actually it was a caveat to the OP about use. I do not object to ab2's answer and was not commenting on it. I do get nervous when someone "has a little something" for me..
    – J. Taylor
    Dec 9 at 16:30










  • @J.Taylor That may be the case in America. It doesn't routinely carry that connotation in Britain, though there is no reason why it might not. My usual impression is that Americans do not use as much irony as we do. I recall that during the first Gulf War, the RAF had a weapon designed to crater an enemy's runway, and leave a hole the size of a London bus. When explaining these to US Commanders the RAF officers kept talking about "paying them a visit" - meaning doing a bombing run. I remember one of the senior Americans (appearing on TV) being quite amused about this form of banter.
    – WS2
    Dec 9 at 21:45








  • 2




    Trinket, which is, “a little something.”
    – M.Mat
    Dec 10 at 4:01
















9














I'm looking for a single word that means "little gift":




Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




As for the context, it should be like one you'd see in letters between close friends i.e. informal and the word shouldn't be too long.






single-word-requests







share|improve this question
























  • A small caveat. In vernaculars in which I am familiar, "a little something" is often used in an ironic sense. "Here's a litlle something for you" might be said by the giver just as the toe of one of his shoes makes contact with a sensitive part of the giftee's anatomy. Or, it might be said by the giver as he pulls the trigger.
    – J. Taylor
    Dec 9 at 16:08






  • 1




    @J.Taylor I think you meant to comment on ab2's answer
    – wjandrea
    Dec 9 at 16:22










  • @wjandrea ...actually it was a caveat to the OP about use. I do not object to ab2's answer and was not commenting on it. I do get nervous when someone "has a little something" for me..
    – J. Taylor
    Dec 9 at 16:30










  • @J.Taylor That may be the case in America. It doesn't routinely carry that connotation in Britain, though there is no reason why it might not. My usual impression is that Americans do not use as much irony as we do. I recall that during the first Gulf War, the RAF had a weapon designed to crater an enemy's runway, and leave a hole the size of a London bus. When explaining these to US Commanders the RAF officers kept talking about "paying them a visit" - meaning doing a bombing run. I remember one of the senior Americans (appearing on TV) being quite amused about this form of banter.
    – WS2
    Dec 9 at 21:45








  • 2




    Trinket, which is, “a little something.”
    – M.Mat
    Dec 10 at 4:01














9












9








9







I'm looking for a single word that means "little gift":




Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




As for the context, it should be like one you'd see in letters between close friends i.e. informal and the word shouldn't be too long.






single-word-requests







share|improve this question















I'm looking for a single word that means "little gift":




Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




As for the context, it should be like one you'd see in letters between close friends i.e. informal and the word shouldn't be too long.






single-word-requests




single-word-requests






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Dec 10 at 13:05

























asked Dec 9 at 14:16









FireCubez

15015




15015












  • A small caveat. In vernaculars in which I am familiar, "a little something" is often used in an ironic sense. "Here's a litlle something for you" might be said by the giver just as the toe of one of his shoes makes contact with a sensitive part of the giftee's anatomy. Or, it might be said by the giver as he pulls the trigger.
    – J. Taylor
    Dec 9 at 16:08






  • 1




    @J.Taylor I think you meant to comment on ab2's answer
    – wjandrea
    Dec 9 at 16:22










  • @wjandrea ...actually it was a caveat to the OP about use. I do not object to ab2's answer and was not commenting on it. I do get nervous when someone "has a little something" for me..
    – J. Taylor
    Dec 9 at 16:30










  • @J.Taylor That may be the case in America. It doesn't routinely carry that connotation in Britain, though there is no reason why it might not. My usual impression is that Americans do not use as much irony as we do. I recall that during the first Gulf War, the RAF had a weapon designed to crater an enemy's runway, and leave a hole the size of a London bus. When explaining these to US Commanders the RAF officers kept talking about "paying them a visit" - meaning doing a bombing run. I remember one of the senior Americans (appearing on TV) being quite amused about this form of banter.
    – WS2
    Dec 9 at 21:45








  • 2




    Trinket, which is, “a little something.”
    – M.Mat
    Dec 10 at 4:01


















  • A small caveat. In vernaculars in which I am familiar, "a little something" is often used in an ironic sense. "Here's a litlle something for you" might be said by the giver just as the toe of one of his shoes makes contact with a sensitive part of the giftee's anatomy. Or, it might be said by the giver as he pulls the trigger.
    – J. Taylor
    Dec 9 at 16:08






  • 1




    @J.Taylor I think you meant to comment on ab2's answer
    – wjandrea
    Dec 9 at 16:22










  • @wjandrea ...actually it was a caveat to the OP about use. I do not object to ab2's answer and was not commenting on it. I do get nervous when someone "has a little something" for me..
    – J. Taylor
    Dec 9 at 16:30










  • @J.Taylor That may be the case in America. It doesn't routinely carry that connotation in Britain, though there is no reason why it might not. My usual impression is that Americans do not use as much irony as we do. I recall that during the first Gulf War, the RAF had a weapon designed to crater an enemy's runway, and leave a hole the size of a London bus. When explaining these to US Commanders the RAF officers kept talking about "paying them a visit" - meaning doing a bombing run. I remember one of the senior Americans (appearing on TV) being quite amused about this form of banter.
    – WS2
    Dec 9 at 21:45








  • 2




    Trinket, which is, “a little something.”
    – M.Mat
    Dec 10 at 4:01
















A small caveat. In vernaculars in which I am familiar, "a little something" is often used in an ironic sense. "Here's a litlle something for you" might be said by the giver just as the toe of one of his shoes makes contact with a sensitive part of the giftee's anatomy. Or, it might be said by the giver as he pulls the trigger.
– J. Taylor
Dec 9 at 16:08




A small caveat. In vernaculars in which I am familiar, "a little something" is often used in an ironic sense. "Here's a litlle something for you" might be said by the giver just as the toe of one of his shoes makes contact with a sensitive part of the giftee's anatomy. Or, it might be said by the giver as he pulls the trigger.
– J. Taylor
Dec 9 at 16:08




1




1




@J.Taylor I think you meant to comment on ab2's answer
– wjandrea
Dec 9 at 16:22




@J.Taylor I think you meant to comment on ab2's answer
– wjandrea
Dec 9 at 16:22












@wjandrea ...actually it was a caveat to the OP about use. I do not object to ab2's answer and was not commenting on it. I do get nervous when someone "has a little something" for me..
– J. Taylor
Dec 9 at 16:30




@wjandrea ...actually it was a caveat to the OP about use. I do not object to ab2's answer and was not commenting on it. I do get nervous when someone "has a little something" for me..
– J. Taylor
Dec 9 at 16:30












@J.Taylor That may be the case in America. It doesn't routinely carry that connotation in Britain, though there is no reason why it might not. My usual impression is that Americans do not use as much irony as we do. I recall that during the first Gulf War, the RAF had a weapon designed to crater an enemy's runway, and leave a hole the size of a London bus. When explaining these to US Commanders the RAF officers kept talking about "paying them a visit" - meaning doing a bombing run. I remember one of the senior Americans (appearing on TV) being quite amused about this form of banter.
– WS2
Dec 9 at 21:45






@J.Taylor That may be the case in America. It doesn't routinely carry that connotation in Britain, though there is no reason why it might not. My usual impression is that Americans do not use as much irony as we do. I recall that during the first Gulf War, the RAF had a weapon designed to crater an enemy's runway, and leave a hole the size of a London bus. When explaining these to US Commanders the RAF officers kept talking about "paying them a visit" - meaning doing a bombing run. I remember one of the senior Americans (appearing on TV) being quite amused about this form of banter.
– WS2
Dec 9 at 21:45






2




2




Trinket, which is, “a little something.”
– M.Mat
Dec 10 at 4:01




Trinket, which is, “a little something.”
– M.Mat
Dec 10 at 4:01










9 Answers
9






active

oldest

votes


















22














little something




Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a little something
to spend.




