I wanted to send something unique to Mom. Dad can't carry anything with his walker, and no one is sure when she will leave the hospital. She's allergic to all plants, and she's diabetic so most foods are out.

I had $87 accumulated at e-rewards, and FTD.com is one of their partners. They had a $25 g/c available online. Nothing bigger was available, but I just wanted a little something.

I cashed in and received my email with a g/c code for $25 at FTD.com. and the url to use. ONLINE.

Went to the site, found a small teddy bear that she would like. $17. Went to check out. SHIPPING charges were another $17!!!! $35 for this TINY bear! But, okay, want to send something for tomorrow when she is more awake, have a g/c...

Put in the hospital address...and a notice popped up that shipping to a hospital is 3-5 days with OVERNIGHT charges. No faster, and no cheaper. Probably receive it Friday.

Hmmm...it's Tuesday, Medicare may have moved her to the rehab hospital by Friday...but worth a try...

Code not accepted. MUST CALL BY PHONE.

DH came in, he tried. Again. And Again.

DH finally got through on the phone number, had the "online purchase" put through and confirmed, $10 (really, people pay $35 for this???), and DH was told it was shipping to Barbara for Friday...

Mom's name isn't Barbara...

DH told FTD that he was sure Barbara would appreciate the bear, but he needed one to go to Marie...

DH finally cleared it up. I am *SO* glad for the times we balance each other. I was frustrated enough to bail out and just buy the $100 flowers she would dump and complain about.

But seriously, I'm pretty disappointed in both FTD, which I haven't used, and e-Rewards, which I think I will opt out of. They don't have many rewards, and the endurance challenges of their survey's are less than the endurance challenge of cashing in the rewards!

IMHO

Technically, saved $25.

Experience wasn't priceless.