Paying DMV Registration as a surprise gift

[notmytarga]

I work in an office and Christmas gifts etc are common. I don't usually come up with good gifts. Prior to the Holiday Season last year the assistant who does a lot of the groundwork for me was telling co-workers about the LCD TV he had on Lay-a-Way at Sears. It took a bit of asking cashiers and I was able to make a payment on his account to help get him to his goal of having the TV before the Bowl game season.

Recently I was renewing my vehicle registration on the CA DMV website and noted that it only required the Plate number and last 5 numerals of the VIN. These items are easily obtained in the parking lot. I snapped pics of another helper's plate with my phone this morning.

The year tag and registration will be mailed to their home and I could even choose to remain anonymous, although I would personally want to know how it came about. Incidentally - CA DMV mails out the bills two months before the renewal month. I checked my AUG car and couldn't renew it yet. This car is a JUN car.

I'm thinking a few months of gym payments (already being used - not a hint!) may be in order for another helper.

My question for the Pelican opinion trust is: Would you consider it appropriate to pay a friend's registration as a sort of random act of kindness gift?

[rwest]

I think it might seem to personal- you know, taking down their plate number and VIN- might make them think you're snooping around. Might be best to stick with more common gifts or gift cards.

[Arizona_928]

A lot of variables to play with.
Is it a female co-worker?
Do you have some sort of personal rapport with the individual?
Is it an expensive car/truck that is going to take a dent out the individuals pocket book?

A prepared visa card from your department might be more appropriate... However, I would welcome with open arms if someone paid my tags...

[ckelly78z]

While I would appreciate the sentiment, I don't think I would want someone poking around in my personal life enough to make payments for personal stuff. To me, this is borderline creepy. I wouldn't report it for obvious reasons, but in the back of my mind, I would always wonder what else you had your eyes on.