Macmillan defines this phrase as:




a present that you give someone to thank them, that is not very
expensive. [Example] It’s just a little something to show how much we appreciate
your help.




My aunt used this phrase all the time especially when she sent me money enclosed in a letter when I was in college.




Just sending you a little something! Spend it foolishly!




And there is nothing wrong with small gift or token gift, although token means, according to Collins




You use token to describe things or actions which are small or
unimportant but are meant to show particular intentions or feelings
which may not be sincere.




A token gift can be a small gift, even one of no monetary value, but sincere, despite the qualifier above. (Note that may here means sometimes, not always.) One example from Collins is:




We presented both our guests with token gifts of appreciation.
Hebblethwaite, Peter Paul VI - The First Modern Pope (1993)







share|improve this answer



















  • 6




    Token strikes me as the closest match to the request, and has the advantage of being appropriate as a single word as well.
    – Robobunny
    Dec 9 at 18:14






  • 1




    While these are all suitable expressions, the OP did specifically ask for a single word.
    – Chappo
    Dec 10 at 0:44










  • "Note that may here means sometimes, not always." – well, then the fact a token gift can be sincere is not despite the qualifier, is it? It's quite in agreement with the qualifier, seems to me.
    – Andriy M
    Dec 10 at 1:45










  • A token is meant to symbolize something. "Token of my affection". Token's don't actually have a size restriction.
    – candied_orange
    Dec 10 at 5:50





















12














Token might be the word you're looking for.




Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token of ten dollars to spend.




or...




Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token amount of ten dollars to spend.




Google defines has two definitions that I believe work well together to sum up what you're trying to say:




A voucher ... typically one given as a gift or offered as part of a promotional offer.




And...




Done for the sake of appearances or as a symbolic gesture.




Together, this word can be used colloquially to mean a small gift given less for the value of the gift itself, and more for the thought behind it.






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  • 1




    Google basically "has" only information it pulls from other web sites.  Please don't say you got information from Google; find the actual, original source, identify it by name, and link to it.
    – Scott
    Dec 10 at 1:43






  • 1




    Google pulls its definitions from Google Dictionary, which in turn sources its information from Oxford University Press's oxforddictionaries.com, but not from any single dictionary. Therefore, Google is indeed its own source in this instance.
    – Ambrosia
    Dec 10 at 1:54






  • 1




    OK, can you provide a source for that?  When I do a Google search for "google dictionary", the most definitive-looking result I see is Wikipedia, which says "Google Dictionary is an online dictionary service of Google .... The dictionary content is licensed from Oxford University Press's OxfordDictionaries.com." (emphasis added)  I believe that you're confusing messenger and author.
    – Scott
    Dec 10 at 2:10






  • 1




    @Ambrosia Welcome to EL&U, but do note that the community here has firmly decided that Google alone is not an acceptable source, and that is unlikely to change.
    – choster
    Dec 10 at 16:51



















9














From regional American English dialect: (East, Southeast and Central Plains) :




Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a sirsee of ten
dollars to spend.




or




"Sorry I missed your birthday so i got this sirsee for you."




Sirsee, from Room Mom blog and A Way with Words




Spelling variations– circe, circi, surcy, surcee



Definition– (n) word used in the south to mean a small, thoughtful
gift.




The Dictionary of American Regional English (paywall) has a listing of "sirsee" (variously spelled "circe," "circi," "surcy"). East and South east U.S.: NC, SC, GA, and PA, as well as two reports from Buffalo, NY and Oklahoma. The etymology is uncertain, but one plausible source is the Scot/Irish verb "sussie," meaning "to take trouble, to care, to bother oneself."



sirsee






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  • +1 because this is a new word for me. I never heard of it before, although Circe did have a little surprise for Ulysses.
    – ab2
    Dec 9 at 17:49






  • 12




    As a 26-year-old American, I've never heard or seen/read sirsee in my life...
    – Chris Cirefice
    Dec 9 at 18:05










  • @ChrisCirefice The answer does specify that the answer is regional. Your profile page says you're from Michigan, versus "sirsee" apparently being from the South, so it's not too surprising that you haven't heard it. (I haven't heard of it either, but again I'm not hooked into Southern regional expressions.) -- That said, it is a point against it, as it doesn't seem to be a word that's well known outside of its native region. (lbf, it might be good to be more explicit about where exactly in the US it's used, either from DARE or elsewhere)
    – R.M.
    Dec 9 at 20:28










  • @R.M. Exactly, I probably should have mentioned in my comment that it would make sense to update the answer with which U.S. region the word is used in. since it seems to be a southernism (a particular area in the south maybe, west coast vs east cost?). It would be a good idea to note that in the answer :)
    – Chris Cirefice
    Dec 9 at 20:31






  • 3




    @R.M. I'm 44 and have spent the majority of my life in the Southeastern US. I've never heard of this either
    – Kevin
    Dec 10 at 14:23



















1














Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a soupçon of ten dollars to spend.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    Please note, the system has flagged your answer for deletion as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on this site is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. I suggest you edit your answer - for example, adding a published definition (linked to the source) and an explanation of why yours is the correct word for the context. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the Tour :-)
    – Chappo
    Dec 11 at 3:50



















0














A small gift given to a guest speaker or other volunteer can be called an honorarium.



Cambridge Dictionary defines it as:




a usually small amount of money paid to someone for a service for which no official charge is made:







share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    The question specifically asks for something informal, to use between close friends, and I really don't think "honorarium" is fitting. It is very old-fashioned and formal-sounding, and refers to a commercial relationship not a friendly gift.
    – Stuart F
    Dec 12 at 16:10












  • @StuartF You don't sound like you're much fun. I could definitely use this for a small gift for a close friend. Not sure it's all that old-fashioned either- it's commonly used in the specific context of guest speakers, in my experience. It's almost as formulaic as the "without further adieu” which follows an introduction.
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Dec 12 at 16:18



















0















Means "little gift": between close friends, informal and the word shouldn't be too long.



Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




Between close friends $10 is a small amount (the location would be limited to countries that have dollars, otherwise another currency would have been specified), to add to the informality an exaggeration or acknowledgement of the worthlessness is commonly used.



 



Merriam-Webster:





  • Paltry - adjective - trivial: of little worth or importance, meager: deficient in quality or quantity, measly: contemptibly small.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a paltry ten dollars to spend.




 





  • Lousy [2b] - adjective - miserably poor or inferior.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a lousy ten dollars to spend.




 



Oxford Dictionaries:





  • Paltry - adjective - (of an amount) very small or meager: (of something provided or available) lacking in quantity or quality.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a meager ten dollars to spend.




 





  • Scant - adjective - barely sufficient or adequate.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a scant ten dollars to spend.




 





  • Derisory - adjective - ridiculously small or inadequate.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a derisory ten dollars to spend.




 





  • Pitiful - adjective - very small or poor; inadequate.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a pitiful ten dollars to spend.








share|improve this answer

















  • 2




    Most of these sound condescending, as if it is an oh-so-terrible gift
    – FireCubez
    Dec 10 at 16:36



















0














In colloquial Scots of some vintage, this would be a wee minding or wee mindin':




A small present given as a mark of goodwill rather than for a particular occasion




Source: Stevenson, J. A., & Macleod, I. (2015). Scoor-oot: A dictionary of Scots words and phrases in current use. London: Bloomsbury.



