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I think my parent's would have been caught offguard as well and probably wouldn't have liked it. I understand your in laws had well intentions, but maybe a gift card would have been better, to the grocery store or something to show their support without looking like they were giving charity?

I would be very uncomfortable receiving unsolicited money like that. I'm sure your inlaws did it to be nice, but it would have probably been better for them to give an equivalent amount as like a gift certificate to a restaurant or something else as sort of a "get well" gift, I can understand why your dad feels like he's in a tough spot.

I curious about how your parent's and ILs finances differ, too. Also, if there are any history about money issues. For example, how much both parents may have contributed to the wedding or down payment or other expenses.

If your ILs have more money, than I can see why your dad would feel this way.

I don't know if I would feel 'offended' if I were in your situation. I would be more confused on their intentions based on background and history. I would probably convince myself that their intentions were in the right place.

Hmmmm. I don't think I'd be offended. I give cash all the time in place of gifts because I think it's just so much more practical. And I've also received cash gifts as well and thought it was very nice. I would send a thank you card back and let them know how much their generous gift and thought means to me. If it's a substantial amount of money, I usually send a small gift basket along with a card.

My mom was out of work for a while and she received tons of cards with cash. And I never thought twice about it because we'd do the same.

i would feel funny about receiving cash, too. but since you say it isn't a large amount, then maybe just say thank you and buy them something with the cash? lol. seems a bit silly going back and forth like that but i would feel strange just pocketing the cash.

I would be surprised, but not offended. I'd just send a thank you note, and with mention that the cash was thoughtful and it will be helpful for grabbing takeout/groceries and other conveniences during recovery. To me, that makes it seem a little less awkward, rather than anyone presuming the money would go toward bills?

I think it was very nice of your inlaws, but I know my parents or inlaws would never accept money from each other and they'd probably be offended if they tried.

My in laws aren't out of work but they recently bought a gym and put a lot of money into it so they aren't doing too great financially. But they still won't even let us buy dinner.

I wouldn't be offended because I would look at the intentions behind the effort. It was really very sweet of them to have such concern over his surgery and inability to take in income. Even if I got a gift of cash in the same way now when I'm very fortunate I would still accept it graciously and then use it to do something nice for them at a later date.

That is very sweet of your in-laws. I don't see it as charity, especially as someone self-employed, that can be very difficult. I would accept, send a nice thank you note, and invite them to dinner as a thank you at a later time when he is back on his feet.

I would not have been offended. It's difficult to swallow ones pride in situations like this and willingly accept a cash gift. However, the need is there for such a gift and therefore no need to feel ashamed to take it.
I think it was a very thoughtful gesture.