Also:




A "wee minding" is how you would describe a gift given for no particular reason. One use of the word "mind" is to remember something or someone, or to call them to memory.




Source: https://sugarnellie.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-wee-minding.html






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    -1














    Not for a small money gift (since that is but a token gesture)



    However for all else I would use



    momento (that is memento deliberately with an o)



    some consider it a mis-spelling or malaprop but its definition is



    The definition of a momento, often spelled memento, is anything that reminds someone of something.



    https://www.yourdictionary.com/momento



    more specifically done on the spur of the moment it is a small remembrance of the of giving.






    share|improve this answer























    • Most people would think (accurately) you are just misspelling 'memento'.
      – thumbtackthief
      Dec 10 at 17:08



















    -3














    This is an interesting question that my not have a simple, acceptable answer.




    ... here is a remembrance of ten dollars




    may suffice for the given example, especially the definition (5a):




    5 a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : REMINDER



    b : COMMEMORATION, MEMORIAL



    c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection







    share|improve this answer



















    • 2




      Which definition in the link you provided is intended here? For me it seems like none of them work.
      – FireCubez
      Dec 9 at 14:44






    • 1




      5a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder b : commemoration, memorial c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
      – J. Taylor
      Dec 9 at 14:48










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    9 Answers
    9






    active

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    9 Answers
    9






    active

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    active

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    22














    little something




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a little something
    to spend.




    Macmillan defines this phrase as:




    a present that you give someone to thank them, that is not very
    expensive. [Example] It’s just a little something to show how much we appreciate
    your help.




    My aunt used this phrase all the time especially when she sent me money enclosed in a letter when I was in college.




    Just sending you a little something! Spend it foolishly!




    And there is nothing wrong with small gift or token gift, although token means, according to Collins




    You use token to describe things or actions which are small or
    unimportant but are meant to show particular intentions or feelings
    which may not be sincere.




    A token gift can be a small gift, even one of no monetary value, but sincere, despite the qualifier above. (Note that may here means sometimes, not always.) One example from Collins is:




    We presented both our guests with token gifts of appreciation.
    Hebblethwaite, Peter Paul VI - The First Modern Pope (1993)







    share|improve this answer



















    • 6




      Token strikes me as the closest match to the request, and has the advantage of being appropriate as a single word as well.
      – Robobunny
      Dec 9 at 18:14






    • 1




      While these are all suitable expressions, the OP did specifically ask for a single word.
      – Chappo
      Dec 10 at 0:44










    • "Note that may here means sometimes, not always." – well, then the fact a token gift can be sincere is not despite the qualifier, is it? It's quite in agreement with the qualifier, seems to me.
      – Andriy M
      Dec 10 at 1:45










    • A token is meant to symbolize something. "Token of my affection". Token's don't actually have a size restriction.
      – candied_orange
      Dec 10 at 5:50


















    22














    little something




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a little something
    to spend.




    Macmillan defines this phrase as:




    a present that you give someone to thank them, that is not very
    expensive. [Example] It’s just a little something to show how much we appreciate
    your help.




    My aunt used this phrase all the time especially when she sent me money enclosed in a letter when I was in college.




    Just sending you a little something! Spend it foolishly!




    And there is nothing wrong with small gift or token gift, although token means, according to Collins




    You use token to describe things or actions which are small or
    unimportant but are meant to show particular intentions or feelings
    which may not be sincere.




    A token gift can be a small gift, even one of no monetary value, but sincere, despite the qualifier above. (Note that may here means sometimes, not always.) One example from Collins is:




    We presented both our guests with token gifts of appreciation.
    Hebblethwaite, Peter Paul VI - The First Modern Pope (1993)







    share|improve this answer



















    • 6




      Token strikes me as the closest match to the request, and has the advantage of being appropriate as a single word as well.
      – Robobunny
      Dec 9 at 18:14






    • 1




      While these are all suitable expressions, the OP did specifically ask for a single word.
      – Chappo
      Dec 10 at 0:44










    • "Note that may here means sometimes, not always." – well, then the fact a token gift can be sincere is not despite the qualifier, is it? It's quite in agreement with the qualifier, seems to me.
      – Andriy M
      Dec 10 at 1:45










    • A token is meant to symbolize something. "Token of my affection". Token's don't actually have a size restriction.
      – candied_orange
      Dec 10 at 5:50
















    22












    22








    22






    little something




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a little something
    to spend.




    Macmillan defines this phrase as:




    a present that you give someone to thank them, that is not very
    expensive. [Example] It’s just a little something to show how much we appreciate
    your help.




    My aunt used this phrase all the time especially when she sent me money enclosed in a letter when I was in college.




    Just sending you a little something! Spend it foolishly!




    And there is nothing wrong with small gift or token gift, although token means, according to Collins




    You use token to describe things or actions which are small or
    unimportant but are meant to show particular intentions or feelings
    which may not be sincere.




    A token gift can be a small gift, even one of no monetary value, but sincere, despite the qualifier above. (Note that may here means sometimes, not always.) One example from Collins is:




    We presented both our guests with token gifts of appreciation.
    Hebblethwaite, Peter Paul VI - The First Modern Pope (1993)







    share|improve this answer














    little something




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a little something
    to spend.




    Macmillan defines this phrase as:




    a present that you give someone to thank them, that is not very
    expensive. [Example] It’s just a little something to show how much we appreciate
    your help.




    My aunt used this phrase all the time especially when she sent me money enclosed in a letter when I was in college.




    Just sending you a little something! Spend it foolishly!




    And there is nothing wrong with small gift or token gift, although token means, according to Collins




    You use token to describe things or actions which are small or
    unimportant but are meant to show particular intentions or feelings
    which may not be sincere.




    A token gift can be a small gift, even one of no monetary value, but sincere, despite the qualifier above. (Note that may here means sometimes, not always.) One example from Collins is:




    We presented both our guests with token gifts of appreciation.
    Hebblethwaite, Peter Paul VI - The First Modern Pope (1993)








    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Dec 9 at 23:55

























    answered Dec 9 at 15:34









    ab2

    23.8k95993




    23.8k95993








    • 6




      Token strikes me as the closest match to the request, and has the advantage of being appropriate as a single word as well.
      – Robobunny
      Dec 9 at 18:14






    • 1




      While these are all suitable expressions, the OP did specifically ask for a single word.
      – Chappo
      Dec 10 at 0:44










    • "Note that may here means sometimes, not always." – well, then the fact a token gift can be sincere is not despite the qualifier, is it? It's quite in agreement with the qualifier, seems to me.
      – Andriy M
      Dec 10 at 1:45










    • A token is meant to symbolize something. "Token of my affection". Token's don't actually have a size restriction.
      – candied_orange
      Dec 10 at 5:50
















    • 6




      Token strikes me as the closest match to the request, and has the advantage of being appropriate as a single word as well.
      – Robobunny
      Dec 9 at 18:14






    • 1




      While these are all suitable expressions, the OP did specifically ask for a single word.
      – Chappo
      Dec 10 at 0:44










    • "Note that may here means sometimes, not always." – well, then the fact a token gift can be sincere is not despite the qualifier, is it? It's quite in agreement with the qualifier, seems to me.
      – Andriy M
      Dec 10 at 1:45










    • A token is meant to symbolize something. "Token of my affection". Token's don't actually have a size restriction.
      – candied_orange
      Dec 10 at 5:50










    6




    6




    Token strikes me as the closest match to the request, and has the advantage of being appropriate as a single word as well.
    – Robobunny
    Dec 9 at 18:14




    Token strikes me as the closest match to the request, and has the advantage of being appropriate as a single word as well.
    – Robobunny
    Dec 9 at 18:14




    1




    1




    While these are all suitable expressions, the OP did specifically ask for a single word.
    – Chappo
    Dec 10 at 0:44




    While these are all suitable expressions, the OP did specifically ask for a single word.
    – Chappo
    Dec 10 at 0:44












    "Note that may here means sometimes, not always." – well, then the fact a token gift can be sincere is not despite the qualifier, is it? It's quite in agreement with the qualifier, seems to me.
    – Andriy M
    Dec 10 at 1:45




    "Note that may here means sometimes, not always." – well, then the fact a token gift can be sincere is not despite the qualifier, is it? It's quite in agreement with the qualifier, seems to me.
    – Andriy M
    Dec 10 at 1:45












    A token is meant to symbolize something. "Token of my affection". Token's don't actually have a size restriction.
    – candied_orange
    Dec 10 at 5:50






    A token is meant to symbolize something. "Token of my affection". Token's don't actually have a size restriction.
    – candied_orange
    Dec 10 at 5:50















    12














    Token might be the word you're looking for.




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token of ten dollars to spend.




    or...




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token amount of ten dollars to spend.




    Google defines has two definitions that I believe work well together to sum up what you're trying to say:




    A voucher ... typically one given as a gift or offered as part of a promotional offer.




    And...




    Done for the sake of appearances or as a symbolic gesture.




    Together, this word can be used colloquially to mean a small gift given less for the value of the gift itself, and more for the thought behind it.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      Google basically "has" only information it pulls from other web sites.  Please don't say you got information from Google; find the actual, original source, identify it by name, and link to it.
      – Scott
      Dec 10 at 1:43






    • 1




      Google pulls its definitions from Google Dictionary, which in turn sources its information from Oxford University Press's oxforddictionaries.com, but not from any single dictionary. Therefore, Google is indeed its own source in this instance.
      – Ambrosia
      Dec 10 at 1:54






    • 1




      OK, can you provide a source for that?  When I do a Google search for "google dictionary", the most definitive-looking result I see is Wikipedia, which says "Google Dictionary is an online dictionary service of Google .... The dictionary content is licensed from Oxford University Press's OxfordDictionaries.com." (emphasis added)  I believe that you're confusing messenger and author.
      – Scott
      Dec 10 at 2:10






    • 1




      @Ambrosia Welcome to EL&U, but do note that the community here has firmly decided that Google alone is not an acceptable source, and that is unlikely to change.
      – choster
      Dec 10 at 16:51
















    12














    Token might be the word you're looking for.




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token of ten dollars to spend.




    or...




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token amount of ten dollars to spend.




    Google defines has two definitions that I believe work well together to sum up what you're trying to say:




    A voucher ... typically one given as a gift or offered as part of a promotional offer.




    And...




    Done for the sake of appearances or as a symbolic gesture.




    Together, this word can be used colloquially to mean a small gift given less for the value of the gift itself, and more for the thought behind it.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      Google basically "has" only information it pulls from other web sites.  Please don't say you got information from Google; find the actual, original source, identify it by name, and link to it.
      – Scott
      Dec 10 at 1:43






    • 1




      Google pulls its definitions from Google Dictionary, which in turn sources its information from Oxford University Press's oxforddictionaries.com, but not from any single dictionary. Therefore, Google is indeed its own source in this instance.
      – Ambrosia
      Dec 10 at 1:54






    • 1




      OK, can you provide a source for that?  When I do a Google search for "google dictionary", the most definitive-looking result I see is Wikipedia, which says "Google Dictionary is an online dictionary service of Google .... The dictionary content is licensed from Oxford University Press's OxfordDictionaries.com." (emphasis added)  I believe that you're confusing messenger and author.
      – Scott
      Dec 10 at 2:10






    • 1




      @Ambrosia Welcome to EL&U, but do note that the community here has firmly decided that Google alone is not an acceptable source, and that is unlikely to change.
      – choster
      Dec 10 at 16:51














    12












    12








    12






    Token might be the word you're looking for.




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token of ten dollars to spend.




    or...




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token amount of ten dollars to spend.




    Google defines has two definitions that I believe work well together to sum up what you're trying to say:




    A voucher ... typically one given as a gift or offered as part of a promotional offer.




    And...




    Done for the sake of appearances or as a symbolic gesture.




    Together, this word can be used colloquially to mean a small gift given less for the value of the gift itself, and more for the thought behind it.






    share|improve this answer












    Token might be the word you're looking for.




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token of ten dollars to spend.




    or...




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a token amount of ten dollars to spend.




    Google defines has two definitions that I believe work well together to sum up what you're trying to say:




    A voucher ... typically one given as a gift or offered as part of a promotional offer.




    And...




    Done for the sake of appearances or as a symbolic gesture.




    Together, this word can be used colloquially to mean a small gift given less for the value of the gift itself, and more for the thought behind it.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Dec 10 at 1:31









    Ambrosia

    1293




    1293








    • 1




      Google basically "has" only information it pulls from other web sites.  Please don't say you got information from Google; find the actual, original source, identify it by name, and link to it.
      – Scott
      Dec 10 at 1:43






    • 1




      Google pulls its definitions from Google Dictionary, which in turn sources its information from Oxford University Press's oxforddictionaries.com, but not from any single dictionary. Therefore, Google is indeed its own source in this instance.
      – Ambrosia
      Dec 10 at 1:54






    • 1




      OK, can you provide a source for that?  When I do a Google search for "google dictionary", the most definitive-looking result I see is Wikipedia, which says "Google Dictionary is an online dictionary service of Google .... The dictionary content is licensed from Oxford University Press's OxfordDictionaries.com." (emphasis added)  I believe that you're confusing messenger and author.
      – Scott
      Dec 10 at 2:10






    • 1




      @Ambrosia Welcome to EL&U, but do note that the community here has firmly decided that Google alone is not an acceptable source, and that is unlikely to change.
      – choster
      Dec 10 at 16:51














    • 1




      Google basically "has" only information it pulls from other web sites.  Please don't say you got information from Google; find the actual, original source, identify it by name, and link to it.
      – Scott
      Dec 10 at 1:43






    • 1




      Google pulls its definitions from Google Dictionary, which in turn sources its information from Oxford University Press's oxforddictionaries.com, but not from any single dictionary. Therefore, Google is indeed its own source in this instance.
      – Ambrosia
      Dec 10 at 1:54






    • 1




      OK, can you provide a source for that?  When I do a Google search for "google dictionary", the most definitive-looking result I see is Wikipedia, which says "Google Dictionary is an online dictionary service of Google .... The dictionary content is licensed from Oxford University Press's OxfordDictionaries.com." (emphasis added)  I believe that you're confusing messenger and author.
      – Scott
      Dec 10 at 2:10






    • 1




      @Ambrosia Welcome to EL&U, but do note that the community here has firmly decided that Google alone is not an acceptable source, and that is unlikely to change.
      – choster
      Dec 10 at 16:51








    1




    1




    Google basically "has" only information it pulls from other web sites.  Please don't say you got information from Google; find the actual, original source, identify it by name, and link to it.
    – Scott
    Dec 10 at 1:43




    Google basically "has" only information it pulls from other web sites.  Please don't say you got information from Google; find the actual, original source, identify it by name, and link to it.
    – Scott
    Dec 10 at 1:43




    1




    1




    Google pulls its definitions from Google Dictionary, which in turn sources its information from Oxford University Press's oxforddictionaries.com, but not from any single dictionary. Therefore, Google is indeed its own source in this instance.
    – Ambrosia
    Dec 10 at 1:54




    Google pulls its definitions from Google Dictionary, which in turn sources its information from Oxford University Press's oxforddictionaries.com, but not from any single dictionary. Therefore, Google is indeed its own source in this instance.
    – Ambrosia
    Dec 10 at 1:54




    1




    1




    OK, can you provide a source for that?  When I do a Google search for "google dictionary", the most definitive-looking result I see is Wikipedia, which says "Google Dictionary is an online dictionary service of Google .... The dictionary content is licensed from Oxford University Press's OxfordDictionaries.com." (emphasis added)  I believe that you're confusing messenger and author.
    – Scott
    Dec 10 at 2:10




    OK, can you provide a source for that?  When I do a Google search for "google dictionary", the most definitive-looking result I see is Wikipedia, which says "Google Dictionary is an online dictionary service of Google .... The dictionary content is licensed from Oxford University Press's OxfordDictionaries.com." (emphasis added)  I believe that you're confusing messenger and author.
    – Scott
    Dec 10 at 2:10




    1




    1




    @Ambrosia Welcome to EL&U, but do note that the community here has firmly decided that Google alone is not an acceptable source, and that is unlikely to change.
    – choster
    Dec 10 at 16:51




    @Ambrosia Welcome to EL&U, but do note that the community here has firmly decided that Google alone is not an acceptable source, and that is unlikely to change.
    – choster
    Dec 10 at 16:51











    9














    From regional American English dialect: (East, Southeast and Central Plains) :




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a sirsee of ten
    dollars to spend.




    or




    "Sorry I missed your birthday so i got this sirsee for you."




    Sirsee, from Room Mom blog and A Way with Words




    Spelling variations– circe, circi, surcy, surcee



    Definition– (n) word used in the south to mean a small, thoughtful
    gift.




    The Dictionary of American Regional English (paywall) has a listing of "sirsee" (variously spelled "circe," "circi," "surcy"). East and South east U.S.: NC, SC, GA, and PA, as well as two reports from Buffalo, NY and Oklahoma. The etymology is uncertain, but one plausible source is the Scot/Irish verb "sussie," meaning "to take trouble, to care, to bother oneself."



    sirsee






    share|improve this answer























    • +1 because this is a new word for me. I never heard of it before, although Circe did have a little surprise for Ulysses.
      – ab2
      Dec 9 at 17:49






    • 12




      As a 26-year-old American, I've never heard or seen/read sirsee in my life...
      – Chris Cirefice
      Dec 9 at 18:05










    • @ChrisCirefice The answer does specify that the answer is regional. Your profile page says you're from Michigan, versus "sirsee" apparently being from the South, so it's not too surprising that you haven't heard it. (I haven't heard of it either, but again I'm not hooked into Southern regional expressions.) -- That said, it is a point against it, as it doesn't seem to be a word that's well known outside of its native region. (lbf, it might be good to be more explicit about where exactly in the US it's used, either from DARE or elsewhere)
      – R.M.
      Dec 9 at 20:28










    • @R.M. Exactly, I probably should have mentioned in my comment that it would make sense to update the answer with which U.S. region the word is used in. since it seems to be a southernism (a particular area in the south maybe, west coast vs east cost?). It would be a good idea to note that in the answer :)
      – Chris Cirefice
      Dec 9 at 20:31






    • 3




      @R.M. I'm 44 and have spent the majority of my life in the Southeastern US. I've never heard of this either
      – Kevin
      Dec 10 at 14:23
















    9














    From regional American English dialect: (East, Southeast and Central Plains) :




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a sirsee of ten
    dollars to spend.




    or




    "Sorry I missed your birthday so i got this sirsee for you."




    Sirsee, from Room Mom blog and A Way with Words




    Spelling variations– circe, circi, surcy, surcee



    Definition– (n) word used in the south to mean a small, thoughtful
    gift.




    The Dictionary of American Regional English (paywall) has a listing of "sirsee" (variously spelled "circe," "circi," "surcy"). East and South east U.S.: NC, SC, GA, and PA, as well as two reports from Buffalo, NY and Oklahoma. The etymology is uncertain, but one plausible source is the Scot/Irish verb "sussie," meaning "to take trouble, to care, to bother oneself."



    sirsee






    share|improve this answer























    • +1 because this is a new word for me. I never heard of it before, although Circe did have a little surprise for Ulysses.
      – ab2
      Dec 9 at 17:49






    • 12




      As a 26-year-old American, I've never heard or seen/read sirsee in my life...
      – Chris Cirefice
      Dec 9 at 18:05










    • @ChrisCirefice The answer does specify that the answer is regional. Your profile page says you're from Michigan, versus "sirsee" apparently being from the South, so it's not too surprising that you haven't heard it. (I haven't heard of it either, but again I'm not hooked into Southern regional expressions.) -- That said, it is a point against it, as it doesn't seem to be a word that's well known outside of its native region. (lbf, it might be good to be more explicit about where exactly in the US it's used, either from DARE or elsewhere)
      – R.M.
      Dec 9 at 20:28










    • @R.M. Exactly, I probably should have mentioned in my comment that it would make sense to update the answer with which U.S. region the word is used in. since it seems to be a southernism (a particular area in the south maybe, west coast vs east cost?). It would be a good idea to note that in the answer :)
      – Chris Cirefice
      Dec 9 at 20:31






    • 3




      @R.M. I'm 44 and have spent the majority of my life in the Southeastern US. I've never heard of this either
      – Kevin
      Dec 10 at 14:23














    9












    9








    9






    From regional American English dialect: (East, Southeast and Central Plains) :




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a sirsee of ten
    dollars to spend.




    or




    "Sorry I missed your birthday so i got this sirsee for you."




    Sirsee, from Room Mom blog and A Way with Words




    Spelling variations– circe, circi, surcy, surcee



    Definition– (n) word used in the south to mean a small, thoughtful
    gift.




    The Dictionary of American Regional English (paywall) has a listing of "sirsee" (variously spelled "circe," "circi," "surcy"). East and South east U.S.: NC, SC, GA, and PA, as well as two reports from Buffalo, NY and Oklahoma. The etymology is uncertain, but one plausible source is the Scot/Irish verb "sussie," meaning "to take trouble, to care, to bother oneself."



    sirsee






    share|improve this answer














    From regional American English dialect: (East, Southeast and Central Plains) :




    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a sirsee of ten
    dollars to spend.




    or




    "Sorry I missed your birthday so i got this sirsee for you."




    Sirsee, from Room Mom blog and A Way with Words




    Spelling variations– circe, circi, surcy, surcee



    Definition– (n) word used in the south to mean a small, thoughtful
    gift.




    The Dictionary of American Regional English (paywall) has a listing of "sirsee" (variously spelled "circe," "circi," "surcy"). East and South east U.S.: NC, SC, GA, and PA, as well as two reports from Buffalo, NY and Oklahoma. The etymology is uncertain, but one plausible source is the Scot/Irish verb "sussie," meaning "to take trouble, to care, to bother oneself."



    sirsee







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Dec 12 at 15:43

























    answered Dec 9 at 16:21









    lbf

    16.9k21561




    16.9k21561












    • +1 because this is a new word for me. I never heard of it before, although Circe did have a little surprise for Ulysses.
      – ab2
      Dec 9 at 17:49






    • 12




      As a 26-year-old American, I've never heard or seen/read sirsee in my life...
      – Chris Cirefice
      Dec 9 at 18:05










    • @ChrisCirefice The answer does specify that the answer is regional. Your profile page says you're from Michigan, versus "sirsee" apparently being from the South, so it's not too surprising that you haven't heard it. (I haven't heard of it either, but again I'm not hooked into Southern regional expressions.) -- That said, it is a point against it, as it doesn't seem to be a word that's well known outside of its native region. (lbf, it might be good to be more explicit about where exactly in the US it's used, either from DARE or elsewhere)
      – R.M.
      Dec 9 at 20:28










    • @R.M. Exactly, I probably should have mentioned in my comment that it would make sense to update the answer with which U.S. region the word is used in. since it seems to be a southernism (a particular area in the south maybe, west coast vs east cost?). It would be a good idea to note that in the answer :)
      – Chris Cirefice
      Dec 9 at 20:31






    • 3




      @R.M. I'm 44 and have spent the majority of my life in the Southeastern US. I've never heard of this either
      – Kevin
      Dec 10 at 14:23


















    • +1 because this is a new word for me. I never heard of it before, although Circe did have a little surprise for Ulysses.
      – ab2
      Dec 9 at 17:49






    • 12




      As a 26-year-old American, I've never heard or seen/read sirsee in my life...
      – Chris Cirefice
      Dec 9 at 18:05










    • @ChrisCirefice The answer does specify that the answer is regional. Your profile page says you're from Michigan, versus "sirsee" apparently being from the South, so it's not too surprising that you haven't heard it. (I haven't heard of it either, but again I'm not hooked into Southern regional expressions.) -- That said, it is a point against it, as it doesn't seem to be a word that's well known outside of its native region. (lbf, it might be good to be more explicit about where exactly in the US it's used, either from DARE or elsewhere)
      – R.M.
      Dec 9 at 20:28










    • @R.M. Exactly, I probably should have mentioned in my comment that it would make sense to update the answer with which U.S. region the word is used in. since it seems to be a southernism (a particular area in the south maybe, west coast vs east cost?). It would be a good idea to note that in the answer :)
      – Chris Cirefice
      Dec 9 at 20:31






    • 3




      @R.M. I'm 44 and have spent the majority of my life in the Southeastern US. I've never heard of this either
      – Kevin
      Dec 10 at 14:23
















    +1 because this is a new word for me. I never heard of it before, although Circe did have a little surprise for Ulysses.
    – ab2
    Dec 9 at 17:49




    +1 because this is a new word for me. I never heard of it before, although Circe did have a little surprise for Ulysses.
    – ab2
    Dec 9 at 17:49




    12




    12




    As a 26-year-old American, I've never heard or seen/read sirsee in my life...
    – Chris Cirefice
    Dec 9 at 18:05




    As a 26-year-old American, I've never heard or seen/read sirsee in my life...
    – Chris Cirefice
    Dec 9 at 18:05












    @ChrisCirefice The answer does specify that the answer is regional. Your profile page says you're from Michigan, versus "sirsee" apparently being from the South, so it's not too surprising that you haven't heard it. (I haven't heard of it either, but again I'm not hooked into Southern regional expressions.) -- That said, it is a point against it, as it doesn't seem to be a word that's well known outside of its native region. (lbf, it might be good to be more explicit about where exactly in the US it's used, either from DARE or elsewhere)
    – R.M.
    Dec 9 at 20:28




    @ChrisCirefice The answer does specify that the answer is regional. Your profile page says you're from Michigan, versus "sirsee" apparently being from the South, so it's not too surprising that you haven't heard it. (I haven't heard of it either, but again I'm not hooked into Southern regional expressions.) -- That said, it is a point against it, as it doesn't seem to be a word that's well known outside of its native region. (lbf, it might be good to be more explicit about where exactly in the US it's used, either from DARE or elsewhere)
    – R.M.
    Dec 9 at 20:28












    @R.M. Exactly, I probably should have mentioned in my comment that it would make sense to update the answer with which U.S. region the word is used in. since it seems to be a southernism (a particular area in the south maybe, west coast vs east cost?). It would be a good idea to note that in the answer :)
    – Chris Cirefice
    Dec 9 at 20:31




    @R.M. Exactly, I probably should have mentioned in my comment that it would make sense to update the answer with which U.S. region the word is used in. since it seems to be a southernism (a particular area in the south maybe, west coast vs east cost?). It would be a good idea to note that in the answer :)
    – Chris Cirefice
    Dec 9 at 20:31




    3




    3




    @R.M. I'm 44 and have spent the majority of my life in the Southeastern US. I've never heard of this either
    – Kevin
    Dec 10 at 14:23




    @R.M. I'm 44 and have spent the majority of my life in the Southeastern US. I've never heard of this either
    – Kevin
    Dec 10 at 14:23











    1














    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a soupçon of ten dollars to spend.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      Please note, the system has flagged your answer for deletion as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on this site is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. I suggest you edit your answer - for example, adding a published definition (linked to the source) and an explanation of why yours is the correct word for the context. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the Tour :-)
      – Chappo
      Dec 11 at 3:50
















    1














    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a soupçon of ten dollars to spend.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      Please note, the system has flagged your answer for deletion as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on this site is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. I suggest you edit your answer - for example, adding a published definition (linked to the source) and an explanation of why yours is the correct word for the context. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the Tour :-)
      – Chappo
      Dec 11 at 3:50














    1












    1








    1






    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a soupçon of ten dollars to spend.






    share|improve this answer












    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a soupçon of ten dollars to spend.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Dec 10 at 18:34









    Peter Klopp

    111




    111








    • 1




      Please note, the system has flagged your answer for deletion as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on this site is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. I suggest you edit your answer - for example, adding a published definition (linked to the source) and an explanation of why yours is the correct word for the context. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the Tour :-)
      – Chappo
      Dec 11 at 3:50














    • 1




      Please note, the system has flagged your answer for deletion as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on this site is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. I suggest you edit your answer - for example, adding a published definition (linked to the source) and an explanation of why yours is the correct word for the context. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the Tour :-)
      – Chappo
      Dec 11 at 3:50








    1




    1




    Please note, the system has flagged your answer for deletion as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on this site is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. I suggest you edit your answer - for example, adding a published definition (linked to the source) and an explanation of why yours is the correct word for the context. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the Tour :-)
    – Chappo
    Dec 11 at 3:50




    Please note, the system has flagged your answer for deletion as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on this site is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. I suggest you edit your answer - for example, adding a published definition (linked to the source) and an explanation of why yours is the correct word for the context. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the Tour :-)
    – Chappo
    Dec 11 at 3:50











    0














    A small gift given to a guest speaker or other volunteer can be called an honorarium.



    Cambridge Dictionary defines it as:




    a usually small amount of money paid to someone for a service for which no official charge is made:







    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      The question specifically asks for something informal, to use between close friends, and I really don't think "honorarium" is fitting. It is very old-fashioned and formal-sounding, and refers to a commercial relationship not a friendly gift.
      – Stuart F
      Dec 12 at 16:10












    • @StuartF You don't sound like you're much fun. I could definitely use this for a small gift for a close friend. Not sure it's all that old-fashioned either- it's commonly used in the specific context of guest speakers, in my experience. It's almost as formulaic as the "without further adieu” which follows an introduction.
      – Spehro Pefhany
      Dec 12 at 16:18
















    0














    A small gift given to a guest speaker or other volunteer can be called an honorarium.



    Cambridge Dictionary defines it as:




    a usually small amount of money paid to someone for a service for which no official charge is made:







    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      The question specifically asks for something informal, to use between close friends, and I really don't think "honorarium" is fitting. It is very old-fashioned and formal-sounding, and refers to a commercial relationship not a friendly gift.
      – Stuart F
      Dec 12 at 16:10












    • @StuartF You don't sound like you're much fun. I could definitely use this for a small gift for a close friend. Not sure it's all that old-fashioned either- it's commonly used in the specific context of guest speakers, in my experience. It's almost as formulaic as the "without further adieu” which follows an introduction.
      – Spehro Pefhany
      Dec 12 at 16:18














    0












    0








    0






    A small gift given to a guest speaker or other volunteer can be called an honorarium.



    Cambridge Dictionary defines it as:




    a usually small amount of money paid to someone for a service for which no official charge is made:







    share|improve this answer












    A small gift given to a guest speaker or other volunteer can be called an honorarium.



    Cambridge Dictionary defines it as:




    a usually small amount of money paid to someone for a service for which no official charge is made:








    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Dec 10 at 1:48









    Spehro Pefhany

    8,40212042




    8,40212042








    • 1




      The question specifically asks for something informal, to use between close friends, and I really don't think "honorarium" is fitting. It is very old-fashioned and formal-sounding, and refers to a commercial relationship not a friendly gift.
      – Stuart F
      Dec 12 at 16:10












    • @StuartF You don't sound like you're much fun. I could definitely use this for a small gift for a close friend. Not sure it's all that old-fashioned either- it's commonly used in the specific context of guest speakers, in my experience. It's almost as formulaic as the "without further adieu” which follows an introduction.
      – Spehro Pefhany
      Dec 12 at 16:18














    • 1




      The question specifically asks for something informal, to use between close friends, and I really don't think "honorarium" is fitting. It is very old-fashioned and formal-sounding, and refers to a commercial relationship not a friendly gift.
      – Stuart F
      Dec 12 at 16:10












    • @StuartF You don't sound like you're much fun. I could definitely use this for a small gift for a close friend. Not sure it's all that old-fashioned either- it's commonly used in the specific context of guest speakers, in my experience. It's almost as formulaic as the "without further adieu” which follows an introduction.
      – Spehro Pefhany
      Dec 12 at 16:18








    1




    1




    The question specifically asks for something informal, to use between close friends, and I really don't think "honorarium" is fitting. It is very old-fashioned and formal-sounding, and refers to a commercial relationship not a friendly gift.
    – Stuart F
    Dec 12 at 16:10






    The question specifically asks for something informal, to use between close friends, and I really don't think "honorarium" is fitting. It is very old-fashioned and formal-sounding, and refers to a commercial relationship not a friendly gift.
    – Stuart F
    Dec 12 at 16:10














    @StuartF You don't sound like you're much fun. I could definitely use this for a small gift for a close friend. Not sure it's all that old-fashioned either- it's commonly used in the specific context of guest speakers, in my experience. It's almost as formulaic as the "without further adieu” which follows an introduction.
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Dec 12 at 16:18




    @StuartF You don't sound like you're much fun. I could definitely use this for a small gift for a close friend. Not sure it's all that old-fashioned either- it's commonly used in the specific context of guest speakers, in my experience. It's almost as formulaic as the "without further adieu” which follows an introduction.
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Dec 12 at 16:18











    0















    Means "little gift": between close friends, informal and the word shouldn't be too long.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




    Between close friends $10 is a small amount (the location would be limited to countries that have dollars, otherwise another currency would have been specified), to add to the informality an exaggeration or acknowledgement of the worthlessness is commonly used.



     



    Merriam-Webster:





    • Paltry - adjective - trivial: of little worth or importance, meager: deficient in quality or quantity, measly: contemptibly small.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a paltry ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Lousy [2b] - adjective - miserably poor or inferior.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a lousy ten dollars to spend.




     



    Oxford Dictionaries:





    • Paltry - adjective - (of an amount) very small or meager: (of something provided or available) lacking in quantity or quality.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a meager ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Scant - adjective - barely sufficient or adequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a scant ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Derisory - adjective - ridiculously small or inadequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a derisory ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Pitiful - adjective - very small or poor; inadequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a pitiful ten dollars to spend.








    share|improve this answer

















    • 2




      Most of these sound condescending, as if it is an oh-so-terrible gift
      – FireCubez
      Dec 10 at 16:36
















    0















    Means "little gift": between close friends, informal and the word shouldn't be too long.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




    Between close friends $10 is a small amount (the location would be limited to countries that have dollars, otherwise another currency would have been specified), to add to the informality an exaggeration or acknowledgement of the worthlessness is commonly used.



     



    Merriam-Webster:





    • Paltry - adjective - trivial: of little worth or importance, meager: deficient in quality or quantity, measly: contemptibly small.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a paltry ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Lousy [2b] - adjective - miserably poor or inferior.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a lousy ten dollars to spend.




     



    Oxford Dictionaries:





    • Paltry - adjective - (of an amount) very small or meager: (of something provided or available) lacking in quantity or quality.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a meager ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Scant - adjective - barely sufficient or adequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a scant ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Derisory - adjective - ridiculously small or inadequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a derisory ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Pitiful - adjective - very small or poor; inadequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a pitiful ten dollars to spend.








    share|improve this answer

















    • 2




      Most of these sound condescending, as if it is an oh-so-terrible gift
      – FireCubez
      Dec 10 at 16:36














    0












    0








    0







    Means "little gift": between close friends, informal and the word shouldn't be too long.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




    Between close friends $10 is a small amount (the location would be limited to countries that have dollars, otherwise another currency would have been specified), to add to the informality an exaggeration or acknowledgement of the worthlessness is commonly used.



     



    Merriam-Webster:





    • Paltry - adjective - trivial: of little worth or importance, meager: deficient in quality or quantity, measly: contemptibly small.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a paltry ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Lousy [2b] - adjective - miserably poor or inferior.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a lousy ten dollars to spend.




     



    Oxford Dictionaries:





    • Paltry - adjective - (of an amount) very small or meager: (of something provided or available) lacking in quantity or quality.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a meager ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Scant - adjective - barely sufficient or adequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a scant ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Derisory - adjective - ridiculously small or inadequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a derisory ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Pitiful - adjective - very small or poor; inadequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a pitiful ten dollars to spend.








    share|improve this answer













    Means "little gift": between close friends, informal and the word shouldn't be too long.



    Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a _____ of ten dollars to spend.




    Between close friends $10 is a small amount (the location would be limited to countries that have dollars, otherwise another currency would have been specified), to add to the informality an exaggeration or acknowledgement of the worthlessness is commonly used.



     



    Merriam-Webster:





    • Paltry - adjective - trivial: of little worth or importance, meager: deficient in quality or quantity, measly: contemptibly small.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a paltry ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Lousy [2b] - adjective - miserably poor or inferior.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a lousy ten dollars to spend.




     



    Oxford Dictionaries:





    • Paltry - adjective - (of an amount) very small or meager: (of something provided or available) lacking in quantity or quality.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a meager ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Scant - adjective - barely sufficient or adequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a scant ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Derisory - adjective - ridiculously small or inadequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a derisory ten dollars to spend.




     





    • Pitiful - adjective - very small or poor; inadequate.



      Sorry I couldn't buy you anything, but here's a pitiful ten dollars to spend.









    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Dec 10 at 16:30









    Rob

    712213




    712213








    • 2




      Most of these sound condescending, as if it is an oh-so-terrible gift
      – FireCubez
      Dec 10 at 16:36














    • 2




      Most of these sound condescending, as if it is an oh-so-terrible gift
      – FireCubez
      Dec 10 at 16:36








    2




    2




    Most of these sound condescending, as if it is an oh-so-terrible gift
    – FireCubez
    Dec 10 at 16:36




    Most of these sound condescending, as if it is an oh-so-terrible gift
    – FireCubez
    Dec 10 at 16:36











    0














    In colloquial Scots of some vintage, this would be a wee minding or wee mindin':




    A small present given as a mark of goodwill rather than for a particular occasion




    Source: Stevenson, J. A., & Macleod, I. (2015). Scoor-oot: A dictionary of Scots words and phrases in current use. London: Bloomsbury.



    Also:




    A "wee minding" is how you would describe a gift given for no particular reason. One use of the word "mind" is to remember something or someone, or to call them to memory.




    Source: https://sugarnellie.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-wee-minding.html






    share|improve this answer


























      0














      In colloquial Scots of some vintage, this would be a wee minding or wee mindin':




      A small present given as a mark of goodwill rather than for a particular occasion




      Source: Stevenson, J. A., & Macleod, I. (2015). Scoor-oot: A dictionary of Scots words and phrases in current use. London: Bloomsbury.



      Also:




      A "wee minding" is how you would describe a gift given for no particular reason. One use of the word "mind" is to remember something or someone, or to call them to memory.




      Source: https://sugarnellie.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-wee-minding.html






      share|improve this answer
























        0












        0








        0






        In colloquial Scots of some vintage, this would be a wee minding or wee mindin':




        A small present given as a mark of goodwill rather than for a particular occasion




        Source: Stevenson, J. A., & Macleod, I. (2015). Scoor-oot: A dictionary of Scots words and phrases in current use. London: Bloomsbury.



        Also:




        A "wee minding" is how you would describe a gift given for no particular reason. One use of the word "mind" is to remember something or someone, or to call them to memory.




        Source: https://sugarnellie.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-wee-minding.html






        share|improve this answer












        In colloquial Scots of some vintage, this would be a wee minding or wee mindin':




        A small present given as a mark of goodwill rather than for a particular occasion




        Source: Stevenson, J. A., & Macleod, I. (2015). Scoor-oot: A dictionary of Scots words and phrases in current use. London: Bloomsbury.



        Also:




        A "wee minding" is how you would describe a gift given for no particular reason. One use of the word "mind" is to remember something or someone, or to call them to memory.




        Source: https://sugarnellie.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-wee-minding.html







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Dec 10 at 16:46









        shoover

        942716




        942716























            -1














            Not for a small money gift (since that is but a token gesture)



            However for all else I would use



            momento (that is memento deliberately with an o)



            some consider it a mis-spelling or malaprop but its definition is



            The definition of a momento, often spelled memento, is anything that reminds someone of something.



            https://www.yourdictionary.com/momento



            more specifically done on the spur of the moment it is a small remembrance of the of giving.






            share|improve this answer























            • Most people would think (accurately) you are just misspelling 'memento'.
              – thumbtackthief
              Dec 10 at 17:08
















            -1














            Not for a small money gift (since that is but a token gesture)



            However for all else I would use



            momento (that is memento deliberately with an o)



            some consider it a mis-spelling or malaprop but its definition is



            The definition of a momento, often spelled memento, is anything that reminds someone of something.



            https://www.yourdictionary.com/momento



            more specifically done on the spur of the moment it is a small remembrance of the of giving.






            share|improve this answer























            • Most people would think (accurately) you are just misspelling 'memento'.
              – thumbtackthief
              Dec 10 at 17:08














            -1












            -1








            -1






            Not for a small money gift (since that is but a token gesture)



            However for all else I would use



            momento (that is memento deliberately with an o)



            some consider it a mis-spelling or malaprop but its definition is



            The definition of a momento, often spelled memento, is anything that reminds someone of something.



            https://www.yourdictionary.com/momento



            more specifically done on the spur of the moment it is a small remembrance of the of giving.






            share|improve this answer














            Not for a small money gift (since that is but a token gesture)



            However for all else I would use



            momento (that is memento deliberately with an o)



            some consider it a mis-spelling or malaprop but its definition is



            The definition of a momento, often spelled memento, is anything that reminds someone of something.



            https://www.yourdictionary.com/momento



            more specifically done on the spur of the moment it is a small remembrance of the of giving.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Dec 9 at 16:49

























            answered Dec 9 at 16:30









            KJO

            2,434316




            2,434316












            • Most people would think (accurately) you are just misspelling 'memento'.
              – thumbtackthief
              Dec 10 at 17:08


















            • Most people would think (accurately) you are just misspelling 'memento'.
              – thumbtackthief
              Dec 10 at 17:08
















            Most people would think (accurately) you are just misspelling 'memento'.
            – thumbtackthief
            Dec 10 at 17:08




            Most people would think (accurately) you are just misspelling 'memento'.
            – thumbtackthief
            Dec 10 at 17:08











            -3














            This is an interesting question that my not have a simple, acceptable answer.




            ... here is a remembrance of ten dollars




            may suffice for the given example, especially the definition (5a):




            5 a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : REMINDER



            b : COMMEMORATION, MEMORIAL



            c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection







            share|improve this answer



















            • 2




              Which definition in the link you provided is intended here? For me it seems like none of them work.
              – FireCubez
              Dec 9 at 14:44






            • 1




              5a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder b : commemoration, memorial c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
              – J. Taylor
              Dec 9 at 14:48
















            -3














            This is an interesting question that my not have a simple, acceptable answer.




            ... here is a remembrance of ten dollars




            may suffice for the given example, especially the definition (5a):




            5 a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : REMINDER



            b : COMMEMORATION, MEMORIAL



            c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection







            share|improve this answer



















            • 2




              Which definition in the link you provided is intended here? For me it seems like none of them work.
              – FireCubez
              Dec 9 at 14:44






            • 1




              5a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder b : commemoration, memorial c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
              – J. Taylor
              Dec 9 at 14:48














            -3












            -3








            -3






            This is an interesting question that my not have a simple, acceptable answer.




            ... here is a remembrance of ten dollars




            may suffice for the given example, especially the definition (5a):




            5 a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : REMINDER



            b : COMMEMORATION, MEMORIAL



            c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection







            share|improve this answer














            This is an interesting question that my not have a simple, acceptable answer.




            ... here is a remembrance of ten dollars




            may suffice for the given example, especially the definition (5a):




            5 a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : REMINDER



            b : COMMEMORATION, MEMORIAL



            c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection








            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Dec 10 at 16:14









            AndyT

            13.6k54268




            13.6k54268










            answered Dec 9 at 14:34









            J. Taylor

            4,44131325




            4,44131325








            • 2




              Which definition in the link you provided is intended here? For me it seems like none of them work.
              – FireCubez
              Dec 9 at 14:44






            • 1




              5a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder b : commemoration, memorial c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
              – J. Taylor
              Dec 9 at 14:48














            • 2




              Which definition in the link you provided is intended here? For me it seems like none of them work.
              – FireCubez
              Dec 9 at 14:44






            • 1




              5a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder b : commemoration, memorial c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
              – J. Taylor
              Dec 9 at 14:48








            2




            2




            Which definition in the link you provided is intended here? For me it seems like none of them work.
            – FireCubez
            Dec 9 at 14:44




            Which definition in the link you provided is intended here? For me it seems like none of them work.
            – FireCubez
            Dec 9 at 14:44




            1




            1




            5a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder b : commemoration, memorial c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
            – J. Taylor
            Dec 9 at 14:48




            5a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder b : commemoration, memorial c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
            – J. Taylor
            Dec 9 at 14:48





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